What Food To Try in Sofia and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Sofia for 2024.
National currency: Bulgarian Lev, symbol — лв (international currency code BGN).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Sofia cafes and restaurants
$5.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $4.55
$22.8
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $17.07
$4.6
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.7
What to Try in Sofia
Must-try Dishes
Shopska Salad - Шопска салата (refreshing vegetable salad) - A mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted peppers, onions, and topped with crumbled white cheese. Locals enjoy it as a starter during summer, preferably with a glass of rakia before a hearty meal.Banichka - Баница (savory cheese pastry) - Flaky pastry filled with layers of cheese and eggs, baked until golden brown. You’ll find this delightful breakfast option at bakeries early in the morning, served hot and often accompanied by yogurt.
Gyuvetch - Гювеч (hearty baked stew) - A mixed meat and vegetable dish baked slowly in a ceramic pot, often featuring pork, beef, and seasonal veggies. This filling main course is a staple in Bulgarian homes and is perfect for family Sunday lunches.
Kachamak - Качамак (cornmeal porridge) - Creamy cornmeal cooked with butter and cheese, sometimes enriched with eggs or yogurt. It's a common local specialty, usually enjoyed for lunch or a comforting dinner, especially during chilly months.
Patatnik - Пататник (potato dish) - A unique blend of grated potatoes, onions, and spices, baked to a crispy golden texture. It’s often made for festive occasions, served warm as a main dish, and pairs well with yogurt.
Meshana Skara - Мешана скара (mixed grill) - A platter featuring a variety of grilled meats like kebab, sausages, and pork, often garnished with vegetables. Popular during summer barbecue gatherings, it’s usually shared among friends with plenty of bread.
Kapama - Капама (layered meat dish) - A layered dish of meats, rice, and cabbage, stewed slowly to let flavors meld together. Often prepared during special celebrations or family gatherings, it’s perfect for warmth during winter months.
Sauteed Mushrooms - Гъби на скара (grilled mushrooms) - Marinated mushrooms stuffed with herbs and grilled to a smoky tenderness. A favorite street food option, they are easy to find at food markets and make for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Desserts & Drinks
Ayran - Айран (yogurt drink) - A refreshing blend of yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, served chilled. Locals love to enjoy Ayran with grilled meats or during hot summer days to cool off. Boza - Боза (fermented grain beverage) - A sweet, thick drink made from fermented millet, often garnished with cinnamon and peanuts. Best sipped during the winter months, it’s a nostalgic choice for many, particularly on snowy evenings at cozy cafés.
Banitsa - Баница (cheese pastry) - A flaky pastry filled with a mix of eggs and local cheese, baked until golden. You’ll often see locals buying slice after slice, especially for breakfast, paired with a yogurt drink for a satisfying start to the day.
Baklava - Баклава (sweet pastry) - Layers of thin pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup, perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Easter. Enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, the rich, sweet flavors make it a favorite for family gatherings.
Ice Cream - Сладолед (frozen dessert) - Rich and creamy, Sofia's ice cream is made with high-quality milk and unique flavors like rose or white chocolate with nuts. Found at every street corner, locals savor it during hot evenings, often topped with fresh fruit or chocolate drizzle.
Food and Groceries in Sofia
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $0.52 |
| Oranges | $1.17 |
| Potatoes | $0.56 |
| Apples | $1.04 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.49 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.69 |
| Imported Beer | $1.09 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $4.27 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $4.99 |
| Cigarettes | $2.93 |
| Rice | $1.27 |
| Local Cheese | $5.11 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
You can often see locals lining up at street food vendors around lunchtime, especially near the bustling markets or high foot-traffic areas like Vitosha Boulevard, where a delicious banitsa—a traditional pastry stuffed with cheese—is a go-to for many. Typically, lunch is served from 12 PM to 2 PM, and you’ll want to grab your meal earlier rather than later if you prefer to avoid the rush.
Prices for meals can vary widely depending on where you are. In the more touristy parts of Sofia, like around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a sit-down meal may cost anywhere from 30 to 50 BGN (Bulgarian Lev). However, if you hop to a less frequented area, you can find similar meals for around 15 to 25 BGN. For instance, I paid about 20 BGN for lunch yesterday at a cozy local spot where they serve fantastic grilled meats and fresh salads. There's definitely a noticeable difference if you venture off the beaten path.
When it comes to payment, credit cards are widely accepted, but many people still prefer cash, especially at smaller establishments or food stalls. It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand just in case, as some places may not have the best card facilities. Tipping is customary, with rounding up the bill or adding a small percentage (usually around 10%) being the norm.
An interesting dining custom here is the gathering at “sups” on Sunday evenings where families come together to enjoy hearty soups or stews. This cultural emphasis on family meals sets a warm tone in the community. Yet, one common tourist mistake is not taking into consideration local meal timings, particularly dinner, which begins around 7 PM but can stretch much later in the evening.
If you plan to dine in popular areas like the trendy neighborhood of Doctor’s Garden or in the vibrant Student’s Town, make a reservation, especially on weekends. These spots can fill up quickly, and it’s better to have your table secured.
As we approach the colder months, the food scene shifts significantly. Hearty meals become more popular, and you'll find local specialties like kavarma (a rich meat stew) making their way back onto menus. Seasonal price variations may occur, with some ingredients becoming more expensive during off-seasons, while certain comfort foods remain affordable and comforting. It’s an evolving landscape where the balance between quality and cost is constantly navigated by locals.
Prices for meals can vary widely depending on where you are. In the more touristy parts of Sofia, like around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a sit-down meal may cost anywhere from 30 to 50 BGN (Bulgarian Lev). However, if you hop to a less frequented area, you can find similar meals for around 15 to 25 BGN. For instance, I paid about 20 BGN for lunch yesterday at a cozy local spot where they serve fantastic grilled meats and fresh salads. There's definitely a noticeable difference if you venture off the beaten path.
When it comes to payment, credit cards are widely accepted, but many people still prefer cash, especially at smaller establishments or food stalls. It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand just in case, as some places may not have the best card facilities. Tipping is customary, with rounding up the bill or adding a small percentage (usually around 10%) being the norm.
An interesting dining custom here is the gathering at “sups” on Sunday evenings where families come together to enjoy hearty soups or stews. This cultural emphasis on family meals sets a warm tone in the community. Yet, one common tourist mistake is not taking into consideration local meal timings, particularly dinner, which begins around 7 PM but can stretch much later in the evening.
If you plan to dine in popular areas like the trendy neighborhood of Doctor’s Garden or in the vibrant Student’s Town, make a reservation, especially on weekends. These spots can fill up quickly, and it’s better to have your table secured.
As we approach the colder months, the food scene shifts significantly. Hearty meals become more popular, and you'll find local specialties like kavarma (a rich meat stew) making their way back onto menus. Seasonal price variations may occur, with some ingredients becoming more expensive during off-seasons, while certain comfort foods remain affordable and comforting. It’s an evolving landscape where the balance between quality and cost is constantly navigated by locals.