Must-see restaurants in Bulgaria

  • Gusto

    Plovdiv

    A few steps from pl Stambolov, Gusto strikes an agreeable note between sophisticated and friendly. There are diner-style booths upstairs; punters fight…

  • Chiflika

    Ruse

    Set in several rooms following an old-world mehana (tavern) theme, with a good dollop of kitsch, Chiflika features wooden benches, rugs, fleeces on the…

  • Shtastliveca

    Veliko Târnovo

    Inventive dishes and amiable service have solidified the ‘Lucky Man’ as a favourite among locals and expats. Sauces pairing chocolate and cheese are…

  • Bulgaran

    Bulgaria

    Surrounded by farming tools and quaint sheds, this tourist favourite will delight or exasperate, depending on your threshold for folk music and agrarian…

  • Mislen Kamak

    Bulgaria

    Magnificent views over the Belogradchik rocks make up for mediocre food at this terrace restaurant located just south of the centre. The menu features…

  • Ege Türk

    Sofia

    Hole-in-the-wall, diner-style restaurant deep within Sofia's Turkish quarter north of the Serdika metro station that serves arguably the city's best…

  • Mehana Chevermeto

    Bulgaria

    With its traditional decor and soothing setting by a pond, the restaurant of the Hotel Ezeroto has family ambience and high-quality traditional fare. A…

  • Ivan Asen

    Veliko Târnovo

    Don't be deterred by its touristy location near Tsarevets Fortress. Stone walls and pillars infuse it with a commanding air, while dishes are as robust as…

  • Ribarski Han

    Black Sea Coast

    One of Kiten's better restaurants, Ribarski Han is located on the eastern end of South Beach, near the Hotel Marina. It's a traditional affair with brick…

  • SkaraBar 2

    Sofia

    The branch of a small local chain of popular grill restaurants features a bright, airy space with wooden floors, an open kitchen, exposed pipes and white…

  • Minaliat Vek Restaurant

    Bulgaria

    This local favourite, which is part of the Minaliat Vek Hotel, seeks to re-create the 'old time' tastes its name suggests. The long list of Bulgarian…

  • Boulevard

    Burgas

    Conveniently located at the entrance to Maritime Park, this casual, vaguely Italian restaurant is not as fancy as it looks at first glance. The pizzas are…

  • Pintata

    Bulgaria

    A good choice for dinner, this is arguably the best restaurant in the centre. The little garden lies behind an unpromising street and feels like an oasis…

  • Mehana Etâr

    Bulgaria

    Quieter than eateries upriver within the ethnographic museum, Mehana Etâr has affectionate service and shaded outdoor tables. There is an ample menu of…

  • Happy Bar & Grill

    Varna

    The local branch of the nationwide casual-dining chain is a godsend to harried parents whose kids are clamouring for 'real food' – ie pizza, sandwiches,…

  • Happy Bar & Grill

    Ruse

    Don't be put off by the fast-food appearance of the exterior. This is actually a very good and well-run restaurant, with a menu that includes pizza and…

  • Skaptobara

    Sofia

    Student-friendly burger joint opened by some former students of the American University in Bulgaria. The house burgers are served with spicy jalopenas on…

  • Sladost

    Bulgaria

    Sladost is best known around town for its cakes and baked goods, but it also runs an excellent restaurant serving some of the city's best grilled fish and…

  • Tihoto Gnezdo

    Black Sea Coast

    On the far western end of the seafront promenade, just beyond the Summer Palace of Queen Marie, this small, unfussy restaurant is a welcome relief from…

  • Live Corner

    Black Sea Coast

    This lively cafe, bar and restaurant, located along the main pedestrian street in the centre of Kavarna, serves great Bulgarian food, including excellent…

  • Chinarite Restaurant

    Pirin Mountains

    Midway up the main road, by the bridge, Chinarite's folk-music soundtrack and sword-like shish kebab skewers will draw you in. Its summer garden is a…

  • Gourmet Nirvana Restaurant

    Bulgaria

    Refined European dining within this neoclassical hotel is worth the 10-minute drive south from central Shumen. Sophisticated fish dishes, Mediterranean…

  • Grazhdanski Klub

    Plovdiv

    A local favourite, this fabulous nook serves hefty portions of Bulgarian salads, grills and satch (meat and vegetables served on a hotplate), only a…

  • Taj Mahal

    Sofia

    Sofia's longest-running Indian restaurant is also probably its best. Indian classics are served on three floors of what looks like an old mansion. Great…

  • Green Library

    Plovdiv

    You can't miss the screaming bright green facade of Kapana's 'Green Library', not a repository of books but rather of healthy foods, smoothies, sandwiches…

  • Happy Bar & Grill

    Plovdiv

    Despite having the outward appearance of a Bulgarian TGI Friday's, this popular place serves impressive sushi, American-inspired caesar salads and steaks,…

  • Gelateria Naturale

    Sofia

    This artisan ice-cream shop uses local, all-natural ingredients. Try the refreshing seasonal berry, pear and pumpkin sorbets with genuine tastes and a…

  • Annette

    Sofia

    With its cushion-filled couches, glowing candles and lanterns, and spicy aromas, this is a great place for authentic Moroccan cooking, including a big…

  • Restaurant Tsarevets

    Black Sea Coast

    One of the better options in town, near the Preobrazhenie Gospodne Church on the extreme southeastern end of the peninsula, offering grilled pork, chicken…

  • Classic Pizzeria

    Bulgaria

    This is one of the better places to eat in town. It's big menu includes pizzas and pasta dishes, as well as grilled meats and fish. There's a handy cafe…

  • Mehana Arbat

    Bulgaria

    With a prime location on Arbanasi's main road, this cosy mehana serves juicy local sausage, grilled meats and veggies, plus slow-roasted lamb specialities.

  • Mehana Mencheva Kâshta

    Pirin Mountains

    This tavern has a lovely upper porch overlooking the main street down towards the end of the village. It's popular with locals and does the full run of…

  • Chuchura

    Bulgaria

    This family-run tavern is the place to visit for authentic Bulgarian cooking. Nothing fancy, just well-done classics like pork kavarma (cooked in a clay…

  • Orient

    Varna

    The best place in Varna for Turkish food, including spicy kebabs, grilled meats, stews and salads. There's a nice range of appetisers, including…

  • Zlatnoto Runo

    Black Sea Coast

    Overlooking the sea on the southeastern end of the peninsula, the ‘Golden Fleece’ serves a varied menu, including roast lamb and rabbit, plus some…

  • Pastorant

    Sofia

    This charming pea-green restaurant provides an intimate setting for high-quality Italian cuisine, including some inventive pasta and risotto dishes and…

  • Afreddo

    Sofia

    Very good ice cream, on the main pedestrian thoroughfare. Try one (or more) of the dozens of flavours available; the pistachio is excellent. There are…

  • Restaurant Renaissance

    Plovdiv

    The restaurant of the Hotel Renaissance cooks up grills, risottos and fresh fish. Kavarma (a stew of pork and veggies) is a speciality, and glides down…

  • National

    Bulgaria

    Adjoining Hotel Chinar, this classy mehana (tavern) spills into a tranquil garden where roses creeps up the wooden trellis. The menu ranges from Bulgarian…

  • Central Hali Shopping Centre

    Sofia

    Several outlets in the upstairs food court of this market hall sell cheap fast food, such as kebabs, pizzas and ice cream, as well as beer. There are tons…

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