Address: 5 Christo Smirnenski
Tel:  8657 337, 0888221089
Opening times: 11 am to 11 pm
Does not accept credit cards

FOR six months I've walked past The Old Lime Tree Restaurant - through three seasons, four boyfriends, and one family visit. Something about the place never cried out for me to visit. Until two weeks ago that is. Since that time, I've frequented the restaurant three times, each time experiencing a new problem. The first visit with a close friend yielded no lukanka (a Bulgarian dry meat that is traditionally served as an appetiser). Visit number two turned out to be a double whammy with no kebapche (a Bulgarian-style burger) and no chicken fillet due to a broken grill, as well as no cappuccino, my top choice for caffeine injection.

However, on my third visit, I wasn't so disappointed. Though they do not, and seemingly never will, have cappuccino, at least this time the grill was working and my wish for kebapche was granted. This trip was a visit alone, with no companions to keep a lonely, beautiful young girl company. The Old Lime Tree Restaurant does not have an English menu, so I was forced to struggle through the Bulgarian one all on my own. All of the salads are under three leva, but like all the other dishes, they are listed without the ingredients, leaving the dining party a little uninformed of what is actually in each dish. I chose a green salad, not on the menu, but my favourite nonetheless. Though a friend said the beef soup is tasty, I decided to go for a more adventurous dish and settled for spinach puree with a fried egg on top. This was a healthy dish and though bland was quite good, as the waitress had stated when I asked if it was decent.

All of the dishes are under 10 leva, with chicken from 4.20 to 5.20 leva, fish dishes from 4.80 to 6.60 leva, "special" dishes ranging from 2.50 to 8.20 leva, and hot dishes under three leva. Their dessert menu has your typical selection of ice cream, palachinka (pancake), fruit salad and the like, all for under two leva. Their drinks menu is impressive despite the lack of cappuccino, and I settled for a small vodka with ice and a coffee with creamer for later. For a finishing dish, I had two kebapche, served without garnish of any sort (a bit tacky in my opinion). The portion sizes are decent, nothing special, but adequate for the price.

The waiters and waitresses are dressed rather professionally, but they do not speak English. Nonetheless, they are helpful and attentive, quick to remove plates, refill drinks, and take new orders. The people who frequent this restaurant are Bulgarians and expats alike, and the ambience is great for a date, get-together with friends, or a business meeting. With subtle colors in cream, white, and brown, the decor is simple. Art on the walls, for sale and appreciation, adds to the relaxed and casual atmosphere, adding a touch of class and sophistication. It's a shame I didn't visit The Old Lime Tree Restaurant when the newly restored patio was useable, as it really is pleasant and a perfect place for a "people-watcher" like me to hang out on a weekday afternoon. The people who eat at this restaurant seem to be pleased with the food, service, and atmosphere, and I spent most of my evening alone eavesdropping on the table of expats who were sitting next to me.

Reservations don't seem necessary at The Old Lime Tree Restaurant, as it has always been about half full when I have been there. With multiple rooms, including a non-smoking salon (which unfortunately seems to have a permanent body odour smell to it), one is recommended to make reservations if it's for a large group or if one wants a certain table or area in particular. The bathrooms are clean but small. The bar is nice, but not a great place for hanging out. I prefer the restaurant at night, as it is downstairs and seems like a safe haven from the cold chill of winter. Highly recommended in the spring, summer and autumn as a great place to watch people hurry by on their way to trams, work, school, and shopping, its prime location makes it a new local favourite for me. Though for a good cappuccino after a good meal, I will have to go elsewhere. One of the slight concessions one must make in life I suppose...