Come Prima wins ‘Bulgaria’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2026’

Bansko, 15 October 2026 - Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko’s fine-dining restaurant, Come Prima, has been crowned ‘Bulgaria’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2026’ at the World Culinary Awards.

The title was determined through an online vote open to gastronomy professionals and food enthusiasts via the organisation’s official platform, recognising excellence across fine dining, hotel venues, culinary festivals and destinations. The winners celebrated their achievements at the seventh annual World Culinary Awards gala ceremony, hosted at Princess Grand Jamaica on 14 October 2026.

The prestigious event brought together prominent chefs, industry leaders and culinary influencers from around the world for one of the most anticipated evenings on the international gastronomy calendar.

Established to elevate industry standards, the World Culinary Awards celebrates pioneering brands that redefine fine dining and serves as an international benchmark for excellence. Detailed information about all award recipients is available at https://worldculinaryawards.com/winners.

Come Prima offers an exceptional gastronomic journey in a welcoming atmosphere. Showcasing Mediterranean-inspired culinary artistry and refined hospitality, the restaurant features live cooking in an open kitchen led by Executive Chef Nikola Todorov and his talented international team. A warm central fireplace sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience, perfectly complemented by a curated selection of world-class wines.

The restaurant regularly hosts exclusive themed gastronomic dinners. Following last year’s special event featuring a guest chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant, Come Prima is now preparing for its upcoming ‘Gastronomic Terroir & Best Bulgarian Wines of 2025’ evening. The dinner will be accompanied by an extensive wine list showcasing exceptional labels from renowned Bulgarian wineries, offering a true delight for every connoisseur.

Guests wishing to experience the season’s menu by Chef Nikola Todorov and his team at the award-winning Come Prima restaurant while enjoying a memorable stay at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko can explore the hotel’s special accommodation offers here: https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-grand-arena/overview#Offers.
The hotel has also recently received another prestigious international accolade, being named ‘Bulgaria’s Best Hotel Spa 2026’ by the World Spa Awards.

-ENDS-

About Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko: Being the only ski-in and ski-out hotel in the area, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located in the very heart of the most popular and vibrant winter resort in the Balkans - Bansko, right across from the gondola lift station, which gives access to 75 km of ski runs groomed at a high international level, suitable for all skiers, from complete beginners to advanced ones. The luxury hotel is the only international branded winter resort in this part of the Balkans and is open year-round. It features 157 Alpine-style rooms, including 25 suites and an exclusive Presidential Suite, Kempinski The Spa with unique thermal facilities, four conference rooms and eight restaurants and bars with spectacular views of the majestic Pirin Mountains. Graced with European flair, the hotel grants the ultimate Kempinski ski, gourmet and spa experience.

About Kempinski: Created in 1872, Kempinski Group is Europe's oldest luxury hospitality company. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 73 hotels and residences in 30 countries and has more than 22 prestigious projects currently under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com  www.ghadiscovery.com  www.kempinski.com/loyalty

Media contact:
Mariana Mominova · Director of  Sales & Marketing 
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
96, Pirin Street · 2770 Bansko · Bulgaria
T +359 2 4881801· M +359 884 904196 
[email protected]