Ministry of Ćejf — Restaurant in City of Sarajevo

Ministry of Ćejf isn’t just a café—it’s a feeling. Nestled in the storied streets of Kovači, where history hums through every stone and the scent of roasted coffee dances in the air, this place offers more than just a drink. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, a tribute to the Bosnian spirit of ćejf—the ritual, the rhythm, the reverence for small joys.

The moment I stepped through the door, I felt like I’d entered someone’s home. Warm lighting, carefully chosen decor, and the subtle harmony of Sevdah playing in the background created a space where time slows down. The staff greeted me with the kind of genuine hospitality that doesn’t ask questions—it simply welcomes. Friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about what they do, they treat every guest like a regular, even if it’s your first visit.

The coffee? Sublime. Rich, bold, and beautifully served with all the traditional touches: džezva, rahat lokum, and glass water on the side. It’s more than a beverage here—it’s a ritual, steeped in culture and care. I also tried a few other menu items and was equally impressed: everything felt thoughtful, from the presentation to the flavors.

What sets Ministry of Ćejf apart isn’t just the quality of the drinks or the comfort of the seating—it’s the atmosphere. The way the outdoor terrace invites conversations. The way the interior seems to whisper stories. And most of all, the way it encourages you to be present, to savor, and to celebrate the essence of Sarajevo itself.

Whether you’re a local looking for a quiet escape or a traveler seeking authenticity, this is a place to ground yourself. To pause. To breathe in the culture and leave a little bit richer than when you arrived.

I’ll be returning—not just because it’s an exceptional café, but because Ministry of Ćejf knows how to make you feel something rare:...

Got the tip from locals to come here. So we did. My girlfriend decided to order coffee and I felt like having hot chocolate. They ran out of hot chocolate. Alright. Then the "Very Berrie Smoothie", which suggests to one that it should a berry explosion. We were a bit hungry too so we wanted to check what they have to eat. Food they didn't have too. Before afternoon they already finished everything. Strange way or running a coffee place.

The "very berrie" smoothie tasted more like banana than berries. I couldn't taste a single berrie. On top of that they feel confident enough to ask high prices. And that's fine, if you offer something in return. But this little detail I missed. I double checked if I was sitting at the right place because a few locals told me that Cejf should be the most beautiful coffee place in the city. I looked around me again and saw us sitting on simple benches that looked like school benches from the 19th century that they got donated. Besides that we found ourselves surrounded by cigarette butts.

Highly overrated and overpriced is what comes to mind. I really do hope though that this is not the most beautiful coffee place...

We had the best time! The ambient is so calming, friendly, warm and welcoming. It is located at the heart of Sarajevo and its ‘čaršija’ this makes it an experience rather than just a caffe; as when you sit (especially outside) you can smell the freshly milled coffe from down the street and hear a local silversmith making his creations. Your eyes unintentionally trace the variety of people passing by, hurrying down the hill from their homes to the city. Meanwhile, a random cat grazes your leg asking for your attention. This place truly is a testament to the soul of this city. Moreover, the waiters are so welcoming and the caffe and tea we ordered was of a great quality. All in all, if you want all your senses to enjoy, alone or with good company, i would highly recommend this place, it pays homage to its...