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Best Italian Restaurants in Sofia

Best Italian Restaurants in Sofia

Curated guide featuring 7 outstanding restaurants, all rated 4.5+ stars

Home › Where to Eat › Best Italian Restaurants in Sofia

Sofia's Italian restaurant scene is a delightful surprise that rivals some of Europe's most celebrated culinary destinations. The Bulgarian capital has embraced Italian cuisine with genuine passion, creating a vibrant dining landscape where traditional trattorias sit alongside innovative Italian-fusion concepts. What sets Sofia apart is the remarkable attention to authenticity – many establishments import ingredients directly from Italy while local chefs have trained in Naples, Rome, and Milan. The result is an impressive collection of restaurants where hand-rolled pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and carefully curated wine lists create dining experiences that transport you straight to the Italian peninsula.

This guide showcases 10 exceptional Italian restaurants that have earned their stellar reputations through consistent quality and memorable meals. Each spot featured here boasts ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, with some achieving nearly perfect scores from thousands of satisfied diners. From intimate family-run establishments serving grandmother's recipes to stylish modern venues reinventing classic dishes, you'll discover hidden gems tucked away on quiet side streets and celebrated favorites that have become Sofia institutions. Whether you're craving a perfect margherita pizza or an elegant osso buco, these carefully selected restaurants represent the very best of Italian dining in Bulgaria's dynamic capital.

Featured Restaurants

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
$$

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka

★★★★☆
4.5
(11,809 reviews)

This beloved Sofia institution on bustling Vitosha Boulevard has earned its stellar reputation through consistently excellent food and warm hospitality, as evidenced by nearly 12,000 glowing reviews. Travelers rave about the diverse menu offerings and vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Bulgarian dining culture. Snag a table during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the experience, as this popular spot can get quite busy during prime dining times.

Sofia Center, bul. Vitosha 27, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Piatto Collezione
$$

Piatto Collezione

★★★★☆
4.7
(3,145 reviews)

Piatto Collezione in Sofia's charming Old City Center has earned a stellar reputation among locals and travelers alike, with nearly 4.7 stars from over 3,000 reviews praising its diverse menu that caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. The restaurant's consistently high ratings suggest exceptional service and quality across their range of cuisines, making it a reliable choice for any dining occasion. Book ahead or arrive early, as this popular spot fills up quickly thanks to its outstanding reputation and prime location in the historic district.

Old City Center, ul. Verila 5, 1463 Sofia, Bulgaria
Pizzeria
$$

Pizzeria "Olio D'Oliva"

★★★★☆
4.7
(2,484 reviews)

Tucked away in Sofia's charming Old City Center, Pizzeria Olio D'Oliva has earned a stellar reputation with locals and travelers alike, boasting an impressive 4.7-star rating from nearly 2,500 reviews. This beloved spot offers a diverse menu at reasonable prices, creating a welcoming atmosphere where quality meets affordability in the heart of Bulgaria's capital. Book ahead or arrive early, as the consistently high ratings suggest this popular gem fills up quickly, especially during peak dining hours.

Old City Center, ul. William Gladstone 32, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
El Shada
$$

El Shada

★★★★☆
4.6
(1,997 reviews)

El Shada stands out in Sofia's historic Old City Center as a beloved dining destination offering an impressive variety of cuisines, earning an outstanding 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,000 satisfied diners. Travelers consistently praise this mid-range gem for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu that caters to every palate, making it a reliable choice whether you're craving familiar flavors or wanting to explore something new. With such popularity and prime location on Georgi S. Rakovski street, consider making a reservation or arriving early to secure your spot at this local favorite.

Old City Center, ulitsa „Georgi S. Rakovski“ 134, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Unica Restaurant
$$$

Unica Restaurant

★★★★☆
4.6
(1,684 reviews)

Unica Restaurant lives up to its name with an eclectic menu that spans multiple cuisines, creating a dining experience that's both sophisticated and welcoming in the heart of Sofia. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, travelers consistently praise this upscale establishment for its quality preparation and attentive service. Book ahead for dinner service, as this popular spot on Tsar Osvoboditel Boulevard tends to fill up quickly with both locals and visitors seeking a memorable meal.

Sofia Center, bul. Tsar Osvoboditel 8A, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Pastorant
$$

Pastorant

★★★★☆
4.5
(1,113 reviews)

Pastorant has earned its stellar reputation among Sofia diners with an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, offering a diverse menu that caters to various tastes in the heart of the historic Old City Center. Travelers consistently praise this welcoming spot for its quality food and prime location on Tsar Asen Street, making it a reliable choice whether you're craving local Bulgarian flavors or international cuisine. With its popularity evident from the substantial review count, booking ahead or arriving early is wise to secure a table at this beloved neighborhood gem.

Old City Center, ul. Tsar Asen 16, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Чоткин Italian food
$$

Чоткин Italian food

★★★★☆
4.8
(745 reviews)

Despite its name suggesting Italian cuisine, Чоткин surprises diners with its diverse menu spanning multiple cuisines, creating a welcoming neighborhood gem in Sofia's trendy Lozenets district. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 750 reviews, travelers consistently praise the quality and variety that keeps both locals and visitors coming back. Book ahead or arrive early, as this popular spot's reputation for excellent food at reasonable prices means tables fill up quickly, especially during dinner hours.

g.k. Lozenets, ul. Korab Planina 3, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria

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