Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria
Bansko Restaurants and Taverns
Banska kapama, live folk music and evenings by the fire: where and what to eat in Bansko.
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 Street bars | 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.
Flight deals for Bansko
All dealsFrequently asked questions
What to eat in Bansko?
Bansko's signature dish is banska kapama, cooked in a clay pot. Be sure to try Banski starets sausage, kachamak, chomlek, Melnik wine and rakia as well.
Which restaurants are recommended in Bansko?
Orjinaltur guides recommend Mehana Dedo Pene, Baryakova Mehana and Kasapinova Kashta in the Old Town, and Sirleshtova Kashta in the center.
What is a mehana?
A mehana is a traditional Bulgarian restaurant that serves local dishes and often live folk music. Most of Bansko's mehanas are in the Old Town.
Where should I go for après-ski in Bansko?
Pirin Street, running from the gondola station into the center, is known for its après-ski, live music and bars that stay open late.
Do I need a reservation at restaurants in Bansko?
We recommend making a reservation for large groups and during busy periods, especially New Year week.
Last updated: 16 October 2026 · Information compiled by the Orjinaltur Bansko team.
More from the Bansko guide
Follow Bansko every day on @bansko
Snow reports, slope photos, events and season news. Bansko's official account @bansko is run by the Orjinaltur team.