Съдържание
While we wait for the Michelin stars to shine upon Sofia’s culinary scene, you might think that our capital’s restaurants are flying under the global radar. However, if you flick through international guides like France’s La Liste or Austria’s Falstaff, you will discover that Sofia already has its representatives there. In Falstaff, they are only briefly mentioned for now, and the selection of places often seems quite unusual to us.
In La Liste, on the other hand, the system evaluates establishments more on their popularity and how much buzz surrounds them. The highest-rated Sofia restaurant there is Cosmos. It is also the only restaurant in Sofia to make it into the prestigious global Top 1000 of La Liste (awarded 3 crowns).
If you are a wine enthusiast and follow Wine Spectator, you certainly know that their prestigious restaurant awards already adorn the walls of several places in the capital. In its specialised edition for the world’s best restaurants for wine lovers (Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards), the magazine honours the following places in Bulgaria with the Best of Award of Excellence:
- Aria (7-9 Uzundzhovska Street, Sofia): for its refined Sofia atmosphere and meticulously selected wine list.
- Mediterra Restaurant & Wine Bar (Grand Hotel Millennium, Sofia): for its rich wine bar with a distinct Mediterranean profile.
- Spectrum Restaurant (Grand Hotel Millennium, Sofia): for its signature menu and premium wine selection.
That is why we decided to gather our personal favourites: the places we follow, visit, and recommend with our hands on our hearts. This little guide is not just a directory of eateries, and even less a ranking, but our personal selection. The order is based on the date of our visit (the ones at the top are those we visited most recently).
What matters to us is the concept, the attitude towards clean ingredients, the service, and, of course, the wine, especially the options by the glass. We try to point out the good (in our opinion) examples. We aim to ‘influence’ you to try something new, but above all, to have a good time, as that is the most important thing.
Our sponsors in this endeavour are not the restaurants themselves, but the people around us who want to talk about delicious places and things; they sponsor us with good energy and smiles. Actually, we do not strictly ‘judge’ anything here. Rather, we offer you our perspective, which, we are sure, can take some criticism (you will never know if we do not like a certain restaurant or if we simply have not visited it yet). But do remember that everything is subjective. Make the most of our choices instead of making your life miserable with arguments.
I am also adding this little reminder that you might save a euro or two.
I. Restaurants in Sofia Worth Writing About
1. Cosmos
📍 Area: Centre ⭐ Gourmet experience 🍷 Top selection of Bulgarian wines
It is no coincidence we start with Cosmos. It has long been not just a restaurant, but an institution for modern Bulgarian cuisine with a large dose of creativity. The fact that it is the only restaurant in the global Top 1000 according to La Liste speaks volumes. The kitchen here is led by Chef Vladislav Penov, who is a proud member of the prestigious global culinary association JRE (Jeunes Restaurateurs). This is the place where traditional Bulgarian produce meets haute cuisine and contemporary techniques.
- Concept and Food: The focus is on rediscovering Bulgarian ingredients and recipes, but in a way that will surprise you, whether you try an interpretation of a classic salad or perfectly cooked meat. But beware, do not load yourself with expectations for traditional dishes tasting like your childhood. On the menu, you might see names like ‘Moussaka’, ‘Yufka’, and ‘Banitsa with Boza’, but what arrives on your plate will certainly surprise you.
- The Wine: The wine list is exceptionally rich, with a strong emphasis on Bulgarian wineries, including limited editions. Excellent options by the glass are available.
- Service: Excellent. The staff tells the story behind each dish, which makes the experience complete.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 19 Lavele Street, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€€
- 🌐 Website: cosmosbg.com
2. ARIA Restaurant
📍 Area: Centre ⭐ Gourmet experience 🍷 Top selection of Bulgarian wines
ARIA, a project by Chef Atanas Balkanski and Dimo Feshev, is a very curious spot on the capital’s culinary map. In the local foodie community, there might be debates and arguments about whether people like the restaurant or not. However, to tell you the truth, I like it, Mimi likes it, and that is what matters most for our website. Therefore, ARIA completely justifies its place here.
- Concept and Food: The food here is always exceptionally delicious. Mediterranean and European cuisine is presented with a very fine, modern reading, and the plates are clean and elegant.
- The Wine: Their recognition by Wine Spectator is definitely no accident. In my opinion, this is one of the best wine lists in Sofia.
- Service: Always perfect, discreet, and at a very high professional level.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 7-9 Uzundzhovska Street, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: ariabgrestaurant.com
3. Unica by priceless
📍 Area: Centre
A true breath of Italy right in the heart of Sofia, literally on the historic yellow cobblestones, is restaurant Unica.
- Concept and Food: The kitchen here is in the hands of Chef Nikolay Popov, who is also part of the elite association JRE (Jeunes Restaurateurs). We must admit that we have visited relatively few times for their standard main menu, but rather we visit them more often for lovely events and collaborations (between Chef Popov and Maria Zhekova, as well as with Michelin-recognised guest chefs). Therefore, our observations are a bit general, but very positive indeed. Their modern take on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine is elegant and gourmet. Interestingly, they also have a lunch menu which is more Bulgarian and simple, but definitely worth it in a busy daily routine.
- Atmosphere: The prime location offers a fantastic view and a very cosy, stylish interior.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 8A Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: unica.bg
4. Bistro Saché
📍 Area: Russian Monument / Zone B-5
This is our newest discovery. A small, charming, and slightly hidden gem near the Russian Monument, Bistro Saché.
- Concept and Food: There are just a few tables, which creates an intimacy and a true bistro feel. The menu is short, which to us is a sign that everything is made fresh and on the premises. We tried a cheese and truffle banitsa, pork ears with XO sauce, and some very interesting salads, and everything was fantastic.
- Service and Wine: The service is super cool and welcoming. The wine list is also worth exploring, as they have many Bulgarian wineries and interesting suggestions. You can safely trust the servers’ advice for your choice.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 28 Damyan Gruev Street, 1606 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€
- 🌐 Website: Instagram page
5. DО̀MA restaurant
📍 Area: Boyana 🚗 Far from the centre
The newest hit in this selection, having opened its doors in the summer of 2026, DÒMA is a project by the creators of Cosmos, and the kitchen here is entrusted to Chef Nikolay Penev (who for a long time headed the kitchen at Cosmos itself). The restaurant is located in the Boyana neighbourhood. Even though it is quite large for our classic idea of a ‘cosy little restaurant’, it is on our list of favourites for a good reason.
- Concept and Food: DÒMA’s cuisine can charm you with seemingly ordinary ‘titles’, but made with exceptional taste, modern techniques, and high-quality ingredients. The focus is on Balkan and Bulgarian food. You will come across meatballs and kebapche (grilled minced meat), beans with sausage, pork ears (apparently they are trendy right now), kachamak (traditional polenta) with mushrooms, Shopska salad, and many more familiar flavours. We are convinced they will raise the level of the food even further, so expect great things from them.
- Atmosphere: The setting is elegant yet relaxed. You can go at any time and you will feel completely comfortable.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 27 Ivanitsa Danchev Street (Boyana), 1616 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€€ (Prices here are above average)
- 🌐 Website: Facebook page
6. tutto e troppo
📍 Area: Iztok / Geo Milev
When you fancy something Italian in style, but truly homemade and casual, this is our neighbourhood recommendation, tutto e troppo. We go there quite often and love it very much, even though it is a bit away from the centre of Sofia.
I do not have a single photo from here :)
- Concept and Food: A small, family-run place where you can always have delicious pasta, polenta, or porchetta. Here, the focus is not on complex recipes and presentations, but on a sense of home comfort and relaxation.
- Service and Wine: The service is friendly; wine is not a primary focus here.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 7 Boris Hristov Street, 1111 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €
- 🌐 Website: Facebook page
7. Vino & Tapas
📍 Area: Centre 🍷 Top selection of Bulgarian wines
Perhaps you all know it, because Vino & Tapas has been on Dondukov Boulevard for so many years, but I still hear of people who have not been. A huge miss! Find the time to try it. This is a small, modest, but exceptionally delicious place.
- Concept and Food: Ventsislav Iliev is the true ‘heart’ of the kitchen. He is in charge of the food and personally prepares the signature gourmet tapas and dishes, which are designed to be shared, and their flavours are authentic and rich.
- The Wine: Eva Marinova takes care of this crucial part. She carefully selects the establishment’s rich wine list, which includes both international labels and highly rated Bulgarian wines, always offering an incredible number of suggestions by the glass.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 38 Knyaz Aleksandar Dondukov Boulevard, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: Facebook page
8. LA PASTARIA Shipka
📍 Area: Doctors’ Monument 🍷 Top selection of Bulgarian wines
This is our personal favourite when it comes to Italian food. La Pastaria has been a beloved spot of ours since the children were babies. After a walk with the prams around the Doctors’ Garden, we would always drop by there for lunch or dinner.
- Concept and Food: An established place where you know what to expect: excellent pasta, nice pizzas, and classic Italian desserts. The atmosphere is calm, family-oriented, and very welcoming.
- The Wine: In their wine list, you will find not only fine Bulgarian wines by the glass but also a very special selection of wines from the Italian Menhir Salento winery (Puglia). I have a strong personal attachment to this winery, as we have been to their restaurant in Southern Italy several times and like it very much. So, a little tip from me: drink Primitivo at Menhir!
💡 If you are interested in learning more about our beloved Puglia and the beauties of this region, see what we experienced here: From Lecce to Bari, Favourite Views in Puglia, Italy
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 24 Prof. Asen Zlatarov Street, 1504 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€
- 🌐 Website: lapastaria.net
9. Cinecitta
📍 Area: Boyana ⭐ Gourmet experience 🚗 Far from the centre
One of the veterans of Sofia’s culinary scene when we talk about Italian cuisine. Speaking of international guides, Cinecitta is rated by the prestigious Italian guide Gambero Rosso for excellent Italian cuisine outside of Italy (awarded ‘two shrimps’). It is the only restaurant with such a rating in Bulgaria.
- Concept and Food: Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, very close to the Boyana Film Studios, the restaurant offers a very authentic Italian experience. The menu includes fresh seafood, excellently prepared pasta, and meats.
- Atmosphere: Our personal memory here is very special. We first sat down at Cinecitta when operas were performed among the film sets in Boyana. It turned out super well back then, and we have liked them a lot ever since.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 75 G Kumata Street, 1618 Sofia (Boyana)
- 💳 Price: €€€€
- 🌐 Website: cinecitta.bg
10. L’Etranger
📍 Area: Centre
A classic French restaurant with over 25 years of history in Sofia, backed by Mitana and Olivier Roche, this is L’Etranger.
- Concept and Food: The two of them are exceptionally lively and cook incredibly delicious, rather home-style French cuisine. If you are looking for Burgundy snails, duck magret, or a perfect crème brûlée in an authentic atmosphere, this is the place. It is not cheap, it is small, and you must book a table in advance. For us personally, this is the best French restaurant in the city (with the caveat that we have one more to try, but L’Etranger has long proven itself over time).
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 78 Tsar Simeon Street, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: Facebook page
11. Miyabi
📍 Area: Centre
We finish this selection with something exotic, yet uncompromisingly high-quality. Behind the Miyabi project stands Chef Petar Mihalchev, who is not only a familiar face from the screen but also an officially certified ‘Goodwill Ambassador of Japanese Cuisine’.
- Concept and Food: Miyabi is not just a sushi place (although they do have it). Here you will find authentic Japanese cuisine, from ramen and udon to perfectly prepared hot Japanese dishes. The flavours are pure, and the ingredients are selected with exceptional attention to detail.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 5 Stara Planina Street, 1000 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: Facebook page
II. Restaurants We Will Keep an Eye On
12. Roots Bistro
📍 Area: Centre
A walk down Alabin Street led us to one of the new additions to the capital’s culinary scene: Roots. The occasion for our visit was a tasting dinner, and we must admit that the service and the place are very pleasant, and the food definitely gives us a lot to talk about.
Concept and Food: Behind the concept is a head chef whose Instagram profile hints at experience in Michelin-starred restaurants. And he certainly has something to show the local crowd! A serious bid for signature cuisine can be felt. During our dinner, the fish and meat were prepared very well.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 22 Alabin Street, 1000 Sofia (Old Centre)
- 💳 Price: €€€
- 🌐 Website: rootsbistro.bg
III. Restaurants ‘on the Borderline’ of Being Talked About
Here we add places that have their hits, but also some serious flaws that are good to keep in mind. Sincerity towards our readers has always come first.
13. SOL bar
📍 Area: Centre
We add SOL bar as a veeeeeeery delicious place, but with the massive condition that getting in is a whole challenge.
- Concept and Food: The food is phenomenal. They have no more than 3 or 4 suggestions a day, which run out quickly. They make amazing things, and if you manage to sit down and eat, you certainly will not regret it.
- Why it is ‘on the borderline’: Because finding food and seats inside is an extremely difficult task. We have gone very early, we have tried all sorts of tricks, but our success rate as outsiders who do not go there often is about 30%. You have been warned: arm yourself with patience and luck!
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 26 Vrabcha Street, 1527 Sofia
- 💳 Price: €€
- 🌐 Website: Instagram page
14. Lopatar
📍 Area: Ovcha Kupel 🚗 Far from the centre
- Concept and Food: Here we ate perhaps the best beef steaks in the city that we can talk about. They are great when it comes to meat. I remember years ago, during the pandemic, when Petrus (the creators of Lopatar) launched Ribs & Sticks, the best ribs in Sofia at the time. I do not know how they are now, but the meat at Lopatar is simply super. The steaks arrived rare at the table, and we finished cooking them ourselves on the hot stone they brought us.
- Atmosphere: The setting is wonderful. They also have children’s activities in the yard, which is a huge plus for families.
- Why it is ‘on the borderline’: The service. It is arrogant, seemingly from the old school, which might appeal to the boisterous, old-school crowd. But when I asked where the wine by the glass was from and they told me it was stupid to ask because it obviously could only be from a bag-in-box… they totally lost me.
- In short: If I had to eat a perfect beef steak again, I would go. But keeping the wine and the attitude in mind.
Practical information:
- 📍 Address: 92 President Lincoln Boulevard, 1632 Sofia (Ovcha Kupel)
- 💳 Price: €€€
- Website: lopatar.bg
Did we miss your favourite spot?
Do you have your own favourite that is not on the list? Or would you like to share your personal impressions of any of these restaurants? We are always ‘hungry’ for new culinary finds and would love for you to remind us of them!
Write to us and share your recommendations here: