Valere Restaurant

At Valere Restaurant, seasonal cuisine comes to life through the personal experience and vision of chefs Todor and Melissa, while supporting sustainable practices and working with local producers. The result is a culinary experience that delights both local guests and travelers, celebrating the finest flavors and traditions of the region.

At Valere, we aim to offer an experience that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional dining — inspired by the rich culinary heritage that defines us and enhanced by our own style and contemporary techniques. The menu showcases carefully selected local products, interpreted with a refined balance between tradition and modern gastronomy.

The Story Behind the Kitchen

Each dish is created to reflect the essence of the chefs’ personal journeys, blending cultures, techniques, and flavors into a harmonious composition of aroma, texture, and presentation. This gastronomic experience, combined with the restaurant’s atmosphere — where modern elegance meets traditional warmth — creates a refined yet welcoming setting.

Meet the leaders of our culinary team — Melissa and Todor.
She is from Lima, Peru, with Japanese roots, and he is from Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Their shared passion for culinary art brought them together while working in the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant in California — where a professional partnership gradually turned into a personal bond.

After years of working alongside world-renowned chefs in prestigious restaurants, they made the decision to return to Todor’s hometown and create a project close to their hearts. This is how Valere was born — a place that blends Melissa’s Latin and Asian heritage with Todor’s traditional Bulgarian techniques and familiar local flavors.

Bulgarian Gourmet Fusion with a Personal Signature

At Valere, we present our interpretation of Bulgarian gourmet fusion, with an innovative approach to traditional cooking methods, fine local ingredients, and deep respect for our shared culinary heritage. We believe it is this unique character that transforms every visit into an authentic and memorable experience.

Historic Atmosphere and Art

The restaurant is located in a carefully restored historic building that preserves its original charm and architectural character. Beyond being a dining venue, Valere also serves as an art space, featuring original works by the renowned Bulgarian artist Georgi Papazov. Guests are invited to enjoy a harmonious blend of history, culture, and gastronomy in an inspiring setting.

Every visit becomes a journey through time, art, and flavor.

Wine and Rare Selections

While gastronomy is our passion, Valere’s wine collection is a particular source of pride. With over 350 wine labels, the selection highlights both Bulgarian wineries and acclaimed international producers. The restaurant has been awarded the prestigious Wine Spectator Award for three consecutive years — a distinction achieved by only a small number of restaurants in the region.

We also offer a selection of rare and exceptional spirits, including iconic choices such as the 100-year-old Louis XIII cognac, available exclusively at Valere in Bulgaria.

At Valere, every visit becomes an experience where cuisine, atmosphere, and the chefs’ personal story come together in perfect harmony.