Miyabi Japanese Restaurant

Miyabi Japanese Restaurant has earned a devoted following since it opened in 2011, established by Chef Petar Mihalchev, one of Bulgaria’s most recognisable culinary personalities and a long-serving judge on the Bulgarian MasterChef television series. Located centrally on ul. Stara Planina near Sofia’s historic Serdika area, Miyabi is widely regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese dining experiences available in Bulgaria, with a menu that ranges far beyond the sushi and sashimi found in typical Sofia Japanese restaurants. Chef Mihalchev trained in Japan and brings genuine expertise to dishes such as okonomiyaki, yakisoba noodles, tonkatsu, Japanese omelette, slow-braised pork belly, and beautifully crafted gyoza. The sashimi platters are consistently praised for their artistic presentation and the freshness of the fish used, which includes premium-quality salmon, sea bream, and seasonal specialities. The restaurant’s intimate interior draws on Japanese aesthetic influences, creating a calm and focused atmosphere that allows the food to take centre stage. Matcha desserts, Japanese green tea, and a curated sake selection round out the experience. Miyabi also offers a delivery service across Sofia, making it accessible for those who wish to enjoy its distinctive menu at home. The restaurant has maintained strong ratings on Google and TripAdvisor and remains a benchmark for Japanese cuisine in the Bulgarian capital.