Restoran Vrelo

Restoran Vrelo is a trout restaurant at Blagaj bb in the village of Blagaj, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a short drive south-east of Mostar. Blagaj is known for the source of the Buna river, which emerges from a cave beneath a tall limestone cliff, and for the Dervish monastery (tekija) built beside the spring. The restaurant takes advantage of this setting, with tables near the water and views of the cliff, and it focuses on the regional cuisine of Herzegovina, particularly freshwater trout. The word vrelo means spring. Two dishes are named on the listing: grilled Buna trout at about BAM 24 and trout with garlic sauce at about BAM 26. Trout is served whole and usually accompanied by potatoes, salad and bread, and the fish is a long-standing specialty of the Buna, a cold river well suited to trout. Other menu items typically include grilled meats, soups and local appetisers. Prices are mid-range for the region and reasonable for a scenic setting. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, particularly outside the busiest hours, with the sound of the river in the background; tour groups arrive at midday and can fill the terrace. There is no dress code. Drinks include Bosnian coffee, soft drinks, beer and regional wines, and Žilavka, the white grape of Herzegovina, is a natural pairing with fish. Reservations are recommended in summer and at weekends, and larger groups should book ahead. The restaurant is open daily from about 09:00 to 22:00. It is usually visited in combination with the monastery and the cave, and many travellers include Blagaj in a half-day trip from Mostar, finishing with lunch beside the spring.