Pod Lipite Tavern

At the edge of Sofia’s Borisova Gradina Park lies this traditional Bulgarian tavern that has been popular with locals since it first opened its doors during 1920s. The name translates roughly to ‘under the linden trees’ and lives up to the tranquil setting it evokes. The casual pub boasts of gorgeous outdoor seating, perfect for summer days. The interior is done up in wood and boasts of long stone tables perfect for sharing a drink with strangers or making friends. The traditional atmosphere is heightened by the fact that there are folk musicians playing Bulgarian music and dancing along to those tunes as guests relish delicious dishes.
There are plenty of breads and grilled meats on the menu. Make sure you sample traditional Tarator soup, a cold soup made from yogurt and cucumber, sprinkled with garlic, dill and walnuts. It’s also worth ordering Banitsa, a traditional crumbly pastry stuffed with meat, cheese, and eggs. Pod Lipite Tavern is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and remains one of the most authentic ones. It’s an institution in Sofia, so do make sure you grab a bite there when you’re in the city.