75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach Ph: 07 5531 5390
The Gold Coast gained a touch of European style when Sofia’s Broadbeach opened late in 2020.
Owner Henry Hunt brings us an all-day dining venue oozing the casual sophistication of coastal Italy yet accessible enough for a weekday lunch. Arms stretched wide in welcome, Sofia’s open-faced bar and kitchen look out to the alfresco dining area, the gardens and playground of central Broadbeach just beyond.
Naming the restaurant after a family relative, Henry draws inspiration from his Italian heritage, his time growing up as a teenager in Florence and New York, and his managerial experience with the Merivale Group at Establishment and the 2-hatted Bert’s Bar and Brasserie.
With Head Chef Damien Styles on board, the food more than matches expectations. In true Italian style, fresh produce is the hero, simply prepared to maximize flavour. A large part of the menu is made up of items to share, either singly or in combination.
“We decided to put lots of small dishes together so that everyone can enjoy the same experience,” says Henry, “simple small plates of salumi, seafood, vegetables, all with a focus of bringing people together through good food and wine.”
If Mediterranean style dining is king here, then the freshest seafood certainly is queen. Steering away from trendy to classic, seafood provides many of the memorable dishes on the menu due to their expert handling by Chef Damien, well known for his food at The Fish House and Etsu, as well as Berardo’s and Altitude on the Sunshine Coast and Mr Percival’s at Howard Street Wharves.
From Grilled Mooloolaba king prawns to Kingfish crudo with blood orange dressing, through live Oysters opened to order to Grilled Mooloolaba King Prawns, from Linguine with king prawns, garlic and chilli to Grilled whole baby snapper, Styles is a master of the art of minimal intervention maximum flavour, each dish simply dressed so that the seafood can shine.
Pair your food with some of Henry’s personal favourite premium Italian and local wines, or cocktails based on house made juices and syrups. Our tips are to look at Sofia’s wine by the glass and leave room for a limoncello, handmade in house, to finish. It’s superb!
Accessible for many levels of dining experience, Sofia’s is a great restaurant for anyone who appreciates great food. It’s a venue that would be equally suitable for a classy casual meetup and drink, a business or weekday lunch, a romantic dinner for two or a special family celebration. Whatever your dining intention, let Henry and his team spoil you in this most romantic setting. Sofia’s is an experience not to be missed.
NOTE: Blank dined as a guest of Sofia’s Broadbeach