Nestled in the foothills of Vitosha Mountains in western Bulgaria is its capital, Sophia. Brimming with a rich history of the Ottoman and Roman rule, Sofia is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Sofia is known for its ski slopes and hot springs apart from the well-drafted architecture of the city. The streets of this Balkan city is dotted with various art museums, galleries, palaces, and religious edifices. Sofia provides tourists and visitors with an array of pubs, bars, and restaurants that are perfect for either a relaxing evening or an amazing nightlife. Here are a few Sofia restaurants one should visit to try out some of the best Balkan food.
10 Famous Sofia Restaurants
Dine at these exceptionally good restaurants in Sofia to get acquainted with the finger-licking cuisine of Bulgaria and to also experience the commendable hospitality offered by its people.
1. La Cattedrale
Located right in the city center, La Cattedrale holds the top spot for being one of the most ideal Sofia restaurants with a view. This fine-dining restaurant provides tranquillity in the city hustle bustle. With spectacular views of the glorious Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Art Academy, this restaurant is famous for its outstanding hospitality and exceptional cuisine. The restaurant is extremely vegetarian-friendly and has a good selection of cocktails and cold pressed juices. The restaurant is a bit expensive but is perfect for a quick evening break or an elaborate dinner. It also happens to be one of the Sofia restaurants with a garden that opens up for public events such as concerts and private parties in the summers.
Location: ul. Oborishte 1A, Sofia Centre 1504, Sofia
Cost for two: INR 4000
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5
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Must Read: Top 12 Bulgarian Restaurants That Will Leave You Spoilt For Choice
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2. Cosmos
A very recent addition to the gastronomic setting of Sophia, Cosmos stands apart from the rest of its restaurants by providing traditional Bulgarian meal in a modern backdrop. With a limited set course menu, one can be sure that the food is prepared with utmost care using the freshest produce. Some of the must-try dishes in this elegant restaurant are the horse meat, trout, and the famous rose dessert. They do have an exclusive vegetarian set menu which is equally delectable. To experience a Michelin star food at moderate pricing, one should definitely visit cosmos.
Location: ul. Lavele 19, Sofia Centre 1000, Sofia
Cost for two: INR 2500
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
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3. Gurkha
One of the most visited Indian restaurants in Sofia, Bulgaria is the Gurkha restaurant that not only serves appetizing Indian food but also specializes in Nepalese cuisine. The ambiance of the restaurant is very homely with vibrant colored decor and a fireplace in the corner. This restaurant has been serving lip-smacking dishes for two decades and still manages to stay a number one priority for home-cooked comfort food. The restaurant is also ideal for a quick break between the sightseeing as if offers some of the best samosas and pakoras along with chai to the customers.
Location: ul. Tsvetna gradina 56, Lozenous District 1421, Sofia
Cost for two:: INR 1500
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
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Suggested Read: Bulgaria Nightlife: 15 Hip And Happening Places For A Dazzling Time
4. Restaurant Shtastliveca
It is a part of a chain of restaurants in Bulgaria that serve traditional European home cooked meals. Located in the Old Town, one can expect simple yet flavorsome comfort food in this restaurant. The decor of the restaurant resembles a wealthy farmhouse making it one of the unique Sofia restaurants with a garden view. The restaurant is classy and full of warm, friendly staff. Some of the must-haves in this restaurant is homemade pasta and decadent soups. It is the most vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurant in the country. People are spoilt with innumerable choices on the menu regarding both food and cocktails.
Location: Stefan Stambolov 79, Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia 5000
Cost for two:: INR 2000
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
5. Kohinoor Indian Restaurant
Kohinoor Indian Restaurant is an excellent and one of the handful of Indian restaurants in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is a small restaurant located near the famous National Palace of Culture that specializes in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. The interiors of the restaurant are filled with traditional and classic Indian furniture and antiques. The restaurant has a back garden which can accommodate limited seating. The dishes served here are overbearing with spices but food. With decent pricing, Kohinoor Indian restaurant finds its place in the list of places that are worth a visit.
Location: Knyaz Boris 1 Street 7, Sofia 1463
Cost for two:: INR 2000
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
Suggested Read: 12 Legendary Festivals In Bulgaria: Rejoice The Balkans Local Traditions
6. Bistro Pesto
This small sandwich bar in the middle of the city is perfect for a brief stop between the excursion. This bistro serves anything and everything related to Italian cuisine at a faster pace. However, it is famous for its pesto based sandwiches and pasta. Along with other Mediterranean and European dishes, the bistro pays equal attention to vegans and vegetarians. The restaurant has an ambiance of a lake shack but serves food equivalent to a fine-dining restaurant. Alcoholic drinks and coffees are in demand at this restaurant and the pricing is decent.
Location: Angel kanchev Street 18 A , Sofia 1000
Cost for two:: INR 1500
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
7. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant
Highly recommended by locals, Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant seems to be one of the best Indian Restaurants in Sofia. Located near the Cathedral, this restaurant overflows with Indian flavors and environment. The interiors of the restaurant are set up with vibrant cloth hangings and antique furniture. With Dhaba style seating in one wing, the restaurant aims to serve a Michelin Star variety of Indian dishes. The restaurant is perfect for a quiet, relaxing evening with loved ones. One should definitely not miss out on trying their gulab jamuns and lassi. The restaurant also serves beer and cocktails.
Location: 11 August Street, Sofia 1000
Cost for two:: INR 1800
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
Suggested Read: 21 Spectacular Places To Visit In Bulgaria That Are A Treat To Your Eyes
8. Vino and Tapas
Vino and Tapas, as the name suggests is a winery that serves great tapas food and is a perfect place to start an incredible nightlife. The place is open only in the evenings and it serves dinner along with tapas. The restaurant is however famous for its extensive selection of finest wine from all over the globe. The of the restaurant is that of a bar and is one of the few Sofia restaurants with live music. Though the place is vegetarian-friendly, the options are very limited. One should definitely try their pork shoulders, prawns and various bruschetta.
Location: Dondukov Boulevard 38, Sofia 1000
Cost for two:: INR 2500
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
Suggested Read: 12 Things To Do In Bulgaria That Will Keep You Engaged Throughout The Trip
9. Restaurant Vodenitzata
This Bulgarian restaurant is famed for its folk themed ambiance and food. Not only does it serve excellent traditional food but also succeeds in creating an alternate environment for people to relax and enjoy. The restaurant is meticulously designed like a countryside complete with an artificial stream and garden. It is a must visit-place to enjoy classic traditional meals such as kebapche and musakka. The Sofia restaurant with live music organizes fire dancing and folk singing for the customers. The tavern environment adds a bonus point to the superb beer variety available here.
Location: Kev. Dragalevtsi, Sofia
Cost for two:: INR 3500
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
10. Daro
Daro is a restaurant that serves contemporary and fusion food. It is a breakfast and brunch place that is famous for its pancakes, ice tea, and authentic Bulgarian breakfast dishes. The interiors of the restaurant are uber-chic but the appetizing food served are pocket-friendly. Its location in the city center makes it a perfect place to grab a quick breakfast and get on with the sightseeing.
Location: Ul. Angel Kechiv 20, Sofia 1000
Cost for two:: INR 800
TripAdvisor Rating:: 4.5/5
TripAdvisor Reviews
Further Read: 8 Water Parks In Bulgaria That Will Make Your Vacation More Fun
Sofia is now emerging as one of the popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe. With a lot of history and culture in its lap, the city receives quite a number of tourists every year and these Sofia restaurants serve some exemplary Bulgarian food to the guests. Plan your Europe tour with TravelTriangle today and explore the Balkan city for some great Balkan food and culture.
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