Hadjidraganovite Izbi – Bulgarian Wine Cellar with Live Folk Music near Vitosha Blvd

The story starts with Hadji Dragan - a 19th-century wool merchant who built four Revival houses in Sofia and kept a private cellar beneath them where he aged wine from across Bulgaria. Few guests were ever invited down. The cellar has been restored and opened as a restaurant, and the atmosphere it creates is unlike anything above ground in this part of the city.

Stone walls, old barrels lining the room, carved wooden furniture, Kotlen rugs on the sofas, and the faint smell of aged wine. The music starts in the evening - a live folk trio that fills the stone space with a warmth you don't get in larger venues. 

The wine list is entirely Bulgarian, selected by the house, and the staff can help you choose. The menu runs to over 60 dishes, all traditional, all cooked on fire, plate, or in an oven. On warm days the inner courtyard garden opens as an alternative - a different atmosphere but equally worth it.

What is the difference between Hadjidraganovite Izbi and Hadjidraganovite Kashti?
Same historical origin — both connected to Hadji Dragan — but two separate restaurants with different characters. Izbi is an underground wine cellar: intimate, stone walls, candlelight, focused on Bulgarian wine. Kashti is the complex of Revival houses above ground: larger, more architectural, more of a grand experience. Choose Izbi for an intimate evening, Kashti for a group or a special occasion.

Is the wine at Hadjidraganovite Izbi only Bulgarian?
Yes — the wine list is exclusively Bulgarian, selected by the house. If you don't know Bulgarian wine, tell the staff your preference and they'll guide you. The house red is a reliable starting point.

When is there live music?
Live folk music every evening except Monday, 20:00 – 23:00. A live folk trio plays in the cellar — the stone walls give the sound a warmth that larger venues can't replicate. Come after 20:00 for the full experience.

Does the kitchen stay open late?
The restaurant is open until 23:30 but some reviewers note the kitchen closes around 22:00 on certain evenings. If you're planning a late dinner, mention it when you book through SoFun and we'll confirm the kitchen hours for your date.

Is Hadjidraganovite Izbi good for wine lovers?
It's one of the better options in Sofia for exploring Bulgarian wine in a setting that matches it. The list covers different regions and styles — staff can walk you through the options. Pair it with the lamb or the pork shank for the full experience.

Can I book without a SoFun Card?
Yes — SoFun handles reservations for everyone. The card just adds the 5% discount on your bill.

How is booking through SoFun different from calling directly?
SoFun confirms your table and passes on any special requests. If anything changes — time, group size, cancellation — you message us on WhatsApp and we sort it.