Imagine a cool summer evening in the Rhodopes.
The air smells of pine and wood. From the embers comes the soft crackling of the coals, and on the grill, small skewers of meat, vegetables, and other seasonal produce are sizzling. You’re holding a cold draft beer, and the first stars are gradually appearing above you.
This is one of the most beloved evening traditions in Japan. And now you can experience it in Gela, too.
What is an izakaya?
In Japan, there is a special type of small establishment called an izakaya.
The word itself comes from the Japanese characters for “to stay” and “sake shop.”
Originally, these were places where people would stop for a drink after work. Over time, however, izakaya have evolved into something much more – a place for gatherings, conversation, and shared meals.
Today, people come here not so much for the drinks as for the atmosphere. They order a variety of small dishes to share, enjoy beer, sake, or other beverages, and spend a long time together.
More important than the food itself is the sense of calm, closeness, and time spent with the people around the table.
It is precisely this philosophy that inspired us.
Not to recreate a Japanese restaurant in the Rhodopes, but to create an evening where food, nature, and good company go hand in hand.
And what is Yakitori?
The most characteristic dish in an izakaya is small skewers cooked over charcoal. This cooking style is called yakitori.
Although the word originally referred to grilled chicken, today a wide variety of ingredients – meat, fish, vegetables, mushrooms, and seasonal specialties – are cooked on the yakitori grill.
It is the live charcoal that imparts that distinctive aroma, which cannot be achieved any other way. The fire adds a light smoky flavor that transforms otherwise simple ingredients into something special.
At Hotel Gela, we use an authentic yakitori grill to prepare a selection of seasonal ingredients. The menu may vary each time, but the concept remains the same – freshly prepared food, shared around the fire.
“Izakaya Under the Stars” Experience
Our Izakaya under the stars is not an attempt to recreate Japan, but rather a meeting of two cultures that, though far apart, share something very important – respect for nature, simple flavors, and time spent together.
That’s why we combine Japanese tradition with the cool evenings in the Rhodopes, the tranquility of the mountains, and carefully selected ingredients.
No unnecessary pretension.
Just a fire, good food, pleasant company, and the feeling that no one is in a hurry to leave.
And when dinner is over…
In Japan, an izakaya closes when the guests leave.
In Gela, once the heat begins to slowly fade, people’s gaze naturally turns upward. Far from the city lights, the sky above Gela is one of the darkest in Bulgaria, revealing countless stars and a silence we rarely find in everyday life.
An experience we’re organizing just for you
An izakaya under the stars is one of the special experiences we can organize for our guests.
It’s perfect for a romantic evening for two, a get-together with friends, a family gathering, or a small group looking to enjoy a unique evening surrounded by nature.
Sometimes all it takes is a few simple things – a crackling fire, good food, cold draft beer, cool air, and a starry sky – to turn an ordinary evening into a special memory.
Useful Information
“Izakaya Under the Stars” is organized by reservation and is available to guests of Hotel Gela when weather conditions permit.
The experience includes a curated menu prepared on an authentic yakitori grill, as well as a selection of beverages that complement the evening’s atmosphere.
For more information and reservations, please contact at reservations@hotelgela.com or ask us in person.
