Šadrvan

Šadrvan is a Herzegovinian restaurant at Jusovina 11 in the Old Town of Mostar, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the Neretva river and the Stari Most bridge. The name refers to a šadrvan, the traditional Ottoman courtyard fountain, and the restaurant is arranged around terraces and rooms in the stone-built historic quarter. The setting is the main draw: the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and terrace tables look out over the bridge area and the river gorge. The kitchen serves the regional cuisine of Herzegovina, which draws on both the Ottoman tradition and the Mediterranean influences of the nearby Adriatic coast. Two dishes are named on the listing: Mostar-style grilled trout at about BAM 24, and tarator, a cold sauce or soup of yogurt, garlic and cucumber, at about BAM 8. Trout is a regional specialty because the Neretva and Buna rivers are well-known for the fish. Other dishes typically include grilled lamb, stuffed vegetables, pies and ćevapi. Prices are moderate, though higher than at the simpler grills, reflecting the central location. The atmosphere is relaxed during the day and busy in the evening, with a mix of day-trippers and overnight guests, and noise levels depend on the number of tour groups. Smart-casual dress is common. Herzegovina is a wine-producing region, and local whites made from Žilavka and reds from Blatina are the natural choice, alongside beer and Bosnian coffee. Reservations are recommended at sunset, when terrace tables fill first, and are advised for groups. The restaurant is open daily from about 09:00 to 23:00. Its position makes it a convenient stop after crossing the bridge and exploring the stone-paved lanes of the bazaar.