Eating out in Bansko
A healthy and welcome change from over-priced fondues, Bulgarian cuisine is representative of the cuisine of south eastern Europe with Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern as well as Italian and Hungarian influences. You'll find lots of hearty stews in earthenware dishes, soups, fresh vegetables, potatoes and all types of grilled meat such as kebabs and steaks.
Salads are highly recommended and tend to accompany most meals. The food is generally excellent value, especially if you venture away from the main drag in Bansko.
Our personal favourites in the resort:
On the mountain the best places are the outdoor stalls at the bottom of runs 4 & 8, next to the Blah Blah cafe. Behind the stalls is the Todorka restaurant which serves wholesome lunches.
Motikata - walk up Pirin Road away from the resort, past the gondola. Serves excellent and cheap local cuisine.
Sir Galahad - for quality western food and guinness on tap if you fancy a change from Bulgarian cuisine.
Hotel Georgi Hadgi - on Pirin St near the Ice Rink. Very cheap and cheerful with traditional Bulgarian dishes.
The reception at Kandahar can assist with up to date recommendations for eating out and can also book restaurants for you.
Places to drink
Aside from Harry's Bar in Kandahar, there is a huge variety of drinking holes in Bansko.
The Happy End next to the Gondola station is worth a look inside, just for the decor and the apres-ski table dancers!
There are 2 English pubs in town - the best of these being the Friendly Pub on Pirin St towards the old town. The Lion Pub on the fork of the two main roads has the one advantage of being open 24 hrs...
Oxygen bar in the old town is great for atmosphere and music.