OUR HERITAGE
Every traditional Bosnian home has its avlija — a hidden courtyard tucked away from the outside world. In our Karkin family avlija, Fiko and his friends gathered almost every day, turning it into a small universe of its own. During the siege of Sarajevo, this sheltered space meant even more, offering a rare moment of normal life in impossible times.
Soon, Karkin family avlija became a meeting place for everyone — locals, and friends from abroad — a little oasis where people came together simply to be human, to laugh, to share food, and to feel at home.
HOW IT STARTED
When the war ended, Fiko knew it was time to share the spirit of Karkin family avlija with the rest of the city. Renowned Sarajevo architect and academic Amir Vuk Zec sketched the first vision of Avlija on a paper napkin; which gave the spark to see what this place could become.What was a simple family courtyard slowly transformed into a summer restaurant—a relaxed, open place shaped by food, music, and the easy rhythm of togetherness. Avlija soon evolved into its own kind of magic: a garden-restaurant with a retractable roof, keeping the feeling of being outdoors while staying cozy through every season (yes, even with a fireplace in winter). Through all the years, one thing never shifted—its warmth, its authenticity, and its soul.
DISCOVER RESTORAN AVLIJA
Today, Avlija stands as a beloved Sarajevo landmark—a hidden refuge that feels like the center of the world. People from all backgrounds, nationalities, and generations gather here, just as they always did. It’s a home for free spirits, for those who look beyond trends and noise, and for anyone who appreciates simple human connection. And in that mix of faces and stories, Avlija quietly reminds us of something timeless: that when we come together, we’re far more alike than different.
Avlija continues to celebrate what it always has: community, warmth, and the beauty of shared moments — moments that gently remind us we’re all human, all equal, all connected.
