A guide to the best restaurants in Nessebar

They call Nessebar the Pearl of the Black Sea, and its scenic, almost fairytale appearance makes it clear why this is such a hotspot for holidays to Bulgaria. Restaurants here offer a good mix of traditional meals and international dining experiences. We’ve gathered a few of our personal favourites for you below.

Savour nautical flavours at The Old Anchor

Mixing nautical charm with homegrown appeal, dining at The Old Anchor gives plenty of opportunity for cosy surroundings and sublime flavours. The steak options on the menu here are noted as being particularly generous, and the staff are always happy to help with recommendations.

Dine by the sea at Andromeda Restaurant

Andromeda has a menu that combines casual classics like burgers and pizzas with moreish seafood, salads and wines. But its the location that really ticks boxes with both the locals and your fellow holidaymakers. The view of the sea from the balconies and windows makes for a tremendous time for you and the family.

Sample the finest grilled fish in town at Neptun

High on its sunny hill, Neptun is a highlight of the peninsula. Dotted with plants and tasteful furnishings, it has a menu that offers sublime seafood for everyone to enjoy. Special mention definitely goes to the seabass, which is among the most flavourful and tender you’ll ever experience.

Enjoy Mediterranean meals at White Rose

Bulgarian beef stews and flaky Italian calzone sit side by side in this charming and delightful restaurant. Family values are high on the agenda here, while portion sizes are pretty generous and prices enticingly reasonable. Don’t skip on dessert either – the ice cream sundaes are piled high and totally delicious.

Eat mussels in Old Nesebar

This restaurant uses the alternative spelling of Nessebar, which makes sense as it’s located in the city’s old town district. It has a distinctive charm and character all of its own, and they certainly know how to make prawn salads and plates of shellfish here. Make sure you stop by during your tour of the cultured streets of Nessebar’s yesteryears.

Stave off the heat at Ice Cream Saloon Clio

Pastries, cakes and gallons of ice cream make Saloon Clio a place that’s going to be high on the agenda of the young, as much as the young at heart. Colourful inside and friendly throughout, the gelato and sundaes they do here are second to none. The vegan ice cream and cake options will surely be appreciated by travellers with more specialised diets.

Go bananas for King Kong

Joining the Bulgarian options on the menu at King Kong are numerous other dining options from across the globe, with Asian and Mediterranean meals available to you too. The surroundings are open plan and rustic, which makes for a good community atmosphere, while the street corner location gives plenty of chances to people-watch.

Have a fiesta at Mexicano

The theme of this restaurant is definitely upbeat, with maracas and sombreros every which way you look. However, the menu is largely Central European meals, together with specialised seafood dishes. The lobster is definitely recommended, although don’t miss out on the rice dishes or the sizzling steaks.

Sample seafood in the shade at Plakamoto

There are plenty of places with coastal views in Nessebar, but Plakamoto stands out as one of the best. The location is ideal for taking your seating options between the shade and the sunshine, while the menu offers everything from steak and chips to sophisticated fish dishes.

Enjoy Greek dining at Dionis

You may be in Bulgaria, but you should never miss the chance to try the flavours of Greece on your Balkan holidays. At Dionis, moussaka and mezzes join a roster of fish dishes in the warm glow of a sublime ambience. Adding to the appeal, the beers here are crisp, cool and remarkably cheap, so feel free to complement your meal with a pint or two of the good stuff.