Veliko Tarnovo Food

Traditional Bulgarian food is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. One must-try dish is the Banitsa, a delicious pastry made with layers of filo dough, eggs, and cheese. Another popular choice is the Shopska Salad, a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese.

Check out our Bulgarian Food page for more information about these foods.

Address: ul. “Stefan Stambolov” 79, 5000 g.k. Varusha – north, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Shtastliveca is the oldest and most iconic restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo. It is a popular destination for thousands of guests every year.

The professional designer Professor Ognyan Lambev designed the restaurant’s retro interior. The furniture on both levels of the restaurant is themed and dedicated to the time of the famous writer Aleko Konstantinov, also known as “The Lucky One.”

We very much enjoyed the food and decor!

Address: ul. “Alexander Stamboliyski” 7, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo Center, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Restaurant “Asenevtsi” is located in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo, next to the iconic hotel “Etar.” It offers a comfortable and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect place for family celebrations, company holidays, or business meetings. With its three halls, guests can enjoy outstanding traditional Bulgarian dishes, gourmet specialties, and pastries from the latest “Workshop for Sweets.”

Asenevtsi is the perfect place to taste the latest culinary trends and indulge in a joyous experience for the senses of connoisseurs.

Address: ul. “Ksiliforska” 2, 5000 g.k. Asenov, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Address: ul. “Toledo” 6, 5000 g.k. Kolyo Ficheto, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Address: ul. “Tsanko Tserkovski” 14, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo Center, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Address: ul. “Georgi S. Rakovski” 19, 5000 g.k. Varusha – north, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

The Hadji Nikoli Inn in Veliko Tarnovo is a precious part of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. It is a unique masterpiece from the Bulgarian Renaissance era. The inn was constructed in 1858 for Hadji Nikoli, a well-known Turnovo tradesman who played a significant role in the fight for an independent Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The architect and builder of the inn was the brilliant Kolyo Ficheto, who created a grand and magnificent building comparable to a Venetian Palace. The inn is notable because it is the only one of the 70 inns built in the city that has survived.

Recently, the inn has undergone restoration and renovation. Now, it is open to visitors as a complex that includes a restaurant, cafe, wine bar with a wine shop, museum, and an art gallery.

Address: ul. “General Gurko” 5, 5000 g.k. Varusha – north, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Mehana Tihiyat Kut has been a popular spot for locals and tourists visiting Veliko Tarnovo for almost 50 years. The painted walls of the tavern hold memories of generations who have visited this iconic location. It remains a must-visit place in the old capital. Situated at the beginning of “Gen. Gurko” street, where the old and new town meet, the “Tihiya Kut” tavern is waiting to welcome its guests.

Address: ul. “Nezavisimost” 17, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo Center, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Restaurant Ego 1 is a traditional restaurant in Veliko Tarnovo.

One popular street food option is Banitsa, a traditional pastry made with layers of filo pastry and filled with various savory ingredients such as cheese, spinach, or minced meat. As you stroll through the streets of Veliko Tarnovo, you’ll find numerous small kiosks and stalls selling freshly baked Banitsa, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. The flaky pastry and rich and flavorful fillings will surely leave you craving more.

Another street food delight to try is the irresistible Kebapcheta, small grilled sausages made from a mixture of minced meat and spices. Served with a side of fresh salad and warm bread, these juicy kebapcheta are a perfect on-the-go snack that will satisfy your hunger and introduce you to the authentic flavors of Bulgaria.

For those with a sweet tooth, Veliko Tarnovo has a delectable treat in store. Look out for the famous Bulgarian dessert called “Mekitsi.” These fried dough balls are soft, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. They are typically served hot and sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. You can also add a variety of fillings like jam, chocolate, or cheese to take your mekitsi experience to the next level.

Address: ul. “Professor Asen Zlatarov” 7a, 5000 Rayon Zapaden, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Want to learn about the local food during your Veliko Tarnovo visit? Book one of the best food tours in Veliko Tarnovo!

Veliko Tarnovo is famous for being the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful scenery. The city is particularly renowned for its medieval fortress, Tsarevets, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Veliko Tarnovo is also famous for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Additionally, the city is a popular tourist destination due to its well-preserved old town and charming cobblestone streets.

Veliko Tarnovo is generally considered to be an affordable city to live in. The cost of living in Veliko Tarnovo is lower than in larger cities in Bulgaria and Europe. Housing, groceries, and transportation are typically more affordable in Veliko Tarnovo than in major cities. However, it’s important to note that the cost of living can vary depending on individual lifestyle and preferences.

Bulgarian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors and influences from various regions. The country’s culinary traditions draw inspiration from the Balkans, Mediterranean, and Middle East.

In Veliko Tarnovo, the culinary scene is a true reflection of Bulgaria’s diverse cuisine. From traditional dishes to international flavors, there is something to satisfy every palate. Local restaurants offer a wide range of options, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can experience the delicious tastes of the region.

The most popular dish in Bulgaria is arguably banitsa. Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling typically consisting of eggs, cheese, and yogurt. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack and can be found in bakeries and households throughout the country. Other popular dishes in Bulgaria include shopska salad, kebapche (grilled minced meat), and tarator (cold cucumber soup).

Traditional Bulgarian food is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. Some popular traditional dishes include:

1. Shopska Salad: A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and feta cheese.
2. Banitsa: A delicious pastry made with filo dough and filled with cheese, eggs, and sometimes spinach or meat.
3. Kebapche: Grilled minced meat seasoned with spices and shaped into small sausages.
4. Tarator: A cold soup made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts.
5. Moussaka: Layers of potatoes, ground meat (usually pork or beef), and eggplant, topped with a creamy sauce and baked until golden.
6. Sarmi: Stuffed cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of rice and ground meat (usually pork or beef).
7. Lyutenitsa: A thick spread made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

These are just a few examples of the delicious traditional Bulgarian dishes you can enjoy. Bulgarian cuisine is a blend of influences from the Balkans, Mediterranean, and Middle East, resulting in a unique and flavorful culinary experience.

Bulgarian cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes that are worth trying. Traditional Bulgarian food often includes fresh vegetables, dairy products, meats, and herbs. Some popular dishes include banitsa (a pastry filled with cheese or spinach), shopska salad (a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and cheese), kebapche (grilled minced meat), and tarator (a cold yogurt soup). Bulgaria is also known for its yogurt, which is thick and creamy with a slightly tart flavor. Overall, the food in Bulgaria can be quite tasty and satisfying for those who enjoy exploring different culinary traditions.

If you’re planning a trip to Veliko Tarnovo, there are many great places to stay. However, we strongly recommend staying near the castle icon on the map below for the best experience. This is in the Old Town where you can enjoy the unique architecture, close to the restaurants with amazing views over the river, and not far from all the best wine bars. And, it’s a short and easy walk to the fortress.

The below interactive map provides hotel and apartment options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!