Restaurants In Sofia
Sofia has an overabundance of restaurants serving all types of foods, international and local. Traditional Bulgarian fare mixes with regional favourites from Greece and Turkey, and its stature as an international destination has brought fine dining to many of the hotels here. Visitors will have no trouble finding a meal they fancy in Sofia.
Local cuisine
Traditional Bulgarian cuisine incorporates a lot of yoghurt, which makes sense considering that the scientific name for the culture is lactobacillus bulgaricus. You will find yoghurt as an accompaniment or sauce in many dishes as well as the main ingredient. One of the more common and simpler of these is a cold soup called Tarator, which mixes plain yoghurt with cucumber and herbs. Aside from yoghurt, another staple ingredient in Bulgarian cuisine is sirene, a salty white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It is customarily spread atop salads and pastas, and even on French fries. For true local fare, try sirene po shopski, a casserole made with this cheese as well as with eggs, tomatoes and spices. You will also find that Bulgarian food is influenced by other countries in the region such as Greece and Turkey. Also, be sure to try the famous rakiya, the staple spirit in the country. The fruit brandy is very cheap and tasty, and is enjoyed by Bulgarians of all ages. You will also find some popular local beers such as Zagorka as well as domestic wines that far surpass the quality of the ones the country exports.
Where to eat
The city centre is home to a large concentration of restaurants, and many new establishments seem to open all the time. On side roads, you will find smaller establishments that are like time warps of days gone by. Chevermeto is a famous folk-styled restaurant that serves traditional cuisine, which is heavy on meats and salads. Those seeking fine international cuisine should look to the hotels, while the city centre and near the university offers some more budget-conscious but tasty meals. Try Majors, near St Alexander Nexsky Cathedral, which offers excellent value for money.