The Sofia Steakhouse is Affordable Fine Dining in West Roxbury

Overview: Formerly known as Vintage, and Fontaine’s before that, has been open as its current moniker since August 2009. With ample space and an eclectic menu, this West Roxbury/Dedham ‘steakhouse’ is almost a misnomer for this venue. Indeed, the dinner options include five steak variations, including filet mignon ($29) and 14-ounce New York sirloin ($34). Considering the service, quality, portions and atmosphere, Sofia is a $$$ restaurant at $$ prices.

Ambience: Sofia welcomes patrons with a dimly lit, leather and wood clad interior, comparable to that of Morton’s or Grill 23. The restaurant is comprised of a spacious main dining room, two private dining areas, and a bar with its own menu and lounge, offering something for just about any diner or party. The easy listening background music is nonintrusive, but somewhat bland. The atmosphere lends itself to a jazzy or loungey soundtrack with more character.

Drinks: With a full liquor license, Sofia boasts a well-stocked bar and an extensive wine list. Arranged by varietal and listed by price, the menu offers wines by the glass that range from $5 to $14; six reasonably-priced options of half bottles ($28-$34); and a wide selection of bubbly, red, and white wines by the bottle that fit all budgets ($26-$205). Sunday brunch offers drink specials, including the standard Mimosa and Bloody Mary (both $7), as well as a frozen Malibu Daiquiri and Belvedere Mudslide (both $8). Too early for alcohol? Freshly squeezed orange juice ($3), cappuccino ($5) and an array of fruit smoothies ($4) are also available during brunch.

Appetizers: Typical starters like shrimp cocktail (served with cocktail sauce and lemon, $11) and fried calamari (with sweet chili sauce and banana peppers, $9) appear alongside less traditional options like cauliflower tempura (with gala apples and pickled onion, $8) and Sam Adams steamed mussels (with tomato, peppers, garlic, cilantro and garlic bread, $10).

Entrées: Generous portions abound and an entrée alone may suffice, despite the tasty starters and desserts. The salads, particularly if topped with grilled chicken, shrimp or beef (for an additional $4-$8), are meal portioned for smaller appetites. For heartier eaters, ample chicken, pasta, seafood and, of course, steak dishes are available. The pine nut encrusted cod ($21) is rich and filling with its beurre blanc sauce and Lyonnaise potatoes. The homemade harvest ravioli is stuffed with sweet potato, mascarpone and truffle and served with a sage brown butter sauce ($19).

Desserts: All desserts are house made and recommended for sharing. The tiramisu ($7) is light and creamy, yet easy to overdo if eaten by one person. Other Italian sweets include the cannoli, filled with creamy ricotta and chocolate chips ($6), and Limoncello sorbet ($8), which contains trace amounts of alcohol. Online reviewers rave about the chocolate molten cake ($9), which requires 15 minutes for preparation.

Bar Menu: The tapas bar menu is an array of hearty, affordable mini dishes, which cater to light appetites and sharing. Boneless Buffalo chicken wings are served with celery and blue cheese dressing ($5). An order of Island Creek oysters on the half shell comes with three for $6. The only item on the menu more than $7 is the artisan cheese board, comprised of three different cheeses, crackers, focaccia, pecans and fruit ($14).

Brunch: Sunday brunch is served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The menu runs the gamut, offering standard fare like French toast (with Chambord sauce and raspberries, $9) and three egg omelets (served with home fries, $9). However, a Nutella crêpe, topped with whipped cream and strawberries ($7), as well as caprese salad ($8) also make the list.

Specials: A prix fixe dinner menu is available Wednesday and Thursday.  Three courses (appetizer, entrée and dessert, $25) and three courses with a glass of wine ($35) are both available.  All of the items appear on the a la carte menu, but added together make a great value. Choose from five appetizers, four entrées, three desserts and one glass of wine (Bogle Merlot was offered to this writer). Sofia also provides catering for large parties and banquets, offering a 20 percent discount (up to $100) for special events.

Executive Chef: Jared Chianciola

Location: 1430 VFW Parkway (between Caledonian Avenue and Spring Street), West Roxbury (on the Dedham line)

Hours: Lunch–Monday-Saturday, 11:30am-2:30pm
     Sunday Brunch–11am-2pm
     Dinner–Monday-Thursday, 5:30-9:30pm
     Friday & Saturday, 5-10:30pm
     Sunday, 4-9pm

Contact: 617-469-2600
       
Cost: $$