Sofia’s Bistro is a cozy Italian-inspired eatery with great options for pizza and pasta lovers.
On a recent visit to the Hayy Jameel branch with friends, we sampled several dishes, starting with the taco de pollo, a grilled chicken taco with pickled cabbage, fresh salsa, jalapenos and guacamole.
There were a variety of salads to choose from including the kale and goat cheese salad, which offered a contrast of creamy goat cheese and crunchy, caramelized pecans. The Thai shrimp salad brought bold flavors but while it seemed promising it did not fully live up to my expectations.
We tried the spaghetti bolognese and truffle fettuccine from the pasta section. The latter was rich and indulgent, though bordering on heavy, while the former was hearty, if slightly under-seasoned.
The pepperoni pizza was topped with thinly sliced Italian beef pepperoni and buffalo mozzarella. The margherita, a classic done right, stood out for its simplicity and balance of sauce and cheese.
The dining space is relaxed and modern, with soft background music. It strikes a middle ground between casual and slightly upscale, making it a good spot for casual lunches.
The menu includes gluten-free options for both pasta and pizza, along with drink and dessert offerings.
Sofia’s Bistro has branches in Hayy Jameel and Al-Hamra. For more details, see Instagram @sofias_bistro.
