http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13931
Apparently run as a charity, this is a Fairtrade outlet. An excellent place for quality presents]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13931 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13868
The food was delicious, although the service somewhat erratic. Excellent wines - we had the Tcherga white and red, both superb. No holds barred, our bill was about 60 Leva each, but one need not be so extravagant. A very good evening out, if you don't mind it being leisurely.

Booking a must - on a midweek night we couldn't get a table at the other branch, and ours was full.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13868 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13867
The night four of us went it was empty (Sofia natives disappear in August). No menu, we willingly went along with whatever Emil proposed. After bruschetta, wonderful antipasti, then a ravioli (home made, of course) of spinach and ricotta with a gentle creamed tomato sauce with shrimps and courgettes. Each flavour given its proper due.

Then two of us shared a salt-baked fish, two shared a fillet steak with fresh peppercorns. Although we had no room for more, Emil suggested we share a tiramisu and a torta ricotta. How can I ever eat another tiramisu, now that I know how it can be? Both desserts made for the Gods. Limoncello on the house.

Only Italian wines here, so perhaps wine is a little more expensive than elsewhere. Each dish simple, each element a perfection of taste and texture, cooked with passion. What more could one want? This was a meal I will never forget. For such a memory, we spent 60 Leva each, about €30. Booking is essential. (I know, it was empty the night we went, but that was chance!)]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13867 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13833
There are three in Sofia. Murphy's is typical of the breed, but has something extra - it is immaculately run by charming staff. On a crowded big match day the empty glasses were immediately removed, as were the used ashtrays.

The bar food (onion rings, chicken wings, chips) crispy and grease-free. There is a wider menu of comfort food such as shepherd's pie. The full glasses quickly arrived, with a smile. One large screen and several smaller ones make sure everyone has a view of the sporting action.

A credit to the genre, and I recommend it highly.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13833 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13824
In terms of decor and general ambience this is a stylish and elegant (two words not usually associated with Sofia) restaurant that would not look out of place in Beverly Hills or Belgravia.

Sadly, the food was less imaginative and not up to the cooking standards of the amazing cheap'n'cheerful Double Espresso in Balham. Spaghetti alio olio, my test for an Italian kitchen, had no evidence of garlic. Penne Arrabiata bland. At the upper end of prices by local standards. Sorry. Go for a stylish meeting or a drink - forget the food.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13824 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13804
The food is superb from the relatively small seasonal menu. Warm fig salad, duck with honey and balsamic vinegar, and desserts to die for, all make this a-little-above-average-priced restaurant worth every Lev.

Closed Sundays and in August (well, it is French!)
Open 12 - 10pm weekdays, 6pm-10pm Saturdays.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13804 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13803
Traditional Bulgarian food of the highest quality - and huge portions! Plenty for vegetarians, and a meat-eaters heaven. My mixed grill was one of the best I have ever eaten. The large menu and extensive wine list are very reasonable. On a Monday evening, the restaurant was completely full, which would indicate essential booking. Highly recommended. Folk music on weekend evenings, which I haven't experienced.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13803 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13802
Pavements are dreadfully dilapidated, and often obstructed by parked cars. This is not a town for baby buggies, let alone wheelchairs (I have never seen anyone in a wheelchair). The elderly should also beware.

A good guide, published quarterly is Sofia in Your Pocket: www.inyourpocket.com

Also, an English-langauge newspaper Sofia Echo, published Fridays with listings: www.sofiaecho.com

In August, theatres are closed, and some restaurants. Check first.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13802 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13801
The traditional food is superb, with many dishes not usually found even in other "traditional" menus. An extensive wine list, a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere make this an ideal place to go for a leisurely meal. Like most restaurants in Sofia, it is open all day, in this case from 11am-2am.

In the heat, the courtyard is a delight, with trees and a water mist system that keeps it wonderfully cool. Be warned that in this and most restaurants in Bulgaria, the portions are more than generous - sharing is fun! Booking absolutely essential.

Ed's note: see updates by same author.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13801 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10553 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10553 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10552 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10552 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10551 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10551 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10550 Open daily 12 - 12.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10550 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10549 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10548 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10548 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10547 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10546 Open weekdays 9am - 7pm, weekends 10am - 4pm.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10546 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10545 www.bkv.hu/angol/home/index.html]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10545 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6221
Serving food with fresh ingredients from the market, drinks and snacks, it's a very friendly cafe run by a young Englishman who has lived in Nice for 15 years. There are seven terminals in a separate room, printers and so forth, and ethernet and power sockets by each table in the cafe itself. Also has wi-fi and cable TV for main sporting events.

Happy hour for drinks from 5pm, and English breakfast is on the menu too.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/6221 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5942
Amazingly, considering the quality of the food and the surroundings, it is also cheap. Menu changes daily, according to the market. First courses currently €5, main dishes €10. In addition, dishes can be sampled in "bouls".

Very good wine list.

Paulo Bonnisoni, the young Italian patron, is opening an Italian delicatessen across the street.

All tables filled with local clientele lunch and dinner, so booking is essential. Closed Sunday and Monday.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/5942