Iraqi restaurant "Ashurbanipal"
8 photos
8 photos
Location
Sofia Center, ul. "Knyaz Boris I" 174, 1202 Sofia, ul. "Knyaz Boris I" 174, 1202 Sofia
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Location
Sofia Center, ul. "Knyaz Boris I" 174, 1202 Sofia, ul. "Knyaz Boris I" 174, 1202 Sofia
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Sofia’s Local Favorites: Where Locals Eat.
• sofia
Guide Commentary
# Ashurbanipal: Sofia's Best-Kept Iraqi Gem If you want real food in Sofia without pretense, Ashurbanipal is exactly where locals go. Tucked on Knyaz Boris I, this place looks deceptively humble—no fancy signage, no Instagram aesthetic—but that's precisely why it works. The owner, Freddy, runs a genuinely warm operation where he'll actually come chat with you if you speak Bulgarian, making the whole thing feel like eating at someone's home rather than a restaurant. The food is where it shines. Massive portions designed for sharing mean you can try everything without breaking the bank—think meatballs, okra, biriyani rice, roasted eggplant, hummus, and fresh pita for around 11 lev with a beer. Locals rave about the daily specials since there's no printed menu; the waiter just tells you what's cooking that day. The vibe is refreshingly unpretentious: bare walls, simple seating, but always buzzing with a genuine mix of neighborhood regulars and people who've heard through word-of-mouth. It's the kind of place where you go for honest, delicious food and leave feeling like you've discovered something real.[1][2][3][4][5][6].
Review Distribution
Reviews (10)
truly a hidden gem! the place had a mix of locals and internationals that i just know they had someone who recommended the place, cause its a truly a hole in the wall. the interior isn’t impressive and the menu is small but the dishes are all chefs kiss! we tried almost all of the appetizers and one of the meat options - all tasted delishh!! i’d highly recommend the biriyani, eggplant, and cauliflower. majority of the appetizers were also vegan. we paid around 10pp for a group of 4 and had very decent portions. they also serve you pita, salad, and a dip for free. the service was also great, it was only two people but they were both very friendly! we stayed in the restaurant for a while and someone walked in and asked us if we could switch spaces bc they were a big group of people and my friend group was occupying the biggest table, but before we could respond the server came in defending us saying it wasn’t right to ask us to switch places instead of asking the staff! overall an amazing experience, would highly recommend, and if i had found out about it sooner id eat there again!!!
Wonderful experience. A very genuine, funny, DELICIOUS experience. It was probably the funniest experience I had in Sofia. Very good Food, and funny and honest owner. I 100% recommend it. Thank you for the delicious meal you prepared for us!!!
The food is pure magic. You can select whatever you want from the menu and to be sure that it will be good. The staff is very friendly and polite. Interior is not fancy at all, but who cares when the food is amazing and you are talking with good people.
Iraqi/Assyrian restaurant in the middle of Sofia with real character. The owner comes and toasts with tables if they speak Bulgarian (less talkative in English). You may need to go up to the counter to order, but when you do, it comes fast and tastes great.
First day in Sofia and fancied some wholesome food for dinner without having to think about what has pork in it and what doesn’t and something close by to our apartment.. this was 5 mins walk from the metro/mosque.. in the heart of the Arab neighbourhood… very small restaurant with about 25 seats .. family run Iraqi restaurant.. have to say I was really impressed by the atmosphere, the laid back service.. very friendly owner and awesome food.. we ordered the beef with cinnamon.. the lamb with preserved lemon, veg pilau rice.. they provide salad, humus and Kubz complementary… really enjoyed the dinner… highly recommend this place if you’re looking for good homemade Iraqi food.
The food is pure magic. You can select whatever you want from the menu and to be sure that it will be good. The staff is very friendly and polite. Interior is not fancy at all, but who cares when the food is amazing and you are talking with good people.
Wonderful experience. A very genuine, funny, DELICIOUS experience. It was probably the funniest experience I had in Sofia. Very good Food, and funny and honest owner. I 100% recommend it. Thank you for the delicious meal you prepared for us!!!
Iraqi/Assyrian restaurant in the middle of Sofia with real character. The owner comes and toasts with tables if they speak Bulgarian (less talkative in English). You may need to go up to the counter to order, but when you do, it comes fast and tastes great.
First day in Sofia and fancied some wholesome food for dinner without having to think about what has pork in it and what doesn’t and something close by to our apartment.. this was 5 mins walk from the metro/mosque.. in the heart of the Arab neighbourhood… very small restaurant with about 25 seats .. family run Iraqi restaurant.. have to say I was really impressed by the atmosphere, the laid back service.. very friendly owner and awesome food.. we ordered the beef with cinnamon.. the lamb with preserved lemon, veg pilau rice.. they provide salad, humus and Kubz complementary… really enjoyed the dinner… highly recommend this place if you’re looking for good homemade Iraqi food.
truly a hidden gem! the place had a mix of locals and internationals that i just know they had someone who recommended the place, cause its a truly a hole in the wall. the interior isn’t impressive and the menu is small but the dishes are all chefs kiss! we tried almost all of the appetizers and one of the meat options - all tasted delishh!! i’d highly recommend the biriyani, eggplant, and cauliflower. majority of the appetizers were also vegan. we paid around 10pp for a group of 4 and had very decent portions. they also serve you pita, salad, and a dip for free. the service was also great, it was only two people but they were both very friendly! we stayed in the restaurant for a while and someone walked in and asked us if we could switch spaces bc they were a big group of people and my friend group was occupying the biggest table, but before we could respond the server came in defending us saying it wasn’t right to ask us to switch places instead of asking the staff! overall an amazing experience, would highly recommend, and if i had found out about it sooner id eat there again!!!