Where to eat in Sofia: 10 local food spots worth trying

I recently visited the Bulgarian capital, and the food scene really impressed me. From ruin cafes to modern kitchens, I was very intrigued by the food options. While the city itself may not be as attractive as other European capital cities, the food and drink spots definitely deserve your attention. Especially that most places sit within the very budget friendly category. This can be refreshing after visiting some well-known, Western European locations. So, I listed 10 food and drinks spots that I visited on my trip and would highly recommend to anyone who’s planning a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria. 

Keep reading to find some of the best food spots of the Bulgarian capital.

Before you dive into Sofia’s food scene, it’s worth remembering that great meals are part of travelling slowly and staying grounded. If you enjoy building small moments of calm into your trips, you can download my free Travel Wellness Routine Builder — a gentle resource with simple routines, grounding rituals, and check-ins to help you feel more present and at ease wherever you’re exploring.

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369 

Let’s start this post with some spots with some coffee shop options. 369 is a quirky, little cafe where you can grab a nice coffee and a bite to eat before you explore the city/get on with your day. It’s also laptop friendly, so perfect for digital nomads. 

Another city, another ideal location for digital nomads!

StayAwake.38 

I particularly loved the interior of this central cafe, there is a cozy, big window with pillows, perfect for people watching, and a beautiful space upstairs with a balcony and a co-working area. The atmosphere is rustic and equally elegant, giving the whole cafe a unique vibe. And of course the drinks are great too! I visited during the day for tea and coffee, but I believe they also offer cocktails, so it can be the perfect spot for some drinks in the evening too. 

Great coffee and rustic vibes

LATE Cafe and Roastery 

Another cafe that left me wanting to come back for more. This one is more modern, spacious and light fitted with beautiful big windows and a huge mirror. If the interiors are not convincing enough, there are some tasty sweet treats and great quality coffee. This cafe is located at the corner of a crossroads, so if you enjoy a slow morning/afternoon, watching people pass by with a nice, warm drink in hand, this is the perfect spot. It’s also very central, just a 3-4 minutes walk from the main cathedral of Sofia. 

I loved how bright and spacious this little corner spot felt!

718 

I am not sure what’s up with numbers and the food spots in Sofia, but many of the places I visited (and really liked) have a number in its name. This brunch spot is no exception, and this may mean something because the food, the atmosphere and the service were all great. If you’re looking for a cozy brunch spot, I can highly recommend visiting 718. 

I tried the pulled pork tacos, and it was amazing!

1920 

I told you, good food spots in Sofia are named after numbers. 1920 is no exception, this is a great food spot for any time of the day. It has a combination of local, Bulgarian and international dishes, so everyone will find something they love. Whether you’re looking for a great brunch spot or a nice place for dinner, you won’t be disappointed. 

Traditional dishes for breakfast:

Made in blue 

May be my favourite food spot in Sofia, specifically because of its interior and the atmosphere. This quirky, 3 storey building offers kind of an experience, the design and colours differs in each room, so depending on where you get a table, you get a different feel of this restaurant. The food also matches the energy of the restaurant, there is a great and unique variety of dishes to choose from. 

The pumpkin cheesecake was so creamy and light!

The beautiful stair-case was just one of the many details I loved about this place!

Meat 

If you are in the mood for some gourmet burgers or sandwiches, this is gonna be a spot you love. The burgers are tasty, the interior is minimalistic and the staff is friendly. This is the option between street food and fine dining. 

This spot will up your daily protein intake for sure!

Cinnamoms 

A unique concept; regular cinnamon buns combined with different toppings like tiramisu or mango. If you are looking for something sweet and unique, you may want to pay a visit to this corner of Sofia. One thing to note, it’s only for takeaway, so you won’t be able to sit inside. 

If you are craving something sweet!

COOKÓ Kitchen:Drinks

One of the perks of visiting underrated places is that prices for a fine dining experience may be much lower than elsewhere. Sofia is no exception, even nicer restaurants like this one are still within the affordable range. So, if you want to add one of these types of restaurants to your list, I can highly recommend COOKÓ Kitchen:Drinks, I especially loved the mocktails and the modern interior. 

Both, the dishes and the service were excellent!

Claire Bakery 

Another low-key spot if you want grab something sweet or sit inside for a hot drink. There are lots of biscuits, including local favourites, to choose from, and they are priced per kilo. Whether you grab something small for on the go, or sit inside for a little while to slow down, this central spot can be a perfect addition to your Sofia food spots list. 

Lots of treats to choose from!

+ 1: I loved visiting the Central Food Hall for some local food, although this is not a restaurant, you can certainly find some Bulgarian food options among the isles. 

Hope you enjoyed my list of where to eat in Sofia, I absolutely loved the culinary experiences that this city has to offer.