Anya’s Very Unofficial Foodie Suggestions for Sofia, Bulgaria

August 2024 Special Convention

This is a list of my favorite places in Sofia for dinner, cocktails, wine, craft beer, pizza, take out, breakfast/brunch, coffee, cake & ice cream, vegetarian/vegan food and unique gifts. I have enjoyed each of these places while living in Sofia for the last seven years.

Download the Google Map with marked locations

Keep in mind, there are a TON of great restaurants in the city, I’m just listing some of the “out of the ordinary” places I like to go to. Many of them are small, so you should make reservations, especially when the city is full of delegates.

Of course, I don’t go to all of them regularly, so they could have changed. And I haven’t been everywhere, especially to new places. Do your own research or just wander around and see what you discover!

Fancy Restaurants

These are places I would go for a special anniversary dinner or a nice “I’m only in Sofia once” dinner. Prices are high for Bulgaria but not for California. So, it is a great chance to get that “splurge” tasting menu experience.

André (closed August 10-20)

Celebrity chef, with fancy tasting menus with creative presentation.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qUqxfNMasuK6mNcz5

Secret by Chef Petrov (reservations required)

22-course tasting menu experience, the chef puts on a show and explains all the unusual dishes. One seating a night, takes about 4 hours and can be hard to get reservations.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/fYCtSn98bLXAwNfm7

Cinecitta

Fancy Italian restaurant outside the city, place to “see and be seen”. (Take a taxi).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w6RYigMAWBy8ZTXTA

 Ahora

Celebrity chef, with fancy tasting menus with creative presentation.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RSioiEQoEgCULsCx9

Cosmos

Cool interior, modern Bulgaria. Nice tasting menus, flaming desserts and creative cocktails.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/W9kPQ2Njcemw9niE6

Chef’s

Great food in an upscale (kind of corporate type) setting.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/H9zGv6cSgDsFo9x48

Jazu

Upscale Japanese, often with live music.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CbsGC338DoNmHhLz9

Umami in Hotel Marinela

Japanese restaurant inside the garden of Hotel Marinela. Good option for outdoor lunch that is not too expensive. The garden has koi pools and peacocks strolling around.

And the Hotel Marinela is entertainment too. I think it is fun to show guests the very “over the top gaudy” lobby and bar area. Great for people watching and way overpriced cocktails. There are other restaurants inside the hotel, too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/okPjR4g56xJFBv2q6

Good restaurants that are not quite so expensive…..

Nest Restaurant

Pretty restaurant inside an old house.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/YGw3v7cMRRjdjkYX9

CAVA

Nice meals with good ingredients and cozy décor, or just go for a glass of wine and appetizers.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xR5EpEGyXp4u66xa9

Made In Blue

Located inside a bright blue house, on multiple levels with quirky decor. Large menu with lots of great options, including many vegetarian meals. Garden seating too. Same owner as “Made in Home” around the corner.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b8sFA3dr6BWdBL277

The Little Things

Located down a small alley, away from the main street, this restaurant is also inside a blue house. Simple, tasty food in a quiet setting.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fv4VhZ4qD9TEHuai7

Da Mamma Carla and Fabio

Cute Italian restaurant in a courtyard.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hE4rxJ3G98ybPkay9

Shtastlivestsa - San Stefano Plaza

Many Bulgarian friends will take their guests to this restaurant for Bulgarian food. The decor is a bit over the top for me personally, but I know many people love the frill. A nice local choice.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/A3LYKxiQBshL8rfg8 (also a location on Vitosha Blvd).

La bottega all'Angolo

This is a favorite of many of my friends.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CdaAjwUiBWWuZ6ND7

Aubergine

I have not been here in a long time, but it consistently comes up in lists of favorite restaurants.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/rJQt7p7RVZ8KdbjG6

Mediterraneo Restaurant

Near the Hyatt hotel and highly recommended, specializes in seafood.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w6MsLEQAiSoy7M9WA

Crazy Diamond

Also near the Hyatt, highly recommended by friends.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5mT2yNUW6g3tgGCd8

La Pastaria Sofia

Good pasta!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfh2FPrZxGoq97RQ6

Raketa Raki

Modern Bulgarian food with a fun retro communist decor and 150 types of rakia.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8byf29P4Sponb7W7

If you want to stick to the main pedestrian area on Vitosha Boulevard try Social Kitchen, Lavele Garden or Constantinoff Restobar. All are good for large groups.

Traditional Bulgarian Restaurants

I didn’t add these options before because personally, I wouldn’t choose to go out for this type of food BUT I understand that visitors to Bulgaria like to go traditional.

Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/RTboh4sJj2j6y82E9

Staria Chinar - https://maps.app.goo.gl/gxX79ykxCmAgzJkG9

Hadjidraganov's Cellars - https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9fsYZox38Z5fSG57

Hadjidraganov's Houses Restaurant - https://maps.app.goo.gl/rx9kgwf7h73LSPXN6

MOMA (Modern Bulgarian) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/T6BpWCj13N2GFysD7

Cocktail Bars

Note: It helps to have reservations at these bars, especially at busy times. I find them to be much nicer earlier in the evening when they are less crowded.

Sputnik

It has always been my favorite since we first moved to Sofia (and cocktails were 8lv instead of 18lv). Always very creative new cocktails. It's fun to sit at the bar and ask the bartender to make exactly what you like. I’m not thrilled with their new seating, but cocktails are still great and often served with a flair in fun glasses.  Now, the bar serves food from the adjoining restaurant, Raketa Raki, which has a fun retro communist décor. Always a place I take foreign guests.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndMWjtcZZZHph2hn6

The Cocktail Bar

Very pretty bar with great outdoor seating, and a glass exterior that is all lit up at night. Easy central location. My favorite is the “Zephyr” cocktail.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkFdFmEop7CshnSQ9

 5L Speakeasy Bar

In a true speakeasy, this bar is hard to find behind a nondescript door, and you have to choose the right key from the large ring to open the inner door. (Hint: the number is the date, or just knock and ask them if it takes too long to guess). The basement level is an old bomb shelter. (Once, I saw a painting of the NYC skyline on the wall with the iconic Watchtower sign, in case it is still there.)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eT5DHu3jADkcKAP58

Tipsy Bar

A new place that looks small from the street but actually has peaceful garden seating in the back. Nice drink menu with pretty glasses, which scores big points in my book.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DzpJxR5ZDwuAw7Qm8

BarMe

Tiny bar with cozy old world interior and creative cocktails.

https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3184191898818419652

Hambara Bar

Hambara means barn. This bar is in an old barn, hidden at the end of an alley next to a green building, behind an unmarked door. The coolness factor is that it is only lit by candles. Don’t try to order anything fancy, standard drinks only. I think it is fun, but my husband won’t go there because he says it is too dark to see how dirty it is.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/51WXAdiNifPaEPkj7

PUBLIC

Above the busy street is a nice bar with a modern interior and fun cocktails.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9z6GxRKffo8uo538

Mini.Bar Gurko 44

Small place with a changing food menu and possibly the best spicy margarita you’ll ever have.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/nQR6wZ19yuNiZAKm9

The Gin House

Huge selection of gin and other spirits but the real surprise is the “beach bar” in the back. Relax in the sand with a G&T.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XHiGdYFYTa6GXywV6

Sense Rooftop Bar (at Sense Hotel)

Expensive cocktails, but the great view makes it worth it. Also a nice lobby bar.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JKgiePRXMs3GGAMY7

The Scene Rooftop Bar (at the Hyatt Hotel)

Expensive cocktails with an even better view than Sense Hotel. Definitely a place where the beautiful people come to “see and be seen”.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QuS1jAqvJ8s2X59R6

65 Fireflies

A casual, laid back bar with affordable drinks and food.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/RtcUgj7psfpBEBAz9

Bar Locale

https://maps.app.goo.gl/W2tmxXWaT6zWCPeQ9

Wine Bars & Wine Tasting

Coupage Wine & Cheese Shop

Small shop that offers affordable wine tasting experience (reserve in advance) of Bulgarian wines and fancy cheese. We’ve had several deep spiritual conversations with the owner, Alexander (not because of the wine).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/dTUrRNqKvuMiCGe66

Tempus Vini Wine Shop

Wine shop that will arrange private wine tasting experience. The owner, Kalin, is very helpful.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ywfa9UbgqgG6N5RcA

Balaban Wine

Nice place to get a glass or a “flight” of Bulgarian wines plus a cheese platter.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tiypDGDoQ3FsLWbW6

CRAFT Bistro Sofia

Cute restaurant with a very large wine menu. Garden seating, too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DkjxhTEbVeaZg6seA

Imperial Gastrohub (The Macallan)

Very popular place with huge wine selection plus tapas. Great people watching from the high tables outside.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/14LyYgjUZBiRVs1t9

Winery Tours

If you want to drive outside of Sofia for a winery tour, here are a few to check out.

Craft Beer Bars

I’m not much of a beer fan, so these recommendations are from a local friend after intensive research.

Pizza

Franco’s Pizza

Excellent pizza in all kinds of combinations. Often crowded. Multiple locations, but this is the original.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8zfcLPoh4RiWHLY6

Pizzaria “Olio D’Oliva”

Impressive menu of pizza options, always good. Approved by our Italian friends.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WE4o6a8SUiGhg5Va9

Da Nino Pizza (TAKE OUT ONLY)

Right on the corner of the main pedestrian boulevard is this Roman-style pizza place with unusual toppings cut in long rectangles. Our favorite is the truffle/mushroom/sausage combo. (Careful, don’t go to the boring triangle pizza place next door).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HLi76wsk57XFzzCQA

Forno Magnifico Geo Milev

Although I have not been there yet, it is a new favorite of my Italian friends.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hVe8qacjxuRvtvkp8

Coffee Shops & Cafés

Altruist Urban Coffee Shop and Bakery

Cool  coffee shop with my favorite cakes/sweets. Nice hidden garden in the back.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gp8SZ1TfpoEJ9kYJ8

Coffee Syndicate

Go here for the coffee and cool “Instagram” photo opportunities on the second floor.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Xo9Q88zgkrdDNjhZ8

Drekka

Very small modern coffee shop in a trendy neighborhood. I like buying gifts here too. (The gold powder is great for cocktail glass rims)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/gg8ebeKWyXJBSqXv5

Bug Coffee

Small coffee shop with nice owners, they roast their own coffee that is served in many restaurants in the city.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BU79bB3mQbvW2UmLA

Cush bar

Coffee and drinks in a very central location. (And they have a convenient bathroom downstairs).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CvC5Y2qAdiTsPsda7

Barista Coffee

Not my favorite but it is very large, so a good choice if you have a group. I do love the giant mural on the building across the street.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ds2hwErnJ7yAjP7s5

Chucky’s

Very small with great coffee.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2o2kkP7ArWzSsF7s6

Café Local 38

Located in an old two story house, right off Vitosha boulevard. Good for a group and interesting setting.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DSzMjcZMfU8Pc6Gt6

CoffeeBar

The best place for a Greek “Freddo Espresso” or “Freddo Cappuccino.” Trust me, iced coffee will never be the same for you. (They have inexpensive cocktails “to go” too).

Note: The Owner “Harry” offers 15% discount if you show your badge (at both locations).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1DL4CVR5bNeu4mi58

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vXf87CUq6DdgmUV38

369 Specialty Coffee + Bakery

A new place with a Scandinavian interior and great cinnamon and cardamom rolls with your coffee.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eUmwPKmJdVmd7WzH8

and there are SO many more….

Breakfast & Brunch

Rainbow Factory

Small but delicious coffee/food/cake options.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5baUsJcronE8bNJQ9

Rainbow Factory 2: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCR856tTCNLjNjLo8

Boho

Very fun place for a fancy brunch or lunch that is worth a photo, 2 locations.

Center - https://maps.app.goo.gl/jk9xKxgGExLJJ4Y56

Oborishte - https://maps.app.goo.gl/STuGktM46PKy4fqN6

Sabale

Breakfast/lunch place with unusual kind of Scandinavian type options. Fresh every day. Good coffee and pastries, too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AhEpySFw2UX19wXA6

Café 1920

Easy location next to Lion’s Bridge, room for larger groups upstairs.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5qrnGyeoENK24tVZ9

 obred

One of the few places to get a bagel in Sofia. And possibly the best chocolate chip cookie (with miso) that I have ever had.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bE8u7NNcEYhadP536

Cake & Ice Cream

Tea & Eat 99

Plush interior (great for photos) and a huge selection of cakes. Brought to you by an electronic waiter (also great for photos).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/c54yRYjaYS3h8YxG7

Villa Rosiche

Like a “cake speakeasy”, a bit hard to find but very close to the main pedestrian boulevard. Look for the yellow walls and blue sign, walk between buildings and get to the garden of a yellow house and choose your favorite cake.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGaDzzhRhYdDvKUE8

Wonderland Brunch and Cake

Very pretty, creative cakes.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8u6Su978w6UBawSb6

+Tova

Just a few cakes a day, but you can watch them being made by hand in the back. Large seating area. (sometimes closed for private events).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ufpdMgSd2a8vWf2e7

Sweet Emotions

Far from the city center but worth it if you are out there visiting friends.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/sPHvdYfFNa7JojyP6

Bread and Soul

Wonderful bread AND cakes, vegan options too. A favorite coffee break spot when talking to students from the medical university.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZD4QYvWK5dtbyxkm8

Tandir Bake House

A place with a fancy Turkish vibe, specializing in flakey “cronuts” (croissants/donuts) and other pastries.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/w1K9CGuzF3vUwxb47

Cakey Bakey

Easy place in a nice neighborhood with good cake.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lc7UZgjRuZw7XSRD8

 Confetti

Large selection of ice cream and amazing ice cream sundaes. (Good restaurant option for a large group, then dessert).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/48fSYqNZLao3uG5o8

Small location on Vitosha Blvd too https://maps.app.goo.gl/b5H9KJZMHcyv6EqG8

 Savi Bakery and Gelato

Bakery on one side and gelato on the other. Always homemade with natural ingredients, something different every day. Sitting in Doctor’s Garden Park with a croissant and coffee from Savi was a favorite weekend morning activity. (Cool photo opp across the street from the bakery called “The Strawberry House”).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qrcRR2cLjjgoYktN6

Savi Gelato

Homemade gelato in different flavors every day. You can take it with you on a walk through South Park.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JMXX1SDhbHwoNrbS7

Gelateria Vivaldi

Super unusual flavors made with fresh ingredients. Perfect to eat and admire the flowers in the NDK garden.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/wk4YaJvDDU2K8Yqj8

Vegetarian & Vegan

 Soul Kitchen (Vegan) - CLOSED

Edgy Veggy (Vegan)

Small place for a great veggie burger and fries or “unchicken” burrito.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8SVK1CiNBjK7ob9V8

 Sun & Moon (Vegetarian)

Vegetarian restaurant in the city center with a HUGE menu and daily specials. Seating upstairs, downstairs and outside. If they have it, the “beet pizza” is incredible, but I’ve never had a bad meal here no matter what I choose.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6SLGZaP5aotPSuag7

 Sun & Moon Bakery

Small bakery but the real treat is to look at the side of the building for one of the best photo opportunities in the city. A huge mural called “God’s Gift” of a beautiful Bulgarian girl holding bread. If you find it you won’t be sorry you went on the search.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kmtTd3oqPuCN3Eh27

Kring Vegetarian Buffet

Choose from a daily selection of vegetarian items on display and pay based on the weight. Eat there or take out. (Note: a strong hippie dippy new age vibe)

https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4hk9QUsWvmo22w78

Vita Rama

V egan restaurant with nice modern design, many options and fancy cakes.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XxM6jFjQkyjGUUHp6

Quick Bites & Take Out

Il Fornetto Oborishte

Delicious panini sandwiches with your choice of combinations. Nice location by a park (and the gelato place around the corner).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cmeceMvdDGjVek519

I Love Falafel – Lebanese Street Food

I promised I would never eat another Bulgarian doner after I had the Lebanese lamb (taleshki) doner/wrap here with spicy sauce. The falafels are fresh and nice, too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FC8AdAF7yFYszU6i7

HummusBar

Easy and healthy with plenty of options. (Fun “Rolling Dogs” kielbasa truck next door if that is too healthy for you).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mAkb43FPwpceNd4m8

Fresh Pasta To Go

Choose your pasta type and your sauce. It is made to order and you eat it from a paper box, but oh so good.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JDtSmb72UHuMe11ZA

SupaStar

Selection of fresh soups daily. Fun upstairs seating area. Located on my favorite street for window shopping, Tsar Shisman Street.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/N9KCzbi7KjFmaBfJ7

HleBar

Order lunch at the counter, like sandwiches and soups. Hearty, healthy options. Multiple locations.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qSFuWbDRniQqHggCA  

Butcher Grill Bus

Many people say this is the best burger in Sofia, but Bulgaria is not really known for their burgers so the criteria is low. Other BBQ sandwich options too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/K4J4mvtb75aj5Si19

Places I Like to Buy Unique Gifts

The Factory – art shop

Small shop owned by a husband and wife, with cute artwork on cards/bags/mugs painted by the wife, plus jewelry and more.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBVLHhYGfYJ74eyQ6

Gallery Nina (Галерия Нина)

Small shop with items from dozens of local artists.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/F4jb1fZ3YKgjW7QV9

Art.e

Handmade pottery and other items by a local artist. They will wrap the gifts in beautiful bags with Sofia motif. I love the paperlight porcelain espresso cups with Sofia logo.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BBtMDPkAfsNLptmq7

Mental syndicate

All the leather and canvas aprons you see on servers at trendy restaurants are made here. Plus, leather and canvas bags. And have a nice coffee.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPerTUTuSTbZwkKh6

Chili Hills

Selection of locally made hot chili sauces and salsas. Try the orange “Bulgarian carrot” hot sauce. Also, they often sell a nice Bulgarian gin.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/HxwS4Qnw7bEcprFy8

Gifted – Urban Art

Artsy gifts with a retro flair. Spend a few hours upstairs at “The Red Flat”. An apartment completely restored to its original 1980s style. Visit the home of an average family and discover what life was like for ordinary Bulgarians during the Cold War. Audio guide available in English, Spanish, Italian and Bulgarian. (18lv per person).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1Gsoksy6riw4Rr1v8

Maison Second Hand

A small second hand shop curated with only very stylish items. Nice to pick up a scarf, purse or new outfit to take home.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/xfpQYRPPiLg632wx5

Umbopo

Small shop with handmade items. Some of my friends have bought the affordable leather bracelets as gifts.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/kxfhX13fZ17vGf327

Greece

If you want to drive a few hours across the border to Greece you can see some important sites from Bible history.