Cafe Sofi by Tashas Review: Old Fashioned Elegance Meets Classic Comfort Food
It’s been a while since I’ve been THIS excited about a restaurant opening. After a first taste of this exciting new spot I’m telling everyone who will listen to get their butts down to Park Road, Gardens to try it. From the decor to the menu, Cafe Sofi by Tashas hits all the right notes in my books.
With a menu that heroes classic comfort food and decor that celebrates old fashioned elegance, it’s no wonder Cafe Sofi is on everyone’s lips. Just a few days after opening, the quaint eatery already has queues spilling out onto the sidewalk.
Welcoming Cafe Sofi to Gardens
Cafe Sofi is a deeply personal project by Natasha and Savva Sideris, founders of Tashas Group, created as an ode to their beloved mother, Sophia Electra. According to the duo, “Cafe Sofi is a space animated by memory, layered with personal history, and inspired by a woman of beautiful contradictions: a conservative soul wrapped in eccentric packaging, an old-school romantic with an eclectic spirit.”
Sophia is described as someone who lived like her recipes — eclectic, irreverent, inexplicably perfect. She translated ordinary life into something magical, weaving together her Greek roots, African dreams, and a curious fascination with the wider world. Her wanderlust was both geographic and temporal: Cyprus for family and tradition, Africa for adventure, India for music and colour.
“We always wanted to do something to pay homage to our mom, but we couldn’t find the right location. When we found this house, it had everything she loved — old meets new, contradiction and character. It just felt right,” says Savva of the Park Road location just off Kloof Street.
Cafe Sofi embraces the space’s quirks. It is smaller, more intimate, with a curated menu drawn from Sophia’s favourites.
“My mom loved writing letters,” Savva recalls, “She would leave us notes all-round the house, it was always so special. She could be straightforward and practical — “If you’re hungry, eat cheese and bread.”, and deeply warm. This is our personal love letter, back to her.”
A quirky space that exudes elegance and warmth
Located at the new Longkloof precinct on Park Road, Cafe Sofi brings something unique to the already buzzing Kloof Street hub of restaurants. It’s a more elevated experience than many of the other spots you’ll find in the area, but it’s still laid back enough to fit in perfectly with the Kloof Street vibe. Cafe Sofi is elegant without feeling like it’s trying too hard to be sophisticated.
The atmosphere of Cafe Sofi is layered with references to Sophia’s life and loves of cats and polka dots, art, flowers, leopard print, beads, Pac-Man, orchids, dried flowers, and the Pink Panther. The space pays homage to some of her favourite things including cakes (always cakes), Wilson 3X mints, Lata Mangeshkar on the radio, family, and toffee apples.
In designing the interiors, Natasha and Savva say they worked in collaboration with Master Interior Architecture. The result is a masterclass in the tension between colour and restraint. This neighbourhood nook occupies a Victorian-style home, layered with 1960s and 1970s brutalist furniture from the time of Sophia’s prime. The contrast mirrors her own blend of elegance and eccentricity.
The space is filled with carefully considered touches that make it feel like you’ve gone back in time to a more elegant and simpler time. I absolutely adore the 70s feel the space has. You half expect to see a few well-heeled ghosts sitting in the corner with a dry martini in one hand (with an olive of course!) and a cigarette in the other.
The space is old-fashioned in all the best ways, but still has a distinctly modern feel to it. With its Victorian-style setting, Cafe Sofi embraces the heritage meets modern aesthetic. High ceilings, Victorian mouldings, and original detailing can be found alongside clean lines and modernist furniture. A consistent colour thread is woven throughout, helping to calm the eye and tie together eclectic pieces and playful personal touches. The decor includes subtle nods to Sophia’s loves — cats, polka dots, leopard print, orchids, dried flowers — with these woven into fabrics, artwork, and decorative accents.
A menu that celebrates classic flavours
To create Cafe Sofi’s menu, Jill Okkers, Culinary Director for Tashas Group, looked to design a menu that is uncomplicated, nostalgic and deeply satisfying. The concise list of simple dishes is anchored in Sophia’s love for classic comfort food, executed with elegance.
“Our menu is a collection of our mom’s favourite dishes — things she made often, not just for occasions. It’s not trying to be overly fancy. It’s just authentic, simple, and even edgy. Classic and modern. Clean, pared back. Just the essentials on a plate,” says Natasha.
From wholesome breakfasts like spiced milk oats with maple syrup and a cheeky shot of whiskey, to vibrant plates such as grilled salmon with honey-mustard dressing, or delicate crab cakes with citrus mayo, the offering balances simplicity with soul. Each dish is a nod to Sophia’s favourite food and a true reflection of comfort, similarity and honest flavour.
For breakfast and brunch try the Rosti & Beef Ragu (R158), a play on “the day after” in a nod to the perfect hangover breakfast. The Sweet Toast (R118) is also something magical. It’s warm vanilla brioche, brûléed with brown sugar, and topped with fresh citrus and vanilla creme.
For something simpler to start the day look for the honey butter croissant (R98), so simple, yet it tastes like nothing you’ve had before. A baked croissant with whipped honey cutter and served with mascarpone — it’s the perfect dish to order with a warm drink.
The Cheesy Toast (R102) is crammed full of nostalgic after-school-cheese-toastie memories. Made in a pan with lashings of butter and melted cheese and then served with a cup of soup to dunk it in. You can also add bacon, macon, or an egg for a dash of extra protein.
For lunch, there’s plenty of options The Fish Bap (R132) is an elevated fish bun, with crunchy battered fish, black pepper and lemon aioli and a tangy spiced vinegar. Or, for something truly life-changing, place your bets on the Steak Roll (R220). This incredible comfort food dish takes everything good about a Sunday lunch and puts it on a roll for Monday’s lunch! Delicious melt-in-your-mouth steak, horseradish creme fraiche and pickled beetroot, with watercress. A classic, perfect sandwich. Trust me, it’s the best steak roll you’ll ever have.
More of a plant-based gal? Even the salads on the menu are something to write home about. The House Salad (R132) is simple yet bursting with flavour. It’s an inspired collection of green lettuce, white cabbage, dill, pecan nuts, lemon vinaigrette, bacon, pickled beetroot, tomatoes, red onion, avocado, radish, boiled egg, and mayo.
Desserts at Cafe Sofi are an everyday indulgence, playful yet simple. Think Pineapple Heaven Cake (R76) or a warm, spoonable Tiramisu (R106), or Grilled Peaches with Amaretto (R118). They’re all a reflection of Sophia’s belief that dessert should be made not just for occasions, but for life itself.
With an emphasis on quality ingredients, clean flavours, and a touch of elegance, you are going to find familiar favourites that have been elevated to make every meal feel like home.
Seasonal specials will reflect Sophia’s quirks — like toffee apples, Wilson Triple X mints, or midnight snack-style treats.
As for the drinks, they’re here to steal the show. Curated by Krystian Hordejuk, Beverage Director for Tashas Group , the drinks menu is designed to feel both familiar and refreshingly new. A celebration of the comfort of being at home away from home, paired with a spark of curiosity.
From the exceptional coffee to vibrant juices, revitalising smoothies and signature cocktails, inspiration is drawn from the past, and innovative twists have been added to resonate with the guests. Each drink is built with respect for tradition and a spark of innovation. In addition, the boutique wine list is a journey of its own, celebrating the diversity and craftsmanship of the local viniculture.
If you’re unsure of what to order, the Paloma Electra cocktail (R134) is a must. It’s a delightful concoction of Olmeca Blanco, cucumber, coriander, lime & grapefruit tonic.
From food to drinks, the menu carries a sense of nostalgia while also opening the door to thoughtful, approachable new experiences meant to be shared — just as Sofi herself would have wanted.
Cafe Sofi is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is served daily from 07:00 until 12:00. For more information follow Cafe Sofi on Instagram or visit the Cafe Sofi website.
