Eastern and Central Europe (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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FURTHER AFIELD Mahaloto Δ ̊ ¡¡¡

bul. Vasil Levski 51 Tel (0887) 617 972

A welcoming city-centre restaurant in a red-brick cellar, offering a classy mixture of Bulgarian and international

cuisine, backed up by a list of quality wines. Stand-out dishes include the trout with walnuts and the chicken

breast with cream and mushroom sauce. In summer, head for the quiet, tree-shaded terrace behind the building.

FURTHER AFIELD Manastirska Magernitsa Δ ̊ ¡¡¡

ul. Han Asparuh 67 Tel (02) 980 3883

Located in a plushly decorated villa featuring flowery wallpaper and near-antique furnishings, Manastirska

Magernitsa means “monastery refectory”. Many of the dishes on offer were researched from the cookbooks

of Bulgaria’s monasteries; lentil, bean and pepper-based recipes feature strongly, alongside grilled meat dishes.

FURTHER AFIELD Pri Yafata Δ ¡¡¡

ul. Solunska 28 Tel (02) 980 1727

One of Sofia’s most enjoyable folk-themed restaurants, Pri Yafata boasts a colourful collection of embroidered

tablecloths, striped rugs and old muskets hanging from the walls. A range of Bulgarian specialities is enhanced

by quality wines from every region of the country, as well as a long list of potent, fruit-flavoured rakiyas (brandies).

FURTHER AFIELD Sushi Bar ) © ¡¡¡

ul. Denkoglu 18 Tel (02) 981 8442

Smart without being overly formal, the Sushi Bar is around the corner from Sofia’s main shopping street and is

the perfect place for a quick lunch or a more leisurely Oriental meal. The extensive menu of expertly prepared

sushi is available in small helpings, or in set menus featuring various types of sushi on one plate.

FURTHER AFIELD Chepishev Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡

ul. Ivanitsa Danchev 27 Tel (02) 959 1010

This upmarket restaurant in the mountainside suburb of Boyana is perfect for a special night out. The Bulgarian

and modern European dishes are prepared to gourmet standards. There is also an impressive list of international

wines, although it is the huge selection of whiskies that really makes the place famous.

FURTHER AFIELD Uno Enoteca Δ ̊ ¡¡¡¡

bul. Vasil Levski 45 Tel (02) 981 4372

Combining exceptional standards of service with old-fashioned elegance, this is one of the best places in the city

for formal dining. Expect modern European cuisine with a strong Mediterranean flavour, backed up by a wide-

ranging list of vintage wines from Bulgaria and abroad.

FURTHER AFIELD Vishnite © ̊ ¡¡¡¡

ul. Hristo Smirnenski 45 Tel (02) 963 4984 or (0890) 866 730

Hidden away in the residential district of Lozenets, 3 km (2 miles) southeast of the centre, Vishnite is delightfully

intimate and makes for a fine dining experience. The menu features several classic European dishes, accompanied

by a small but well-chosen selection of wines. There are only four tables, so reservations are required.

REST OF BULGARIA

BACHKOVO Dzhamura ¤ Δ ) ¡

ul. Osvobozhdenya 74 Tel (03327) 2320

This large restaurant has a cosy interior warmed by a large open fire as well as a spacious open terrace

overlooking the river and makes a good place to relax after visiting the monastery. Although vegetarians are

catered to, grilled meat and fish dominate the menu.

BANSKO Mehana Hadzhi Rushovi ¤ ) ¡

ul. Pirin 33 Tel (0878) 805 532

This intimate mehana (tavern) is concealed behind traditional stone walls and a hefty wooden door. The interior

features bare walls hung with animal skins. Specialities include kurvavitsa (Bansko black pudding), patlazhan po

Banski (Bansko-style aubergines) and yogurt with locally picked forest fruits.

BOROVETS Hunters ¤ Δ ) ¡

Tel (0750) 32509

The friendly restaurant owner, who is also a ski instructor and mountain guide, spent time as a chef in Turkey,

which accounts for the menu’s eclectic mix. Turkish bread and kebabs are offered alongside Bulgarian dishes,

English and Swedish breakfasts and fried trout. The walls are decorated with tea towels donated by English guests.

BURGAS Vodenitsata ¤ 7 Δ ) ¡

Morska Gradina (Sea Gardens), northern end Tel (0897) 988 334

One of several outdoor eateries in Burgas’s peaceful Sea Gardens, the Vodenitsata (Watermill) is a bustling place

particularly popular on balmy summer evenings when diners may have to queue for a seat. Some tables have sea

views and service is usually efficient. Fresh fish, pizza, and Bulgarian cuisine are on the menu.

BULGARIA

Key to Price Guide see p636 Key to Symbols see back cover flap