visit.bulgariavip.com

Phoenicia (2 Osogovo Street, Sofia) – this is the oldest Lebanese restaurant in the country.  Even though the restaurant’s interior is modest, the Lebanese dishes served here are said to be very good.  In addition to the dining, there are occasional belly dancing and other Middle East-themed events held here.

Leo’s Pizza (Bul. Nikola Vapzarpy 57, Sofia) – this pizza restaurant was launched by local celebrity Leo (from “Big Brother Bulgaria” TV show).  Along with pizza and Italian dishes, Leo’s also serves vegetarian and international meals.  Both travelers and locals have given this restaurant very good ratings for the quality of the food.

K.E.V.A. (114 Georgi S. Rakovski Street, Sofia) – this restaurant is located within the “Bulgarian Broadway” district (called that, because of the concentration of theaters in the area).  Mainly Bulgarian dishes are served here (which often includes grilled meat options).  It’s no surprise that a number of local actors are seen here.  Also, the restaurant’s second level has a small hall with a stage where different events like karaoke, movie screenings and concerts are held there.

Hamachi (3 Orfei Street, Sofia) – this is the first Japanese restaurant in Sofia, which serves not only Sushi, but also traditional miso soup, exotic salads, shrimps, cooked in various ways, crabs, crab pincers, the amazing Saint Jacques clams, the famous Japanese Tempura and Hamachi fish.

Gustosa (30 Alexander Momchev Street, Sofia) – with Greece located just south of the country, it’s expected that such a eatery would exist here — this is reputedly the oldest (and best) Greek restaurant in Sofia.  This may explain the frequent crowds that come here.  Along with seafood, there are many typical Greek dishes like the famous Greek salad, Greek style zucchini, Greek moussaka and many more. For the meat lovers there are big steaks with homemade French Fries and tomato chutney. Of course there is also a great selection of Greek drinks like local beer, wine and ouzo.

Delfincheto (52 Kiril Popov Street, Sofia) – this is a popular seafood restaurant located within a part of the capital with a large concentration of student dorms.  A variety of fish dishes like seabass is served here, along with other seafood items like octopus and calamari (squid).  There are also meat dishes like roasted lamb that’s available here, and even pizza including one with salmon and basil).

Ciccione (6 Hristo Belchev Street, Sofia) – this Italian-themed restaurant is known for its Ciccione sandwich (featuring rocket salad, Prosciutto Cotto, Pancetta, Brie and a couple of sauces in a tasty Ciabatta bread).  This, as well as antipasti like mortadella, prosciutto and salamella, along with traditional Italian cheeses such as scamorza, mozzarella, grana padano and parmigiano.  Italian wines from regions like Chianti and Valpolicella, along with desserts like raspberry-filled croissants can be ordered as well.

Boom! Burgers & Steaks (15 Karnigradska Street, Sofia) – this restaurant serves gourmet quality hamburgers (using beef from outside of Bulgaria) and French Fries – an instant hit not only with locals, but with those Americans who happen to be passing through the country.  For those wanting something different, there’s the provolone cheeseburger.

Antrakt (17 Maria Luiza Blvd., Sofia) – this unique eatery is both a restaurant which serves light meals, coffee and wine, as well as being a popular art gallery.

Annette (27 Angel Kunchev Street, Sofia) – this is totally unexpected in Bulgaria:  A Moroccan restaurant.  Complete with décor and dining spaces befitting of North Africa (including a spacious garden), this restaurant serves dishes like hummus, couscous, appetizers, falafels and lots more.