Best Bakeries in Sofia

Sofia may be known for its Orthodox domes and mountain views, but the city’s bakeries are quietly plotting world domination—one loaf at a time. The Bulgarian capital has turned the humble act of buying bread into something close to a spiritual ritual. Between the aroma of fresh banitsa wafting down cobblestone streets and the golden crusts stacked in glass cases, it’s clear Sofia takes its dough seriously.

Bakeries in Sofia are a delightful mix of old-world charm and modern craftsmanship. Many bakeries across the city take pride in slow fermentation, local grains, and family recipes passed down through generations. Here’s our list of the best bakeries in Sofia;

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Sofiyska Banitsa

Tucked beside Sofia’s City Garden, Sofiyska Banitsa is the kind of place that turns early mornings into small celebrations. This unassuming bakery opens at the crack of dawn—around 5 am—when the first golden trays of banitsa emerge from the oven. The flaky layers of phyllo dough conceal a range of fillings, from the beloved cheese and spinach combo to options like mushrooms, apples, or even pumpkin.

Each piece is sold by weight, starting from just 100 grams. Though the seating inside is limited, the cozy atmosphere and the hum of conversation give it a friendly, lived-in charm. Locals often pair their warm banitsa with a cold glass of ayran—a tangy yogurt drink—for the ultimate Bulgarian breakfast.

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Loving Hut

Loving Hut may be small in size, but it packs plenty of heart and flavor into its cozy locale on Georgi Rakovski Street. Opened in April 2015, this branch of the fast-growing international vegan chain feels more like a friendly snack bar and takeaway joint. The menu leans toward Asian-inspired comfort food with creative vegan twists.

It features dishes like raw soups, homemade breads, chickpeas cooked with tomatoes and peppers, and even a convincing vegan mac and cheese. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge guilt-free in raw vegan brownies, truffles, or a slice of pistachio cake. Regulars rave about the affordability of the menu, where you can enjoy homemade pizzas and vegetable quiches without breaking the bank.

Sun Moon

Sun Moon is a charming vegetarian restaurant and bakery where traditional Bulgarian flavors are reborn with a modern flair. The place feels more like a friend’s living room than a café, with its cozy interior and cheerful energy. The menu is a celebration of creativity—lutenica, kyopoolu, bob chorba, and mish-mash appear in refreshed vegetarian forms.

The Jammu Ayahuasca smoothie, a golden mix of ginger, turmeric, dates, and lemon juice, is a cult favorite that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Everything here is crafted from organic, locally sourced ingredients, with the bakery’s sourdough bread and daily Banitsa pastry earning loyal followers.

Vita Rama

Vita Rama is a haven for health-conscious diners seeking nourishment that feels as good as it tastes. As Bulgaria’s only fully plant-based restaurant dedicated to healthy eating, it is a combination of a restaurant, bakery, and shop—all under one roof.

The menu champions a high-carb, low-fat philosophy with zero frying, no refined sugar, and absolutely no alcohol. Every dish celebrates seasonal ingredients prepared through techniques like soaking, sprouting, and precise roasting to preserve nutrients and enhance flavor.

Vita Rama crafts wholesome, flavorful meals alongside gluten-free options, meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, and sugar-free desserts that redefine indulgence. The interior mirrors its ethos—natural stone, wood, and glass mingle with bamboo greenery and soft, ambient lighting.

HleBar

HleBar is one of Sofia’s modern bakery gems. It’s a cross between a neighborhood café and a bread lover’s sanctuary. It has earned a loyal following for its impressive lineup of banitsas, from the classic cheese and leek version to inventive twists like lamb and apple strudel. They also offer a vegan variety filled with potatoes and mushrooms.

The bakery’s shelves are a delightful mix of freshly baked pastries, rich brownies, hearty sandwiches like the salmon favorite, and daily specials. Alongside the baked treats sits a small zero-waste shop stocked with fresh Bulgarian products and thoughtful groceries. For the health-minded crowd, gluten-free and sugar-free goods are readily available, ensuring no one is left out of the indulgence.

Furna

Furna has earned a loyal following in Sofia for good reason. This award-winning bakery has redefined fast food with its menu of halal specialties, from hearty beef and chicken sandwiches. They also have a tempting array of pastries including croissants, pâté, and pies.

Its reputation, however, rests firmly on the banitsa—a perfectly balanced creation with a crisp, golden shell and a soft, chewy interior. It’s also available in vegan form. Furna’s dedication to quality has seen it crowned the best bakery in Sofia three years running, but its charm extends beyond the oven. Inside, the scent of fresh bread and coffee mingles with friendly chatter.

Mekitsa & Coffee

Mekitsa & Coffee is one of Sofia’s most beloved breakfast hideaways, where the scent of freshly fried dough greets visitors before they even step through the door. This cozy café takes Bulgaria’s cherished mekitsa—a golden, deep-fried pastry reminiscent of a doughnut—and gives it a playful modern twist.

Guests can watch their mekitsa sizzling in the pan before customizing it with toppings like traditional cheese and honey. You can also get indulgent pairings like banana and Nutella or caramelized banana with pistachio paste. The menu also features creative combinations such as feta with raspberry jam or cheese with fig jam, proving that sweet and savory harmony is a Bulgarian specialty.

Altruist – Urban Coffee Shop & Bakery

Altruist stands out in Sofia as a refined yet welcoming escape for those who appreciate the finer details of café culture. Its interior blends elegance and creativity, with white walls serving as a canvas for artistic touches that inspire without overwhelming. The modern art deco design—complete with high ceilings and golden lamps—gives the café an airy sophistication that feels both stylish and unpretentious.

The coffee is generally enjoyed alongside an irresistible selection of pastries and cakes celebrated for their bold flavors, even when the proportions shift. The result is a space that balances comfort and refinement, where guests can linger over dessert or conversation and feel right at home.

Conclusion

By the time you’ve made your way through Sofia’s bakeries, you’ll have consumed enough flour to qualify as part baguette. But it’s worth it. So go ahead, chase the scent of freshly baked bread through Sofia’s streets. You’ll leave with a happy stomach, a faint dusting of flour on your shirt, and the firm conviction that in this city, carbs aren’t the enemy—they’re a calling.