Restaurants in Sofia

Bodega

Bodega is one of only two tapas restaurants in Sofia where you can expect to find top quality food that is (almost) as good as anything you’d find in Andalusia. The menu takes in Spanish staples such as paella and antipasti plates stacked high with salty piggy goods, along with a frequently rotating list of specials. As per its influence, the wine list leans towards Spanish plonk like Rioja, but try a local merlot if you can.

Sage Bistro

Although located some 15km (9 miles) outside of the city centre, Sage has quietly gained a first-rate reputation that has made it the restaurant on everyone’s lips back in Sofia. Although two Bulgarian gourmand brothers are at the helm, the menu is primarily Italian and leans heavily on the fish and meat. Inside it looks like a trattoria with stone floors, exposed brickwork and mosaic counters. It does excellent vegetarian options too. Try the scrumptious sea bass baked in sea salt if you really need filling up.

La Capannina

With striking views of the Parliament and Aleksandar Nevski Memorial Church, La Capannina's authentic Italian cuisine is some of the best in Bulgaria. With hot and cold antipasti, veal, fresh pasta and a top-notch wine list, this Sofia restaurant is a real treat. Try for the terrace in warmer months. Reservations are essential.

Pod Lipite

Going back to 1926, Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees) is one of the oldest restaurants in Sofia and remains popular with visitors and locals alike. With ingredients sourced almost exclusively from the restaurant’s own farm, there is a touch of the homemade about it all. The Gergeovski roast lamb is a must, as are the pan-fried wild mushrooms with fresh herbs.

Ascua

This centrally located, family-run restaurant offers beautifully prepared fresh fish and meats. Most of the dishes on the menu are cooked using embers (‘Ascua’ in Spanish), which give your food a special flavour, while aged meats and ingredients sourced from across Europe are chosen for their traditional ways of production.

Hadjidraganov’s Houses Restaurant

If you want to be led by the hand into the belly of all that Bulgarian cuisine has to offer, then Hadjidraganov’s is a must-visit. As with many traditional restaurants, the menu is never ending. Thankfully the standard is consistent throughout and the service is nigh on perfect. Try anything the staff recommend. The décor is made up of faux oak-barrelled walls, brightly patterned chairs, carved benches and lights dangling in ice buckets. If the weather is good, get a seat out the back. Don’t worry about making reservations, the place is vast.

Supa Star

For a country as fond of their soups as Bulgaria, it’s a surprise it took the capital so long to have a successful soup-focused restaurant. Opened in 2009, Supa Star always has at least half a dozen stews and broths on the menu, which they balance out with salads and sandwiches. Something of a culinary trailblazer in Sofia, and the subject of much imitation, but Supa Star is still the top dog.

Halbite

Halbite (meaning ‘The Beer Mug’ in Bulgarian) is a lovely earthy bar with Bulgarian food at very reasonable prices. With a little leafy garden, plus wooden tables in a series of small rooms inside, this friendly place has dishes like baked peppers with dill, or chicken casserole with mushrooms and peppers, and the usual long list of great starters. As its name suggests, there are also good local beers on tap.

Motto Club

A student favourite because of its central location, reasonable prices, and laid-back atmosphere, Motto Club has tasty rotating lunch menus that span Bulgarian, Mexican, Italian, and Asian. Also open in the evenings, Motto is a great value for your money and has a spacious garden in which to while away the hours.