Motto
Motto (18 Aksakov Street, Sofia) – at this bar, the range of cocktails to choose from is immense, with a variety of short and long drinks on the menu (their daiquiris and mojitos come in several different fruity flavors). And don’t worry about having another, since the cocktails here cost half of what they would in most other top European capitals!
Memento
Memento (106 G.S. Rakovski Street, Sofia) – this bar is located on a strip locally known as the “Bulgarian Broadway”. The outdoor seating draws in a significant crowd in the scorching summer months, and in the evening it’s the expertly mixed cocktails that everyone is after. Memento features a pool, chaise lounges (beach beds), sand, tents, flowers and even a hammock. All around a huge seaside-style square bar in the middle. Come early as you might struggle to find a seat, especially outside.
Hambara
Hambara (22, 6-ti Septemvrt Street, Sofia) — the cavernous space within is entirely candlelit and spread across two floors with shaky wooden benches and tables. During the Communist period, as of now, patrons know of this venue strictly by word of mouth. People here are notorious for failing to observe the smoking ban, but this is arguably only in the spirit of things at this enchanting venue for local jazz acts.
Bilkova
Bilkova (22 Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, Sofia) – this pub was named after a pharmacy that once sold herbal remedies at this spot decades ago. Visitors will find an unpretentious and outgoing crowd enjoying beers and spirits at reasonable prices. Locating it shouldn’t be a problem – just follow the murmur of revelers hanging around outside at the address on Shipka Street.
Black Label Whisky Bar
Black Label Whisky Bar (7 Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard, Sofia) – with its classical Baroque interior (complete with oil paintings of Bulgarian historic figures, it’s no surprise that this bar was once a military club that hosted fancy balls for the local elite. Still, the dress code here is formal, so patrons should know this before coming here.
Vkusnoto Kebapche
Vkusnoto Kebapche (20 San Stefano Street, Sofia) – this is a restaurant that foreigners go to when they want to sample Bulgarian cuisine. The literal translation of this restaurant’s name is “tasty sausage roll” – which is one of its specialties. This is a kind of sausage roll made of ground pork and grilled on the barbeque. It is a very typical Bulgarian meal and you could eat it at restaurants, or have it in a bun, like a hot dog. Most of the grilled dishes are recommended, but definitely try the sausage rolls (kebapche) with some luytenitsa (tomato and pepper chutney – very typical in Bulgaria). Add French Fries to that and you have a meal. The salads are good too and they are all typical Bulgarian salads. If you want to try other barbeque dishes, you won’t go wrong if you order some meatballs (kufteta) and maybe some grilled steak.
Vino and Tapas
Vino and Tapas (38 Knyaz Al. Dondukob Blvd., Sofia) – this restaurant serves a selection of Mediterranean dishes, along with both Bulgarian and International wines. The atmosphere is cozy and resembles an authentic wine cellar. It’s hidden in Sofia’s downtown area. Although in this neighborhood, the bars and restaurants rarely have gardens, in the warm nights of May – September, this restaurant can offer you a table outside on a cute little balcony.
Tavan
Tavan (98 Balgariya Blvd., Sofia) – located on top of a 12-story office building, this is a rooftop restaurant which serves a variety of international dishes (from fresh Aegean sea fish & seafood, to chilled meat from Argentine, American steaks, pasta pork Vienna Schnitzel, and Risotto with Porcini mushrooms). The area is very close to the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, so as you can imagine, the view is breathtaking.
Soul Kitchen
Soul Kitchen (13 Kokiche Street, Sofia) – this is an unusual restaurant in the Balkans: one that caters to vegetarians and vegans. Items like guacamole and hummus are among the preferred items here. Dishes are prepared with low temperature and using carefully picked products such as himalayan salt and cold-pressed olive oil. You could also expect to see things such as tofu, gluten-free bread and nut milk used to prepare the traditional Bulgarian cold soup “tarator”.
Pri Orlite
Pri Orlite (11 Dyakon Ignatiy Street, Sofia) – located on the 18th floor of the city’s Ministry of Transport building, this rooftop bar attracts those who want to enjoy an eagle’s eye view of the city while enjoying a glass of wine or beer. Liquor is not the only item served here – there is food as well. An interesting suggestion is the chestnut cream soup with champignon saute. Other meals worth your attention are the Black squid ink pasta with king prawns, garlic cream sauce and pearls of shallots and the Salmon steak with crust of goat cheese and herbs over a bed of spinach. Never forget to ask your waiter for a recommendation – you can be very surprised by a specialties, not included in the menu, regarding to the season – like fresh turbot, deer steak, lamb cutlets or even wild boa!
