Get your card
Looking for real Bulgarian food in Sofia? These are the five traditional restaurants we book for our guests: one with a full folk show, two with a live folk band, and two quiet taverns for a relaxed meal. All are in the centre, most guests spend €20 to 35 each, and booking through us is free.
| Restaurant | Live music | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Chevermeto | ✓ Show nightly | €25–35 |
| Kashti | ✓ Wed to Mon | €25–35 |
| Izbi | ✓ Wed to Sun | €25–35 |
| Izbata | – None | €20–30 |
| Izbata 2 | – None | €20–30 |
1FOLK SHOWThe biggest show of the five. A folk singer opens at 20:00, the dance ensemble in regional costumes takes over at 20:30, and by the end of the night guests join the horo. Lamb from the spit is the house speciality, and there is free parking.
2HISTORIC HOUSESBuilt in 1866 by the merchant Hadji Dragan, each house follows the style of a different Bulgarian town. A folk band plays from 20:00 to 23:00 every evening except Tuesday, often moving between the tables, and in summer you eat in a courtyard under the vines.
3WINE CELLARStone walls, barrels and benches covered in Kotlen rugs, right in the centre. Folk musicians play from 20:00 to 23:00, Wednesday to Sunday, and the courtyard garden opens in summer. The most central of the music venues and an easy walk from most hotels.
4QUIET CELLARA few steps down from Slavyanska Street, under low ceilings and folk textiles. Recipes gathered from all over Bulgaria, a whole vegetarian section, a menu in 19 languages and Bulgarian wines from €3.50 a glass. Open daily until midnight.
5COVERED GARDENThe second restaurant of the Izbata team: the same recipes and prices as the original, 80 seats inside and a covered garden. Near Slaveykov Square, Vitosha Blvd and NDK, and a few minutes from the pedestrian part of Vitosha Blvd.
"One of the most beautiful evenings of our trip: a warm, authentic atmosphere, wooden interiors and folk art."
"Authentic atmosphere and friendly staff, with a good, varied choice at reasonable prices. Well worth the visit."
"Traditional live music after 8 pm, fantastic staff, delicious local dishes and a great wine selection. We loved it."
"A cosy basement with extraordinarily fresh food, kind service and an authentic house wine. Highly recommend!"
"A nice, typical Bulgarian atmosphere and good food. The local draft beer was very fresh and pleasant. Recommended!"
Tell us the restaurant, date, time and how many of you. We check availability and arrange the table. Booking is free and you pay the restaurant.
Book a table on WhatsApp
