Delicious traditional food.
Mind-blowing handmade pizzas and vegan treats.
Bansko truly has something for every taste and budget!
The mountain town and ski resort has a thriving food scene with an increasing variety of international cuisines alongside the traditional Bulgarian mehana-style restaurants.
We’ve spent several months in Bansko and we set out to try out as many different restaurants as we could. But we definitely have our favourites that we keep going back to!
I’m getting hungry just by writing this, so let’s dive straight in and make your visit super delicious with the 16 Best Restaurants in Bansko.
And if you’re looking for fun things to do in Bansko, check out this article for the 12 Best Things to Do in Bansko in winter.
Prepare for your trip to Bansko
🏡 Book your accommodation in advance – find the best hotel deals for Bansko here.
⛷️ Find the best tours in Bansko – book your adventures in Bansko in advance.
🚗 Rent a car – the best and easiest way to get around Bansko is by renting a car.
☂️ Travel Insurance – make sure you’re covered before your trip! I always use SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance which is super affordable and flexible.
💳 Travel cards – Get a Wise or Revolut bank cards to avoid overseas charges and save money on your travels.
Best restaurants in Bansko
Fine Dining Restaurants in Bansko
1. Five Points Restaurant
Prices: $$ | 8 lev – 20 lev (£4 – £10)
Menu: Bulgarian cuisine and Italian-inspired dishes
Location: Five Points Restaurant
Hours: 8am – 11pm
Card payment: Accepted
Five Points is definitely one of the best restaurants in Bansko with some of the most interesting and diverse menu in town. We came here for our last night in Bansko and our only regret is not trying out this place sooner!
The candle-lit setting inside creates the perfect romantic atmosphere for date night with a true sense for luxury and fine dining.
What differentiates Five Points from the other restaurants in Bansko is that there’s a different chef coming in from Sofia every few weeks, changing up the menu and bringing in their own unique dishes to the table.
So if you visit more than once, you may be surprised with a whole new set of delicious meal options on your next visit!
As for the food, we were blown away by the amazing selection of salads, vegetarian options and meat specialties on the menu.
2. Five M – Fine dining restaurant in Bansko
Prices: $$ | 12 lev – 30 lev (£6 – £15)
Menu: Modern European menu, Seafood and Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: Five M
Hours: 10am – 12am
Card payment: Accepted
Five M is one of those restaurants that you only wish you’d discovered sooner. We first visited on our third trip to Bansko, and ever since, it’s been our go-to for every occasion.
Whether it’s for a cozy night out with friends, a romantic dinner, or even a larger celebration, I loved every dinner I’ve had at Five M. I’ve heard from others that it’s also an excellent spot for lunch but I haven’t tried it myself.
Their varied menu will leave you spoilt for choice—whether you’re craving traditional Bulgarian flavours, delicious salads and sharing platters or more refined seafood dishes. It truly caters for every taste!
Every time we’ve been, the service has been warm and welcoming, and the ambiance perfectly blends sophistication with a relaxed, cozy vibe. I even chose Five M to host my birthday celebrations and I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
This spot truly ticks all the boxes and I can highly recommended it for any visit to Bansko.
3. White Lavina
Prices: $$ | 12 lev – 30 lev (£6 – £15)
Menu: Modern Italian menu and Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: White Lavina
Hours: 8am – 11pm
Card payment: Accepted
For a true sense of luxury and fine dining experience, White Lavina is definitely one of the best restaurants in Bansko for you.
There’s two things that they do best here, in true Italian fashion – the wine and the pasta!
The focus here is on quality rather than quantity, as the exquisite modern-style Italian menu is limited to only the best Italian specialties mixed with traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
And yet, I still had a hard time choosing what to have as everything sounded so delicious! The pasta dishes we eventually picked was some of the best I’ve ever had, and it’s certainly the best pasta in Bansko.
In fact, the only downside of the sublime food we had was that the portions were a tad smaller and we were left longing for more (definitely encouraged us to want to go back!).
Although I’m not a wine drinker, I can share with you a recommendation based on my friends’ experience – make sure to order wine by the bottle, rather than by glass. According to my friends, the quality and taste is much better!
Traditional Bulgarian Restaurants in Bansko
4. The Log House Bansko
Prices: $$ | 12 lev – 40 lev ( £6 – £15 )
Menu: Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: The Log House Bansko
Hours: 10am – 11:30pm
Card Payment: Accepted
If you’re looking to experience a true taste of Bulgarian cuisine, The Log House is one of the must-visit restaurants in Bansko.
It’s become my go-to place when I have friends visiting and want to introduce them to the diverse and delicious flavours of Bulgaria. This spot really has it all, so whenever I bring guests here, we simply order a bunch of different dishes to share. And without fail, everyone loves it!
From classic Bulgarian salads and hearty meat dishes to more unique specialties, the menu is full of must-try items. It’s the perfect place to get a real feel for the local flavours. The rustic, cozy vibe of the restaurant adds to its charm and authenticity.
Whether you’re new to Bulgarian cuisine or have been enjoying it for years, The Log House is a must for trying out traditional food in Bansko.
5. Castello Restaurant
Prices: $$ | 12 lev – 40 lev ( £6 – £15 )
Menu: Traditional Bulgarian dishes and Western cuisine
Location: Castello
Hours: 10am – 12am
Card Payment: Accepted
Castello Restaurant is a hidden gem in Bansko with a welcoming atmosphere and traditional music playing in the background.
We came to Castello with a big group, and every dish we tried was exceptional. The menu offers both traditional local cuisine as well as western options such as pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
My partner ordered the Bansko Bohcha—a hearty local specialty made with chicken, pork, mushrooms, and vegetables, all roasted together with cheese inside a homemade loaf of bread. The portion was so large he couldn’t finish it, and as soon as our friends had a taste, there was a fun little debate over who got the leftovers!
Everything is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can really taste the difference. The food, ambiance and excellent service makes Castello one of the best places to eat in Bansko.
6. The House
Prices: $$ | 12 lev – 40 lev ( £6 – £15 )
Menu: Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: The House
Hours: 10am – 12am
Card Payment: Accepted (make sure to specify your payment method before getting the bill)
The House is one of the best and most authentic traditional-style restaurants in Bansko, that will make you love Bulgarian cuisine and culture. If you come here for dinner your meal will be accompanied by live music, traditional dancing and singing shows, making your evening one to really immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture.
The incredible food quality encompasses some of the best traditional Bulgarian dishes from the region and beyond, with some that I’ve personally never come across in other Bulgarian restaurants. There’s also a selection of fragrant local wines that you add to your meal to really blend in with the locals.
The delicious food is only topped by the cozy atmosphere created by the log style interior design and wooden carvings, making this the perfect traditional-style dinner spot.
7. Bunare Ethno Restaurant
Prices: $$ | 8 lev – 16 lev ( £4 – £8 )
Menu: Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: Bunare Ethno Restaurant
Hours: 10am – 12am
Card payment: Not accepted. Cash only
Walking into Bunare instantly makes you feel as if you have gone back in time. The upstairs area is decorated in the most eye-catching way, with traditional elements and wooden furniture creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
As we came here during the quiet lunch hours (this was one of the only restaurants in the Old Town that was welcoming customers before 5pm, so extra points for that), we were the only ones in the restaurant at that time.
Nonetheless, we were greeted with a smile and provided some lovely ‘entertainment’ while waiting for our food, provided by the restaurant’s adorable cat 😀
The food itself was absolutely delicious and presented in a beautiful way, as we tried a small variety of local dishes, served in traditional style pottery.
If you want to try something a little bit different, they offer ‘live draft beer’ which is basically beer that hasn’t gone through pasteurization yet – very few places offer this so it’s quite unique!
8. Four Directions
Prices: $$ | 8 lv – 16 lv ( £4 – £8 )
Menu: Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: Four Directions
Hours: 12pm – 10pm
Pay by card: Yes
Quiet atmosphere and a selection of traditional dishes unique to the region, providing a great opportunity to try something different than the basic Bulgarian dishes.
I would highly recommend you try ‘Bochurmoz’ here which both wins my points for taste and presentation. It’s quite impressive as the dish is served to you while literally being ‘on fire’ which is definitely something we didn’t expect.
If you fancy something more western, 4 Directions also has a bunch of different options including burgers and pasta so there’s definitely something for everyone.
Pizza, Burgers & Sandwiches
9. Victoria Restaurant Bansko
Prices: $$ | 8lv – 20lv (£4 – £10)
Menu: Western cuisine & Traditional Bulgarian dishes
Location: Victoria Restaurant Bansko
Hours: 11am – 12am
Pay by card: Yes
Victoria is hands down the best place in Bansko to go for pizza!
It won’t be an exaggeration when I say as well that the pizza here might be some of the best I’ve ever had!
If you don’t fancy pizza there’s also a big selection of traditional dishes and sushi which are also impeccable. I could wholeheartedly say that I could eat every day here and I won’t get bored of it. This is how much I love Victoria restaurant!
As for the restaurant itself, it’s beautifully decorated in authentic style with lots of wooden carvings and ski references.
The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, and make you feel right at home. A must visit in Bansko!
10. 75’s Tasty
Prices: $$ | 8lv – 16lv (£4 – £8)
Menu: Soups, sandwiches, burgers
Location: 75’s Tasty
Hours: 11am – 9pm, closed on Thursdays
Pay by card: Yes
75 Tasty’s is one of the best places to eat in Bansko if you’re looking for quick and hearty fast food, that is also relatively healthy.
This is one of my favourite places for lunch or a quick bite. The food is mouthwatering delicious with a large selection of salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups and sweet treats. The menu is varied and suitable both for meat and fish eaters, as well as vegetarians and vegans, which you can’t find everywhere in Bansko!
As soon as you enter this hole-in-the-wall type of eatery, you’re welcomed with a large smile from the family that runs the eatery. No matter how busy they are, the service is always amazing and they give their full attention to every customer.
There’s often a small queue here as the place is pretty small, but the food is always worth the wait! Definitely a must-try if you’re hungry for a quick hearty meal!
11. Station Bansko
Prices: $$ | 8lv – 12lv (£4 – £6)
Menu: Fast food burgers, pancakes and gyros sandwiches
Location: Station Bansko
Hours: 8am – 3am
Pay by card: Yes
Burgers, Greek-style gyros, falafel wraps and pancakes. The Station has a wide variety of hearty snacks and is a popular spot with skiers and locals both for lunch and dinner time.
I haven’t met anyone yet that has been to The Station and hasn’t gone back! The food is absolutely delicious and the service is phenomenally quick. Exactly what you want from your local fast food place!
Oh, and for the fellow vegetarians – there’s fantastic mouth-watering vegan and veggie options.
All around, The Station is the best fast food restaurant in Bansko perfect for a quick delicious bite or a hearty meal to reward yourself after a long day on the slopes.
12. Street Food Bar Groshe
Prices: $$ | 5 lv – 10 lv (£2.5 – £5)
Menu: Sandwiches
Location: Street Food Bar Groshe
Hours: 10am – 8pm
Pay by card: Yes
Fresh toasted sandwiches with high quality ingredients and pure deliciousness!
Grosh is a hole-in-the-wall type of place on the outskirts of Bansko’s Old Town. But if you’re not up for the walk, you can always order it as a takeaway to get your sandwich fix.
The fresh ingredients make the sandwiches a bit of a healthier fast food option.
There’s also a fresh fruit and veg market right outside Grosh where you can get a vast variety of exotic fruits and freshly squeezed juices.
Great choice for any sandwich lover!
Healthy snacks & light meals
13. Lubanitza
Prices: $$ | 2 lv – 12 lv ( €1 – €6 )
Menu: Sanwdiches, salads and pastries
Location: Le Petit Nicolas
Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm
Pay by card: Yes
Lubanitza is a cozy gourmet bakery in the heart of Bansko, offering delicious freshly-made vegetarian and vegan pastries and desserts.
As soon as you come inside you’re spoilt for choice with a large display of freshly baked goods that you’ll be tempted to try them all!
Offering Bulgarian classics with a modern twist, this gourmet bakery brings innovation in flavours and fresh ingredients together to create some of the most delicious pastries in town. The menu on offer changes almost daily and you’ll also find a variety of different tea and coffee drinks to pair with your food.
The owner, who bakes the goods fresh every day, brings an extra charm to the place and you can feel the love and attention that goes into every detail.
It’s one of the must-try places to eat in Bansko for coffee and pastry lovers.
14. Le Petit Nicolas
Prices: $$ | 2 lv – 12 lv ( €1 – €6 )
Menu: Sanwdiches, salads and pastries
Location: Le Petit Nicolas
Hours: 9:30am – 6:30pm
Pay by card: Yes
Le Petit Nicolas is a bakery style cafe offering an assortment of fresh sandwiches and salads, as well as bakery items.
There’s limited seating inside and it’s always busy, being a favorite both with locals and visitors alike.
I love their banitsa (traditional Bulgarian pastry) with cheese as well as their vegan version – banitsa with tofu – for an interesting and delicious take on the original recipe.
It’s a great spot to grab healthy breakfast or lunch and if you’re craving some sweets I’ve got good news for you – their chocolate cookies are absolutely divine!
Note: The opening times of Le Petit Nicolas are not always as they are on Google Maps, as sometimes the owner closes the bakery without notice.
15. Coconut Coffee & Smoothies – Temporarily Closed
Prices: $$ | 3 lv – 10 lv ( £1.5 – £5)
Menu: Healthy snacks and drinks
Location: Coconut Coffee & Smoothies
Hours: 11am – 6pm
Pay by card: Yes
Coconut is definitely one of my favourite places in Bansko!
Located right next to the flowing river going through the middle of Bansko, it creates a magical space to enjoy delicious smoothie bowls perfect for a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack.
With a dedication to use the highest quality ingredients, Coconut is also a favourite of coffee lovers and those looking for superfood add-ons to spice up their food even more.
It’s perfect for vegans, being one of the few places in Bansko that offers vegan options.
International cuisines
16. Avalon
Prices: $$ | 35 lv per person (£16 per person)
Menu: Indian cuisine
Location: Avalon Bansko
Hours: Curry night is once every two weeks, order in advance by messaging them on Facebook or Whatsapp (0894488224)
Pay by card: Cash only
If you’re craving something different than Balkan food, I’ve got you covered.
While Indian cuisine is not very wide spread or popular in Bulgaria at all, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s a place in Bansko that prepares delicious Indian curry on a weekly basis.
The owner of Avalon, James, makes some of the best curry I’ve ever had, and luckily for me with a good selection of vegetarian and vegan options!
The chickpea and lentil curries were exclusively amazing, and we only wish they would have curry nights more often.
With that said, at the moment Avalon runs curry nights only once every two weeks (make sure to check with them in advance) and you reserve your spot in advance as spots are limited – whether that’s for takeaway or dine-in visit.
While the price per person comes at a higher rate than most restaurants in Bansko, it’s definitely worth it and I’m sure you’ll want to go back week after week!
Final thoughts
While visiting Bansko you can choose from a range of dining options to suit your taste and budget, whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a more upscale dining experience.
Due to Bansko’s growing popularity both tourists and expats, in recent years the Bulgarian ski resort has experienced an explosion of new and diverse international cuisine restaurants popping up. So much so that I’ve recently heard from a friend that there’s a new sushi restaurant in Bansko that has recently opened (I’m yet to try it out!)
Its growing diversity in offerings makes Bansko the perfect place to enjoy both traditional Bulgarian cuisine as well as international classics and exotic tastes during your trip.
And if you’re looking for the best things to do in Bansko, make sure to check out this blog post to make the most of your trip to the Bulgarian ski resort!
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