The Best Restaurants in Varna – 7 places worth visiting

Varna is much more than its beaches, the Sea Garden and long summer walks along the promenade. The city has a diverse culinary scene where fresh Black Sea fish, traditional Bulgarian recipes, Mediterranean cuisine, premium steaks and modern gourmet dishes come together.

For tourists, choosing the right restaurant can sometimes be difficult. There are dozens of places in the city centre, around the Sea Garden and near the port, but not all of them deserve one of the precious evenings during your holiday. That is why we have selected some of the best restaurants in Varna, ranging from cosy places near the Briz neighbourhood to elegant restaurants with panoramic sea views.

This guide is particularly useful for guests staying near the Briz neighbourhood and Dr. Hristina Hranova Street, as the Sea Garden, the seaside promenade and several of Varna’s most popular restaurants are within relatively easy reach.

1. BM Olea – Mediterranean Cuisine Near Briz

BM Olea is one of the most convenient choices for guests staying in the Briz neighbourhood. The restaurant is located at 22 Akchelar Street and is among the closest high-quality restaurants to the hotel area.

The setting combines Tuscan charm, Greek Mediterranean influences and a peaceful garden. During the summer, guests can enjoy a table on the outdoor terrace, while parts of the second floor offer panoramic views of the sea.

The menu is suitable for groups with different preferences. In addition to fish and Mediterranean dishes, the restaurant serves beef specialities, aged meat and dishes prepared in a closed barbecue oven. It is a good choice for both a relaxed lunch and a more elegant dinner.

Best for: couples, families and a special dinner close to the hotel.

What to try: fish, beef steaks and seasonal Mediterranean dishes.

2. BM The Garden – Food and Relaxation in the Sea Garden

BM The Garden is located in the Saltanat area, close to the Varna Dolphinarium. This makes it a particularly convenient stop after a walk through the Sea Garden or a visit to one of the nearby attractions.

The restaurant has been operating in Varna since 2004 and offers Mediterranean and European cuisine, seafood, barbecue dishes and a carefully selected wine list.

The atmosphere is more peaceful than that of the restaurants situated directly along the beach promenade. Surrounded by greenery and located within the park, it is an excellent place for a long lunch, a family dinner or coffee and dessert after an afternoon walk.

Best for: families, lunch after sightseeing and visitors looking for a calm atmosphere.

What to try: seafood dishes, barbecue specialities and seasonal desserts.

3. Staria Chinar – Port Varna

For traditional cuisine and a lively evening by the harbour, Staria Chinar at Port Varna is an excellent choice. The restaurant is located within the Varna port area and combines a maritime atmosphere with a rich menu of Bulgarian, Balkan and Mediterranean dishes.

Staria Chinar is a well-established restaurant chain with more than 20 years of history. Its concept is built around hospitality, traditional recipes and a varied menu.

The restaurant at Port Varna is one of its most popular locations. It is a good option for tourists who want to try grilled meat, traditional salads and familiar Bulgarian dishes without visiting a restaurant that feels overly commercial or designed exclusively for tourists.

Best for: a first evening in Varna, larger groups and lovers of Bulgarian cuisine.

What to try: grilled meat, traditional Bulgarian salads and a glass of Bulgarian wine.

4. Captain Cook – Fish, Steaks and Panoramic Harbour Views

Captain Cook is located on the panoramic level of Varna Marine Station. The restaurant focuses on a more refined dining experience, while one of the main reasons to visit is the impressive view over Varna Bay and the harbour.

The restaurant combines an elegant interior with fish specialities, premium meat, sushi and a panoramic summer terrace.

Prices are generally higher than those of a standard tourist restaurant. For this reason, Captain Cook is best suited to a special occasion, a romantic evening or a dinner where the atmosphere and view are just as important as the food.

Best for: romantic dinners, special occasions and visitors looking for panoramic views.

What to try: fresh fish, seafood, sushi or a premium steak.

5. BM The Bay – Dinner Next to the South Beach

BM The Bay is located on Primorski Boulevard, next to the swimming complex and Varna’s South Beach, not far from the pedestrian area around the port. The restaurant has been operating since 2001 and specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and barbecue dishes.

Its greatest advantage is its location. Dinner here can easily be combined with an evening walk around the Marine Station, the breakwater and the seaside area. During the warmer months, it is a great choice for tourists who want to remain close to the sea throughout the evening.

The menu is varied enough for families and larger groups. It is also suitable for visitors who want a pleasant seaside atmosphere without the formality or higher prices of a fine-dining restaurant.

Best for: family dinners and a meal after exploring the port.

What to try: fish, fresh salads, Mediterranean dishes and barbecue specialities.

6. Time for Wine – DiWine

Time for Wine, also known as DiWine, is located at 2 Bratya Shkorpil Street in the heart of Varna. It is a suitable choice for visitors who prefer an intimate dinner, a carefully selected wine list and a quieter urban atmosphere.

The restaurant differs from the larger seaside establishments. The focus is on pairing food with the right wine, making it particularly attractive to couples and visitors looking for an evening away from the busiest tourist areas.

Best for: couples, wine lovers and a peaceful dinner in the city centre.

What to try: ask the staff to recommend a Bulgarian or European wine to complement your chosen main course.

7. Villa Chinka – кулинарно преживяване извън града

Villa Chinka is located in the Sts. Constantine and Helena resort, approximately eight kilometres from Varna. This is not a restaurant intended for a quick and casual dinner. Instead, it is a destination worth choosing for a more memorable seaside experience.

Its culinary concept combines seasonal Bulgarian ingredients, traditional recipes and Mediterranean influences. The elegant interior, stylish terrace and immediate proximity to the sea create a sense of escape from the city.

Villa Chinka is one of the more expensive options in the area, but it is ideal for an anniversary, a romantic evening or the final dinner of your holiday. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during the busy summer season.

Best for: special occasions, romantic dinners and a luxurious experience.

What to try: seasonal dishes and menu items with Mediterranean influences.

How to Choose a Restaurant in Varna

For dinner close to the Briz neighbourhood, BM Olea and BM The Garden are among the most convenient options. They save you the journey into the city centre while still offering a pleasant atmosphere and high-quality food.

For traditional Bulgarian cuisine and a lively environment, choose Staria Chinar at Port Varna. For panoramic views and a special occasion, consider Captain Cook or Villa Chinka. When you want to combine dinner with a walk around the harbour and South Beach, BM The Bay is one of the most practical choices.

Reservations are strongly recommended during July and August, especially when requesting a table on an outdoor terrace. Opening hours, menus and prices may change, so it is advisable to check the latest information shortly before your visit.

Whether you are looking for fresh fish, Bulgarian barbecue, Mediterranean cuisine or an elegant dinner with a glass of wine, Varna offers enough variety for every day of your holiday. A good approach is to combine at least one traditional Bulgarian restaurant, one meal by the sea and one more refined dinner with panoramic views.