Baalbeck, near the corner of Graf Ignatief and Diakon Ignatii streets, Tel 9870907
Go past the take-away operation to the small restaurant upstairs, to find an excellent choice of popular items of Lebanese cuisine. Affordable.
Beyond the Alley Behind the Cupboard, 31 Budapest St, Tel 983 55 81
A perennial favourite, this restaurant is housed in a renovated turn-of-the-century house with a large garden out front. The garden is as elegant and stylish as the Sezession restaurant, with wide linen canopies and fig trees. Imaginative international cuisine, laid-back service.
Bitburger, 20 Stefan Karadja St, Tel 9819665
Terrific if you're a fan of wurst and beer, and a quite civilised version of a German-style beer hall. Suitable for convivial business lunches and a fun evening out. Service unobtrusive and efficient.
Bulgari, Knyaz Dondukov Blvd, Tel 435419
Boasting one of the largest gardens in Sofia, Bulgari's menu is made up of almost entirely Bulgarian dishes. Passable service, large portions, wonderful setting.
Bulgarian Conspiracy (Bulgarska Zavera), 87 Tsar Samuel, Tel 981 1005
Instant ambience in an 80-year-old cellar, conversation-piece artifacts, with a menu quite international in scope, rather than just traditional Bulgarian. Prices average for this class of restaurant.
Chevermeto, 31 Cherny Vrah Blvd, Tel 963 03 08; 66 17 79
The Bulgarian restaurant Chevermeto combines authentic interior with traditional Bulgarian meals, prepared from old national recipes. Chevermeto also hosts folklore show.
Cleopatra, Lozenets, 2 Zlatovrah St. Near the Belgian Embassy, Velchova Zavera Sq, Tel 862 1001
Cleopatra hosts receptions and large dinner parties, as the tables can be combined in almost any arrangement to accommodate just about any size gathering. Offers fancy decoration and interior, creating posh ambience.
L'incontro, 24 Assen Zlatarev St, Tel 463557
L'incontro has extended onto the pavement on Assen Zlatarev St., even going so far as to build a little terrace there. The restaurant offers Italian cuisine, predominantly pizzas and pastas, though we particularly like the hot starters. A good and inexpensive venue for lunch if you work in the Doctor's Garden area.
Dany's, 18a Angel Kunchev St, Tel 9874548
Dr Faust, 4 Budapest Street, Tel 9874120
Named after Goethe's account of the Dr Faust legend, as the restaurant faces the Goethe Institute. The menu was devised by famous chef George Armenkov. It features a number of vegetarian dishes.
Fiesta, 16 Saint Nedelya Square, Tel 9873476
Advertised as a pizza restaurant, Fiesta also offers a range of Mexican dishes, although they are not very spicy. A limited range of desserts. Understaffed, making service slow.
Golden Grill (Zlatna Skara), 90 Buxton Blvd, Tel 9559394
Serbian cuisine. Popular with well-heeled Sofians and an increasing number of foreigners. Impeccable service. Good for meat-lovers, and portions are giant-sized.
Krim, 17 Slavyanska St, Tel 981 0666
One of the few restaurants that was around before the arrival democracy, Krim exudes an air of old-school elegance and service, Krim still fills up with Bulgaria's political and business elite winter and summer alike. A long menu offers Bulgarian, Russian and International cuisine in very large portions.
Krivoto, 10 Hristo Georgiev St (behind Sofia University), Tel 9438403
Krivoto can be found at two more locations in Sofia. It offers mainly fast food, but also salads, pasta, and grilled meat dishes. Suitable for quick, casual dining.
La Capannina, 9 Narodno Subranie Square, Tel 9804438
La Capannina has made the most of the extra-wide pavement on Narodno Subranie Square to bring the small but stylish restaurant outside. Besides a menu of authentic Italian dishes, you can also find ciabatta sandwiches to take out and the most delicious cakes and biscuits in town. The view of the Parliament building with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral behind it is unbeatable.
La Casa, 158 Vitosha Blvd, Tel 952 3755
Cosy Italian Bistro at the far end of Vitosha Boulevard. The restaurant also serves Bulgarian food.
La Commanderie, French Restaurant, 3 Han Asparuh St, Tel/Fax: 952 6176
Our French chef proposes authentic French cuisine in a classy, warm environment. Closed Saturday lunch and all day Sunday. For reservations, please call 952 61 76.
L'etranger, 78 Tsar Simeon St, Tel 088 752 3376
Now in larger premises, this French-style bistro keeps diners posted of its menu updates by an ever-changing list on a chalk board.
Lozenetz, Hotel Lozenetz, 23 Saint Naum St, Tel 9654444
Offers traditional Bulgarian dishes, as well as dishes typical for a Western steakhouse. The restaurant is rather expensive. In the summer the restaurant features tiled patio for outside dining.
Machu Picchu, 24 Slavianska St, Tel 988 3525
Mexican cuisine, along with traditional Bulgarian favourites. Not the best Mexican cuisine in the world, but perhaps the best in Sofia. Convivial and not too pricey.
Mahaloto, 51 Vassil Levski Blvd, Tel 0887 617972
Attractive decor, a good classic Bulgarian/international cuisine selection, a venue suitable for business lunches, intimate dining, or sharing with a large group of friends.
Mamma Mia, 39 Tsar Ivan Shishman St, Tel 981 2727
Distant tables and soft music contribute to the intimate atmosphere. Offers a variety of dishes.
Manastirska Magernitsa, 67 Han Asparuh St
A 'Hansel and Gretel' garden in front of a fairy tale house. Opened this year, 'The Monastery Kitchen' prides itself on serving old and forgotten Bulgarian dishes that few have had the chance to try.
Moderato, 6 Atanas Dalchev St, Iztok district, Tel 9700111
Extremely classy in terms of interior design, polite and attentive waiters, and for all that with prices more reasonable than might be expected from the surroundings. Check for special dishes not listed on the menu. An extensive, international-style menu.
Nov Standart, 34 Shipka St, Tel 944 7777
Recently-established but already popular, with plenty of seating, good service, and reasonable prices. Menu offers international cuisine. Decor modern, music not too loud.
Okonomiyaki, corner of Ivan Assen II and Svetoslva Terter streets. Tel 8468896.
Taking its name from the Japanese word for restaurant, this restaurant offers diners the choice of ingredient for their pancakes. Relaxed atmosphere; booking essential.
On the Cherry-tree Tavern, 1 James Bourchier Blvd, Tel 0889432125
Hidden little restaurant, decorated in traditional manner with wood and stone. The Tavern offers reasonably priced traditional dishes.
Onda Coffee Break, 8 Benkovski St, and at Metro Cash and Carry
A popular choice for breakfast or just to pop in for coffee and a croissant, also selling a wide choice of packaged sandwiches.
Orient Express, 11 Krakra St, Tel 655444
While it has menus in Bulgarian and English, the latter is so badly translated as to be incomprehensible. The garden dining area is lovely in summer, but the fare is of mixed quality and the service is slow.
Pano, 18 Oborishte St, Tel 468 687
Pano offers a few tables on the pavement on Oborishte St, fenced off from passers-by with small cypress trees. Pano's predominantly Mediterranean-influenced menu and high standards mean it can be difficult to find a table either inside or out.
Panorama BBQ, Radisson SAS, Narodno Subranie Square
At night, the lights from the Parliament building and Alexander Nevski Cathedral, provide a great background for a pleasant evening sitting outside, high enough where it's a little cooler and more comfortable. Panorama has a great antipasti buffet filled with a variety of meat and vegetables, but the high point of the menu is the selection of real American steaks.
Panorama Window Over Sofia, Kempinski Hotel, 100 James Bouchier Blvd, Tel 686 096
Reputedly one of the best restaurants in Sofia, it is also one of the most expensive. You will be paying not only for the high quality of the cuisine but also for one of the best views in the city. International dishes are on offer.
Pchela, 2 Sveti Sedmochislenitci St, Tel 9631392
Slightly off the beaten track in Lozenets, Pchela has long been a favourite for discreet business lunches. The interior is large and quiet with separate booths for each table. Bulgarian and international cuisine.
Peter I, 2 Pozitano St, Tel 980 65 77
The restaurant offers wide variety of Russian specialties such as pelmeni, patties, blini, vareniki, Napoleon cake prepared by experienced Russian chefs. You could also taste genuine Russian vodka and enjoy the programme performed by Russian musicians and dancers.
Phoenicia, Zone B5, Tel 929 3641
On of Sofia's gem in terms of original Lebanese food and specialities. Known for its live music and entertainment programme, the place is a favourite among foreigners and tourists. The famous parsley salad is one of kind offered there.
Pri Miro, 34 Murphy St, Tel 9437127
Said to be the most authentic Serbian restaurant in Sofia. The menu is so large that it almost overwhelms. Dishes are 'Balkan-man-sized,' our reviewer said. Prices are on the high side.
Pri Orlite, 11 Vassil Levski St, Tel 981 5000
Pri Orlite is 18 floors up in the Ministry of Transport and really does show you the whole of Sofia. The nighttime view is "peerless" and is a must if you are trying to impress a guest. International cuisine dominates the menu. Prices are hefty.
Pri Yafata, 28 Solunska St, Tel 980 1727
Done in the style of a traditional mehana, this well-established restaurant is popular among foreigners for its large portions, reasonable portions, and live traditional Balkan region music.
Ramayana, 32 Hristo Belchev St, Tel 088 892 533
Sofia's only Indian Restaurant has a large and leafy back garden which offers an intimate setting with tables spaced far apart. Owned by an Indian couple, Ramayana is the only place to taste authentic Indian cuisine in Sofia, albeit watered down for Bulgarian tastebuds. Prices very reasonable.
Rio, 1 Bulgaria Square close to the National Palace of Culture, Tel 9166 777
The new Rio Restaurant offers to its clients Rodizio - a unique Brazilian way for serving food. Features Brazilian music and nicely separated green corners. Suitable for business meetings.
Schweik 1A Vitosha Blvd, Tel 988 82 40
Schweik offers high quality beer in combination with a selection of international cuisine. Live music, DJ parties and setting representing elements of the lifestyle of different beer nations. Schweik pub is named after the famous Czech national mascot, the good soldier Schweik.
Seasons, Hilton Hotel, 1 Bulgaria Blvd, Tel 933 5000
It's hard to tell you are in the centre of Sofia when you sit on the large gem of a terrace that looks out onto the park behind the modern Hilton hotel. Impeccably stylish, the restaurant offers modern, fresh and delicious food, combining flavours from all over the world.
Sky Food, 3 Vassil Levski Blvd
Rated as the best Chinese restaurant in Sofia by our reviewer, this is one of the few that do not totally alter the food to pander to the Bulgarian love of salt. Dishes are well presented, chopsticks are also available. There is no natural light in the restaurant, which can make it dreary in summer. Good value for money.
Sweet Dreams, 50A Alabin St (first floor), Tel 9808163
A vegetarian restaurant that opened for business in March, on offer is a rich variety of fare at rock-bottom prices. Our reviewer found it to be 'surely the healthiest place to eat in town'. A good ventilation system keeps the smoke away.
Taj Mahal, 181 Rakovski St, Tel 9873632
This Indian-themed restaurant acquits itself well with a comprehensive list of all the standard favourites. Good for an intimate dinner with friends.
Tambuktu, 10 Aksakov St, Tel 988 1234
A fish restaurant with neo-African decor, efficient service, and - predictability, given that Sofia is 400km from the sea - high prices
Tasty World, 9 Oborishte St, Tel 0888 208 060
International cuisine as well as Bulgarian dishes. A wide range of dishes, with menus in English and Bulgarian, but a small wine selection. Main courses, and the desserts, are to be recommended.
Tazka, 45 Krastyo Sarafov St, Tel 9630052, 0888028327
Lebanese restaurant, offering Middle Eastern cuisine at reasonable prices
The Czech Club in Bulgaria, Krakra St
Cheap, filling, traditional Czech cuisine, in plain surroundings. This restaurant, established for many years, has a hard-core following of regulars and tables can be at a premium.
The House with the Clock, 15 Moskovska St, Tel 987 5656
Undoubtedly one of the best locations in Sofia with a garden restaurant. The House with the Clock is on the quiet part of Moskovska St opposite the Royal Palace, the house itself is a gem. Tables are spaced far apart in the garden's lush greenery and are well fitted inside. International cuisine.
The Thirties (30te Godini), 47 Cherkovna St, Tel 8437679
Opened last year in a house dating from the 1920s, The Thirties honours the traditions of elegant dining. A large wine list, exhaustive and imaginative range of salads, a main course served in generous portions, and the dessert menu caters well for foreign tastes.
The Twelve Chairs, 12 Doctor G Vulkovich S,. Tel 9892120
The Veggie Home, 10 Patriarch Evtimii St, Tel 9815677
The Veggie Home serves variety of health food. It offers cosy atmosphere with good food presentation and serving. Reasonable prices.
TM, 34 Yuri Venelin St, Tel 989 1212
Turkish restaurant in a beautifully decorated house close to the Turkish Embassy. Excellent appetisers, limited main course selection of mostly lamb or chicken dishes.
Toronto Pizza, Velchova Zavera Blvd, Tel 8665111
Small pizza place, serving Canadian-recipe pizza. The menu features salads and burgers, apart from pizza. Reasonable prices.
Uno Enoteca, 45 Vassil Levski Blvd, Tel 981 4372
Vagabond, 5 Svetoslav Terter St, Tel 944 1465
Serving Bulgarian and Russian cuisine in a plain setting, small enough to be cosy, but this also means reservations are a good idea. A small menu, but the quality of the food is excellent.
Vkusnoto Kebapche, 14 San Stefano St, Tel 8462027
Offers a number of traditional dishes, with emphasis on grilled meat.
Zad Teatera, 6 Ivan Vazov St, Tel: 9801539
A tranquil oasis offering international cuisine in an elegant setting. Extensive wine list, and one of the largest dessert selections in Sofia. Booking recommended.
1001 Nights, Narodno Subranie Square, Radisson SAS, Tel 9880109
Lebanese cuisine in an oriental setting. The crowing glory of 1001 Nights is the musical troupe that performs every weekend evening after 11pm. A trained belly dancer dances to the music of local and imported musicians to create a traditional oriental atmosphere.
