Sofi Restaurant
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Sofi Restaurant
Born in Milan to a renowned restaurant family, Chef/Owner Maurizio Michi has always had a passion for cooking. This Northern Italian Restaurant features classics that include, Ossobuco alla Milanese, Braised Short Ribs of Beef, Veal Chop "Emiliana", Fish Stew Viareggina, along with Steaks, Lamb Chops and grilled Sea Bass Branzino, all of which are executed to perfection under his watchful eye.

Sofi also offers authentic Italian pastas that are prepared in house daily with the freshest ingredients in the market. Bread, Focaccia and all of our desserts are also prepared daily. Some examples of the desserts include Panna Cotta, Chocolate Souffle', Tirami Su' and Ricotta Cheese cake. The wine list is comprised mainly of wine from Italian vineyards with some California exceptions.
Reviews (28)
James J.
James J.
Jan 02, 2022
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Ordered new years eve. Meatballs are good! But the pastas have no taste. If youre gonna charge more than $15 a plate at least USE SOME SALT IN YOUR FOOD. SALT THE PASTA WATER. SALT THE BOLOGNESE. SALT THE VONGOLE SAUCE. Literally a tasteless experience.
D. K.
D. K.
Dec 22, 2021
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It was recommended as a great ma-pa place, and I agree. The moment I walked in, I was happy. The hostess was polite, and you could tell had been trained on how to seat people by where she stood, how she poured a glass of water and handed you the menu.
The sauces were incredible, we had scallops, veal scallopini, and rigatoni. The rigatoni didn't look special, but it was better than the rest, which were fantastic.
Giovanni Aviles
Giovanni Aviles
Dec 20, 2021
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They staff at Sofi were kind and welcoming to accommodate us last minute for NYE, they provided delicious bread, strong drinks, and amazing plates. I recommend sofi for a wonderful Italian experience !
Emina D.
Emina D.
Dec 19, 2021
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I really wanted to love Sofi. It is nearby, and it looks so quaint and warm whenever I walk by.

I dined with them during summer, and both the service and food were lukewarm then. I ordered a pasta dish, which was cold by the time it arrived to the table, and the pasta itself was chewy and tasteless. But, because Covid impacted small businesses, and especially the restaurant industry, I decided to give Sofi another chance.

This time, my partner ordered the leek-potato soup. It tasted like onion soup as the ratio between leeks and potatoes was off. I ordered the arugula parmesan salad, which
Mark Sulkin
Mark Sulkin
Nov 14, 2021
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Impressive menu, execution not so much. I ordered pasta covered with 10 grams of white truffles. It was like kissing your sister- I had much higher expectations. The baby Octopus, which I thought would be Calamari, was exactly as described- one little baby. The Fettucini Bolognese was average. Top it off with Nutella crepes which were very tasty. No Valet parking, paid parking across the street- $9 at night.
Karen C.
Karen C.
Nov 02, 2021
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The hostess will be your short with you as others have mentioned BUT she gets the job. She's a no nonsense lady and I appreciate it, we didn't have reservations but she sat us down inside. I made the mistake of getting a cocktail, this is not the place for it, I'll say that is my bad not theirs lol. Very cozy, the food was really good, the waiter also down to business but attentive without making us feel rushed or lured over. We were visiting from Texas we moved here from Jersey and have missed Italian food SO MUCH. This place satisfied the craving, we'll be bacl next time we're in Chicago.
Kait G.
Kait G.
Oct 28, 2021
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5 stars hands down!!! The food is consistently amazing at Sofi! I especially love the burrata dish, veal ravioli, and orecchiette. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The servers are knowledgeable and give great wine recommendations. I love sitting both inside and outside. It's great for a date night and for groups. It can be casual or a fancier night out. You truly can't go wrong here! It's a MUST try no matter where you live.
Kyle H.
Kyle H.
Oct 23, 2021
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Wow! Terrible across the board. Server was rude and didn't offer specials or even ask how our food was. Octopus was served over basically hash browns. Meatballs definitely frozen and very disappointing. Parpadelle was like dog food poured on top. There was a table next to us with dirty plates and glassware the entire time. Only got to order one drink because that's how often the server came up to us. I can't believe this place has 4 stars. Seriously a joke!
Ian M.
Ian M.
Oct 14, 2021
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Ate here recently with some friends in from out of town. We ordered a few apps to start. The mussels stood above the rest. They have a red sauce, not the most common in the city but definitely delicious.

The wine and service were great as well. There was a particularly needy table nearby us that was keeping our server busy but he did a pretty good job taking care of us considering if the circumstances.

We also ordered the orecchiette with spicy sausage. The pasta was extremely undercooked and the sausage was burned. They were very busy that night so I believe that is the cause, I'd love
Liv O.
Liv O.
Sep 21, 2021
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This place is amazing!! The outside seating is so elegant.

Baby Octopus was tasty and the octopus was cooked to perfection.

Rigatoni was perfectly al dente, with a tomato cream sauce that will have me coming back next weekend.

Staff was prompt and classy.

Thank you!
Darin L.
Darin L.
Sep 20, 2021
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Amazing evening. Outside dining was perfect. Food was spectacular. Highly recommended.
David T.
David T.
Sep 19, 2021
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I had the lamb chops there and I would say they are the best food I have had in Chicago in the last 3 weeks. And we have gone to a ton of good restaurants during that time. They tasted amazing.

My wife had some pasta dish and she loved hers too. Great food all around.

Their beer selection sucks (i.e. they did not have anything I like).
Diego S.
Diego S.
Sep 17, 2021
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Worst risotto I've ever had. Horrible. It honestly felt like a plate of undercooked white rice with no flavor at all. Gross.
Evelyn Fred
Evelyn Fred
Aug 31, 2021
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OMG we fell in love instantly!
At first when we arrived they said "we're closed and don't open for another 10 minutes", which was a turn off we thought "really 10 minutes and you can't accommodate us?" but then they said have a seat outside we'll get you a cocktail - all our faces lit up and glad to see they were willing to accommodate vs losing the business.
We were walking back from a pre-season Bears game and to avoid traffic we decided to stop and have dinner and cocktails. We were so glad we found this place! The food was really good, the service was actually great! The servers/managers
Sinister Footwear
Sinister Footwear
Aug 21, 2021
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Came here on short notice with my girlfriend and our server Albino was fantastic. It was his service that made me think "OK I have to write a review". I am the kind of person who was overwhelmed at the three choices of water I was given immediately after sitting down, so when he gave detailed recommendations for the food (we both had the veal ossobuco - it was incredibly tender and delicious) that was super helpful. The drinks were strong and very good too. The only negative is the price, but the service and food is so great, that it's worth it at least for a special occasion.
Bibi Belford
Bibi Belford
Aug 17, 2021
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What a wonderful dinner under the canopy. Everything was spectacular--the service, the food, the weather. We've been wanting to visit Sofi and just never thought ahead to make a reservation. Finally!
Ariel S.
Ariel S.
Aug 10, 2021
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I was surprised that this restaurant received so many stars. Food was subpar. Service mediocre. Calamari was not fresh. Likely frozen from Costco. Short ribs had more fat than ribs. Seafood pasta with no flavor and smelled bad. Ordered a second glass of Malbec to feel full since we didn't finish our food. The outside decor is deceiving and you may think it's an upscale restaurant. Save yourself the trouble and go to any nearby restaurant on the block. Sorely disappointed.
J. Andrews
J. Andrews
Jul 21, 2021
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Started off a bit rocky as the hostess shooed us out after we entered and was on the phone while doing doing so. After we were seated she came by and apologized as she was just worried about us being in the way of the waiters in the narrow entrance.
After that the service was very nice and they did everything to make my sister feel celebrated on her birthday. Food was fantastic. Had the calamari to start, 5/5. And then had a salad as I was trying to save room for dessert. They brought out an amazing tiramisu with a candle and sang happy birthday. Was a lovely night.
Caryl B.
Caryl B.
Jul 18, 2021
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I've been eating here on every visit to Chicago and it's always been one of the best Italian restaurants I've been in. They have an interesting menu and don't overcook their seafood or mussels. The atmosphere is pleasant, civilized, with a collection of bird prints on the walls.
However on a July 2021 trip, my mussels were in a very strongly flavored and highly over salted sauce which rather badly affected my system for a couple of days. My companion also said her veal was overly salted. I hope the owners become aware of this since you can always add a bit of salt but you can
Christina M.
Christina M.
Jun 16, 2021
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Stopped by here for an event with the Italian American Chamber of Commerce last night and as usual, they are at the top of their game. I'd eaten here before but usually don't write a review until I've visited a few times. I can wait no longer; last night was so lovely, so romantic, and so authentic that I am compelled to break with protocol.
I think interior design is important and it's a delight at Sofi, with lovely saffron walls and classic animal prints, sturdy wood tables and chairs appropriately weathered from the use of many patrons, linen drapery beautiful in its simplicity
Raw-Ttg Wallace
Raw-Ttg Wallace
May 19, 2021
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I had the Octopus appetizer, the octopus was over cooked but the main course the lamb chops weee cook to perfection. I finished with a Creme brûlée that was good also. I would return.
Jill A.
Jill A.
May 19, 2021
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I have only ever dined on the outdoor patio but it was raining tonight so my husband and I sat inside. Such nice atmosphere and stellar service!

We had a great burrata appetizer, split a really fantastic angel hair pasta dish with shaved truffles that was one of the specials tonight, and ended our dinner with their great cannoli for dessert.

I love this place and am so glad it's still open. Will be back again soon!
Gina S.
Gina S.
May 16, 2021
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Best gnocchi dinner next to my Nana's. They were perfectly cooked. We opted for the tomato and basil sauce. It was so damn good, very simple and authentic. I always appreciate a pasta dish not drenched in cheese. I want to taste the noodles and fresh sauce, so my dinner was perfect.
We also had spinach / ricotta ravioli plus potato and leek soup. Both were outstanding and flavorful.
My next compliment is for our lovely waiter. He was excellent and on top of it!! He made suggestions and happily helped us pick our dinner and dessert. We even got the customary Buon Appetit!
Finally, dessert
Koko K.
Koko K.
Apr 09, 2021
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The hidden gem of the south loop!
Unlike many of the high-end Italian restaurants in the city, they are very generous with the serving portions!

They are kind of in between fancy and rustic restaurants. My favorite is their Lobster Bisque and Risotto.

Highly recommended!!!
Ozzie T.
Ozzie T.
Apr 01, 2021
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Hi y'all! If you are looking for a new restaurant to try during Chicago Restaurant Week, then head on over to Sofi!

We felt welcomed from the moment we stepped inside until our delicious meal ended. Sofi has that authentic, mom and pop Italian restaurant feel and during CRW, they really hit it out of the park! For $55 we enjoyed a delicious and filling dinner.

CRW is still available through Sunday, 4/4. We tried a variety of dishes and I'll list the dishes you absolutely need to try: 1st course: Lobster bisque - yes, real lobster and the flavors are buttery, sweet, decadent without
Lan N.
Lan N.
Mar 28, 2021
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Leak, potato, porcini soup: creamy and good consistency on the soup. It was a little under flavored and need a pinch of salt

Lobster bisque: same good consistency with this soup. The soup had that sweetness from the lobster, but didn't give you that fishy taste

Scallops: it was a little too salty, but the cream/sauce around it was good

Wagyu carpaccio: good flavor overall. Nothing memorable. I liked the added arugula for that peppery taste

Veal: was not a fan of this at all. It was a chewy and the sauce was under flavored. The grilled asparagus was decent.

Rack of lamb: it was cooked
Tosha R.
Tosha R.
Nov 21, 2020
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After work, I was in the mood to try a restaurant new to me and I think I just found a neighborhood favorite for myself.

I called in my order and picked it up. From what I saw, they do have a small patio for dining. Every person I came in contact with was very friendly from a server who happened to be coming out the door to service a table to another person who gave me the bill.

I ordered the seafood linguini pasta. The guy over the phone mentioned they could change the pasta to a different one if I liked but I chose to stick with linguini. The dish was absolutely fantastic! It was not
Trooper Long
Trooper Long
Jan 15, 2020
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I enjoyed my four course meal at Sofi Memorial Day. Family style is the way to go, for a large party like ours (I was one of 17). Waitstaff took good care of us. Christian ensured everything was brought to our table hot and plated beautifully, and kept the wine pouring. I added photos of some of the highlights here, but standouts include the lamb chops, the tenderest veal, brisket, sea bass, fava beans with sea salt, peppercorns and shaved aged Parmesan, and risotto. Lovely dessert platter too. I’m looking forward to next time!