641GOLDEN SANDS Taj Mahal ¤ 7 Δ ) ̊ ¡¡
Next to Admiral Hotel Tel (0886) 600 030
This atmospheric Indian restaurant, surrounded by lush green lawns, offers deliciously spiced food cooked by
Indian chefs served in generous portions by waiting staff in saris and other traditional dress. Comfortable sofas
scattered with colourful cushions surround the smart dining tables.
KOPRIVSHTITSA Dyado Liben ¤ Δ ) ¡
Bul. Hadzhi Nencho Palaveev 47 Tel (07184) 2109
Housed in one of Koprivshtitsa’s 19th-century mansions, the Dyado Liben is wonderfully atmospheric. Tables fill
the wood-panelled salon and symmetrical rooms upstairs, while outdoor seating takes up the cobbled courtyard.
The brief menu includes Bulgarian and Serbian cuisine, with an emphasis on grilled meat.
MELNIK Mencheva Kûshta Δ ) ̊ ¡¡
ul. Melnik 46 Tel (07437) 339
Dining tables and chairs are squeezed into various rooms in this atmospheric old house, which is decorated
with antique knick-knacks and a small fish pond. The menu begins with a selection of over 30 rakiyas (fruit
brandies) and moves on to tradi tional dishes such as nettle soup and otshtipez (minced meat with cheese).
NESEBÛR Kapitanska Sreshta ¤ Δ ) ̊ ¡¡
ul. Mena 22 Tel (0554) 42124
Nesebûr’s medieval stone walls provide a fitting backdrop to this atmospheric restaurant, which occupies a lovely
old house and has a wide, shaded terrace overlooking the harbour. Conger eel, shark and swordfish feature
among the wide range of fish dishes. Diners pay a little extra for the restaurant’s established reputation.
PLOVDIV Devetnaysti Vek ¤ f Δ ) ¡
ul. Tsar Koloyan 1a Tel (032) 653 882
The walls of this romanticized version of a 19th-century Bulgarian tavern are hung with antique rifles and other
curiosities. Traditional tablecloths and brown-glazed crockery complete the effect. Specialities include manastirski
keremida, a well-prepared mixture of tongue, intestines and mushrooms baked with cheese.
PLOVDIV Petr I Δ ) ̊ ¡¡¡
ul. Knyaz Tseretelev 11 Tel (032) 632 389
An expensive Russian restaurant whose sumptuous decor borders on kitsch, Petr I nonetheless offers a delightful
dining experience and has splendid city views from its terrace. Liveried staff provide good service and there is a
nightly floor show featuring costumed dancers. The Russian-themed menu includes a whole page of vodkas.
RILA MONASTERY Drushliavitsa ¤ Δ ) ¡¡
Tel (0888) 278 756
A stream runs under the Drushliavitsa’s outdoor terrace, beside the monastery walls. Hearty Bulgarian dishes
served here include an excellent shkembe churba (tripe soup) and an equally good bob churba (bean soup).
Freshly caught trout and beef steak are also on the menu. The restaurant is usually busy and provides good service.
SOZOPOL Rusalka ¤ Δ ¡
ul. Milet 36 Tel (0550) 23047
The Rusalka is one of several restaurants situated on the south side of the Old Town peninsula. Waves crash
against rocks directly below and diners have superb views of the main beach. The menu fea tures a variety of
seafood as well as pizza and pasta. The restaurant belongs to the Rusalka hotel.
SUNNY BEACH Hanska Shatra ¤ Δ ) ̊ ¡¡¡
Tel (0554) 22811
A massive concrete replica of a “Khan’s Tent”, lit by neon lights on a hilltop north of Sunny Beach, this themed
restaurant is flashy but fun. Diners can choose from a range of Bulgarian and international cuisine, and are enter-
tained with endless floor shows performed by costumed dancers. The outdoor terrace has great views of the coast.
VARNA Tambuktu ¤ 7 Δ ) ̊ ¡¡
On the seafront, close to the Aquarium Tel (052) 610 864
Located right next to the sea, this open-air fish restaurant evokes a vaguely desert island theme due to its use of
rough wood furniture and proximity to the beach. Numerous small aquariums add to the decor. Baked salmon
with whisky and broccoli sauce is among the specialities; there is also a sushi menu.
VARNA Musala Palace Δ ) ̊ ¡¡¡
ul. Musala 3 Tel (052) 664 100
Varna’s classiest restaurant, in the Grand Hotel Musala Palace (see p638), is a wonderfully refined affair, with
velvet upholstery, silver cutlery and impeccable staff. The award-winning chef prepares a small selection of
European dishes, including roast duckling, venison and fresh Black Sea turbot. Daily specials supplement the menu.
VELIKO TÛRNOVO Klub na Arhitekta ¤ Δ ) ¡
ul. Velchova Zavlka 14 Tel (062) 621 451
Reached by a flight of steps leading down off ul. Nikola Pikolo, this traditional-style tavern is built in the steep
hillside above the Yantra river. Spring water trickles from the bare rock walls of its cave-like interior, while
candlelight and hefty wooden tables create a snug environment popular with locals.
WHERE TO EAT IN BULGARIA