Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s most artistic city nestled among diverse mountainous landscapes. It is known for the country’s most notable archaeological museum as well as the colorful streets of the ancient city. Plovdiv, built at the foot of the Sienite Hills, was one of the earliest cities to be settled in Europe. The city still contains remnants of ancient Roman rule in the country. With a large population living in the city and many tourists coming to experience the historical essence of the city, abundant bars and restaurants have emerged to serve the most delightful food. Plovdiv Restaurant Focus mainly on their traditional Bulgarian cuisine and Bavarian beer. However, some international dishes can also be found on their versatile menu.
10 amazing restaurants in Plovdiv
Here is a list of the best Plovdiv restaurants that will definitely leave anyone asking for more. Make sure you dine at at least 5 of these to taste the best Bulgarian cuisine.
1. sidewalk
Located in the Kapana district of the Old Town, Pavaz is a cozy place that serves the best Bulgarian food. The restaurant was modified from an old house to serve quality food to customers. This intimate restaurant, which opened a few years ago, has already won several awards and certifications. The restaurant believes in using the freshest produce for cooking and their attention to detail is impeccable. Fast-selling items on their menu are pork ribs, veal and beef dishes and house-made ice cream. The menu also has a list of the finest Balkan Rakia that everyone should definitely try. Since the place is small, seating is limited and hence reservations are recommended.
Place: Zlatarska No. 7, Kapana District, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 1500 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
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2. Tuxedo
Smokin’ is one of the most recommended restaurants in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Its interiors have a classy charm and the restaurant believes in giving a bold take on traditional Bulgarian cuisine. They are extremely vegetarian-friendly and have plenty of Mediterranean and European dishes to choose from on the menu. The chefs of this restaurant always believe in experimenting and bringing new dishes to the customers. Everything in this restaurant is top class, including the food. Food portions are appropriate and colourful. Reservations are required to dine at this restaurant.
Place: Otets Passi Street 12, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: INR 2000
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
3. Restaurant India
The only Indian restaurant in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Restaurant India is known for its delicious food. The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and colourful, filled with traditional furniture and sculptures and with light classical tunes playing in the background. It is known for its tandoori dishes and lentil soups. The food is served in traditional kadai and the waiters are extremely polite. It is one of the few halal restaurants in Plovdiv. Vegetarians can breathe a sigh of relief as there is plenty to choose from on their menu. The restaurant also organizes public events for the Indian community from time to time.
Place: Petko Karavelov Street 34, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 2500 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5
Review
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4. Chinese Restaurant Gardjika
Although there are plenty of sushi bars in Plovdiv, it is surprising that Chinese restaurants in Plovdiv are limited to just one or two. This restaurant is famous for serving the best Chinese and Asian cuisine in Bulgaria. Located in the city center, this Chinese restaurant is famous for its large portion sizes and reasonable prices. The most frequently ordered dishes are the sweet and sour pork and entree menus. The ingredients used are fresh and the staff is friendly.
Place: Ulitsa Pobeda 1, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 1000 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Review
5. Little Paris
The most beautiful restaurant in Plovdiv is Le Petit Paris. Known for its delicious Italian cuisine, it is one of the best Italian restaurants in Plovdiv. The ambiance of the restaurant takes you back to the city of lights and love – Paris. It has an indoor room as well as a garden layout where a small Eiffel Tower can be seen in one corner. The restaurant is famous for its pasta dishes and baked vegetable casseroles from the Italian menu. Apart from these, the steak and onion soup sells out quickly. One should also try their special menu consisting of Mushroom and Thyme Ravioli. The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan-friendly and thus it has something to serve every type of customer.
Place: Mladejka Street 28, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 3000 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
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6. Casual Hill
An outdoor restaurant with a panoramic view of the hills and valley in the artsy area of Plovdiv, Rahat Tepe takes the top spot for the most fuss-free and beautiful atmosphere. This is quite a popular restaurant in the city and is packed with people, which is why reservations are highly recommended. It is known for its barbecue dishes and Bavarian beer. The dishes are homemade, simple and fresh. It is a place to hang out with friends, which is why weekends get busy.
Place: Dr. Chomakov 18, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 2500 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Review
7. Philippopolis
It is a modern fine dining restaurant in the Old Town. The garden terrace offers a beautiful view of the city and the mountains of Europe. The restaurant focuses on European and fusion cuisine. It is well stocked with fine wines and rakia and is frequented by Plovdiv’s high profile community. Octopus and salmon dishes as well as polenta and tagliatelle are must-tries here. Housed in an art gallery, this restaurant hosts many public events. Even on a quiet weekday, the restaurant arranges live musical performances to entertain its customers.
Place: Saborn Street 29, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 4500 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Review
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8. Hemingway
One of the city’s most elegant restaurants, Hemingway’s is a popular Mediterranean restaurant. The restaurant also serves contemporary European and Bulgarian cuisine. The interior of the restaurant is extremely chic, while the outdoor seating provides diners with a view of the countryside. The service is top notch and the ambiance is perfect for a romantic date. Appetizers and soups are a must here. It’s vegetarian-friendly and has plenty of options on the menu to choose from. Its location in the city is ideal for tourists as it can be easily visited in the city centre.
Place: ul. General Gurko 10, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 3500 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
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9. Salt and Pepper
With its beautiful decor and Michelin star restaurant quality food, Salt & Pepper steals the spotlight from other Mediterranean restaurants in Plovdiv. Located right across from the Regional Archaeological Museum, Salt & Pepper dominates other restaurants in the city. The restaurant is packed with tourists most of the time and hence reservation here is highly recommended. The food here receives the highest praise and is perfect for both business dinners and romantic date nights. The menu is vegetarian-friendly and the desserts are amazing. Each dish comes with carefully decorated colorful presentations that reflect the artistic vibrancy of the city.
Place: Khan Kubrat Street 1, 2nd floor, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
Cost for two: 5000 rupees
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
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Plovdiv is a city that welcomes tourists from every part of the world and is excellent at hosting them. The city is very rich in terms of food and lifestyle and this can be seen when one goes to a bar or restaurant. These Plovdiv restaurants exceed all expectations and satisfy every taste that visits the city. Plan your trip to Europe with TourTravelHotels and visit the culinary capital of Bulgaria to experience their artistic approach to food.
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