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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

Sofia's Italian dining scene is a delightful surprise that rivals many Western European capitals, blending authentic recipes with Bulgarian hospitality in ways that feel both familiar and refreshingly unique. From family-run trattorias tucked into charming side streets to elegant establishments along bustling Vitosha Boulevard, the city has embraced Italian cuisine with genuine passion. Local chefs have mastered everything from perfectly al dente pasta to wood-fired pizzas with that ideal crispy-chewy crust, while many restaurants import ingredients directly from Italy to ensure authenticity that would make any nonna proud.

This guide showcases 10 exceptional Italian restaurants that have earned their stellar reputations through consistently outstanding food, warm service, and memorable atmospheres. Each spot featured here boasts ratings of 4.5 stars or higher, with some overlooked spots scoring an impressive 4.8 stars from devoted locals and savvy travelers alike. these carefully selected restaurants represent the cream of the city's thriving Italian food scene.

Featured Restaurants

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
$$

Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka

★★★★☆
4.5
(11,809 reviews)

Located on Sofia's premier shopping boulevard Vitosha, Shtastlivetsa Restaurant has earned a stellar reputation with nearly 12,000 glowing reviews for its diverse menu and prime downtown location. The restaurant's name means "happiness" in Bulgarian, and diners consistently praise both the quality of food across various cuisines and the vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Sofia's pedestrian zone. Arrive early for dinner to snag a coveted table with prime people-watching views along this bustling street.

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

Piatto Collezione

★★★★☆
4.7
(3,145 reviews)

Nestled in Sofia's charming Old City Center, Piatto Collezione has won over locals and travelers alike with its diverse menu featuring various international cuisines under one roof. With an impressive 4.7-star rating from over 3,000 reviews, this popular spot clearly delivers on both quality and service that keeps people coming back. Book ahead or arrive early, as this highly-rated gem tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak dinner hours.

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

Pizzeria "Olio D'Oliva"

★★★★☆
4.7
(2,484 reviews)

Nestled in Sofia's charming Old City Center, Pizzeria Olio D'Oliva has won over nearly 2,500 diners with its welcoming atmosphere and quality Italian fare that extends beyond just pizza. The impressive 4.7-star rating speaks to consistently satisfying meals and friendly service that keeps both locals and tourists coming back. Visit during off-peak hours to snag a table without waiting, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly during dinner rush.

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

El Shada

★★★★☆
4.6
(1,997 reviews)

El Shada has earned a stellar reputation among Sofia diners with its diverse menu offerings and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Old City Center. With nearly 2,000 glowing reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this popular spot clearly delivers consistent quality and service that keeps both locals and travelers coming back. Given its central location on Georgi S. Rakovski street and evident popularity, consider making a reservation or arriving early to secure a table at this beloved Sofia gem.

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

Unica Restaurant

★★★★☆
4.6
(1,684 reviews)

Unica Restaurant stands out in Sofia's bustling center with its diverse menu that brings together flavors from various cuisines, creating an exciting culinary adventure in one elegant location. With an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 1,600 reviews, travelers consistently praise the quality and variety that keeps both adventurous eaters and picky diners happy. 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)

Tucked away in Sofia's historic Old City Center, Pastorant has won over locals and travelers alike with its diverse menu offerings and welcoming atmosphere, earning an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,100 diners. The restaurant's popularity stems from its ability to satisfy varied tastes while maintaining consistently high quality across different cuisines. Book ahead or arrive early, as this beloved spot tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak dining hours when both tourists exploring the old town and discerning locals converge here.

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

Чоткин Italian food

★★★★☆
4.8
(745 reviews)

This beloved Sofia gem in trendy Lozenets has won over nearly 750 diners with its diverse menu that goes beyond traditional Italian fare, creating a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere that feels authentically local. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, travelers consistently rave about the quality and variety that keeps both locals and visitors coming back for more. Book ahead or arrive early, as this popular spot's stellar reputation means tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

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

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