11 Best Restaurants With Folk Dances in Sofia

As someone who has spent years guiding visitors through Sofia's vibrant cultural scene, I can tell you that nothing captures the Bulgarian spirit quite like a traditional mehana dinner with live folk performances.

There's something magical about watching dancers in colorful national costumes perform the horo while you feast on grilled meats and sip local rakia. I've eaten my way through dozens of these establishments, and these eleven restaurants deliver the most authentic folklore dining experiences in the capital.

1. Chevermeto

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Chevermeto lamb roasting

Chevermeto is one of my absolute favorites for a reason – every evening, a whole lamb rotates over an open fire while professional dancers from the Goce Delchev ensemble perform traditional Bulgarian dances. The show schedule runs like clockwork: folklore singers at 8:30 PM, traditional dance performances at 9:00 PM, and more live music at 10:00 PM. The restaurant gets its name from this signature spit-roasted lamb preparation, and watching the dancers invite guests to join the "horo" line dance is pure entertainment. Ministers, celebrities, and royalty have all dined here, but the atmosphere remains welcoming to everyone.

• Address: Bulgaria Square 1, NDK-Pronoto, Sofia 1463

• Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner, shows start at 8:30 PM

• Folk Show: Nightly

• Price Range: €15–€20 per person

• Note: Small entrance fee (~€2.50) for the folklore program

• Google Maps

2. Vodenitsata (The Watermill)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Fire dancer on embers

If you want to witness something truly unforgettable, Vodenitsata offers fire-dancing performances where dancers walk barefoot on glowing embers in a trance-like state. This ancient Nestinari ritual is one of the most unique cultural experiences you'll find anywhere in Bulgaria. Located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain in the Dragalevtsi district, this restaurant-garden feels like an escape from the city while being just 10 minutes from downtown. The folklore show starts at 9:00 PM daily during warm months and includes traditional songs, dances, and Bulgarian customs. Come hungry – the portions are generous and the traditional recipes have been passed down for generations.

• Address: Dragalevtsi Quarter, near the Vitosha lift station

• Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM daily

• Folk Show: Daily at 9:00 PM (fire-dancing in warm seasons)

• Price Range: €13–€23 per person

• Phone: +359 2 967 1058

• Google Maps

3. Hadjidraganovite Kashti (Hadjidraganov's Houses)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Historic Bulgarian house interior

Stepping into Hadjidraganovite Kashti is like traveling back to 1866. The restaurant occupies four beautifully restored houses representing the architectural styles of Koprivshtitsa, Zheravna, Melnik, and Bansko – all connected by a charming courtyard garden. Three talented musicians perform live folklore music every evening from Tuesday to Saturday, and guests are encouraged to join the dancing. The legend of the wealthy wool and silk trader Hadji Dragan lives on through this atmospheric venue. It's walking distance from Lion's Bridge metro station, making it one of the most accessible folklore restaurants for visitors.

• Address: 75 Kozloduy Street (near Maria Luisa Boulevard)

• Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM daily

• Folk Show: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Price Range: €15–€25 per person

• Phone: +359 899 917 837

• Google Maps

4. Pod Lipite (Under the Linden Trees)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Rustic stone wall interior

Pod Lipite holds a special place in Sofia's culinary history – it opened in 1926 and has been serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine ever since. The famous Bulgarian writer Elin Pelin (after whom the street is named) used to sit under the linden trees here with fellow literary greats. Today, those same trees shade the outdoor terrace while live folk music fills the air every single night. What sets this place apart is that many ingredients come directly from the restaurant's own farm. The oxtail soup that simmers for hours is legendary, and the atmosphere with bare stone walls, wonky wooden beams, and folk furnishings transports you to a different era.

• Address: 1 Elin Pelin Street, Lozenets District

• Hours: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily

• Folk Show: Every night

• Price Range: €12–€20 per person

• Phone: +359 2 866 5053

• Note: Cash preferred (cards may not be accepted)

• Google Maps

5. Manastirska Magernitsa (The Monastery Kitchen)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Traditional Bulgarian appetizers

The name means "the place in monasteries where monks cook and eat," and each recipe on the menu has been collected from different Bulgarian monasteries across the country. This restaurant occupies a historic 19th-century townhouse that once belonged to Professor Krastyo Krastev, where Bulgarian literary giants like Pencho Slaveykov and Peyo Yavorov would gather. The winter garden, two-story building with six halls, and summer garden all feature traditional Bulgarian décor. Live folk music creates a warm, romantic atmosphere on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Don't miss the wild game dishes – the deer and wild boar stews are outstanding.

• Address: 67 Khan Asparuh Street, Sofia Center

• Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily

• Folk Show: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

• Price Range: €12–€20 per person

• Phone: +359 899 949 400

• Google Maps

6. Site Bulgari Zaedno

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Locals dancing horo

This restaurant's name translates to "All Bulgarians Together," and it lives up to that promise every night. The website actually warns visitors to wear comfortable shoes – because here, it's impossible to avoid dancing! The interior is built in wood and stone like traditional Bulgarian houses, and what makes this place truly special is watching long chains of locals dancing the horo folk dance. Professional dancers and musicians perform daily, but the real magic happens when Bulgarian guests spontaneously join in. Located slightly outside the center in the Banishora neighborhood, it attracts more locals than tourists, giving you an authentic slice of Bulgarian culture.

• Address: 37 General Stoletov Street, Banishora District

• Hours: 11:00 AM – late (until early hours)

• Folk Show: Daily

• Price Range: €8–€18 per person

• Phone: +359 2 931 5161

• Note: Cash payment recommended

• Google Maps

7. Hadjidraganovite Izbi (Hadjidraganov's Cellars)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Wine cellar atmosphere

The sister restaurant to Hadjidraganov's Houses offers a different but equally atmospheric experience. You'll dine in the atmosphere of an old wine cellar with stone walls and barrels, while some of Bulgaria's best folklore musicians perform. The legend says Hadji Dragan's cellars once stored wine from vineyards across the country – and today you can still enjoy an excellent selection of Bulgarian wines in this setting. The menu focuses on Bulgarian national cuisine prepared on fire, on hot plates, and in ovens. The cozy cellar atmosphere makes this particularly appealing during cooler months.

• Address: 75 Kozloduy Street (same complex as the Houses)

• Hours: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM daily

• Folk Show: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Price Range: €15–€25 per person

• Google Maps

8. Nashe Selo (Our Village)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Wooden platter feast

Nashe Selo delivers the classic Bulgarian mehana experience with live music and enormous wooden platters of food. The restaurant's specialty is the "platter" – different types of Bulgarian delicacies, cheeses, or grilled meats served on large wooden boards perfect for sharing. The folk shows on Friday and Saturday evenings feature professional musicians playing traditional instruments, and the lively atmosphere gets guests dancing before the night is over. Located near the Military Medical Academy, it's a bit outside the tourist center but well worth the trip for authentic food and entertainment at reasonable prices.

• Address: 15 Academician Ivan Geshov Boulevard

• Hours: 11:00 AM – late

• Folk Show: Friday and Saturday evenings

• Price Range: €10–€20 per person

• Phone: +359 894 312 131

• Google Maps

9. Mamin Kolio Tavern

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Sizzling sach dish

Just a stone's throw from the city center, Mamin Kolio brings rural Bulgarian hospitality to the capital. The interior is decorated with knick-knacks from rural life and traditional woven tablecloths, making you forget you're in a major city. The restaurant spreads across multiple floors and includes a spacious summer garden with 100 outdoor seats. Live folklore music plays from Wednesday to Sunday evenings, and the menu features all the Bulgarian specialties including the sizzling "sach" dishes – meat and vegetables cooked on a traditional clay dish over hot coals. For the adventurous, ask about the special platters "for hungry men and their friends."

• Address: 40 Pozitano Street

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily (some sources say until 2:00 AM)

• Folk Show: Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Price Range: €5–€15 per person

• Phone: +359 2 471 6577

• Google Maps

10. Mehana Sofia

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Folk orchestra performing

Conveniently located near Sofia's Central Railway Station on Princess Maria Luiza Boulevard, Mehana Sofia is perfect for travelers arriving in the city. A master folk orchestra and talented singers perform traditional songs from all regions of Bulgaria, creating an energetic atmosphere that keeps guests entertained throughout the evening. The restaurant seats over 110 people and maintains a classic mehana atmosphere with traditional décor. Shows take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, making it ideal for a weekend dinner. The kitchen serves tested traditional recipes at good prices, with particularly appealing lunch specials during weekdays.

• Address: 106 Princess Maria Luiza Boulevard

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM daily

• Folk Show: Friday and Saturday evenings

• Price Range: €8–€15 per person

• Phone: +359 878 105 627

• Google Maps

11. Veselo Selo (Happy Village)

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER] Alt text: Park restaurant terrace

[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER: End of section photo] Alt text: Dancers in colorful costumes

Located inside Borisova Gradina (Boris's Garden), Sofia's largest park, Veselo Selo delivers an entertainment-focused dining experience. The spacious venue features traditional Bulgarian dance performances as well as belly dancing, and the atmosphere gets particularly lively as the evening progresses. The setting in a stylized rural house surrounded by greenery creates a unique atmosphere just minutes from the Vasil Levski Stadium metro station. Fair warning: this place is more about the entertainment than the food, so come with expectations of a fun, energetic evening rather than a gourmet meal. Dancers often perform right at your table, making this an interactive experience.

• Address: 5 Dragan Tsankov Boulevard, Borisova Gradina Park

• Hours: Evening dining, shows later in the evening

• Folk Show: Daily performances

• Price Range: €12–€20 per person

• Phone: +359 2 963 2311

• Note: Check current status as venue has changed over the years

• Google Maps

Tips for Enjoying Folklore Restaurants in Sofia

Before you head out for an evening of traditional entertainment, here are some practical tips I've gathered over the years:

• Book ahead: These restaurants get packed on show nights, especially on weekends. Make a reservation at least a day in advance.

• Dress comfortably: The dancers will invite you to join the horo, and trust me – you won't be able to resist. Wear shoes you can dance in.

• Choose your seat wisely: If you want the full show experience, book a table near the performance area. If you prefer a quieter meal, request a table farther away.

• Budget for the evening: Drinks and tips for musicians can add up. Many of these restaurants also charge a small cover fee for the entertainment.

• Stick to Bulgarian wine: It's typically cheaper than imported bottles and pairs beautifully with the food. Ask your server for recommendations.

• Bring cash: While most places accept cards these days, some traditional establishments still prefer cash, especially for tipping musicians.

FAQ

What is horo and will I be expected to dance?

Horo is Bulgaria's traditional circle dance where participants hold hands and perform synchronized steps to folk music. Yes, dancers at most folklore restaurants will invite guests to join, and it's considered part of the fun. The basic steps are easy to follow – just watch the person next to you and enjoy the experience.

Do I need to make a reservation at folklore restaurants?

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings when most shows take place. Popular restaurants like Chevermeto and Hadjidraganovite Kashti can fill up quickly with tour groups and locals celebrating special occasions.

What time do the folklore shows typically start?

Most shows begin between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM and continue until 11:00 PM or later. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime to settle in, order food, and get good seats near the performance area.

Are folklore restaurants suitable for children?

Yes, most folklore restaurants are family-friendly, especially during the earlier dinner hours. Children often love the colorful costumes and lively music, and families are welcome to join the dancing together.

How much should I tip the musicians?

It's customary to tip musicians who perform at your table. A few levs (€2–€5) is appropriate if musicians come to your table directly. Some restaurants include a small entertainment fee in the bill instead.

What traditional Bulgarian dishes should I try?

Start with Shopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, and white cheese) and kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew). For mains, try the spit-roasted lamb at Chevermeto, the monastery recipes at Manastirska Magernitsa, or the grilled meat platters available at most mehanas.

Are vegetarian options available at folklore restaurants?

Yes, Bulgarian cuisine includes many vegetable dishes. Look for stuffed peppers (chushki), bean soup (bob chorba), grilled vegetables, cheese dishes, and banitsa (cheese-filled pastry). Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian diners with advance notice.

What should I wear to a folklore restaurant?

Smart casual is appropriate for most venues. The atmosphere is festive but not formal. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes if you plan to dance – ladies might want to skip the high heels.

Do these restaurants offer private dining for groups?

Yes, most folklore restaurants have separate halls or VIP rooms available for private events, company parties, and celebrations. Contact the restaurant directly to discuss group bookings and customized menus.

Is there live music at these restaurants every night?

It varies by venue. Some restaurants like Chevermeto and Vodenitsata have nightly shows, while others like Mehana Sofia and Nashe Selo only have performances on weekends. Always confirm the schedule when making your reservation.

Conclusion

Dining at a folklore restaurant is one of the most immersive ways to experience Bulgarian culture during your time in Sofia. Whether you choose the historic charm of Pod Lipite, the spectacular fire-dancing at Vodenitsata, or the lively atmosphere at Site Bulgari Zaedno, you'll leave with a full stomach and unforgettable memories. And if you're looking to continue the evening after the folk shows end, join Sofia Party Pub Crawl to experience the capital's modern nightlife scene.