10 of the best places in Sofia to grab a quick bite

Cheesus

Around the corner from the Regional History Museum and some fascinating Roman ruins, you’ll find this recently opened gem which serves very generously sized, incredibly tasty toasties. I tried the grilled cheese with pulled beef, and gobbled it up even though I was full after two-thirds of it because it was THAT good. I can’t wait to go back and try one of the other 6 mouth-watering flavours.

The Sando Shop

Another place serving up some bready goodness, you’ll find The Sando Shop close to the famous “Grafa” street where the trams run. They’re Japanese inspired, and you’ll find everything from chicken katsu to miso eggplant sandos as well as a few other offerings. But what I didn’t expect to be the star of the show, was the ramen. One a cold winter’s day, it felt like a warm hug. The flavours packed a punch.

Mangia Station

If you’re looking for some good old Mexican food, look no further than Mangia Station on Patriarch Evtimiy, close to the National Palace of Culture. A hole in the wall, portions are on the small end, but still worth checking it out if you’re craving a burrito, quesadilla, taco, or burger, with loads of options for toppings.

Beshamel

If you want to try some authentic Bulgarian cuisine in a casual setting, without the price tag, it’s time to make your way to Beshamel. You’ll find stuffed peppers, sarmi and chicken and rice, just to name a few, for 6.80 leva each. There’s one one Hristo Botev street and a couple others around the city. Tip: come after 5 pm to get 50% off!

Mekitsi i Kafe

Along with banitsa and printsesi, mekitsi are one of my favourite Bulgarian breakfast foods…which can be eaten at any time of the day. Choose from the multitude of toppings and sit upstairs while enjoying your snack with a view of Grafa street.

Fresh Pasta to Go

I ordered the carbonara from here and was not disappointed – an authentic recipe with guanciale and Parmigiano Reggiano. The pasta is made fresh daily and your food is prepared in 3 minutes. No better option for a quick dinner if you’re craving Italian.

Rotana Doner

If you’re after a quick, no-frills lunch option, look no further than Rotana Döner on Graf Ignatiev. I’ve only ever ordered the falafel kebab here but it always leaves me wanting seconds, even when I’m full. There’s another one if you follow the tram line in the direction of the Borisova Garden. I like to sit on a bench by the nearby church of The Seven Saints while munching.

Gevrek Bagels

I ordered the Don Peperone from here and it was made fresh to order. The bagel itself was delicious and the filling was good – I’m not a big fan of cream cheese so I enjoyed that it wasn’t too overpowering. For 10 leva it’s a good choice for breakfast, and when I went there was a bunch of people waiting so I know it’s popular with the locals too.

Blue Taste Poke

I think a light, fresh option on this list is due. Well, I have just the right recommendation. The other day I stumbled across Blue Taste Poke on Vitosha Boulevard and ordered the ‘Cooked bowl’ with salmon and shrimp and was pleasantly surprised with how fresh it tasted. It is one of the more expensive options on this list and didn’t keep me full for too long but I do also have the appetite of a horse.

Caruso Focaccieria

There was a such a delicious offering of sandwiches that it took me a few minutes to decide which one I liked best. I ended up going for the Italian Speck with homemade pesto, tomatoes and ricotta. For only 13.50 it was generously sized and a perfect flavour combination you can’t go wrong with. I ended up taking it to South Park to enjoy under the shade of the trees.