Chevermeto

If you want to get the full Bulgarian experience, visit this authentic restaurant which fuses local cuisine and performing arts together to offer guests a unique evening of entertainment. Acquaint yourself with Bulgarian culinary traditions and enjoy a show put on by guest dancers and musicians.

• Web:

  www.chevermeto-bg.com

• Address:

  1 Bulgaria Blvd., Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 9 630 308

Dream House

For a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, head to the Dream House restaurant. It specializes in meat-free cooking, and caters to those who follow a gluten-free diet. Dishes are inventive and flavorful, and the prices very affordable for the quality.

• Web:

  www.dreamhouse-bg.com

• Address:

  50A Alabin Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 980 8163

Lavanda

Lavanda is housed inside what used to be just your average apartment - guests are seated in one of the several rooms, on the balcony or in the garden. The menu features European and Mediterranean dishes with a creative spin on the classic flavors. Special emphasis is placed on presentation.

• Address:

  12 Tsar Ivan Shishman Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 882 249 740

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Sat 12pm-11pm

Made in Home

Booking in advance is a must at this Sofia restaurant due to its high popularity with diners (albeit, mostly among visitors to the city). The menu is dominated by Eastern European flavors interspersed with Turkish and Middle Eastern ones. Desserts are not to be missed.

• Address:

  30A Angel Kanchev, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 87 688 4014

Moma Bulgarian Food & Wine

As the name reveals, the restaurant specializes in local flavors and serves some of the best traditional food in town, all in a modern Bulgarian interior gesturing towards the country's rich cultural heritage. Start or finish off with a shot of rakia - a local variety of brandy.

• Web:

  www.moma-restaurant.com

• Address:

  28 Solunska Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 885622020

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am-11.30pm

Panorama Restaurant

Located at the reputable Marinela Hotel, Panorama is an upscale dining establishment with a view - but do book in advance to ensure being seated by the window. Cuisine served is European, with a special emphasis on seafood. Evening dining is accompanied with live piano music.

• Web:

  www.kempinski.com

• Address:

  100 James Bourchier Blvd., Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 868 6096

Bar FlipFlop

FlipFlop is one of the newest additions to Sophia's bar scene. The hip venue serves a range of beers and cocktails, and is a real magnet for the twenty-something crowd. Sundays are reserved for "lazy Indie nights", and DJ sets are hosted on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Web:

  www.barflipflop.tumblr.com

• Address:

  61 Oborishte Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 87 780 6997

• Opening hours:

  Sun 11am-12am, Mon-Sat 10am-12am

Bedroom Premium Club

Sofia's prime nightlife venue, the Bedroom is one of the leading clubs on the capital's party scene. With its incredible dance shows, excellent drinks and impeccable service, the club is currently the to-be place for the young and beautiful of Sofia and beyond.

• Web:

  www.bedroom.bg/sofia

• Address:

  2 Lege Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 88 886 0666

Club Mixtape 5

Sofia's underground music and event venue, Mixtape 5 keeps its hand on the pulse and regularly hosts both well-established and up-and-coming musicians, playing in genres ranging from reggae to hip hop to electronic music. The venue is spacious, which prevents overcrowding. Smoking not allowed.

• Address:

  1 Bulgaria Blvd., Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 88 530 5589

DADA Cultural Bar

The "cultural" in the bar's name stands for the frequently held performances, music sets, readings, and other social events held within its walls. It's a great place to grab an evening drink in a pleasant, artsy atmosphere. Check the website to see what's on when you're in town.

• Web:

  https://dadabar.me

• Address:

  10 Benkovski, Sofia

Hambara Bar

The tucked away gem of a bar might be quite hard to locate. Walk down a small alley and seek out a door with no identifying sign on it, give it a knock and wait to be let into the candle-lit space of this underground bar. The absence of electricity truly creates a unique atmosphere.

• Address:

  6 Septemvri Street, Sofia

J.J. Murphy's

J.J. Murphy's is a cosy pub that was first founded in Cork, Ireland but has expanded all the way to Sofia. Enjoy live music while sipping on a pint, or come here and watch a football match. Live music shows are put on every now and then. There is a garden designated for smokers.

• Web:

  www.jjmurphys.bg

• Address:

  6 Karnigradska Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 980 2870

Art Club Museum

This café is located just behind the Archaeological Museum. One of its main draws is the spacious, airy outdoor seating area. The cafe serves light snacks, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and some substantial foods. Alcoholic drinks and cocktails are on offer.

• Address:

  2 Saborna Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 980 6664

Before & After

The cafe's charming Art Nouveau interior is an attraction in itself, and the varied food and drink menu only adds to the establishment's appeal. The cafe is adjacent to a cabaret, and tango sessions are held every Sunday at 6pm. Located in the central Oborishte area.

• Address:

  12 Hristo Belchev, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 29816088

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 8.30am-10pm, Sun 11am-10.30pm

Ciccione Panini Bar

The Ciccione Panini Bar offers a wide range of Italian-inspired light meals and snacks. In the summer, the courtyard-like covered seating area is ideal for a quick lunch break or even an evening glass of wine. The cafe operates on a self-service basis.

• Web:

  www.ciccione.bg

• Address:

  6 Hristo Belchev Street, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 882503040

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 8am-11.45pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11.30pm

Confetti

Far not the only ice cream shop in town, Confetti does stand out for the quality and freshness of its ice creams and the impressive variety of flavors. There are definitely plenty of desserts to choose from, including cheesecake, tiramisu, and other cake varieties.

• Address:

  4 Graf Ignatiev, Sofia

• Phone:

  +359 2 988 4444

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 8am-8.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8.30pm

Memento Cafe

The cafe's location on the main pedestrian boulevard and the cushy outside seating area makes it a perfect place to shoot the breeze and people-watch. Come for coffee or tea during day time and excellent cocktails at night, when guest DJs play groovy sets.

• Web:

  www.memento.cafe/en

• Address:

  32 Vitosha Blvd., Sofia

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 8am-2am, Sat 9am-3am, Sun 10am-2am

Rainbow Factory

Small, cosy cafe with a modern air to it, the Rainbow Factory serves solid sandwiches and food, but what keeps customers coming back for more are, beyond doubt, the incredible desserts served here. Serves set breakfasts and specialty coffees, rumored to be of rather high quality.

• Address:

  Veslets Street 10, Sofia

• Phone:

  +35 924440556

• Opening hours:

  Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm