Fake French

Fake French is a bistro on Knyaz Boris I Street 66 in central Sofia, opened in early 2023 by chef Vladimir Todorov — the same name behind the popular Sando Shop street food spot and the former Bistrello. The name is a cheeky admission of intent: the cuisine borrows French techniques and culinary traditions but builds them around Bulgarian ingredients, with occasional nods to Asia. You'll find dishes like an omurice take on the classic omelette (reportedly a Sofia first), frog legs, cod fillet, roasted red peppers with "fake" burrata, and desserts that pair crêpes Suzette with crème brûlée. The space is small and intimate — reservations are essentially required — and the wine list has been put together with genuine care, balancing French and Bulgarian bottles at fair prices. A strong pick for a special dinner or a longer evening if you're looking for something more ambitious than a typical Sofia bistro.