After my last food review, I’ve been itching to put together some more positive reviews. So, I guess I’ll tell you about one of my go-to’s in the Englewood area. Of course, it’s not just my go-to. It’s the hot spot in Englewood, and if you are looking for a place to take Instagram-worthy shots, this is it.
Sofia touts itself as an Italian bar, restaurant, and cigar lounge. If you ask me, it’s so much more than that. It’s become a staple in the local culture, just because everything is SO. DARNED. GOOD.
Sofia Of Englewood: The Layout Of The Restaurant
Where do I even begin with the layout? Is it the valet parking? The curbside dining that makes you think of quaint bistros in Italty? The back garden that has that gorgeous black and white tiling that I adore? What about the main bar that looks like it came straight out of the golden era of New York City?
If you can’t figure it out, Sofia has a certain elegant style that is hard to replicate. It has its touches of Italy, yes, but it is a deeply New Yorker-esque restaurant that also contains its own little quirks—like the British phone booth in the basement. If you’re looking for a place that looks ready for a photoshoot, this is it.
Food, Drink, And More
The big draw for most people isn’t the awesome surroundings. It’s the world-class Italian food, extensive wine list, and artisan cocktails. Personally, it’s hard to find just one dish that’s the standout.
I’ve heard that their steaks are amazing, but my personal favorite is their truffle pizza. If you’re a fan of pasta, just about anything on their menu will be worth a shot. Their Fettucine with truffles, shrimp, and cultured butter always puts a smile on my face. If you ask your server, they’ll be happy to suggest a good wine pairing to go with it.
The drinks are boozy in the best way possible, and are anything but ordinary. Exotic ingredients, unique mixing methods, and a keen eye for mixology make this a great place to go if you love artisan cocktails.
They have regular menus for lunch and dinner, as well as a nifty brunch menu with discounted cocktails. I’m a huge fan of that, and it appears that many others are, too. If you smoke cigars, it’s good to know they also have a menu of those along with a cutting service.
Service
It’s exceedingly rare to see a restaurant of this quality level have service that always feels just a little personal. People here take the time to know your name, ask you about your food preferences, and give you advice on ordering. That’s rare, and that’s one of the many reasons I always suggest this place to friends.
My Verdict
It takes a lot of effort to get the kind of reputation that Sofia has, and honestly, it’s something that’s extremely rare to find. When you find a place that manages to show its culinary mettle that way, you have to praise it. So, that’s why I’m a huge fan and why I refer people to them whenever I can.
36 Engle Street Englewood, NJ 07631 | |
https://www.sofiaenglewood.com/ | |
(201) 541-8530 |
Google Reviews
[wp-review-google-place-reviews place_id = “ChIJR48dNRjxwokROJUYAEle-q0”]
Yelp Reviews
[wp-review-yelp-business-reviews id=”sofia-englewood-4″ title=”Sofia Of Englewood” review_num=”3″]