Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
A enchanting Sofia gem offering authentic Bulgarian flavors in a breathtaking French-inspired setting, known for its quality and value.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Shtastlivetsa Restaurant - Vitoshka
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A enchanting Sofia gem offering authentic Bulgarian flavors in a breathtaking French-inspired setting, known for its quality and value.
"This restaurant is an absolute treasure for anyone wanting to experience authentic Bulgarian food."
Reserve in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular and can be fully booked.
Ask for Second Floor Seating
Request to be seated on the second floor for a potentially more beautiful dining experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bulgarian, European
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+359 2 441 1155
Address
Sofia Center, Vitosha Blvd 27, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Website
shtastliveca.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Enchanting Atmosphere
A visually stunning restaurant with ornate, French-style decor and a central tree centerpiece, creating a magical and inviting ambiance.
Authentic Bulgarian Flavors
Experience high-quality Bulgarian cuisine with rich flavors and an authentic taste, showcasing traditional dishes and local ingredients.
Vegetarian & Vegan Delights
A surprising array of well-executed vegetarian and vegan dishes, making it a great choice for diverse dietary preferences.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular and can be fully booked.
Ask for Second Floor Seating
Request to be seated on the second floor for a potentially more beautiful dining experience.
Explore Vegetarian Options
Don't hesitate to try the vegetarian and vegan options, which are plentiful and well-prepared.
Lunch Hours for Fewer Crowds
Visit during lunch hours for a less crowded experience compared to the busy evenings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Secure your table by making a reservation, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular and can be fully booked.
Ask for Second Floor Seating
Request to be seated on the second floor for a potentially more beautiful dining experience.
Explore Vegetarian Options
Don't hesitate to try the vegetarian and vegan options, which are plentiful and well-prepared.
Lunch Hours for Fewer Crowds
Visit during lunch hours for a less crowded experience compared to the busy evenings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Shtastlivetsa's stunning ambiance, authentic Bulgarian cuisine, and exceptional value. While the food and service consistently receive high praise, some guests have encountered minor issues with the online booking process.
"If you're looking for a special feeling, truly exceptional service, and top-quality cuisine, please stop by. The ambiance is magnificent, the lighting is magnificent, and the furniture is magnificent. Simply put, it's a perfect and extraordinary venue. They have a unique version of Turkish moussaka, and you should definitely try it."
Yuksel Horuz
"The most beautiful place! Lovely atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent, very polite staff. Definitely a must-try experience, with prices very reasonable compared to other places in the country.
The only negative was the booking process — we tried to reserve online, but were told everything was fully booked. Even after suggesting alternative dates and times, the reply was still “fully booked.” When we went in person, the manager told us there were plenty of empty tables inside — which is actually the nicest area to sit.
In the end, we had an amazing time and enjoyed a truly unique experience with excellent service!"
elisabeth keramioti
"I advise reservation before coming, ask to be seated on 2nd floor if possible, it’s more beautiful. The restaurant at Vitoshka is very famous and usually full. Food tasted amazing although the mains portions were a bit small, you need appetizers and desserts to be full. Waitresses were amazing with their service."
Nadya Larasati
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular and often fully booked.
The restaurant boasts a magnificent, ornate, and French-style decor with a unique tree centerpiece, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Yes, Shtastlivetsa has a surprisingly good selection of clearly marked vegetarian and vegan dishes on its menu.
While some reviewers mention main courses can be a bit small, the overall experience with appetizers and desserts is satisfying.
Popular choices include the roasted pork knuckle, veal knuckle, kunefe for dessert, and traditional Bulgarian dishes like Shopska salad.
Yes, the beautiful ambiance and excellent service make it a great choice for celebrations and special dining experiences.
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Featured in these publications
Best restaurants in Sofia : believe us, we have tested them in person
It is definitely the hot spot in Sofia (and also in Veliko Tarnovo where do they have another) and one of the best valued by tourists, apart from being very central in the middle of Bulevard Vitosha which is pedestrian. It has an ornate and colorful decoration, and French style could be said. The dishes are more varied than in other restaurants , with more elaborate recipes and a very careful presentation, It's the place “preppy” par excellence for these reasons and because the prices are somewhat higher, but in keeping with the presentation and quality of the dishes.
10 Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants in Sofia
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu at Shtastlivetsa. It looks like a traditional Bulgarian restaurant, and often traditional restaurants don’t have that many veggie options. But Shtastlivetsa has quite a few vegetarian and vegan dishes and they’re clearly listed on their menu.
Sofia City Guide, everything you need to know about the city
Shtastlivetsa is the place you should visit for the true Bulgarian experience. The restaurant is located in the city centre and its warm and friendly atmosphere attracts many visitors. Here you can expect good traditional Bulgarian dishes and a variety of Vegan and Vegetarian friendly options.
A Sofia Food Guide + Best Restaurants in Sofia
Shtastlivetsa restaurant is located on the fashionable Vitosha Bul. with a little pavement-side seating area as well as a gorgeous interior. They served both traditional Bulgarian cuisine as well as international fare, with the seasonal menu as well.
Most Instagrammable places in Sofia, Bulgaria – WordPress on Azure
The name of it is “Shtastlivetsa”, meaning “The happy/lucky one” in Bulgarian. This is the nickname of one of the greatest Bulgarian publicists Aleko Konstantinov. The restaurant has absolutely amazing interior, looking like a big posh doll house.
MY OWN CHOICE: WINING AND DINING IN AND OUT OF STYLE
Shtastlivetsa (79 Stefan Stambulov Street) attracts a young crowd and is popular with natives and visitors alike. I think I prefer Mehana Gurko (33 Gurko Street; phone 627 838) with its traditional decor and Bulgarian cuisine.
Things to See and Do on Sofia’s Famous Pedestrian Street – Slow Travel Blog
Shtastlivetsa is so fun because you have to know where it is!. It is quite literally a hole-in-the-wall on Vitosha Bouleavard. You will definitely want to use your map to navigate to it.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit