Crazy Diamond

Crazy Diamond is a beloved restaurant and urban oasis located in the centre of Sofia, at 9A Oborischte Street opposite the National Library in the Oborischte quarter. The restaurant takes its name from the iconic Pink Floyd song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," chosen for three reasons by its founders: because one of them loves Pink Floyd; because the previous establishment on the same spot was called "Biju" (Jewel), allowing a degree of continuity; and because a diamond is the most durable material in existence. The restaurant was founded by Plamena Gencheva — one of the founders of The Little Things — and Magdalena Maleeva, creator of Bulgaria's first and largest organic food brand Harmonica, whose experience with clean, quality ingredients is at the very heart of Crazy Diamond's culinary philosophy.The restaurant occupies an old two-storey city house whose interiors are divided into several distinct intimate corners, with a home-like atmosphere inspired by minimalism, decorated with playful figurines, a fireplace that makes it particularly inviting in cooler months, and vintage lighting elements. But it is the garden that sets Crazy Diamond apart: lush, shaded, and spacious by Sofia standards, with walnut, pear, cherry, and chestnut trees whose fruit is incorporated into the seasonal menu, and with cats and squirrels who keep visitors company — described by regular guests as a place where you can spend hours and forget you are steps away from the city. The venue has 70 seats indoors and 75 in the garden and works every day from 12:00 to midnight. Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on over 1,725 Google reviews and 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.The menu is seasonal and compact, with a firm commitment to clean, home-prepared food made without compromise on ingredient quality. All meat and most other products are sourced from small Bulgarian farms with guaranteed provenance; dairy products come from Harmonica; trout from a monastery fish farm in the Kyustendil region. The menu features starters, tapas, interesting vegetable combinations, Arabic-style meatballs, fresh fish preparations, and a rotating daily dessert selection. Drinks include cocktails — among them the signature "Crazy Diamond" cocktail with absinthe, cucumber, parsley, lime, and Mursalski tea — homemade lemonades, a curated wine selection from Bulgaria, France, Italy, and Spain, and a wide range of craft beers. A daily lunch menu is also available. Cultural events including jazz live music, literary readings, and art exhibitions are a regular part of the venue's programming.