The Red House

If you are one of those curious travellers who prefer to walk through smaller, narrow streets, you will hardly miss Chervenata Kashta (the Red House).

It is indisputably a big red house, which stands out from the rest of the houses and buildings around it. It is one of the oldest preserved houses in Sofia, recognized as a cultural monument, and the former home of a famous Bulgarian philologist. The Red House is located in the very city center, about 100 metres off Vitoshka Boulevard and can be easily reached on foot - so easy to find, so comfortable, so quiet...and the food served is so yummy!

The house welcomes its guests on three spacious floors where you can feel at home, bring along all your friends and have someone else cook for you! During summer the garden of the Red House is simply fantastic! It will be like an oasis where it seems like you have moved to the village...and forgotten about the crowded city. An old vine tree and two big fig trees act like parasols and allow just the right amount of sunlight to illuminate the space, creating a unique light and shadow game. In the evenings the light show is taken over by the numerous lamps and lanterns.

The Red House is red from the inside as well and red is the colour of the waiters' shirts. There are wrought iron elements and furniture all over the place - leaves, roses, chairs, tables and wall-mounted torches in the shape of the logo of the house. Once you have wandered around this beautiful garden and the house itself in search of the perfect table, the moment comes for you to order. Luckily the tables are big enough, because it will not be easy to pick one dish only!

We love the typical Bulgarian dishes. The mixed barbequed meat is one of the restaurant's specials and it is definitely our favourite. With just one plate you can taste the main flavours of the Bulgarian cuisine. Mixed barbeque is perfect with a bottle of good wine - the restaurant offers more than 100 - so you will easily find one to your liking. Another great combination is a glass of live beer with some home made, freshly cooked, crunchy fries! The Red House serves also pizza baked in a charcoal oven and many vegetarian dishes. There is a good selection of fresh fish to choose from.

Every Thursday evening (from 8 pm on) you can enjoy the delicious meals of the house while listening to live music - very 'live' and very entertaining because the performers walk around the tables and you are so close to them that you feel as a part of the show! They play all kinds of music, but mostly Balkan and traditional Bulgarian tunes. There are always different kinds of instruments - Bulgarian bagpipes, drums, Didgeridoo...there is even a singer.

The Red House really wants you to feel as relaxed as at home...and loves the little ones too! In fact they have a small 'children's restaurant' where the kids can play, draw and socialize under the supervision of qualified staff, while the 'boring' grown ups enjoy their meal.