5 Best Traditional Bulgarian Restaurants in Sofia
September 20, 20235 Best International Food Places in Sofia
October 24, 2023Surprisingly for such a large city, Sofia’s breakfast and brunch scene was rather limited. Until recently. For many years local “grab and go” pastries (like banitsa) have been the dominant breakfast option for most locals. Fortunately, over the past decade we’ve seen several wonderful breakfast & brunch establishments open in the city center.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best breakfast and brunch places in Sofia that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Sweet and Salty Bakery Cafe
This cozy bakery in the heart of Sofia (right next to the Vitosha Boulevard) offers a wide variety of both Bulgarian and foreign brunch and breakfast classics such as fried french toast with filling, Bulgarian donuts or the traditional banitsa. Of course, you will also find favorites like eggs benedict, avocado toast, homemade granola and much more. Oh, and did we mention irresistible dessert options?
Sofiyska Banitsa
This one is for the lovers of those oldschool Bulgarian grab and go “banitsa” places. Don’t get tricked by the dodgy appearance. This place offers some of the best banitsa you’ll ever find. Combine it with ayran (yoghurt drink) or boza (fermented grains drink) and you are in for the typical Bulgarian breakfast experience. Banitsa is also a common option for an afternoon snack.
Image by Freepik
Le Soleil
Hidden under the shadow of the green trees you will find a little French heaven called Le Soleil. Le Soleil holds the secret to happiness – delicious freshly made crêpes and the best specialty coffee in town. Now that is a combination, which is hard to resist.
Crêpe lovers can satisfy their sweet tooth with various variations, such as Bonne Maman confiture, or the finest Belgian chocolate – Callebaut. For those who prefer something savory, Le Soleil will treat you with delicious veggie, cheese or meat options.
Gevrek – The Bagel Shop
This is the first dedicated bagel bakery in Sofia. It is situated next to the National Theater park and the Russian Church. They offer freshly baked hand rolled artisan New York style bagels, bagel sandwiches, coffee specialties, tea varieties, homemade lemonades, signature cream cheese spreads, gravlax, salads, cinnamon rolls, and seasonal sweets.
Gevrek is working with local farmers and producers and includes only the highest quality ingredients in all offered goods. There are vegetarian and vegan options available, as well a catering menu with mini bagels.
&Bread
&bread is the only place in Sofia where you can try a canelé – a thick caramelised crusty shell hiding a soft, mushy, custardy vanilla heart. Angels sing, and world peace awaits once you try one. They also do proper croissants from scratch as well as their own kombucha. Daily offerings might include egg sandwiches, gochujang cookies or a treacle tart. Saturdays come with specials such as a croque monsieur with their signature cube croissants and one-offs such as a blood orange polenta cake. And, as the name suggests, proper sourdough bread is the daily staple.
There’s always specialty coffee (Pressco roastery, Romania), and Bulgaria’s best craft beer (Sofia Electric Brewing). They’re not cheap, but certainly not expensive and above all – totally worth it.
In conclusion, Sofia offers a diverse array of breakfast and brunch spots to cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Bulgarian cuisine, health-conscious options, or unique themed cafes, you’re sure to find a place that suits your morning cravings. So, next time you’re in Sofia, be sure to explore these culinary gems and kickstart your day with a delightful breakfast or brunch experience. Your taste buds will thank you!
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