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Mehana Rai | Narechen

Traditional Bulgarian Restaurant near Plovdiv

Did you know that nestled near the village of Narechen lies a traditional Balkan restaurant that embodies the spirit of the Rhodope Mountains?

If you’re feeling weary from a long drive and crave a delicious lunch amidst stunning natural surroundings, this roadside tavern is a must-visit. Situated just 42 km from Plovdiv, Mehana-Gradina Rai is one of the most popular spots in the area.

This charming tavern, Mehana Rai, offers an authentic dining experience where every meal tells a story of the region’s rich culture and culinary traditions.

The atmosphere at Mehana Rai is as inviting as its menu. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the tavern’s warm, rustic interior perfectly complements its hearty dishes. Each dish is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a genuine taste of the Rhodope region.

I had the pleasure of trying their renowned tripe soup—a specialty made with veal tripe, served with chilli flakes and pickled garlic. It’s a perfect pick-me-up if you’re nursing a hangover. Pair it with their “parlenka” bread and a cold glass of beer, and you’re in for an unforgettable culinary treat.

Some of us also indulged in the tavern’s signature dish: beans and veal sausage served in a traditional casserole. Every bite was absolutely delicious!

The staff were incredibly polite and attentive, ensuring that we had everything we needed. The dishes arrived promptly, and the friendly service only added to the charm of the experience.

As an added bonus, the tavern sells its own homemade goodies, including honey, jams, salami, herbs, and spices. It’s the perfect opportunity to take a piece of the Rhodope spirit home with you.

The decor of Mehana Rai is inspired by traditional Bulgarian patterns that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. With a 4.6/5 rating on Google reviews, it’s no surprise this place is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

The place doesn’t have a website, you can find information online on the link below one, or look it up online “Pri Iskra Damyanova Mehana Rai”.

Perfect for a family outing or a peaceful retreat from the city, Mehana Rai captures the essence of Balkan hospitality. If you’re exploring the Plovdiv area, this hidden gem near Narechen village is a must-visit for an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Thank me later, folks! 🌿

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FUEGO Food & Drinks | Burgas

Looking for a modern twist on European cuisine in Burgas? FUEGO Food & Drinks is a sleek and contemporary restaurant that offers a delightful menu of breakfast dishes, fish and meat specialties, fresh salads, tempting starters, hearty pasta, and a variety of drinks and wines. Whether you’re planning a casual meal or a private event, FUEGO promises an experience to remember.

Step inside FUEGO, and you’ll be welcomed by a serene and thoughtfully designed interior. The combination of sleek textures, greenery, and subtle details creates a contemporary aesthetic that is both calming and stylish. The 120-seat restaurant is perfect for intimate dinners, lively gatherings, or even private parties, offering a versatile and inviting atmosphere.

At FUEGO, the menu is crafted to cater to a variety of tastes. We were thrilled to dive into their offerings and see why this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The presentation of each dish was stunning, and the staff’s politeness and efficiency added to the overall enjoyment.

For starters, we tried the Avocado and Cheese Dip and the Cornflake Chicken Strips. The dip was creamy, perfectly seasoned, and served with crispy bites, garnished with cherry tomatoes and walnuts for a delightful crunch.

The chicken strips were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired with a dipping sauce that elevated the flavour. Just perfect!

Moving on to the mains, we chose the Chicken Burger and the Beef Meatballs. The Chicken Burger was a masterpiece – a large, juicy patty with fresh ingredients, loaded with beloved toppings. The pillowy, slightly sweet bun complemented the well-done meat beautifully, making each bite a joy. It was served with crispy French fries and tangy pickles on the side.

The Beef Meatballs were equally impressive. Tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, they were grilled to a golden finish and accompanied by fries and a traditional salsa-like dip that added a burst of flavor to every bite.

Our experience at FUEGO Food & Drinks was nothing short of exceptional. From the thoughtful ambiance to the flavorful dishes and attentive service, every detail was on point. It’s no wonder this restaurant is a top choice for many in Burgas.

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, planning a private party, or simply exploring the vibrant food scene in Burgas, FUEGO Food & Drinks is a must-visit. Reserve your table today and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience. We’ll definitely be back for more – keep up the great work, FUEGO!

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Bakalia | Craft Food & Drinks

Not many places can match the charm of Bakalia. This unique spot in Plovdiv combines the convenience of a store with the warmth of a dining experience. Whether you choose to dine in or grab an in-house cooked meal to go, Bakalia promises a taste of homemade goodness that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Bakalia’s secret lies in its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. All products are sourced from local farms and dairies, ensuring that every bite is packed with authentic, homemade flavor. From a variety of meats and salami to jams, desserts, and craft chocolate, this place truly has something for everyone.

Trying their lunch menu is an absolute must when visiting Plovdiv. For us, Bakalia has become a go-to spot whenever we crave the comforting taste of my nan’s home-cooked meals. Each dish is like a nostalgic trip back to childhood, filled with flavors that remind us of simpler times.

Now that summer is here, Bakalia has opened a charming garden seating area outside the store. It’s the perfect setting for a traditional lunch experience, where you can enjoy delicious food in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

One dish you simply cannot miss is their Wild Mushroom Soup. It’s hands down the best I’ve ever tasted – rich, earthy, and absolutely unforgettable.

You also have a variety of dishes cooked daily - maybe you are after a traditional Bulgarian "mandzhichka", so let's go and combine it with freshly baked bread. Your day is sorted!

Or just a portion of steamed veggies with grilled white fish, or another type of meat, like ribs and steak. Why not a stone-baked pizza? The place offers that, too!

As a cheese-lover, their heavenly Baked cheese is definitely my favourite pick!

The other day I had the chance to try their bakery products. Crispy, flavoured and an all time favourite from now on.

To top it all off, the staff at Bakalia are some of the kindest and most welcoming people you’ll meet. Their warmth and attention to detail make every visit even more special.

Whether you’re stocking up on quality ingredients, indulging in a home-style meal, or simply soaking in the summer vibes, Bakalia is a place that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Make it a stop on your next visit to Plovdiv – you won’t regret it!

Bakalia is our local place and we love that it brings good memories of childhood! Bon Appetit, explorers!

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Marmalad Bar & Dinner | Plovdiv

Saturday – a sunny May day with temperatures soaring to 31°C, and summer just around the corner. What better way to embrace the warmth than by calling up friends for a brunch outing? Typically, we'd book a table in advance to avoid long waits, but since it was still early, around 11:00 AM, most places were relatively empty.

This time, I decided to switch things up and explore the highest-rated spots on Trip Advisor to see what made them stand out to travelers.

First up is Marmalad – a solid 4.5 stars out of 5.0. Not too shabby! The restaurant boasts a lovely outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the weather while sharing a meal with friends in the spring or summer. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively spot with a party atmosphere, especially if you’re sipping one of their signature cocktails. They frequently host events, so be sure to check their Facebook page to see if anything catches your eye.

For brunch, we went with a fresh salad with fried cheese bites and a beef tortilla with beans and avocado.

The salad was wonderfully fresh and flavorful, complemented by a tangy dressing and crispy cheese bites – the ideal light start to the day.

The tortilla, a twist on the classic, was surprisingly rich in flavor. The beef, mixed with fresh veggies, was wrapped in a soft tortilla and served with a side of fries and beans. It’s the kind of dish that can please just about anyone.

All in all, Marmalad is worth a visit if you're looking for great atmosphere, a prime location, delicious food, and top-notch cocktails.

Enjoy the vibe! :)

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Knife and Fork | Вилица и Нож

Meat House & Restaurant

Last weekend, we ventured into one of the most intriguing spots in Kapana, Plovdiv. The Fork and Knife restaurant is a true representation of modern cuisine and a vibrant part of the dynamic culture of this creative district. It’s an open invitation to join the community of food lovers who rave about their craft burgers, premium beef, veal, and pork steaks, chef-inspired salads, in-house mixed sauces, and signature cocktails. The menu is impressively diverse and thoughtfully adjusted to match the season.

The restaurant offers a charming mix of cozy outdoor seating and a stylish, cool interior—a perfect atmosphere for any occasion. Whether it’s brunch with friends or an intimate dinner with family, this place sets the ideal scene.

Adding to its charm, The Fork and Knife frequently hosts events such as art exhibitions and fun activities, making it more than just a dining spot. It was even nominated for Go Guide's Food & Drink Awards in 2021. Stay connected with their latest news and trends through their Facebook page, and don’t miss their #Faces blog section, where people share unique culinary stories and experiences.

On our visit, we sampled some of their renowned dishes: Fries with Pulled Pork, Chicken Wings, and Baked Feta Cheese—a perfect pairing for our craft beers.

The flavors were nothing short of exceptional. The baked feta, presented on a cast-iron pan, was topped with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and served with two perfectly toasted bruschettas.

The chicken wings, coated in their signature in-house sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds, were a sensory delight. As for the fries, they were irresistibly delicious, with an aroma and presentation that left us eager to dive in.

One thing to note: the portions are generous. If you’re not particularly hungry, a single dish might be enough to satisfy your appetite.

So, why not treat yourself?

Visit The Fork and Knife and create some truly tasteful moments with your loved ones. This place is a must for anyone who appreciates fantastic food, a warm atmosphere, and a touch of culinary artistry.

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JAPONICA: Washoku 和食

Washoku or Japanese cuisine is well-known around the world as one of the most sophisticated, balanced, and nutritious cuisines. At its core, Washoku (meaning "harmony" and "to eat") states that the dishes should be both wholesome and appealing. Japanese cuisine also focuses on seasonal and regional eating. The season Shun 旬 is generously displayed in their dishes, attire, and decor. It also plays a huge role in arts and poetry.

Native Japanese rice-centered cuisine dates from more than 2000 years ago when the rice was served with vegetables, fish, and other marine products. However, it has developed to rich and various food, often adopted by foreign countries, which have changed and adapted some of the imported dishes. China is Japan's biggest culinary influencer, ingredients like rice, tofu, and soy sauce are critical elements.

Around the 6th century when Buddism was introduced in Japan, its laws gradually eliminated the eating of all kinds of meat, so vegetarian-style cooking known as shojin ryori, presented by the Zen movement was predominant. But later the consumption of pork and beef was quickly spread across Japan. Nowadays, Japanese cuisine is offered worldwide.

Here in Bulgaria, there aren't that many Japanese places but we are lucky to have the Japonica restaurant. It has 4.7 out of 5 stars on Facebook reviews. As soon as you enter the place, a feeling of zen surrounds you, which is a key for the Japanese interior. It may not be fully decorated in the Japanese traditional style, but it creates a feeling of the culture with the wooden and origami decorations. The style also included plants, wallpapers with Japanese nuances, and different pieces of art typical for their culture.

At the beginning of our dinner, they brought us hot hand towels called oshibori おしぼりthat are used to clean hands before eating as Japanese etiquette require that.

Then we ordered some starters like Tsukune つくね and Aspara Maki アスパラ豚巻き. Tsukune are traditional ground chicken meatballs that are skewered and grilled over charcoal. They served it with Teryaki sauce. Tsukune was incredibly delicious especially with the bits of shiso leaves and scallions on top.

The Aspara Maki dish was grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon. It was crispy and well-seasoned with tare and sesame seeds.

Knowing what we will order for the main course was actually a no-brainer, as we wanted to try the Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen 豚骨ラーメン for quite some time now. And we were surprised how well the dish was cooked and served. The dish originated from the region called Fukuoka. The broth (based on pork bones - Tonkotsu) is cooked slowly and is topped with sliced pork and noodles. Served with scallions, boiled eggs, spring onions, sesame seeds, pak choi, and narutomaki slices (fish surimi). We absolutely loved it!!

Our friends ordered vegetarian options from the menu: Agedashi Tofu 揚げ出し豆腐, which is tofu, coated with potato starch and served with soy sauce, bonito flakes, spring onions and fluffy daikon oroshi (a grated radish).

They also got the Yakisoba - typical veggie stir-fried noodles, served with cabbage, carrots, zucchini, and seasoned with sesame seeds, sweet & sour sauce, and spring onions.

For dessert, we had one of the most popular Japanese sweets - Dorayaki どら焼き. It is usually two small pancakes with sweet red bean paste in between. However, they served a variation - by replacing the red bean paste with creme caramel. So delicious!

Itadakimasu - meaning 'I humbly receive' is the way Japanese people wish you 'Bon Apetit!'

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GASTRO BAR АЙЛЯКРИЯ (Aylyakriya)

I can hardly put into words how thrilled I was to finally secure a reservation at this remarkable restaurant, nestled in a charming 100-year-old brick house in the heart of Kapana Creative District. This gem attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, thanks to its unique philosophy inspired by “Aylyak”—a term native to the Plovdiv region that captures the essence of a blissful, stress-free, and peaceful state of mind.

Aylyakria Gastro Bar offers more than just a meal; it delivers a captivating culinary experience that artfully blends traditional Bulgarian flavors with the chef’s creative flair, complemented by a selection of international classics. The menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, also showcases a range of seasonal specialties, ensuring there’s always something fresh to savor.

The bar is equally impressive, featuring a curated list of exceptional wines and craft beers. Aylyakria Gastro Bar radiates a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying fantastic food and drink—all at a great value.

During our visit, my friends and I decided to explore the menu by ordering five distinct specials. Each dish was expertly prepared and seasoned, exceeding our expectations.

For starters, we opted for two of their signature salads: the Baby Spinach & Blue Cheese Salad and the Fresh Green Salad. The Baby Spinach Salad was an absolute delight. The fresh, crisp spinach was elevated by a perfectly balanced dressing made with pomegranate sauce, balsamic vinegar, and wine. Almonds, strawberries, and prosciutto slices added texture and complexity, enhancing the sweet-tangy flavour profile while complementing the bold character of the blue cheese.

The Fresh Green Salad was a gorgeous medley of leafy greens, crunchy cucumber, radish, and spring onions, topped with a vibrant raspberry dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and Bulgarian-style poached eggs. This dish was not only super fresh but also vegetarian-friendly, offering a nutritious and satisfying start to the meal.

Another starter we tried was the Baked Potatoes with Cheese. Served with parsley, chillies, and their authentic tartar sauce, this dish was the perfect choice for those seeking a comforting classic. Paired with one of their craft beers, it’s a combo I’d highly recommend.

Moving on to the main courses, we were blown away by the creativity and flavour.

We savoured the Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms. This dish combined tender gnocchi with a creamy sauce, dried tomatoes, capers, basil pesto, and Grana Padano cheese. For those unfamiliar, Grana Padano is Italy’s most-produced cheese, known for its grainy texture and rich, buttery flavour. The dish was flawlessly executed, with a perfect balance of textures and flavours. Highly recommended!

One standout was Doña Quesadilla—a Mexican favourite with a twist. Aylyakria’s version featured chicken, chorizo, cheddar, and pico de gallo salsa, all tucked inside a perfectly heated tortilla. Topped with jalapeños and spring onions, and served alongside homemade guacamole and smoky chipotle sauce, it was nothing short of a masterpiece.

Aylyakria Gastro Bar is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s no wonder the establishment has been recognized as a Traveller’s Choice 2021 winner on TripAdvisor and boasts an impressive 4.8 rating on Google.

Ready to immerse yourself in the Aylyakria philosophy? Check out their menu and reserve your table at their website: https://aylyakria.com/.

Aylyakria—follow the harmony!

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Norma Restaurant & Garden

We chose this place for my Birthday meal. Found it to be one of the top-rated restaurants in Burgas on Tripadvisor. 

Booked a table outside in the garden.... as I thought was perfect for these summer nights by the seaside. The place has a super interesting menu, serving non-traditional dishes, but art. It is also a great place for cozy evenings with friends or Sunday brunch with family.

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! I would say this is a restaurant of high-class international and seasonal marine cuisine. You can even “design” your own dish, by getting the fish of the day and choosing which options to combine it with, or whether to have it grilled or fried.

We went for the Garden Salad, Veal Meatballs (kofte), Baked Potatoes with rosemary, Mussels in Wine, and the Glazed Pork Ribs.

Started with this tomato, basil, and smoked pepper salad, with cottage cheese and bruschettas.

Next in the row is this plate of tender Veal Meatballs with seasoned zucchini and cottage cheese side. Which can melt anyone’s heart…

I also got the Mussels made with wine and herbs. Such a signature dish of you dining by the coast in summer.

If you are vegetarian and still want your well-known food with a bit of herbal touch, these Baked Potatoes are a great choice.

Follow the place on Instagram for fresh updates and tasty treats: https://www.instagram.com/norma.restaurant/?hl=bg

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ZVEZDA BAR & KITCHEN (Звезда Бар и Кухня)

This hidden gem is located in Mall Plaza Plovdiv. You would never expect to come across such a pleasant restaurant in a mall. Modern place, serving Bulgarian cuisine with a twist, and having an interesting interior design in a 1970s communist-style... The place offers a great experience not only food- and beverage-wise, but they have a stage where performers play, dance, and sing. 

They serve salads, main courses, burgers, appetizers, desserts, and drinks. They have a lunch menu, which varies on a daily basis. And prices aren’t too high either. 

 We got the Asparagus with Baked Cheese appetizer and Zvezda Salad (mix of greens, tomatoes, bacon, Philadelphia cheese, and avocado). I liked the presentation of both. Wanted to highlight the staff, who were incredibly nice and competent. The service level is 10/10. 

For the main course, we had Chicken flakes with homemade fries, garnished with rosemary and lemon. 

And for dessert...Homemade Biscuit Cake. Super delish! 

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COUPON: Street Food Art

Aloha, friends!

Seems like been ages since I last published my latest yummy adventures. But here we are, coming back with some of the hottest spots in Plovdiv Town. 

Since it first opened in 2020, I have been literally dying to visit COUPON. The place attracts customers with its unique signature dishes and cool vibe. In summer they even invite DJs and musicians to play outside, so go and grab a meal, while enjoying some gigs. 

Menu offers burgers, salads, soups, main dishes, gyoza and tempura, and desserts. Incredible presentation in a way not many places offer. 

First time we visited, we went for a quick bite, and got burgers and fries. However will be definitely going back to try their specials and famous desserts. 

Buns were homemade and super tasty... Same applies to fries. 

Definitely one of my top 10s in Kapana district! 

Checkout their full menu here: https://coupon.bg/index.php?route=common/home. 

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Shtastlivetsa: Into the Past

Have you ever wondered what is the most visited restaurant in the Old town of Veliko Tarnovo? Shtastlivetsa is one of the places, where thousands of tourists come around each year, according to Trip Advisor. Named after one of the most famous writers in Bulgaria - Aleko Konstatinov, the place is decorated in 1800s style by the talented professional interior designer - Prof. Ognian Lambev. 

The open-air garden is my favourite seated area, as it has the most astonishing and spectacular view one can see: beautiful architecture from the revival and medieval periods, revealing all the houses stacked one above other, bridges, churches, towers and palaces, museums and monasteries, gracefully surrounded by the meanders of Yantra river. 

The restaurant offers international meals, salads and appetizers, soups, starters, main courses, wood fired oven pizza, desserts, fitness dishes... and more! In fact, this is the richest menu I have ever seen. I can guarantee you, the  food is always fresh, and well-served. Make sure you pre-reserve a table as the tables are always occupied. They also offer home/office delivery, so give it a go, in case you are not into spending time outside!

For starters we ordered Vegan Tomato & Quinoa Salad with olives, arugula and walnuts, and Real Ajvar - roasted pepper dip with their homemade “Banksi Starec” raw dried salami and marinated cow cheese. 

You can choose a great variety of appetizers from their menu, do not be scared to experiment and try something new. Their chefs are so good! 

Then, we had to try their oven baked signature pizza, the crust is amazing, guys!

We ordered the classic Margarita Pizza and Italian Pizza with Bulgarian Twist - topped with mix of flat dried meat and yellow cheese. 

The crust is my favourite. A cheat day it was indeed. 

Absolutely delicious! A picture’s worth than thousand words...

My friends and I also got some of their main courses: Chicken Fillet with Herbs on the grill, served with baked potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. The meat was well-done, and amazingly seasoned, so tender and easy to chew. 

And, the Duo Beef Meatballs - served with homemade ajvar, crunchy potatoes and grilled peppers. Also a dish that you cannot miss!

Shtastlivetsa is definitely a place that you should visit. Here is a link to the full menu: https://www.shtastliveca.com/uf/menu/36/ohgetnhpd.pdf . 

Have fun!

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Royal Thai - a piece of Thailand.

For the past year and a half we had no means of travelling due to the COVID-19 restrictions. And this was quite a set back for some people like me, who live and breathe exploring new lands, cultures, cuisines and ethnicities. There was no doubt that even we could not travel abroad, we could still try international cuisine and keep ourselves inspired. 

Next stop during our journey in Sofia was this special restaurant that was recommended by my best friend, who visits there occasionally, when she craves some Thai food - the Royal Thai. This is the first authentic Thai restaurant in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the food is prepared by Thai chefs. If you wanted the finest dining Thai local experience this would be the place to go. 

We decided to share meals, so we ordered the Veggie spring rolls (non-fried) and Pad Thai with Chicken (rice noodles). This stir-fried Thai national dish was flavourfully cooked with peanuts, eggs, noodles and chicken. Perfectly seasoned and garnished, both dishes were incredibly delish!

Well, what else can I say, right size portions, quick and efficient service, cosy atmosphere, reasonable prices...We will be back for sure. The restaurant has 4,5 - 5 star reviews on most of the websites, and no wonder why. 

Whether you would like to browse the menu or book a table, here is the link to this authentic Thai gem in the Sofia city centre: https://royal-thai.business.site/. 

We also tried traditional Thai Beer, which is made of rice. Always down to try new things! 

 And, last but not least, you might be willing to try this recipe at home, visit Taste Atlas to get this authentic recipe here: https://www.tasteatlas.com/pad-thai/recipe .

Have fun! 

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Boho - brunch to dinner

After the lockdown restrictions were partially lifted, a few friends and I decided to do a sneak peek into Sofia’s best brunch and dinner places.

So, here we were, last weekend we travelled to the Capital for our gourmet venture. First stop: Boho. 

It didn’t take long to make the decision of where we will have our brunch, as my friends suggested a cosy garden spot in the Sofia’s city centre, where they have been before and have been pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the menu and the unique presentation of the specials.

We were seated at the back in the garden, the whole place was full. Like literally, people been waiting outside to be seated… The weather was lovely as the spring has just begun. We were looking forward to be trying some of the tempting choices.

I’ve got the Falafel Salad, which was incredibly tasty. The falafels were crispy and super well spiced, and the veggies and green leaves complemented their flavours, so it was fun for me to find out that they were actually so well prepared, as maybe this is the first place in Bulgaria that somewhat the taste of the falafels is kinda similar to the ones that I have had in Jerusalem, or even the ones in Bristol.

My boyfriend ordered the Benedict Eggs special, which is quite a big plate of things going on. I mean, its richness can satisfy any foodie’s preference: eggs, bacon, fresh leaves, sauce, baked buns you name it! I’d say this is great if you hungover, too.

Unique and delicious! It the perfect spot, when you are on the go, and want to grab a quick bite, or just have a good time with friends. Boho offers pancakes, and if you are in for the sweet treats, that will be the place for you. 

Would recommend the Mimosas (but if you ain’t fan - you can just order another cocktail - they’ve got a pretty good selection). 

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Torro Grande. Reserving an experience.

Following up our restaurant reviews with a wonderful visit at Torro Grande.

The girls and I decided to celebrate International Women's Day by reserving a table at one of the hottest dining spots in town. To be honest, we've all been here before, and, as usual, never been disappointed –  service is quick and efficient, waiting staff are polite and have great work ethics, and what astonished me the most - they pay high attention to their customers.

Apart from the rich selection dishes, that include meat from their legendary barbecue, world-class Sushi, and traditional Spanish specials, they offer classic and creative cocktails that put some extra cheer in your occasion. The place gives you the Bohemian chill vibe and sense of cosiness. So, it was an easy decision to call in and book a table.

Starting with the Mediterranean salad that I've ordered – it was a dreamy mix of squid, shrimp, green salads, cherry tomatoes, fresh onion, and lemon dressing. So, if you're a fan of the sea products this is the salad for you. I paired it with a glass of white wine. Light and super tasty!

My friend and colleague, Ella, had the Smoked Salmon salad, which is kind of similar to mine one, as its name suggests, but it includes smoked salmon, and also Philadelphia cheese and a pinch of dill.

The rest of the group also got salads as we wanted to keep it simple and fresh, rather than have a proper dinner this time.

But I've also tried their is Sushi, pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, their soups and main courses – and I can say the chefs are amazing! Here is the link to their full menu: https://www.torrogrande.com/torrogrande/menu/ . 

Interesting fact is that Torro offers a fair selection of desserts, and if you have a sweet tooth, you'll definitely be impressed. Go for it!

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DIVINO Cafe Plovdiv

It is no secret Kapana District holds the most creative and art spots in The European Capital of Culture 2019. Whoever decides to visit me here in town, I will always try and find a way of having us seated at one of the many cosy restaurants that offer local gourmet food. Lockdown prevented us of having the meals outside for the past few months, however as soon as the restrictions were lifted, we picked the sunniest day to have a walk downtown and enjoy a delish meal. 

Kapana was absolutely packed, everywhere you look tables were either occupied or reserved. Just as we thought that's it, we found a free table as people were just leaving. 

This is how we discovered Divino Cafe Plovdiv. The restaurant offers a decent variety of starters, meals and deserts, that can suit any taste. I ordered the Spinach pancake with salmon, but the rest of the group decided to get something they are familiar with, therefore had the good old Ceaser salad, and Beef Pasta.

Although I enjoyed the pancake’s flavours, it was not quite what I expected it  to be - green coloured because of the spinach dough. It was just a regular pancake stuffed with spinach, salmon, cheese and olive pasta mix. Loved the taste, however it could have been a bit more full of flavour. 

The rest of the group enjoyed their salads. Nothing much to say about this as it was just an ordinary one, as we all know it... 

See yaaa next time...(or at least after the 4th lockdown’s over)!

*DIVINO Cafe’s website https://divino-cafe-plovdiv.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral

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BRICK House: The heart of Kapana

Most of you have heard of Kapana District - Plovdiv, creativeness is everything it stands for. Each corner greets you with colourful craft stores, local homemade and street food, wine and cocktail spots. The spirit of this place fills each of its visitors with a feeling of freedom and completeness. 

I am sure you want to try all of them at one go... however one visit to Plovdiv will hardly be enough! My next stop is Brick House Kapana (Bar & Grill).  It is a lovely place to spend time with friends & family. 

They offer a great selection of homemade quality food, introducing new ingredients, materials and practices. And also sleek and fancy cocktails that could spice up your brunch or dinner.  Service is brilliant, so here we go with best menu choices of our group...

I ordered the starters below. On the first picture you can see an intriguing twist of the old fashioned Potato Salad - mixed with herbs and a sauce on the side, it is light and super delicious. 

The second one represents one of the warm starter dishes - Cheese wrapped in Bacon - super basic, and yet full of flavours. It was perfect match for my beer. Loved it! 

I like the presentation of both dishes. Cannot say anything, but highly recommend. 

My boyfriend got the Glazed Pork Ribs. So tender and tasty, garnished with potato chunks and sauce on the side. Perfect treat!

Visit and try it yourself :) 

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EGO. The ‘City of the Tsars’ Hidden Gem.

‘Ego Pizza and Grill’ is one of my favourite places among best-rated spots in the old Bulgarian capital Veliko Tarnovo. The restaurant has an art décor inspired by the style of the Mediterranean village houses, and the terrace has one of the most spectacular views…of the Yantra river, the Asen's Monument, and Tsarevets Fortress.

Would definitely recommend this restaurant for all the pizza-lovers. Pizzas are stone baked with much browner, crisper, and puffier than at other places I have been to. However, they also serve Bulgarian and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu has quite what to offer, so I am definitely recommending this one as your next stop.

I ordered the Goat Cheese starter. If you are a cheese-lover like me you will love it! Thanks to its relatively low lactose content, the goat cheese is an excellent choice for people with lactose intolerance. Those who have never tried, flavours are tart, providing earthy and tangy nuances. The recipe was simplicity itself but the honey and walnuts brought the 'extra' something and made it a top-notch starter. The texture was soft and almost spreadable. It was not overdone, and had a nice presentation.

In addition I had the Spring Salad , which included the flavours of fresh locally produced vegetables: cucumber, lettuce and radish, and garnished with a boiled egg and light dressing.

There are bunch of delish starters and meals to choose from, so go for it! You won't regret it.