Plovdiv is the most artistic city in Bulgaria tucked in between a range of mountain landscapes. It is known for the most notable archaeological museum in the country as well as the colorful streets of the ancient city. Built in the foothills of the syenite hills, Plovdiv was one of the earliest cities to be inhabited in Europe. The city still holds the remnants of the ancient Roman rule in the country. With a large population occupying the city and many tourists stepping in to experience the historic essence of the town, abundant bars and restaurants have come up to serve the most delightful food. Plovdiv restaurants mainly focus on their traditional Bulgarian cuisine and Bavarian beers to go along with it. However, a few international dishes can also be found in their versatile menu.
10 Awesome Restaurants In Plovdiv
Here is a list of the best Plovdiv restaurants that are sure to leave one asking for more. Make sure you dine in at least 5 of these to try the best of Bulgarian delicacies.
1. Pavaj
Located in the Kapana district of the Old Town, Pavaj is a cozy place that serves the best Bulgarian food. The restaurant was modified from an old house to serve customers with quality food. Opened a few years ago, this intimate restaurant has already won numerous awards and certificates. The restaurant believes in using the freshest produce to cook and their attention to detail is impeccable. The fast selling items from their menu are the pork ribs, veal, and beef dishes and the homemade ice creams. The menu also holds a list of the finest Balkan rakias which one should definitely try. Since the place is small, there is limited seating and thus reservations are recommended.
Location: Zlatarska No.7, Kapana District, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 1500
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Reviews
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2. Smokini
Smokini is one of the most recommended restaurants in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. It has a classy vibe to the interiors and the restaurant believes in infusing an adventurous take to the traditional Bulgarian food. They are extremely vegetarian-friendly and the menu has a lot of Mediterranean and European dishes to choose from. The chefs of this restaurant always believe in experimenting and bringing innovative dishes to the customers. Everything about this restaurant screams class including the food. The portions of food are apt and colorful. Reservations are a must for dining in this restaurant.
Location: Otets Paisiy street 12, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 2000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Reviews
3. Restaurant India
The only Indian restaurants in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Restaurant India stands out for its delectable food. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and colorful filled with traditional furniture and statues and a soft classical tune playing in the background. It is known for its tandoori dishes and lentil soup. The food is served in a traditional kadai and the waiters are extremely courteous. It is also one of the few halal restaurants in Plovdiv. Vegetarians can breathe a sigh of relief as their menu has a lot to choose from. The restaurant even holds public events for the Indian community every once in a while.
Location: Petko Karavelov street 34, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 2500
TripAdvisor rating: 3.5/5
Reviews
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4. Chinese Restaurant Gerdjika
Though there are a lot of sushi bars in Plovdiv, it is a surprise that Chinese restaurants in Plovdiv are limited to just one or two. The restaurant is famous for serving the best Chinese and Asian cuisine in Bulgaria. Located in the city center, this Chinese restaurant is famous for its large portion sizes and reasonable price. The most frequently ordered dishes are the sweet and sour pork and the entree menu. The ingredients used are fresh and the staff is friendly.
Location: Ulitsa Pobeda 1, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 1000
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Reviews
5. Le Petit Paris
The prettiest restaurant among all in Plovdiv is the Le Petit Paris. Known for its appetizing Italian dishes, it is one of the best Italian restaurants in Plovdiv. The ambiance of the restaurant transports one back to the city of lights and love-Paris. It has an indoor room as well as a garden layout where a mini Eiffel Tower can be seen sitting in a corner. The restaurant is famous for its pasta dishes and the baked vegetable casserole from the Italian menu. Apart from these, steak and onion soup get sold out quick. One should also try their specialty menu consisting of the mushroom and thyme ravioli. The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan-friendly and thus have something to serve every kind of customer.
Location: Mladejka street 28, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 3000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Reviews
Suggested Read: Top 12 Bulgarian Restaurants That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice
6. Rahat Tepe
An outdoor restaurant in the artistic locality of Plovdiv with a panoramic view of the hills and the valley, Rahat Tepe hits the top spot for the most fuss-free and lovely atmosphere. It is quite a famous restaurant in the city and also brimming with people which is why reservations are highly recommended. It is known for its barbeque dishes and Bavarian beer. The dishes are homemade, simple yet fresh. It is more of a hangout spot with friends which is why the weekends get busier.
Location: Dr Chomakov 18, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 2500
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Reviews
7. Philippopolis
It is a trendy fine-dining restaurant in the Old Town. The garden terrace provides a lovely view of the city and the mountains of Europe. The restaurant concentrates on European and fusion food. It is well accompanied by the finest wine and rakia and is often frequented by the who’s who of Plovdiv’s high profile community. The polenta and tagliatelle are a must try here along with the octopus and salmon dishes. Located in an art gallery, this restaurant hosts many public events. Even on a quiet weekday, the restaurant arranges for live music performance to entertain their customers.
Location: Saborna street 29, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 4500
TripAdvisor rating: 4/5
Reviews
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8. Hemingway
One of the most elegant restaurants in the city, Hemingway is a popular Mediterranean restaurant. The restaurant also serves contemporary European and Bulgarian food with panache. The interiors of the restaurant are uber-chic while the outdoor seating provides a countryside view to the diners. The service is top-notch and the atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date. The appetizers and soups are a must here. It is vegetarian-friendly and has a lot of options on the menu to choose from. Its location in the city is ideal for tourists as it can easily be spotted in the city center.
Location: Ul. Gen. Gurko 10, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 3500
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Reviews
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9. Salt and Pepper
With its dainty decor and Michelin star restaurant quality food, Salt and Pepper steals the limelight from other Mediterranean restaurants in Plovdiv. Located right opposite the Regional Archeological Museum, Salt and Pepper has an upper hand compared to other restaurants in the city. The restaurant is filled with tourists most of the time and thus reservations are highly recommended here. The food gets the highest praise here and is perfect for both a business dinner and a romantic date night. The menu is vegetarian-friendly and the desserts are to die for. Each dish comes with carefully decorated colorful presentations which reflect the city’s artistic vibe.
Location: Khan Kubrat street 1, 2nd floor, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 5000
TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5
Reviews
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Plovdiv is a city that welcomes tourists from every part of the world and excels in playing host to them. The city is opulent when it comes to food and lifestyle and this can be seen when one visits any of the bars or restaurants. These Plovdiv restaurants surpass all expectations and satisfy every taste bud visiting the town. Plan your getaway to Europe with TravelTriangle and get to the culinary capital of Bulgaria in order to experience their artistic approach to dining.
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