WEST ROXBURY, MA (Fall 2009): Restaurateur Marios Michalakis (Alfredo’s Restaurant in Quincy), Emilios Ventouris (Emilios Pizza in the South End), along with Executive Chef Tony Lucci (Cedar’s Steakhouse, Foxwoods) announce the opening of Sofia Italian Steakhouse. Located in West Roxbury, Sophia Italian Steakhouse is the first restaurant of its kind in the white-hot West Roxbury/Dedham dining scene.
THE TEAM
With a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT, owner Marios Michalakis quickly found that his interests were no longer in computer technology but instead lie heavily in management as a restaurateur. He began his career working for Desfina Restaurant in Cambridge and soon after took over Alfredo’s Restaurant in Quincy. As a restaurateur, Marios is able to actively explore his true passion, the food industry, and is thrilled to start this new venture at Sofia Italian Steakhouse. Marios’ business partner, Emilios Ventouris has owned and operated Emilios Pizza in the South End for over 30 years.
Chef and friend Tony Lucci has lived and worked in some of the top restaurants in Key West, Boca Raton, Atlanta, Chicago, Cape Cod, and Newport and is currently manning the kitchen at Sofia Italian Steakhouse. Most recently, Chef Lucci was at Cedar’s Steakhouse, located at Foxwoods. Bringing his passion and knowledge of both food and fine dining, Chef Lucci is able to create a diverse menu with Italian classics as well as some innovative modern dishes (the nightly specials are creative and often out of the ordinary).
THE MENU
Sofia Italian Steakhouse offers lunch and dinner menus that feature Italian, old-world favorites mixed with contemporary interpretations of the regions’ cuisines highlighted with a blend of rich modern day steakhouse flavors.
The menu provides patrons with high-quality dining through fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared in innovative ways. Lunch favorites include Hearts of Palm and Avocado Salad with yellow vine ripe tomatoes, goat cheese, and Dijon vinaigrette for $10, and perfectly grilled paninis such as the Prosciutto di Parma with sliced tomatoes, provolone, and tomato basil vinaigrette served on Francese with hand cut fries for $9.
The restaurant’s dinner menu offers something for all dining occasions at approachable prices. Sofia Italian Steakhouse is sure to become a neighborhood favorite with appetizers such as the authentic Antipasto Platter with fresh slices of Genoa salami, capicola, sopressata, fresh mozzarella, provolone cheese, asparagus and olives, and a premium Artisan Cheese board with three different artisan cheeses accompanied with crackers, foccacia crostini, pecans and fresh seasonal fruit. Dinner entrées range from seafood classics like the Seafood Fra Diavolo and steak specialties such as the first-rate Beef Wellington, a tender cut of filet mignon and wild mushrooms wrapped in puff pastry served with Merlot demi and asparagus.
With an extensive wine list, Sofia Italian Steakhouse offers wines by the bottle, half-bottle, as well as by the glass, with prices ranging from $5 to $19. Featuring a full-bar, Sofia Italian Steakhouse also serves up classic and creative cocktails.
THE LOOK
Sofia Italian Steakhouse offers an open and inviting space for its patrons. The restaurant holds over 150 seats with 40 in the bar and lounge area. The restaurant also boasts the most unique woodwork designs in the area; the attention to detail in the décor is beyond measure! Barely open, Sofia has been voted «Best Ambiance» for the Boston Suburbs on ope
