The best restaurants in Plovdiv reflect the city’s rich cultural spirit and centuries-old traditions while embracing modern culinary trends. As one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Plovdiv is not only famous for its Roman amphitheatre, Old Town, and vibrant Kapana district but also for its thriving food scene. From traditional mehanas serving hearty Balkan dishes to innovative fine-dining venues, this city offers endless choices for anyone searching where to eat in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv’s dining landscape is a mirror of its diverse identity: rustic taverns with folklore music, stylish wine bars showcasing Bulgaria’s vineyards, and trendy cafés attracting a younger crowd. Whether you are exploring cobbled streets, enjoying Kapana’s creative energy, or relaxing by the Rowing Canal, you will encounter flavors that make the city unforgettable. In this guide, we highlight 15 of the best restaurants in Plovdiv, each chosen to help visitors and locals enjoy authentic tastes and modern dining experiences alike.

Best Restaurants in Plovdiv – Tradition & Innovation

15. Pavaj

• Cuisine: Bulgarian, European Fusion

• Location: Kapana District, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €12–25 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5

Pavaj is among the best restaurants in Plovdiv, located in the trendy Kapana district. Known for its relaxed, artistic décor with street-inspired touches, Pavaj mixes traditional Bulgarian food with modern creativity. The menu features favorites like slow-cooked lamb, seasonal salads, and truffle-infused potatoes. Desserts, especially the chocolate cake, are highly recommended. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, which makes each dish full of character.

With its youthful atmosphere and a lively setting in one of Plovdiv’s most artistic neighborhoods, Pavaj appeals to both locals and travelers. If you’re wondering where to eat in Plovdiv for a casual yet unforgettable dinner, this is a great place to start.

14. Hemingway

• Cuisine: European, Bulgarian

• Location: 10 General Gurko Street, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–35 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5

Hemingway is a fine-dining restaurant that stands out as one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv thanks to its elegant atmosphere and refined menu. The décor is stylish and cozy, with vintage details that make the dining room feel both sophisticated and warm. The menu changes seasonally, featuring dishes like duck breast with cherry sauce, seafood risotto, and carefully prepared steaks.

The restaurant also has an impressive wine list, offering Bulgarian and international selections. Service is attentive and professional, ensuring guests feel valued. For visitors seeking where to eat in Plovdiv to enjoy a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion, Hemingway offers a perfect mix of atmosphere and taste.

13. Rahat Tepe

• Cuisine: Bulgarian

• Location: Old Town, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €10–20 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5

Rahat Tepe is an authentic Bulgarian restaurant perched in Plovdiv’s Old Town with panoramic views of the city. It’s considered one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for traditional food served in a rustic setting. The menu includes grilled meats, hearty stews, and classic appetizers like shopska salad and lukanka (dry-cured sausage). Local beers and rakia complement the meals perfectly.

The outdoor terrace is the highlight, offering spectacular sunset views that enhance the dining experience. For travelers wondering where to eat in Plovdiv to enjoy both Bulgarian flavors and breathtaking scenery, Rahat Tepe is a top choice.

12. Smokini

• Cuisine: Mediterranean, European Fusion

• Location: 12 Otets Paisiy Street, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–40 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5

Smokini blends Mediterranean influences with European creativity, making it one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for modern dining. The interior is contemporary yet cozy, with wooden details and warm lighting. Popular dishes include lamb shank, seafood pasta, and imaginative vegetarian options.

Service is known to be excellent, with staff who provide personalized recommendations. The wine menu highlights Bulgaria’s growing wine culture, pairing perfectly with each meal. For those asking where to eat in Plovdiv for a stylish but relaxed dinner, Smokini delivers both flavor and atmosphere.

Best Restaurants in Plovdiv for Traditional Cuisine

11. Puldin Restaurant

• Cuisine: Bulgarian, Balkan

• Location: Old Town, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €15–30 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5

Puldin is one of the most charming Old Town mehanas and certainly one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for authentic Bulgarian flavors. The historic house turned tavern features stone walls, wooden beams, and folkloric décor that immediately set a rustic mood.

The menu highlights Balkan dishes, including pork knuckle, lamb kavarma, and homemade bread baked on-site. Musicians often play folk music, enhancing the cultural experience. If you’re looking for where to eat in Plovdiv to immerse yourself in history and tradition, Puldin is a must-visit.

10. Torro Grande

• Cuisine: International, Fusion

• Location: 16 Hristo Botev Boulevard, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–35 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Torro Grande is among the best restaurants in Plovdiv for those who enjoy a cosmopolitan, urban vibe. The interior is modern with stylish décor, ideal for young professionals and social gatherings. The menu offers an eclectic mix of sushi, steaks, pasta, and Mediterranean dishes.

Cocktails are another highlight, making it a popular choice for nightlife. With its combination of good food, drinks, and atmosphere, Torro Grande is perfect for those asking where to eat in Plovdiv for an evening that blends dining with entertainment.

9. Atlas Restaurant

• Cuisine: European, International

• Location: Kapana District, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €15–30 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5

Atlas is located in the heart of Kapana, known for its artistic scene, and ranks as one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv thanks to its mix of global cuisine and creative presentation. The restaurant’s interior is eclectic, with a combination of art-inspired details and cozy seating.

The menu includes pasta, seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian choices, appealing to a wide audience. Drinks include signature cocktails and craft beers. For visitors who want to discover where to eat in Plovdiv in a trendy neighborhood, Atlas is an excellent option.

Best Restaurants in Plovdiv – Fine Dining & Modern Trends

8. Salt & Pepper

• Cuisine: Modern European

• Location: 34 Hristo G. Danov Street, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €30–50 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.8/5

Salt & Pepper is a sophisticated fine-dining venue that ranks high among the best restaurants in Plovdiv. Known for elegant presentation and modern culinary techniques, it attracts foodies seeking gourmet experiences. Dishes include duck confit, seafood delicacies, and inventive vegetarian plates.

The décor is minimalist and stylish, focusing attention on the artistry of the food. Wines and cocktails are carefully paired to complete the upscale experience. If you’re wondering where to eat in Plovdiv for a special celebration or gourmet indulgence, Salt & Pepper is a standout choice.

7. Memory Wine & Dine

• Cuisine: Bulgarian, Mediterranean

• Location: 15 Hristo G. Danov Street, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–35 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Memory Wine & Dine is a cozy yet refined restaurant, often considered one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for wine lovers. The menu is Mediterranean-inspired with Bulgarian touches, offering grilled fish, lamb, and pasta.

The wine list is impressive, showcasing some of Bulgaria’s best wineries. With its intimate ambiance and professional service, it’s ideal for romantic evenings. For those considering where to eat in Plovdiv to combine excellent food with a strong wine culture, Memory Wine & Dine is a perfect option.

6. Veggic

• Cuisine: Vegetarian, Vegan

• Location: Kapana District, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €10–20 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5

Veggic stands out among the best restaurants in Plovdiv for plant-based dining. Its menu is creative, with dishes like lentil burgers, vegan curries, quinoa salads, and raw desserts.

The atmosphere is bright and modern, appealing to both vegetarians and those curious about healthy cuisine. Service is friendly, and the prices are affordable. For those asking where to eat in Plovdiv with vegan or vegetarian preferences, Veggic is a must.

5. Philippopolis Restaurant & Gallery

• Cuisine: Bulgarian, European

• Location: Old Town, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–40 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.6/5

Philippopolis combines fine dining with art, making it one of the most unique best restaurants in Plovdiv. The restaurant is set in a 19th-century house and also functions as an art gallery.

Dishes include Bulgarian specialties presented with elegance, as well as European classics. The experience is enhanced by the artistic environment, with paintings and sculptures displayed throughout. If you want where to eat in Plovdiv that combines culture and cuisine, Philippopolis is unmatched.

4. Morado Bar & Dinner

• Cuisine: Mediterranean, International

• Location: Rowing Canal, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €20–35 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.3/5

Morado offers one of the best outdoor dining experiences and is easily among the best restaurants in Plovdiv. Located near the Rowing Canal, it features a modern interior and spacious terrace. The menu includes Mediterranean favorites, steaks, and cocktails.

It’s especially popular in the summer, where evenings by the water create a lively, relaxed vibe. For visitors who want where to eat in Plovdiv with scenic outdoor views, Morado delivers atmosphere and flavor.

3. Central Perk Plovdiv

• Cuisine: Café, Brunch

• Location: Central Plovdiv

• Price Range: €8–15 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Inspired by the famous New York café from “Friends,” Central Perk is one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for brunch and casual dining. It offers coffee, pancakes, omelets, and light snacks in a cheerful, themed setting.

The playful décor and cozy seating make it a favorite among young people. For those considering where to eat in Plovdiv for a casual meal or coffee, Central Perk offers fun and comfort.

2. Rezervat Sezoni

• Cuisine: Bulgarian, European

• Location: Bunardzhika Park Area, Plovdiv

• Price Range: €15–30 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.4/5

Rezervat Sezoni is one of the best restaurants in Plovdiv for combining nature and food. Nestled near a park, it offers a tranquil setting ideal for family meals. The menu includes Bulgarian specialties, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

Guests enjoy the garden setting in summer and the cozy indoor dining in winter. If you are asking where to eat in Plovdiv for a family-friendly experience, Rezervat Sezoni is perfect.

1. Victoria Plovdiv

• Cuisine: Italian, European

• Location: Central Plovdiv

• Price Range: €25–45 per person

• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.7/5

Victoria is often listed among the very top of the best restaurants in Plovdiv. Known for its Italian specialties, it serves wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, risotto, and delicious desserts. The interior is elegant, while the service is highly professional.

With its consistent quality and broad appeal, Victoria is ideal for both families and special occasions. For those seeking where to eat in Plovdiv to guarantee excellent food and service, Victoria is a standout choice.

Conclusion

The best restaurants in Plovdiv showcase the city’s diversity, from traditional mehanas in the Old Town to fine-dining spots and trendy cafés in Kapana. Whether you want authentic Bulgarian cuisine, international flavors, or vegan specialties, Plovdiv has it all. With this guide, finding where to eat in Plovdiv becomes easy, offering unforgettable meals that reflect the city’s rich cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Restaurants in Plovdiv