WHERE TO EAT IN BULGARIA 639Where to Eat in Bulgaria
As new restaurants continue to open in Bulgaria,
the range of eating options throughout the country
is gradually increasing. The types of restaurant vary from
eateries offering the best of tradi tional Bulgarian cook-
ing to elegant establishments specializing in modern
European cuisine.
SOFIA
L’Etranger ̊ ¡¡¡
ul. Tsar Simeon 78 Tel (02) 983 1417 Map D3
Located in an anonymous side street just off the bustling Knyaginya Mariya Luiza, this intimate, family-run French
bistro is worth seeking out whether for a quick lunch or a multi-course meal. The food is excellent, authentic and
not too expensive. Delicious desserts and a carefully chosen list of French wines add to the experience.
Gioia Δ © ̊ ¡¡¡
ul. Lavele 11 Tel (02) 986 0854 Map D3
For quality Italian food in an intimate setting, there is no better place in Sofia. The menu features innumerable
varieties of fresh pasta. Main courses include veal cutlets and some highly recommended fish dishes. The wine
list is as Italian as the food, and the espresso coffee is as dark and strong as you would expect.
Checkpoint Charly f © ̊ ¡¡¡¡
ul. Ivan Vazov 12 Tel (02) 988 0370 Map D5
In this stylish eatery minimalist decor is melded with ironic Communist-era decorations, including place mats
designed to resemble the propaganda-filled newspapers of the Socialist years. Quality international cuisine from
steak to roast duck, and high-class live jazz at weekends – when you will need to reserve in order to get a table.
Ovtud aleya zad shkafa Δ ¡¡¡¡
ul. Budapeshta 31 Tel (02) 983 5545 Map D2
Housed in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau building in a quiet street northeast of the centre, “Beyond the Alley
Behind the Cupboard” is one of Sofia’s most atmospheric and charming restaurants. The menu features a mixture
of Bulgarian and modern European dishes – all are excellently prepared.
FURTHER AFIELD Dani’s ¤ Δ ¡
ul. Angel Kûnchev 18a Tel (02) 987 4548
A deli-style café-restaurant on a quiet downtown corner, Dani’s is furnished with a couple of narrow tables
flanked by tall wooden stools. On the menu is an inventive range of sandwiches, salads, soups and pastas, many
of which cater to vegetarians. Dani’s is also famous for its refreshing home-made lemonade.
FURTHER AFIELD Jimmy’s Sladoledena Kûshta ¤ Δ ¡
ul. Angel Kûnchev 11 Tel (02) 980 3099
This renowned café-cum-sweet shop serves supremely palatable ice creams (to eat in or take away), as well as
scrumptious pancakes and gateaux. It is also a good place to indulge in a decent cup of coffee, or a luxuriant
hot chocolate. There are several branches in the centre of the city.
FURTHER AFIELD Pod Lipite ¤ Δ © ¡¡
ul. Elin Pelin 1 Tel (02) 866 5053
Pod Lipite (Under the Limes) recreates the atmosphere of a 19th-century country tavern, with a wood-beamed
interior and delicious home-cooked food. The emphasis is on grilled and oven-baked meats, although there is a
decent selection of vegetarian dishes on the starters menu. Reservations are required.
FURTHER AFIELD Pri Latsi ¤ ¡¡
ul. Oborishte 18 Tel (02) 846 8687
A Hungarian-run restaurant located in a small and welcoming split-level space, Pri Latsi is decorated with folk-art
textiles and ceramics. The specialities comprise several varieties of spicy paprika-rich goulash with home-made
noodles or dumplings. For dessert, the shamloi galushki (syrup-covered balls of deep-fried dough) are irresistible.
FURTHER AFIELD Vagabond ¤ Δ ¡¡
ul. Svetoslav Terter 5 Tel (02) 944 1465
Vagabond has the homely and intimate feel of a domestic dining room. The menu has a genuinely international
flavour, although it is the Russian-influenced dishes that stand out. Vodka with selyodka (marinated herring) makes
a good starter, and the home-made pelmeni (meat-filled dumplings) are outstanding.
PRICE CATEGORIES
Based on the price per person of a
three-course meal with half a bottle of
wine, including cover charge, service
and tax.Map References see map of Sofia pp604–605¡ Under 10 euros
¡¡ 10–20 euros
¡¡¡ 20–30 euros
¡¡¡¡ Over 30 euros