GASTRO BAR АЙЛЯКРИЯ (Aylyakriya)
I can hardly put into words how thrilled I was to finally secure a reservation at this remarkable restaurant, nestled in a charming 100-year-old brick house in the heart of Kapana Creative District. This gem attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, thanks to its unique philosophy inspired by “Aylyak”—a term native to the Plovdiv region that captures the essence of a blissful, stress-free, and peaceful state of mind.
Aylyakria Gastro Bar offers more than just a meal; it delivers a captivating culinary experience that artfully blends traditional Bulgarian flavors with the chef’s creative flair, complemented by a selection of international classics. The menu, crafted with locally sourced ingredients, also showcases a range of seasonal specialties, ensuring there’s always something fresh to savor.
The bar is equally impressive, featuring a curated list of exceptional wines and craft beers. Aylyakria Gastro Bar radiates a vibrant atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind while enjoying fantastic food and drink—all at a great value.
During our visit, my friends and I decided to explore the menu by ordering five distinct specials. Each dish was expertly prepared and seasoned, exceeding our expectations.
For starters, we opted for two of their signature salads: the Baby Spinach & Blue Cheese Salad and the Fresh Green Salad. The Baby Spinach Salad was an absolute delight. The fresh, crisp spinach was elevated by a perfectly balanced dressing made with pomegranate sauce, balsamic vinegar, and wine. Almonds, strawberries, and prosciutto slices added texture and complexity, enhancing the sweet-tangy flavour profile while complementing the bold character of the blue cheese.
The Fresh Green Salad was a gorgeous medley of leafy greens, crunchy cucumber, radish, and spring onions, topped with a vibrant raspberry dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and Bulgarian-style poached eggs. This dish was not only super fresh but also vegetarian-friendly, offering a nutritious and satisfying start to the meal.
Another starter we tried was the Baked Potatoes with Cheese. Served with parsley, chillies, and their authentic tartar sauce, this dish was the perfect choice for those seeking a comforting classic. Paired with one of their craft beers, it’s a combo I’d highly recommend.
Moving on to the main courses, we were blown away by the creativity and flavour.
We savoured the Gnocchi with Wild Mushrooms. This dish combined tender gnocchi with a creamy sauce, dried tomatoes, capers, basil pesto, and Grana Padano cheese. For those unfamiliar, Grana Padano is Italy’s most-produced cheese, known for its grainy texture and rich, buttery flavour. The dish was flawlessly executed, with a perfect balance of textures and flavours. Highly recommended!
One standout was Doña Quesadilla—a Mexican favourite with a twist. Aylyakria’s version featured chicken, chorizo, cheddar, and pico de gallo salsa, all tucked inside a perfectly heated tortilla. Topped with jalapeños and spring onions, and served alongside homemade guacamole and smoky chipotle sauce, it was nothing short of a masterpiece.
Aylyakria Gastro Bar is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s no wonder the establishment has been recognized as a Traveller’s Choice 2021 winner on TripAdvisor and boasts an impressive 4.8 rating on Google.
Ready to immerse yourself in the Aylyakria philosophy? Check out their menu and reserve your table at their website: https://aylyakria.com/.
Aylyakria—follow the harmony!
















