About
Welcome to Дамяница | Damyanitsa - Bar & Restaurant, a hidden gem located in the picturesque Стария град (Old Town) of Bansko, Bulgaria. Tucked away at ul. "5-ti oktomvri" 9-5, this establishment is not just a dining spot; it’s an experience that perfectly blends delightful cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
As a food reviewer for Foodjoyy, I've had the pleasure of sampling some of the culinary masterpieces crafted by the talented chefs at Damyanitsa. The restaurant has garnered rave reviews from visitors, who often praise its delicious food, prompt service, and affordable prices. Renowned for its unpretentious yet hearty dishes, the menu features a variety of options that cater to diverse palates.
The first standout dish that caught my attention was the fried calamari, which many guests deemed excellent. Cooked to perfection, its crispy exterior gave way to tender, flavorful squid—a true testament to the skill in the kitchen. Another gem is the wiener schnitzel, a classic that showcases their commitment to quality, with every bite leaving a satisfying crunch followed by delicious, juicy meat.
For those who prefer something a bit more warming, the tripe soup and chicken mushroom risotto have received rave comments for their heartiness and comforting flavors. In fact, numerous guests, including Denise Fletcher, were so impressed that they returned for multiple meals, highlighting the consistency and quality of the cooking.
Aside from the food, the ambiance plays a crucial role in the experience at Damyanitsa. With comfortable couches on the terrace and a warm atmosphere that’s enhanced by soft music, it’s an ideal spot to unwind. Customers have noted the establishment as a perfect spot to refuel after a day of outdoor activities like hiking—where good food feels even better after a long day out.
Service at Damyanitsa has also been lauded for being efficient, with knowledgeable staff able to recommend dishes from their extensive menu. While guests have noted a more straightforward demeanor from the staff, the focus on quality service remains apparent.
If you're in Bansko, Дамяница | Damyanitsa - Bar & Restaurant is a must-visit destination for both food and atmosphere. From generous portions to delightful dishes, this restaurant encapsulates the warmth and heart of Bulgarian cuisine. I left feeling nourished not just by the meal but by the enthusiastic recommendations and the genuine care evident in their culinary craftsmanship. Whether you're a local or a traveler, be sure to stop by and savor the flavors that make Damyanitsa a cherished dining spot in Bansko.
“ Very delicious food. Fast service. Affordable prices. ”
“ Great option for having food, but also drinks. Its a place with amazingly confortable couches in the terrace, with a nice ambience and music, you will already like it here. Food is amazing, literally everything we tried was great. And it even tastes better after a long day hiking. Service was good and fast and waitresses were easy on recommending plates, so the service is over standard in Bulgaria. Don't expect friendliness though. If I could, I would for sure be back here and I strongly recommend this place. ”
“ We went here on a recommendation by our guesthouse host. Food is tasty, with generous portions, reasonable prices and we loved the service and ambience. Don't expect anything fancy, but simple, unpretentious, well seasoned and thoughtfully prepared food, and you will not be disappointed. We enjoyed the food so much, we ate here for three consecutive days over the course of which we ordered fried calamari, pork rice, wiener schnitzel, fried trout, chicken and mushroom risotto, smoked salmon and spinach risotto, tripe soup, grilled pork neck, grilled pork ribs, a creamy chicken fricassee type dish with mushrooms and cheese over mashed potato and a creamy chicken fricassee with broccoli and lemon risotto. Everything was good but the fried calamari, schnitzel, pork rice, chicken mushroom risotto, tripe soup and chicken fricassee-type dishes were excellent, especially the one with mashed potato. The Bulgarian beer Shumensko was a good match to the chicken and schnitzel and the Keemun tea they serve is also excellent. The food left us with the impression that the chef cooks not as if it is just his job, but as if he is cooking for his family, which we really appreciated. We ate very well in our three days in Bansko, and we only patronised one restaurant. There's nothing else to say ”
“ The perfect lunch spot! Right close to the coworker space. Great food comes quick awesome service nice setting. ”
“ This restaurant is great!!! If you visit Bansko it's a must! The place is super nicely decorated. The staff is very polite and friendly. Everything is neat. The food was so tasty and with great prices! I ordered the broccoli cream sound and the chicken with cream sauce and both were delicious! The portions are big though, I couldn't finish. My friend ordered a cappuccino and a pumpkin cheesecake and she also enjoyed them a lot. 100% recommended! I'll be back for sure! ”
“ Thank you for the wonderful culinary experience! From the very first visit, I knew this place was special. The atmosphere is warm and authentic, and the service is just as impressive—prompt and attentive waitresses who bring extra flavor to the meal. They are truly the salt and pepper of the dining experience! Every dish I’ve tried has been absolutely delicious. The homemade pizza dough is perfect, and the tripe soup—a dish I rarely indulge in because it’s hard to find a place that does it justice—was outstanding. I loved that I could add garlic and chili to my liking, and I didn’t hold back on the garlic—it made the dish even more amazing! The daily menu is diverse, catering to all tastes, including vegetarian options. I’ve eaten here multiple times, and every time, the food was so good that I barely had the chance to take pictures! It’s clear that whoever is in the kitchen cooks with passion, and that passion is felt in every bite. That’s something rare and truly worth appreciating. Beyond the fantastic food, what makes this place stand out is its authenticity. The real taste of tradition, the connection to local customs, and the welcoming atmosphere—it’s the kind of experience that stays with you long after the meal is over. Unlike commercial restaurants, which may catch your eye with fancy plating but often lack depth in flavor, here you get both: hearty, soul-satisfying food and a real connection to bulgarian taste. A true hidden gem! Congratulations on creating such a special place. Stay authentic, stay close to people, and keep sharing your passion through food. Thank you for the meal—I’ll definitely be back! ”
“ Big portions. Good prices and a lunch menu till late in the day. Great location inside and outside area with seats in the sun and in the shadow. ”