There are not that many restaurants in Sofia that can be described as part of the establishment. Chepishev is one of them.

Sofians have seen many restaurants opened, only to close down few months later, so the mere fact that Chepishev has been around for years should serve as a tribute to its previous and new owners. Bear in mind that we are not talking about a house where the ground floor has been transformed into a three-room restaurant, but about a full-scale double-hall restaurant on two floors.

This grandeur was probably one of the reasons why it was named Restaurant of the Year in 2002. Seven years later, the place still fancies itself as such, but it seems to have stuck in time starting with the style of the tablecloth and the terracotta.

Something else that has not changed is that Chepishev is still wide and spacious (a quality somewhat rare among many other restaurants) and its Bavarian-style decor is still in good condition, but the thing is that it has not moved on since 2002. Those on the lookout for something new on a restaurant expedition probably would find the place boring after the first visit unlike those who like to know what they will get for their money. As to the latter, I mean enough space to breathe, no cigarette smoke (although it is a fully smoking venue) and music at a reasonable level so that one can not only eat but also maintain a conversation without difficulty.

It is interesting to see how people treat Chepishev. The long years it has been around has made it a popular name and many still think that it is a place where one should be bring the visiting business guest from abroad. On our most recent visits, it was quite obvious how government money was being spent on protocol dinners. Others prefer to consider it as just a place where it is highly likely that a table will be available without booking in advance. The reason is simple: it has several hundred seats and one needs a car to get there so it is never cramped with people. Of course, the good seats in the middle require reservation a day ahead.

Chepishev’s reputation over the years as an upmarket place has helped it escape becoming a "local restaurant". Boyana residents do eat there but one still cannot call it a "kruchma" (tavern) if only for the heavy wooden work on the walls and the waiters all dressed in their uniforms acting in a polite yet reserved style. It is place where you would be offered a garderobe for your coat in spite of the lack of such at many Bulgarian restaurants. When the ground floor is booked for private parties, the second floor is open for business, although one can hear the noise of the kitchen as well as most of what is being said there. The same wide space becomes a bit of problem when more than half of the tables are occupied as it takes waiters longer to service them and one can wait for some time for the ashtray to be replaced.  A good sign is that the airyan (traditional Bulgarian drink of yoghurt mixed with cold water) comes without a straw and no salt in it.  

One reason why many think Chepishev is a good place to which to bring foreign guests is the menu, which features many Bulgarian traditional dishes at reasonable prices. The place takes pride of its barbecue and meat dishes whose reputation is well deserved.   

Requests to amend the items in a dish are welcomed by the waiter as no problem, so hurray for those who want their salads without onion or grilled vegetables instead of potatoes with their pepper steak. The latter appears to be one of the most expensive dish on the menu at the price of 30 leva.

The menu does not have a large selection of fish dishes, but the good thing is that they come well cooked, especially the trout (9.50 leva).  

In terms of wine, Chepishev provides a good choice especially since the 2004 renovation when Enoteca was added. Last but not least, one of Chepishev’s advantages is that it is easy to reach although when well attended, parking can be an issue. 

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Overall 4/6
Service 4/6
Atmosphere 4/6
Food 6/6
Price $$$
($ up to 12 leva a person for three courses; $$ 12 to 20 leva pp; $$$ 20 to 35 pp; $$$$ 35 and over pp)

Address:
27 Ivanitsa Danchev Str, Boyana, Sofia
Tel: 959 10 10; 088905 11 15
Open: 12am to 12pm
Credit cards: yes