Sofia Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Sofia

December 31, 2017 Hector Krause

Surrounded by sprawling parkland, Sofia, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Bulgaria, lies at the foot of popular ski mountain, Vitosha. With a history that stretches over seven millennia, ruin-rich Sofia is one of Europe's oldest cities. The National Historical Museum is one of Eastern Europe's most extensive. Wide, cobblestone boulevards, charming boutiques and truly electrifying nightlife star in this city of 1.3 million. Trolleys, trams and buses traverse the dynamic city.
Things to do in Sofia

1. Chef's

Lyubata 13 Str, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards European, Eastern European, Central European, International, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$196 - HK$275 +359 89 672 3222
Excellent
66%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 317 reviews

Chef's

Reviewed By Sara808080 - Hamburg, Germany

Excellent food, nice service. However, our experience was not as expected. We arrived at 22:15 and were told that the kitchen closes at 22:30. We ordered quickly: a salad, tomato soup, grilled sea bas, slow cooked beef and a legendary brownie. They forgot to give us the wine menu. We had to ask. The salad arrived after about 10 minutes, without the soup. So we decided to start by sharing the salad. Two minutes later, while we had just started eating the salad, the soup, fish and beef arrived all at the same time. I think for a restaurant of this level, if they accept late arrivals, the chef should show some flexibility. At the end, my wonderful sea bass was cold by the time I got to eat it. It must be an excellent experience if you dine here early in the evening. I recommend not showing up late.

2. Sage Bistro

ul.Stefan Stambolov 63 | Bistritsa Central Square, Sofia 1444, Bulgaria Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Parking Available, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Eastern European, International, European, Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$94 - HK$243 +359 88 751 9779
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 119 reviews

Sage Bistro

Sage Bistro is the result of two brothers dreaming of running a restaurant together. One gathered culinary experience around the world on both sides of the kitchen counter, the other as Head Chef of the Kempinski Panorama Restaurant, Sofia. Niki and Ivo come together to bring you the best of delicious food, using fresh products and seasonings, and excellent service in a fresh and comfortable atmosphere. Adj. sage -wise through reflection and experience Noun sage -a plant of the genus Salvia; a cosmopolitan herb. Sage Bistro....wise food! Work Hours 17:00 до 24:00 -Tuesday to Thursday 11:00 до 24:00 -Friday to Sunday

Reviewed By petar_don - Sofia Region, Bulgaria

We have eaten here every two weeks - both times with some friends visiting Sofia. We like the food and service very much. A wonderful restaurant for a good meal or celebrating family and friends. The salads are very natural, the wine list is impressive, especially Sage selection. Highly recommended!

3. Vino & Tapas

bul.Knyaz Dondukov Korsakov 38 | Sofia, Dondukov blvd 38, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Outdoor Seating, Television, Full Bar, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Highchairs Available European, Spanish, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night +359 87 841 0930
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Vino & Tapas

We serve dinner only, after 5pm. Also do not confuse us with a Spanish 'tapas' bar, we are a wine bar in Sofia with a selection of meals. We are trying to change the perception of local Bulgarian products, applying the 'tapas' concept accompanied by really good, selected wines.

Reviewed By zoratheexplorer17 - Australia

We happened upon this place because it was within walking distance from our accommodation (Nevski Apartment) and we are so glad we did. Our host was so helpful, she offered advice on wine choices and told us all about the local Bulgarian winery which the wine came from. We could not fault the food! Every thing we tried was delicious. I definitely recommend getting a few different tapas dishes, we had four between two of us and we couldn't separate which one we liked the most! A beautiful setting in a gorgeous city, these guys have done a great job and it's no wonder they've won Wine Bar of the Year! We'll definitely visit again when in Sofia!

4. Raketa Rakia Bar

bul. Yanko Sakazov 17, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Bar, European, Eastern European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +359 2 444 6111
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 776 reviews

Raketa Rakia Bar

Reviewed By HPPavlov - Sofia, Bulgaria

I've been many times in Raketa Rakia Bar and I can say that it is one of the best restaurants in Sofia.
There is a "Rakia" list, local grapa drink that is impressive. If you drink more than 5 different Rakia drinks, you will be the happiest person in the world.
The restaurant is over occupied, so you have to arrange your reservation in advance.

5. Skaptobara

Iskar 11A, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Pub, American, Bar, European, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$24 - HK$71 +359 87 733 3233
Excellent
80%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 734 reviews

Skaptobara

SKAPTOBARA is an American style bar that offers a huge selection of beers and original burgers in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. We have won the prestigious King of Burgers award for two consecutive years - 2015 & 2016. If you are looking for a place to grab a few drinks and tasty bites, or do some shots and listen to great music with friendly easy going people around you, look no further.

Reviewed By annedemiddelaer - Sofia, Bulgaria

Had a most fantastic wrap, this place has a friendly service and a very cosy interieur. Chill and enjoy!HEEEY! Your review made our day!!! You are now becoming one of our awesomest clients, and we are just about to dance our tribal SKAPTO dance of happiness gathered around your review :)

6. Soul Kitchen

ul.Kokiche 13, Sofia 1164, Bulgaria Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Highchairs Available European, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +359 87 644 0003
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Soul Kitchen

Fresh and tasty food.

Reviewed By Anna R - Sofia, Bulgaria

It's a lovely place in the greater city center. The atmosphere is really cosy and calming. In case you visit in the warmer months, definitely try the garden. The meals are vegan with great mix of flavors challenging even the most committed meat eaters to...MoreThank You very much! Always welcome :)

7. Rainbow Factory

ul.Veslets 10, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Fast Food, Cafe, Eastern European, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$71 +359 88 611 6556
Excellent
81%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 311 reviews

Rainbow Factory

Rainbow factory is a place created with lots of love. We are very proud to offer Specialty Coffee - fresh roasted hier in Bulgaria. Our Brunch is very popular, we offer tradishanal bulgarian snacks like banitsa, meketsi with white cheese and many more during the weekend. For lunch during the week we offer two soups, one veggie dish and one meat dish. Everything is with fresh products, cooked, steamed, backed or roasted, we don’t use frying for our lunch dishes, thatswhay our food is very healthy. We also make sandwiches and salads, which are in our menu every day. We took care of the desserts. Thay are very delicious and homemade. The homemade lemonades and bulgarians craft beers are also part of our menu. Our winelist is with wines only from small cellars in Bulgaria, who take care of every detail in the preparation of their wine.

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

We had cappuccino and cake. The coffee was one of the best I have ever had. (we went back on another day, too, and the coffee was prepared by another barista and sadly it wasnt as good as the first one). The cakes were both times fantastic! Especially the nutella cheesecake was heavenly!

8. Bagri

10 Dobrudzha Street, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards International, European, Contemporary, Eastern European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$16 - HK$63 +359 88 507 7927
Excellent
81%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 135 reviews

Bagri

Bagri is the first farm-to-table restaurant in the city of Sofia. We are a family restaurant where you can find seasonal menu with local food prepared with author’s recipes by our chefs. Bagri follows the principles of Slow Food movement – good, clean and fair food, raised by small farmers and producers, cutting off the long-chain market to its minimum. You can find daily choices of fresh and healthy food, made by high quality fresh, organic and ecological products. We use unique and traditional hand-crafted goods and our own Gardens and farm provide us with high-quality dairy, meat and vegetable products. It is a great pleasure for us to make you a part of our Mission for sustainable cuisine and to invite you to make every day a special occasion with fine dining experience, or to try our Brunches every weekend!

Reviewed By IskraRobSale - London, United Kingdom

We come here regularly as a family. Food is always delicious and you can tell a lot of thought has gone into the menu of the day. The products they use are local and organic, and you can definitely taste this! The atmosphere is quiet...MoreThank you so much for the kind words! We appreciate your support!

9. Skaptoburger

Shishman 20 Str., Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks HK$39 - HK$78 +359 87 788 8688
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 800 reviews

Skaptoburger

Located in the heart of Sofia on one of its' most iconic streets, Skaptoburger is a gourmet burger joint, offering original burgers and craft beers from around the world. We were voted winner of the prestigious King of Burgers award for two consecutive years - 2015 & 2016. If you are looking for a great tasting burger in a friendly atmosphere, you have come to the right place.

Reviewed By Michael C - Bucharest, Romania

When you head for a place that markets itself on burgers and craft beer. You know what you want. Right? And Skaptoburger delivers. Staff. Friendly. Knowledgeable Efficient I let them choose my Bulgarian craft beers and they recommended 3 great brews Food. The double bourbon...MoreWho said 5-star review? Michael, you probably don’t know but now the whole SKAPTO Team gathered to praise you are we are dancing the worship dance around your profile picture that we just printed. THANKS for the COOL review; you are AWESOME!

10. Cosmos

ul.Lavele 19, Sofia 1000, Bulgaria Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi European, Eastern European, Central European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$133 +359 88 820 0700
Excellent
72%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 395 reviews

Cosmos

Reviewed By Chris F - Surbiton, United Kingdom

I liked this place. Some will say it’s too hipster, too pretentious and too pricey but in my view it’s only slightly hipster, slightly pretentious and slightly expensive. More importantly it’s innovative, quality and interesting. The whole ambience has a gentle vibe - and the...MoreThank you very much for your review and the honest point of view. We're happy you enjoyed our place and noticed the details we've put into it. See you around

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