Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna — Restaurant in Sofia City

A Mediterranean Paradise in Sofia - Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna

Rating: ★★★★★

My recent birthday celebration at Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna, nestled in the heart of Sofia, was nothing short of extraordinary. This unique establishment, beautifully blending authentic Greek cuisine, an extensive array of shisha flavors, stunning artworks, and antique treasures, created an unforgettable experience that will be etched in my memory for years to come.

Ambiance: ★★★★★ Stepping into Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna felt like a journey to the picturesque streets of Greece. The fusion of rustic decor, breathtaking artworks, and antique pieces exuded cultural richness and charm. The warm lighting and gentle melodies set the stage for an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant's outdoor seating provided an equally delightful Mediterranean ambiance, making it the perfect setting for a special celebration in Sofia.

Service: ★★★★★ The staff at Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna were exceptional in their warmth and professionalism. They treated us like honored guests, demonstrating deep knowledge of the menu and providing valuable insights into the diverse shisha flavors available. Their attentive service and prompt response to our requests enhanced our overall experience.

Food: ★★★★★ The Greek cuisine at Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna was a true culinary delight. We indulged in an array of traditional Greek dishes, each bursting with authentic flavors. The [Signature Dish] was a particular highlight, offering a taste of Greece on our plates. The meze platter allowed us to explore a variety of Greek flavors, and to make our dining experience even more unique, we paired our dishes with a range of aromatic shisha flavors, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our celebration.

Shisha Flavors: ★★★★★ Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna's extensive selection of shisha flavors was a delightful surprise. From fruity to herbal and classic choices, there was something to cater to every palate. We sampled several flavors, and each one was expertly crafted, elevating our evening with unique aromatic experiences.

Art and Antiques: ★★★★★ The restaurant's collection of artworks and antiques added a layer of intrigue to our dining experience. We found ourselves immersed in the decor, sparking fascinating conversations and enhancing the overall ambiance. It truly is a remarkable fusion of culinary delight and artistic immersion.

Overall Experience: ★★★★★ Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna offered an exceptional and immersive experience perfect for celebrating my birthday in Sofia. The combination of authentic Greek cuisine, diverse shisha flavors, breathtaking art, and antique decor created a truly magical evening. I left the restaurant with a sense of fulfillment and a strong desire to return to explore more of their menu and unique ambiance.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna for making my birthday celebration extraordinary. I eagerly anticipate returning to relish the Mediterranean flavors and immerse myself in the cultural richness of this enchanting...

The restaurant aspect of the place was very mixed bag, with the negatives prevailing in the end.

The place is a shisha bar that also claims to be a restaurant, and has awesome TripAdvisor rating. We went there for lunch, in order not to collide with many guests that have gone there for the hookah experience. Even then though, despite us taking the most open-air table (which was not too great, as it was bordering the entrance) just a single, normal company on a non-adjacent table was a bit too much (too much flavor and a bit of smoke in the air).

Awesome, friendly, and helpful waitress, which afterwards we figured was the only reason we stayed at all there.

The menu was a mess - half or more of their main dishes were permanently unavailable or with significantly changed ingredients: They didn't have, apparently for a long time now, souvlaki, although they were a prominent part of the menu. Their pork neck was advertised with two interesting sides (cous-cous + something else), but in reality you could order it with either fries or maccaroni. These ones we understood before ordering, but the "bread with dried tomatoes and olives" starter turned out to be 4 small crackers with walnuts, not tomatoes or olives. This plagued a couple of more dishes, as the poor waitress had to make 3 trips back to the kitchen to understand what was she actually able to offer us. I'd understand some delay if the menu was an wood and metal artisan piece, but not printing a hard-paper A4 for what I understand were weeks or months?

The "Pastitzio" we both ordered was a relatively small dish, dominated by maccaroni-like pasta, with fairly dry and flavorless taste. My wife decided to get hers for home, in order to try to salvage it with spices and sauce.

The check did discount 3 leva from the menu price of the "Pastitzio" dish, but even then at 10 BGN apiece, the dish was so dull, I couldn't wait to get out.

Overall, not recommended as a restaurant, maybe it's better as a...

I’ve walked past Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna countless times, and it wasn’t until a Greek friend recommended it that we decided to give it a try. What a discovery! This place is truly unique, cozy, and welcoming. The atmosphere and music create a delightful vibe that makes you want to stay longer. Thankfully, we made a reservation because the place was packed—definitely a sign of its popularity.

We started with a platter of dips called “Mama’s Platter.” Absolutely phenomenal! The tzatziki was hands down one of the best I’ve ever tasted, and my wife fell in love with the eggplant dip. Each one was a burst of authentic flavors and made for a perfect appetizer.

For the main course, we went for the Pork Gyro Monster, and let me tell you, it lived up to its name! This was the best gyro I’ve ever had, with flavors so rich and satisfying that it was unforgettable. The fries were out of this world, perfectly crispy and seasoned. Honestly, if I’d ordered a separate portion of them, I don’t think I’d have managed to walk out from sheer fullness! Two people ate quite a lot with only two things from the menu. The portions of these 2 suggestions are quite plentiful!

The staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive. They even recommended a dessert, which turned out to be incredible—it wasn’t overly sweet but just the perfect end to the meal.

I wholeheartedly recommend Carnivale Funky Gastrotaverna. We’re already planning our next visit, and I have to share that my wife’s Greek colleague claimed this is the best Greek food outside of Greece, and possibly even better than many...