Sofia’s: Godfather Restaurant for Classic Italian

Located on 143 Mulberry street in the heart of Little Italy, Sofia’s of Little Italy boasts a fantastic ambience, enhanced by rustic Italian decor and evocative paintings that create an immersive dining experience. The restaurant exudes vibes of classic Italian restaurants, like something out of a Godfather movie. Surrounded by wine bottles, a wooden decor, luminescent lights, and classical artwork, the restaurant transports diners to a classic Italian scene that complements the authentic menu. The presence of live music adds a lively and enjoyable element, complementing the joyful vibe of many of the fellow customers.  

We were greeted by excellent service and led to a large table for our party of three. To our side, a birthday procession was happening, adding to the already joyful vibe at the restaurant. The menu consisted of all the Italian classics you would expect at any great establishment in Little Italy. All three of us decided to stick with classic flavors and dishes that define Italian cuisine. 

Garlic Bread

Though a simple dish, the garlic bread at Sofia’s broke expectations. It was phenomenal, offering the perfect amount of garlic flavor balanced with a nice cheesiness from the Parmesan. It was even better when dipped in marinara sauce, enhancing its flavor profile. This bread also pairs excellently with the tomato sauce served with the calamari, making it a versatile and delicious starter.

Calamari

The calamari was delightfully crisp and airy, served in rounds without any tentacles. The portion size was generous, making it a great option for sharing. The accompanying tomato sauce was really good, although a bit more of it would have been appreciated. Overall, it was a satisfying dish with a perfect crunch.

Lasagna

The lasagna, though surprisingly small in portion, packed a flavorful punch. The bechamel sauce provided a smooth and creamy consistency, while the meat filling had a delightful red wine flavor. The thick and rich tomato sauce complemented the dish well, and it wasn’t overly cheesy. The pasta itself was well-cooked and enjoyable, making for a comforting and warm meal that can fill any stomach. 

Veal Parmesan

The veal parm came with a generous portion size and lots of cheese. It was served with pasta, which, while well-cooked, lacked seasoning and sauce. However, the veal parm made up for the lack of flavor, being perfectly cooked and covered with a thick and tart tomato sauce. The breading of the veal could have been crispier, but it was an understandable error with the copious amount of sauce on the dish. My personal favorite for the night. 

Cacio e Pepe

The cacio e pepe was a delightful dish with great flavor, not too overwhelming with the pepper, and just creamy enough. Sofia’s didn’t over complicate the dish, letting the key flavors of the dish shine. The portion size was good, and the rigatoni was cooked al dente. It was a well-executed classic that hit all the right notes.

Tiramisu

The tiramisu had a good balance of sweet, creamy, and coffee flavors. Complimentary given to me as a birthday dessert (and surprise) for me, the Tiramisu boasted classic flavors while also having some extra details that added to the taste. The addition of strawberries and mint provided a fresh touch, and the presentation was impressive. It was a delightful way to end the meal, and a perfect birthday surprise for me. 

Crème brûlée

The créme brûlée was a decent size but a little on the runny side. It wasn’t as cold or firm as one might expect, but the flavor was really good, not too sweet. Despite its texture issues, it was still undeniably a tasty dessert that has much potential.