Sofia
This small, laid-back and brightly decorated place offers a range of homemade soups, including meat and veggie options and filling lentils and beans…
Must-see restaurants in Bulgaria
Sofia
Impossibly cute Italian-themed sandwich and coffee bar that makes for a great, inexpensive pit stop for lunch. The specialities here are panini (toasted…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
Gaze at the glassy surface of Lake Iskâr from this chic hotel-restaurant, which draws stressed-out city dwellers to its tranquil, pine-fringed setting…
Plovdiv
Hands down the winner when it comes to shady beer-garden dining and lively atmosphere, Rahat Tepe's meals follow a simple formula: fresh, unfussy and…
Plovdiv
A few steps from pl Stambolov, Gusto strikes an agreeable note between sophisticated and friendly. There are diner-style booths upstairs; punters fight…
Ruse
Set in several rooms following an old-world mehana (tavern) theme, with a good dollop of kitsch, Chiflika features wooden benches, rugs, fleeces on the…
Veliko Târnovo
Inventive dishes and amiable service have solidified the ‘Lucky Man’ as a favourite among locals and expats. Sauces pairing chocolate and cheese are…
Bulgaria
Surrounded by farming tools and quaint sheds, this tourist favourite will delight or exasperate, depending on your threshold for folk music and agrarian…
Bulgaria
Magnificent views over the Belogradchik rocks make up for mediocre food at this terrace restaurant located just south of the centre. The menu features…
Sofia
Hole-in-the-wall, diner-style restaurant deep within Sofia's Turkish quarter north of the Serdika metro station that serves arguably the city's best…
Bulgaria
With its traditional decor and soothing setting by a pond, the restaurant of the Hotel Ezeroto has family ambience and high-quality traditional fare. A…
Veliko Târnovo
Don't be deterred by its touristy location near Tsarevets Fortress. Stone walls and pillars infuse it with a commanding air, while dishes are as robust as…
Black Sea Coast
One of Kiten's better restaurants, Ribarski Han is located on the eastern end of South Beach, near the Hotel Marina. It's a traditional affair with brick…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
Touristy but difficult to resist, this big restaurant ploughs its folksy furrow with no apology. Expect traditional woven tablecloths, and decor somewhere…
Sofia
The branch of a small local chain of popular grill restaurants features a bright, airy space with wooden floors, an open kitchen, exposed pipes and white…
Bulgaria
This local favourite, which is part of the Minaliat Vek Hotel, seeks to re-create the 'old time' tastes its name suggests. The long list of Bulgarian…
Burgas
Conveniently located at the entrance to Maritime Park, this casual, vaguely Italian restaurant is not as fancy as it looks at first glance. The pizzas are…
Bulgaria
A good choice for dinner, this is arguably the best restaurant in the centre. The little garden lies behind an unpromising street and feels like an oasis…
Bulgaria
Quieter than eateries upriver within the ethnographic museum, Mehana Etâr has affectionate service and shaded outdoor tables. There is an ample menu of…
Varna
The local branch of the nationwide casual-dining chain is a godsend to harried parents whose kids are clamouring for 'real food' – ie pizza, sandwiches,…
Ruse
Don't be put off by the fast-food appearance of the exterior. This is actually a very good and well-run restaurant, with a menu that includes pizza and…
Sofia
Student-friendly burger joint opened by some former students of the American University in Bulgaria. The house burgers are served with spicy jalopenas on…
Bulgaria
Sladost is best known around town for its cakes and baked goods, but it also runs an excellent restaurant serving some of the city's best grilled fish and…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
The 'Old Willow Tree' is a local favourite for its juicy salads, frisbee-sized omelettes and meat dishes, grilled simply with a squeeze of lemon or…
Black Sea Coast
On the far western end of the seafront promenade, just beyond the Summer Palace of Queen Marie, this small, unfussy restaurant is a welcome relief from…
Black Sea Coast
This lively cafe, bar and restaurant, located along the main pedestrian street in the centre of Kavarna, serves great Bulgarian food, including excellent…
Bulgaria
Refined European dining within this neoclassical hotel is worth the 10-minute drive south from central Shumen. Sophisticated fish dishes, Mediterranean…
Pirin Mountains
Midway up the main road, by the bridge, Chinarite's folk-music soundtrack and sword-like shish kebab skewers will draw you in. Its summer garden is a…
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
The always-popular 'Waterfall Restaurant' has a breezy courtyard ranged around a cascade and fish pond. Service can be sluggish, but the wide-ranging menu…
Plovdiv
A local favourite, this fabulous nook serves hefty portions of Bulgarian salads, grills and satch (meat and vegetables served on a hotplate), only a…
Sofia
Sofia's longest-running Indian restaurant is also probably its best. Indian classics are served on three floors of what looks like an old mansion. Great…
Plovdiv
You can't miss the screaming bright green facade of Kapana's 'Green Library', not a repository of books but rather of healthy foods, smoothies, sandwiches…
Plovdiv
Despite having the outward appearance of a Bulgarian TGI Friday's, this popular place serves impressive sushi, American-inspired caesar salads and steaks,…
Sofia
This artisan ice-cream shop uses local, all-natural ingredients. Try the refreshing seasonal berry, pear and pumpkin sorbets with genuine tastes and a…
Sofia
With its cushion-filled couches, glowing candles and lanterns, and spicy aromas, this is a great place for authentic Moroccan cooking, including a big…
Sozopol
No sea views, but no touts either, this handy new town restaurant, below a hotel of the same name, serves great grills, fish and some of the best homemade…
Black Sea Coast
One of the better options in town, near the Preobrazhenie Gospodne Church on the extreme southeastern end of the peninsula, offering grilled pork, chicken…
Bulgaria
This is one of the better places to eat in town. It's big menu includes pizzas and pasta dishes, as well as grilled meats and fish. There's a handy cafe…
Bulgaria
With a prime location on Arbanasi's main road, this cosy mehana serves juicy local sausage, grilled meats and veggies, plus slow-roasted lamb specialities.
Plovdiv & Southern Mountains
In the western neighbourhood of Nevyasta, this hospitable restaurant and guesthouse specialises in seafood, such as mountain trout. Riben Dar is at the…
