The restaurants below have been grouped into four different price categories:
$$$$ (over €50) (over 100 Lev)
$$$ (€30 to 50) (60 to 100 Lev)
$$ (€15 to 30) (30 to 60 Lev)
$ (up to €15) (up to 30 Lev)
The prices quoted above are for an average three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or cheapest equivalent; they do not include tax or tip. Reservations are recommended wherever possible; in the case of upscale and popular restaurants, they are essential.

La Capannina
With striking views of the Parliament and Aleksandar Nevski Memorial Church, this authentic Italian cuisine is probably the best in Bulgaria. With hot and cold antipasti, veal, fresh pasta and a top-notch wine list, this place is a real treat. Reservations essential.

Ploshtad Narodno Sabranie 9
Tel: (02) 980 4438.
Price: $$$$

Pri Yafata
Typical Bulgarian cuisine in a colourful mehana (tavern) this is a great place to try cavarma (hearty pork and vegetable casserole) and shashlink (mixed barbecued meats). The large selection of top local wines is perfectly accompanied with live folk music nightly. Reservations recommended.

Corner of ulitsa Solunska and Tzar Assen
Tel: (02) 980 1727.
Price: $$-$$$

Before & After
In renovated 1920s style, this ancient house is a haven for artists, musicians and journalists. Serving good-value food all day, it is popular for its cocktails, light lunch, chicken dishes and creme brulée. Great fun.

Ulitsa Hristo Belchev 12
Tel: (02) 981 6088.
Price: $$

Pod Lipite
Located southwest of the centre, this is a wonderful place to sample traditional local dishes in a typical busy mehana, and a garden for the warmer months. Service is friendly, and there is live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ulitsa Erin Perin 1
Tel: (02) 866 5053.
Price: $$

Dream House
Located inside a small shopping arcade, this is one of Sofia's few vegetarian restaurants. Its large menu has salads, soups and local dishes, plus a nudge towards Asian flavours. Cool, fresh decor, this is popular at lunchtime.

1/F, ulitsa Alabin 50A
Tel: (02) 980 8163.
Website: www.dreamhouse-bg.com
Price: $