St. Sofija, Restaurant in the old town of Ohrid, North Macedonia
St. Sofija, also known as Restoran Sveta Sofija, is a restaurant in the old town of Ohrid, North Macedonia, located a short walk from the lake. It seats around 100 people inside and also has an outdoor summer terrace surrounded by the historic buildings of the neighborhood.
The restaurant opened in 1988, founded by the Pendov family, who wanted to share their passion for Macedonian food with a wider audience. Over the years, they expanded the seating and the team while keeping the focus on regional cooking.
Traditional Macedonian folk music often plays softly in the background, giving the evening a local feel that visitors notice right away. Dishes like Makalo and Ohridska Pastrmka, a fish native to the nearby lake, are central to the menu and reflect the cooking traditions of the region.
Booking ahead is a good idea, especially during busier periods when the terrace tables fill up quickly. The restaurant sits within the old town, so it is easy to reach on foot if you are already exploring the historic center of Ohrid.
The restaurant is known locally as a spot where people come to propose, drawn by the setting in the old town and the view toward the lake at dusk. Some guests describe the evening hours, when the light shifts and the folk music starts, as the most memorable part of their visit.
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