Sofia Restaurant & Bar: Luxe Italian in Yorkville

Yorkville welcomed it’s newest jaw-dropping attraction to the neighbourhood in May 2018 with the opening of Sofia Restaurant & Bar, the latest creation from Toronto’s “King of Nightlife” turned restaurateur, Charles Khabouth. Well known for the opulent interiors of his restaurants, Khabouth teamed up with the talented team at Studio Munge to bring Sofia to life. Named in honour of Sophia Loren, who Khabouth considers the epitome of sexy and cool, the decor itself is luxe and fabulous, with Khabouth describing it “like a little jewelry box” that draws from Old Hollywood glamour and elements of art deco combined with one-of-kind pieces of pop art from names like Jeff Koons, Mr Brainwash and Russell Young, with most pieces from co-owners’ Khabouth and Soberano’s gallery next door, Taglialatella, so the pieces on display change regularly. But decor aside, there is of course the food. 

Toronto native and executive chef Christine Mast, formerly of Canoe, is behind the seasonal Italian menu. Committed to sourcing quality ingredients that pay homage to true Italian tastes, Mast’s Italian heritage serves as a resource for authentic and inspired plates, from delicate Kanpachi Crudo garnished with Meyer lemon, and almond gremolata, to luscious Burrata with wood grilled cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic and olive oil and house made Fettuccini con L'aragosta prepared with Atlantic Lobster, tomato, Straciatella cheese and fresh basil, augmented by an extensive list of fabulous Italian wines. Sofia is sleek and sexy, but so noisy it's hard to hold a conversation, however with a non stop parade of Yorkville's gilded glamour set, Sofia is also a place to see and seen — preferably with a thick wallet.

Sofia was named in honour of Sophia Loren, who owner Khabouth considers the epitome 

of sexy and cool

Sofia was designed as “like a little jewelry box” that draws from Old Hollywood glamour

The Barolo red seating to the Murano chandeliers were custom designed for the restaurant

Sofia Master Mixologist and Bar Manager Nishan Nepulangoda

Columbina Cocktail made with Tanqueray gin, Aperol, grapefruit-ginger honey cordial, 

lime juice and Prosecco

Fresh baked focaccia and bread

Sofia Restaurant and Bar metallic silver menu with embossed logo

Sofia menu

2018 Possente IGP Terre Siciliane Grillo from Sicily 

A delicious round and elegant Sicilian Grillo 

Burrata with wood grilled cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic and olive oil

Kanpachi Crudo garnished with Meyer lemon, and almond gremolata

Olive all'Ascolana: Crispy stuffed olives with pork and veal sausage and bomba aioli

Grilled Octopus with braised chickpeas, smoked tomato salsa and crisp parsnip

Broccoletti with Soleggiata tomato, white balsamic, garlic and crispy chickpeas

Fettuccini con L’aragosta with Atlantic Lobster, tomato, Straciatella cheese and fresh Basil

Panna Cotta with pine nuts, chocolate, Marsala sabayon and honey ice cream

Batman by Mr Brainwash, 2019

Silkscreen and Mixed Media on Paper

Imagine by Mr Brainwash, 2019

Silkscreen and Mixed Media on Paper

Never Give Up by Mr Brainwash, 2019

Silkscreen and Mixed Media on Paper

Errol Fisher and his band

www.sofiayorkville.com