Sofia on Cleveland — Restaurant in Sydney

Go elsewhere for group dining experiences - read on for my reasoning as to why...

I suggested a friend of mine celebrate their birthday at this venue last weekend. We opted for the $95 set menu and had a group of roughly 10 people. I noted with the waiter that I am pescatarian. The entree was an octopus dish but it came out with chorizo. The waiter didn't consider that I could not consume this dish. I then noted this with the waiter, and they then (some time later) brought out some octopus without the chorizo. Given the wait staff had seemed to overlook my dietary request, I then noted the main was a beef dish, which came out with a plate of cauliflower. When I raised this, our waiter suggested that I just have the cauliflower and not have the beef (which for $95 per head, to me, seemed an unfair suggestion). I requested an alternative and he stated that he would "work something out". The waiter then brought out some dolmades as a replacement. I am also intolerant to all grains, so I could not eat this dish (which I accept I should have noted - but felt difficult at this point) and expected a fish would've been brought out given the price I was paying per head. The substitute of some rice in vine leaves was a cheap alternative, particularly when our table spent collectively $1,500 (including drinks). I wouldn't have minded paying additional for my food, and reducing the set menu number for me (seeing as the restaurant couldn't accommodate) - but their approach in not considering the entree or making an effort with my main seemed as though they were cutting costs. I have never left a review for less than 5 stars, I love the Sydney dining space and I love Greek food. But, unfortunately, the service and accommodation on this night was not great and if you're looking for places for a group and expect some leniency I would not recommend this venue. Again, I would've happily paid for an alternative, but what I'm not ok with is providing an individual with a cheaper alternative (or in the case of the entree, no alternative at all) and hoping they won't notice. It's distasteful and I'd expect more.

The food was otherwise ok - but for Greek I would definitely opt for local alternatives, including Olympus Dining which is just around the corner...I also don't think there was great value for the price (compared to, for example, the set menu at Alpha which is much more expansive and better value for money).

I'm disappointed to leave this review, as I recommended the venue for the evening. I can quite confidently say though - my set menu issue aside - that there's a competitive market for Greek food in Sydney, and this venue just does not compare to the proximal alternatives. So, if you're tossing up between Apollo, Ammos, Alpha, Olympus or Olympic Meats (and others alike) I'd put Sofia's on Cleveland further down your list of...

With the official launch slated for next week, I got in for an early look at Sofia on Cleveland. The spacious Mediterranean grill can be found sitting above Bar Cleveland. A light touch renovation has played to the beautiful historic bones of the building while still creating comfortable spaces to relax, like rust-coloured banquette dining separated from the lounge bar by sliding frosted glass doors and a flickering two-sided fireplace mounted in the wall.

Named for the grandmother of co-owner Sophie Bousgas, the family connection produces a good quality peppery olive oil ($12) served with sourdough. It heads up a menu designed by Justin North and actioned by head chef Nathan Treleaven. The succinct selection allows you to choose your own path through small plates, mains, sides and dishes designed for all-of-table sharing. Starters showcase tangy labneh against baby beets ($19) and chargrilled octopus and chorizo against romesco ($26). With pomegranate pink edges, Petuna ocean trout ($22) feels like winter’s last hurrah against slivers of fennel and ruby grapefruit.

Shark Bay king prawns ($40/3) are split and grilled with a gentle combination of garlic, chilli, parsley and lemon butter. They suit a well-priced quaffing 2021 Quartier Pinot Noir ($60) from the Mornington Peninsula. Despite the grandiosity of an 800g Little Joe grass-fed bistecca ($120) it’s the kilo of chargrilled lamb ribs ($58) that are the show-stopper. Cooked sous vide then crisped and served with oregano, lemon and sea salt, they’re the best lamb ribs I’ve eaten.

Cocktail classics like the Aperol spritz ($17) sit alongside a short list of signatures like The Saz Jazz ($25) that gives the Sazerac a simple strawberry makeover. The Newgat ($20) recreates nougat but challenged me with too much Luxardo Maraschino. I’d probably prefer it with sour cherries like the visino ($12) ice cream based dessert, or better yet: stick to Venezuela’s finest Diplomatico rum ($16) against a slice of walnut syrup cake ($14)...

I had an amazing experience dining at this restaurant! The dishes were beautifully presented, fresh, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors. We started with the Kalamata olive tapenade and the heirloom tomato salad — both were incredibly fresh and set the tone for the meal.

The Grilled Prawns and Lobster Pasta were absolutely stunning — the lobster was cooked perfectly and paired wonderfully with the rich, flavorful sauce on the pasta. The Grilled Octopus was tender and paired perfectly with smoky charred chorizo and chilli garlic greens.

The Lamb Ribs were another highlight: tender, juicy, and crispy, with a deliciously herby olive oil dressing that came alive with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Portion sizes were generous and perfect for sharing.

For mains, the 350g Wagyu Porterhouse was cooked to perfection — juicy, rich, and complemented beautifully by roast Dutch carrots and a red wine jus. The Murray Cod fillet was fresh, delicate, and had a beautiful chargrilled flavor, served simply with lemon and parsley to let the fish shine.

For dessert, we had the Fried Manouri Cheese — wrapped in a crispy sesame pastry, drizzled with honey. We suggested it be served with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which would be the perfect light and sweet finish, offering a great contrast of textures.

The atmosphere was cozy yet lively, and the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the evening. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully balanced. Overall, it was a fantastic experience — we will definitely be back to explore more of the menu. Highly recommend for anyone who loves authentic, high-quality Mediterranean food in a stylish,...