Eat Sarajevo by dish and setting
For ćevapi, choose a ćevabdžinica and keep the order simple. Ćevabdžinica Petica Ferhatović and Ćevabdžinica Željo are long-running Baščaršija names. Order ćevapi in somun, then add kajmak or yoghurt if you want it; this is a low-cost, fast meal, not a formal dinner. They get busy around standard lunch hours, and the experience is better when you avoid trying to turn it into a multi-course feast.
For burek, buy from a specialist bakery. Buregdžinica Sač is a familiar central address, but the useful rule is broader: get burek, sirnica or krompiruša from a busy buregdžinica where trays are turning over. In Bosnia, "burek" properly means the meat-filled version; the cheese and potato pies have their own names. This makes a practical breakfast or a light lunch before a museum day.
For a sit-down Bosnian meal, go beyond the grill. Inat Kuća is a well-known choice near City Hall for dishes such as begova čorba and slow-cooked meat, with a setting that suits a longer meal. It is a mid-range decision rather than street-food pricing. Reserve or call ahead for dinner at busy times, and check the current menu if you have dietary requirements.
Give coffee its own stop. A Bosnian coffee arrives in a džezva with a small cup and is meant to be unhurried; it is not an espresso replacement. Cafés around Baščaršija make the most sense after food or between sights. Use the sightseeing route to avoid crossing the city twice, and see where to stay if you want a kitchen or a quieter dinner neighbourhood.