Sofia Nightlife
Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of eastern European and Mediterranean styles. One of the most popular traditional dishes is Kavarma, which is a hot pot usually containing pork, peppers, onions and mushrooms and makes for a wonderfully hearty meal. The traditional Bulgarian salad, known as shopska, is also well worth trying. A good one will contain tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, feta cheese, olives and plenty of olive oil and makes for a good side or starter dish, especially with some crispy bread.
There are a huge number of restaurants in Sofia and all tastes are catered for. A large proportion of the most traditional Bulgarian eateries can be found on the outskirts of town, although there are a few in the centre. One of the best is Shopite on Raiska Gradina. This inexpensive, wood panelled establishment does a fine line in salads and also serves a good array of fish dishes too. Veal and chicken soup are also on the menu for starters.
Another cheap place to try some local dishes is Divaka, meaning "wild man", which can be found on Rakovski. This place is open 24 hours a day and serves nothing but local fare to a mainly young clientele. Try the divashki topki, or "wild man's nadgers" if it's spicy meatballs you're after. The garden is open in summer.
The proximity of the country to Greece has seen a number of Greek dishes and Greek restaurants permeate through to Sofia. One of the best is Dionysius on Maria Luisa, which includes a floor show with the tourist in mind.
There are also a good number of Arabic restaurants in the city and Paradise on Pozitano is the pick of the bunch. A range of superb, authentic Arabic dishes makes up for the lack of character.
Nightlife in Sofia can be fun if you find the right places and the top joints on weekends are usually jam-packed. There are a good number of open-air cafes and bars to try before heading in to one of the city's atmospheric and often unique clubs.
Apartamenta is quite the nightclub. Based in a 19th century mansion, visitors are offered the choice of a number of different apartment rooms in which to enjoy themselves, from the chess room to one of a number of lounge rooms. You'll have to make your way to the kitchen to refill your glass.
For a night of rock with the city's large student population head to o'Shipka on Shipka street. Past the bar and down in to the cellar you will find a number of differently sized rooms, one of which is capable of hosting gigs, which occur on a regular basis.
Another good place to try for live guitar music is the small Tri Ushi establishment. Up and coming bands play here and it could be just the place to spot the next big Bulgarian group.
A performance at the superb looking Ivan Vazov National Theatre is another fine way to pass an evening. The theatre company performs a range of Bulgarian and international productions, all to a high standard.
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Nightlife and Eating and Drinking
