Sofia gastro guide by Alex K.
Cafés & sweets
Mekitsa i Kafe's unassuming storefront conceals the perfect place to try a mekitsa, a soft and warm deep-fried dough treat served with your choice of savory or sweet toppings. An added bonus is the view of vibrant Graf Ignatiev street from the upstairs seating area – a perfect vantage point for people-watching.
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Мекица и Кафе (Mekitsa and Coffee)
28 ul. "Graf Ignatiev"Mekitsa i Kafe's unassuming storefront conceals the perfect place to try a mekitsa, a soft and warm deep-fried dough treat served with your choice of savory or sweet toppings. An added bonus is the view of vibrant Graf Ignatiev street from the upstairs seating area – a perfect vantage point for people-watching.
(First location) It's hard to imagine a more delightful way to start your day than a homestyle breakfast and a warm cup of coffee at Rainbow Factory. With its freshly prepared food options, state-of-the-art coffee equipment, and authentically cozy vibe, this café will warm you up to Sofia's energetic yet hospitable character.
106 当地人推荐
Фабрика ДЪГА / Rainbow Factory
10 ul. "Veslets"(First location) It's hard to imagine a more delightful way to start your day than a homestyle breakfast and a warm cup of coffee at Rainbow Factory. With its freshly prepared food options, state-of-the-art coffee equipment, and authentically cozy vibe, this café will warm you up to Sofia's energetic yet hospitable character.
Banitsa is a Bulgarian staple, and Natur just might be the best place in the city to try this savory pastry. For the classic experience, get the banitsa with feta cheese and egg, and enjoy it in either of the nearby parks. Just be careful not to miss the tiny sign and storefront!
Natur Baked & Raw
9 ul. "San Stefano"Banitsa is a Bulgarian staple, and Natur just might be the best place in the city to try this savory pastry. For the classic experience, get the banitsa with feta cheese and egg, and enjoy it in either of the nearby parks. Just be careful not to miss the tiny sign and storefront!
(Second location) It's hard to imagine a more delightful way to start your day than a homestyle breakfast and a warm cup of coffee at Rainbow Factory. With its freshly prepared food options, state-of-the-art coffee equipment, and authentically cozy vibe, this café will warm you up to Sofia's energetic yet hospitable character.
106 当地人推荐
Фабрика ДЪГА / Rainbow Factory
10 ul. "Veslets"(Second location) It's hard to imagine a more delightful way to start your day than a homestyle breakfast and a warm cup of coffee at Rainbow Factory. With its freshly prepared food options, state-of-the-art coffee equipment, and authentically cozy vibe, this café will warm you up to Sofia's energetic yet hospitable character.
&bread is a modern bakery with some of the best pastries and, well, bread in town. It's a perfect morning or afternoon stop for a pick-me-up snack and coffee. To-go only (no seating)!
&hlyab (&bread)
69 ulitsa "Ekzarh Yosif"&bread is a modern bakery with some of the best pastries and, well, bread in town. It's a perfect morning or afternoon stop for a pick-me-up snack and coffee. To-go only (no seating)!
Restaurants
Offering a uniquely creative take on traditional Bulgarian cuisine, Cosmos is a must-visit for fans of molecular gastronomy and culinary experimentation. Explore innovative variations of classic Bulgarian dishes, aided by a knowledgeable waitstaff and accompanied by an incredible music selection. Reservations recommended.
60 当地人推荐
Cosmos Restaurant / Космос
19 ul. "Laveleye"Offering a uniquely creative take on traditional Bulgarian cuisine, Cosmos is a must-visit for fans of molecular gastronomy and culinary experimentation. Explore innovative variations of classic Bulgarian dishes, aided by a knowledgeable waitstaff and accompanied by an incredible music selection. Reservations recommended.
Enjoy lunch or dinner in an antique, traditional Sofia townhouse. The inviting atmosphere, including the pleasantly lively garden area (open when weather permits), is the perfect backdrop to Made in Blue's menu of fresh, seasonal dishes that appeal to many a palate and dietary preference. Reservations recommended.
99 当地人推荐
Made in Blue
6 ul. "Yuri Venelin"Enjoy lunch or dinner in an antique, traditional Sofia townhouse. The inviting atmosphere, including the pleasantly lively garden area (open when weather permits), is the perfect backdrop to Made in Blue's menu of fresh, seasonal dishes that appeal to many a palate and dietary preference. Reservations recommended.
Enter a nondescript residential building and head up a flight of stairs to discover a colorful restaurant dedicated to kyufteta, the Bulgarian version of meatballs. Accompanied by homestyle fries with lyutenitsa (rather than ketchup), traditional pork and beef kyufteta abound on Q-ftetaria's menu alongside vegetarian and vegan options which even carnivores find delicious. Reservations recommended.
24 当地人推荐
Q-ftetaria
1 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Enter a nondescript residential building and head up a flight of stairs to discover a colorful restaurant dedicated to kyufteta, the Bulgarian version of meatballs. Accompanied by homestyle fries with lyutenitsa (rather than ketchup), traditional pork and beef kyufteta abound on Q-ftetaria's menu alongside vegetarian and vegan options which even carnivores find delicious. Reservations recommended.
Step back in time at Raketa, a restaurant that teasingly harkens back to the era of socialism in Bulgaria with its Communist memorabilia and other retro decor. You'll want to explore the extensive selection of rakia, a traditional Balkan spirit similar to brandy. Take recommendations from your server if you feel overwhelmed, and perhaps stumble over to Sputnik next door afterwards to continue the night with some offbeat, unique cocktails. Reservations recommended.
105 当地人推荐
Ракия Ракета Бар
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Step back in time at Raketa, a restaurant that teasingly harkens back to the era of socialism in Bulgaria with its Communist memorabilia and other retro decor. You'll want to explore the extensive selection of rakia, a traditional Balkan spirit similar to brandy. Take recommendations from your server if you feel overwhelmed, and perhaps stumble over to Sputnik next door afterwards to continue the night with some offbeat, unique cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Have you ever dined in pitch darkness? The multi-course set menu at ‘eat-in-the-dark’ restaurant Tenebris is among the most elevated food in Bulgaria, but you won’t know what anything is – unless you figure it out with your other senses. The reveal of the menu with photos at the end may surprise you, not in the least due to the dishes’ beautiful presentation. For those seeking a culinary adventure, Tenebris will leave you with a changed perspective on food and our senses. Reservations required.
Tenebris
65 ul. "Han Asparuh"Have you ever dined in pitch darkness? The multi-course set menu at ‘eat-in-the-dark’ restaurant Tenebris is among the most elevated food in Bulgaria, but you won’t know what anything is – unless you figure it out with your other senses. The reveal of the menu with photos at the end may surprise you, not in the least due to the dishes’ beautiful presentation. For those seeking a culinary adventure, Tenebris will leave you with a changed perspective on food and our senses. Reservations required.
Who thought vegan cuisine could be this creative and delicious? Even though I'm not vegan, I love the food (especially the pizza) and welcoming atmosphere at Soul Kitchen. Plus, their backyard garden is lovely in the summer.
31 当地人推荐
Soul Kitchen
13 ul. "Kokiche"Who thought vegan cuisine could be this creative and delicious? Even though I'm not vegan, I love the food (especially the pizza) and welcoming atmosphere at Soul Kitchen. Plus, their backyard garden is lovely in the summer.
Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Lozenets, Pod Lipite ("under the linden trees") is a classic Bulgarian tavern. This place has been around for almost 100 years, and you can definitely still feel the old townhouse charm. There are no bad choices on the menu here, but I particularly recommend trying the kachamak (a cornmeal dish similar to polenta).
49 当地人推荐
Pod Lipite
1 ulitsa "Elin Pelin"Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Lozenets, Pod Lipite ("under the linden trees") is a classic Bulgarian tavern. This place has been around for almost 100 years, and you can definitely still feel the old townhouse charm. There are no bad choices on the menu here, but I particularly recommend trying the kachamak (a cornmeal dish similar to polenta).
Unica is a classy Italian restaurant with a slight Bulgarian twist. The pizza and pasta are solid, but the more creative appetizers and entrées is where the kitchen truly shines. Make sure to save room for their excellent desserts!
UNICA Restaurant
8A bulevard "Tsar Osvoboditel"Unica is a classy Italian restaurant with a slight Bulgarian twist. The pizza and pasta are solid, but the more creative appetizers and entrées is where the kitchen truly shines. Make sure to save room for their excellent desserts!
Bars
Located on a charming cobblestone square in the heart of Sofia, The Cocktail Bar provides a lovely setting for sitting back and sipping a delicious cocktail – especially during the summertime. The menu includes conventional options as well as some creative concoctions with unexpected ingredients.
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The Cocktail Bar
9 ul. "Angel Kanchev"Located on a charming cobblestone square in the heart of Sofia, The Cocktail Bar provides a lovely setting for sitting back and sipping a delicious cocktail – especially during the summertime. The menu includes conventional options as well as some creative concoctions with unexpected ingredients.
Enter through the swanky Sense hotel lobby and take the elevator to the 9th floor for breathtaking views of the central Sofia cityscape including not only the iconic St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but also the ornate Russian Church Nikolay Chudotvorets. Soak it all in with a cocktail or glass of prosecco against the backdrop of the rooftop's trendy, sleek ambiance.
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Sense Hotel Rooftop Bar
blvd bul. "Tsar Osvoboditel"Enter through the swanky Sense hotel lobby and take the elevator to the 9th floor for breathtaking views of the central Sofia cityscape including not only the iconic St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, but also the ornate Russian Church Nikolay Chudotvorets. Soak it all in with a cocktail or glass of prosecco against the backdrop of the rooftop's trendy, sleek ambiance.
Calling Sputnik a retro-themed cocktail bar doesn't quite do it justice. If the Soviet space-era motifs don't transport you to another realm, the unique, potent drinks here certainly will. Also, Raketa Rakia Bar is right next door, so consider popping in there for a quick peek at some Bulgarian Communist memorabilia or a more solid meal if you need to return from orbit.
40 当地人推荐
Sputnik Cocktail Bar
17 bul. "Yanko Sakazov"Calling Sputnik a retro-themed cocktail bar doesn't quite do it justice. If the Soviet space-era motifs don't transport you to another realm, the unique, potent drinks here certainly will. Also, Raketa Rakia Bar is right next door, so consider popping in there for a quick peek at some Bulgarian Communist memorabilia or a more solid meal if you need to return from orbit.