Bansko Restaurants and Taverns: What and Where to Eat

In brief In Bansko dinner means mehanas: traditional stone-walled taverns with open fires. The dish you must try is banska kapama, with banski starets sausage and the region's Melnik wine.

What to eat in Bansko?

Banska kapama

Meat, sausage, sauerkraut and rice slow-cooked for hours in a clay pot. Bansko's signature dish, usually for two.

Banski starets

Pressed and dried local sausage. A must on any meze plate.

Kachamak

A winter dish of cornmeal, cheese and butter; perfect after skiing on a cold day.

Chomlek

Meat and vegetable stew in a clay pot.

Melnik wine and rakia

Red wine from the local Broadleaf Melnik grape and fruit rakia.

Taverns and restaurants we recommend

Venue	Area	Why
Mehana Dedo Pene	Old town	Stone courtyard, live folk music and classic kapama. A safe choice for the first evening.
Baryakova Mehana	Old town	Traditional wooden interior, grilled meats and local starters.
Kasapinova Kashta	Old town	A tavern in a historic house; booking recommended for large groups.
Sirleshtova Kashta	Centre	Local cuisine and dinner by the fire in a historic mansion.
Pirin Caddesi barları	Gondola street	The street running from the gondola station to the centre; après-ski, live music and bars open late.

Taverns are very busy in New Year week and on February weekends; book dinner by midday.

Food tips

Portions are big. Kapama is usually for two and arrives in a clay pot. Prices are similar to tourist restaurants in Turkey and far below the Alps. Bulgaria has used the euro since 2026; cards are accepted but cash helps in small taverns. A tip of 10% of the bill is common.

For lunch on the slopes, the mountain restaurants at Banderishka Polyana are handy; a bit pricier than in town but worth it for the view.

Last updated: 13 October 2026 · Information compiled by the Orjinaltur Bansko team.

Bansko Restaurants and Taverns