URBAN taste of orient — Restaurant in Mostar

Adnan. This singular man is the alpha and the omega in this thorough review of our experience at the URBAN TASTE OF THE ORIENT restaurant in the enchanted city of Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina. Let me preface by saying my wife and I spent twenty two days in Europe for our honeymoon (first marriage for a pair of forty-somethings from Los Angeles) including stays in Amsterdam, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia & Croatia. The highlight of our entire vacation was dinner (and the morning after breakfast sequel) with Adnan. Also, we are two public school teachers who have used our summer vacations judiciously for over twenty five years hopscotching the globe to enjoy the world. And this “diamond in the rough” stole our attention. First off, the charming city is a stone’s throw from the Croatian cities that beckon so many tourists each summer (including us) but we insist you consider a 24-hour sojourn to this unassuming village if you are in the vicinity. It is a well known hub for wayfarers to stop and admire a bridge that defies beauty. Internet speculation that we cannot confirm attributes the bridge and the village to have inspired some of Walt Disney’s oldest animations (idyllic hamlets) and that feels obvious after meandering through the old town with its makeshift bazaar and testaments of antiquity. Mostar’s mecca is the bridge and we left with a thousand snapshots from above & below, in sunlight & moonlight, portraits & landscapes. It seemed like the bridge was a supermodel from any angle. Tucked on a cliff up a small hill is the restaurant we chose on our sole evening in town: URBAN TASTE OF THE ORIENT. We came for the view. We stayed for Adnan. We returned for Adnan. Who is Adnan? He considers himself your servant, but he seemed more like the Genie from Aladdin to us, granting our every wish including an evening that felt like we were on a magic carpet above the starstruck bridge: “Now I’m in a Whole New World with You.” My bride insists there was no soundtrack, but I will always insist that Adnan summoned the soul of Peabo Bryson to serenade us. First, the restaurant manager told us there were no “bridge-front” tables available to us without a reservation, but if we waited they would come open soon. We went upstairs to wait and Adnan’s colleague (we never got her name) was a lovely young woman (her service was only topped by her smile) who introduced us to the local Brandy’s that stoke the spirits of the Balkans. From cherry to grape to nutty, we sampled the sweet syrups until our table was ready below. They gave these two grateful honeymooners the best seat in the house, with a side saddle view of coveted bridge. Adnan’s first master stroke was his recommendation for our drinks, settling on Travarica, an herbal version of the local Brandy that is best described as a herbal serum with notes of chives and coriander. A fresh garden lingered on your lips each sip and it was smooth as the river below. Adnan’s master class continued. After asking us what intrigued us on the menu, he insisted on constructing for us a classic Bosnian dinner (baked not grilled) to suit our carnal appetites. The bread basket was enough, alone, to write home about. Then a feta salad that leapt with freshness, each crisp bite like diving into a refreshing lake. Breads and salads are mortal, though. The piece de resistance was the three selections served in aladdin lamps. It is impossible to hand out anything but gold medals for all three dishes: (Cevapi) beef sausages wading in cheesy fondue will replace dancing sugar plums in my Christmas Eve visions. Do not underestimate the simple pleasure of the second dish which was a beef and rice collaboration folded into collard greens (Japrak) and peppers (Dolma) - move over aphrodisiacs, there’s a new sheriff in town. And the coup de gras was the (Hadzijski cevap) the tenderest veal ever, simmered in a tomato saute. Talk about...

Urban Grill – Incredible Views, Delicious Food & Exceptional Service!

Dining at Urban Grill was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Mostar!

First things first – the view is simply unbeatable. Set overlooking the iconic Mostar Bridge, this restaurant offers the most breathtaking panoramic views in town. Whether you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, sitting on the terrace with that historic backdrop is an experience in itself.

But Urban Grill isn’t just about the view—the food was equally fantastic. Every dish we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. From traditional Bosnian specialties to grilled meats and Mediterranean-inspired plates, everything exceeded our expectations. You can tell the kitchen takes real pride in what they serve.

The service was top-tier. The entire team was attentive and friendly, making sure we were comfortable throughout. A special shoutout to Faris, who greeted us at the entrance with such warmth and professionalism. His friendly demeanor set the tone for a wonderful evening. He made us feel genuinely welcomed and added a personal touch that made the experience feel even more special.

In short – amazing food, incredible views, and outstanding service. If you’re visiting Mostar, Urban Grill is a must-visit for a memorable dining experience. We’ll...

Dining at this restaurant was truly an unforgettable experience. Nestled just above the Neretva River, with a breathtaking view of the historic Stari Most (Old Bridge), this place offers not only exceptional food but also a front-row seat to one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most iconic landmarks.

We arrived just before sunset, and the view was nothing short of magical — golden light reflecting off the stone bridge, with the soft murmur of the river below. The atmosphere was peaceful, romantic, and steeped in history.

The menu featured a wonderful mix of traditional Herzegovinian cuisine and modern Mediterranean touches. We tried the rumble steak and crunchy chicken, both of which were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The mocktails were also a pleasant surprise — bold, flavorful, and a perfect pairing with the meal.

The service was warm and attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable and gave great recommendations, even sharing a bit about the history of the bridge and the region.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Mostar or a returning traveler, this restaurant offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, and scenery. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take in the view, and savor every bite. Highly recommended — especially if you can grab a table on...