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Manastirska Magernitsa Restaurant

(5 reviews)
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Sofia Center, ul. "Han Asparuh" 67, 1000 Sofia, ul. "Han Asparuh" 67, 1000 Sofia

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$$Meal DeliveryRestaurantPoint Of InterestFood

Location

Sofia Center, ul. "Han Asparuh" 67, 1000 Sofia, ul. "Han Asparuh" 67, 1000 Sofia

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Featured in Guides

Sofia’s Local Favorites: Where Locals Eat.

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Guide Commentary

If you want to eat like you’re at a relative’s house in the countryside, Manastirska Magernitsa is the spot. Tucked in a restored old building with wooden beams and folk details, it feels lived-in and warm, not staged. Locals come for the generous portions of dishes like sarmi (cabbage rolls) and banitsa, made from recipes passed down for generations—some even from monasteries. The salads are fresh, the grilled meats are cooked over embers, and the homemade pastries are worth saving room for. It’s not quiet—there’s often live folk music, especially in the evenings, and the place fills up fast, so it’s best to book ahead. Prices are fair for the quality and size of the plates, making it a favorite for families and anyone who appreciates food that tastes like it’s made with care, not just for show.

Sofia's Food Scene Goes Viral: 8 Must-Try Trending Spots.

sofia

Guide Commentary

Manastirska Magernitsa is *the* spot in Sofia right now for foodies chasing that perfect blend of flavor and vibe. Housed in a restored historic building with folk-inspired decor, the place feels like a curated backdrop for your next Instagram drop—think cozy indoor nooks, a lush summer garden, and interiors dripping with cultural details. The viral dishes? Beef tongue, Grandma’s mix, and their monastery-inspired stews are all over social feeds, with massive portions and bold presentation. Locals and visitors are raving about the live music nights and the fireplaces adding extra energy. It’s buzzing, photogenic, and totally worth booking ahead—especially if you want a table during peak hours. Whether you’re here with friends, family, or flying solo, this is where Sofia’s trending food scene comes alive.

Review Distribution

4.3
4331 reviews(10 platform, 4321 Google)
5
173440%
4
173340%
3
64815%
2
1734%
1
431%

Reviews (10)

Rashaan Mateen
Rashaan Mateen
5.0
Oct 29, 2025
Google Places

I would give this place 10 stars if I could. The food, service, atmosphere was AMAZING! 🥳 Bring your business deals here, your clients, your family, yourself alone and don't leave Sofia without coming here. I promise you. You won't be disappointed.

AVC
AVC
4.0
Oct 21, 2025
Google Places

You’ll need a reservation here, as it’s usually quite busy. They couldn’t accommodate us right away, so we came back next day. The place serves traditional Bulgarian food, and the interior really takes you back in time. The homemade ice cream was delicious! They even have a TV displaying cultural information, which adds a nice touch to the experience.

Ansel Barnum
Ansel Barnum
4.0
Oct 11, 2025
Google Places

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time a couple centuries ago in this historically preserved building whose insulation still has hay we were told. In addition to the ambiance the food also presents an authentic experience from monastic life, which evidently is modest on flavor and seasoning. You’ll want to correct this, unless you’re trying to keep your tongue celibate.

Ricardo Leguizamon
Ricardo Leguizamon
5.0
Sep 23, 2025
Google Places

I was looking for a place to try traditional Bulgarian food, and this restaurant came up as one of the most recommended options. It is located in a restored old house, decorated with folk details and a pleasant garden area that feels quiet and relaxed. They also provide an English menu, which is very helpful. The complimentary bread was soft and fluffy, served with sharena sol (a traditional Bulgarian spice mix of salt, paprika, and herbs). The waiter kindly explained what it was and even showed me how to find it in local supermarkets, which added a personal touch. For lunch, I had the Thracian salad with yogurt and cucumbers, followed by the Beef Chomlek: a generous stew with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, very well prepared and comforting. I paired it with a Draft Glarus unfiltered ale, which balanced the meal nicely. Prices felt fair considering the quality and generous portions. Overall, if you are visiting Sofia and want to experience a restaurant strongly focused on traditional Bulgarian recipes, this is a very good choice.

Anna Hostelgeeks
Anna Hostelgeeks
5.0
Sep 13, 2025
Google Places

A lovely place to try traditional Bulgarian food. The restaurant itself is beautiful, decorated with plenty of cultural details. There’s seating both inside and outside, with lots of space indoors for large groups. We sat in the outdoor area, which was very pleasant. The waiter was very nice and spoke perfect English, which made ordering easy. We ordered two vegetarian dishes and a handmade strawberry lemonade. The food was tasty and of good quality, though the portions felt a bit small for the price. Still, it was an enjoyable experience overall.

Anna Hostelgeeks
Anna Hostelgeeks
5.0
a month ago
Google

A lovely place to try traditional Bulgarian food. The restaurant itself is beautiful, decorated with plenty of cultural details. There’s seating both inside and outside, with lots of space indoors for large groups. We sat in the outdoor area, which was very pleasant. The waiter was very nice and spoke perfect English, which made ordering easy. We ordered two vegetarian dishes and a handmade strawberry lemonade. The food was tasty and of good quality, though the portions felt a bit small for the price. Still, it was an enjoyable experience overall.

Ricardo Leguizamon
Ricardo Leguizamon
5.0
a month ago
Google

I was looking for a place to try traditional Bulgarian food, and this restaurant came up as one of the most recommended options. It is located in a restored old house, decorated with folk details and a pleasant garden area that feels quiet and relaxed. They also provide an English menu, which is very helpful. The complimentary bread was soft and fluffy, served with sharena sol (a traditional Bulgarian spice mix of salt, paprika, and herbs). The waiter kindly explained what it was and even showed me how to find it in local supermarkets, which added a personal touch. For lunch, I had the Thracian salad with yogurt and cucumbers, followed by the Beef Chomlek: a generous stew with tender beef, carrots, and potatoes, very well prepared and comforting. I paired it with a Draft Glarus unfiltered ale, which balanced the meal nicely. Prices felt fair considering the quality and generous portions. Overall, if you are visiting Sofia and want to experience a restaurant strongly focused on traditional Bulgarian recipes, this is a very good choice.

Ansel Barnum
Ansel Barnum
4.0
a month ago
Google

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time a couple centuries ago in this historically preserved building whose insulation still has hay we were told. In addition to the ambiance the food also presents an authentic experience from monastic life, which evidently is modest on flavor and seasoning. You’ll want to correct this, unless you’re trying to keep your tongue celibate.

AVC
AVC
4.0
3 weeks ago
Google

You’ll need a reservation here, as it’s usually quite busy. They couldn’t accommodate us right away, so we came back next day. The place serves traditional Bulgarian food, and the interior really takes you back in time. The homemade ice cream was delicious! They even have a TV displaying cultural information, which adds a nice touch to the experience.

Rashaan Mateen
Rashaan Mateen
5.0
a week ago
Google

I would give this place 10 stars if I could. The food, service, atmosphere was AMAZING! 🥳 Bring your business deals here, your clients, your family, yourself alone and don't leave Sofia without coming here. I promise you. You won't be disappointed.