SOFFRITTO

Reviews

• Emi H.

  star star star star star 11 June 2026

  I've had a SOFRITTO craving all week and purposely scheduled my lunch here today so my appetite could finally be satiated! I came in with a group of three which meant I could try a couple of new dishes.
  
  Prices are good for the quality of the food and the eclectic flair of an artist and chef who fills the dining room with the smell of incense and his love of the Grateful Dead. The chef's wife runs the counter and they serve each dish as it comes out of the kitchen.
  
  Beef & mushroom stroganoff on macaroni: Big slices of meat cooked in a mushroom sauce served on a bed of macaroni. Perfect if you have big appetite and very filling. ($16)
  
  Creole gumbo: Easily the winner amongst today's dishes because of the amazing flavor. I don't know what he puts in the sauce, but it's magical! ($12)
  
  Baked ziti with vegetables: Although I really enjoyed this dish, but after trying the gumbo, anything that follows is going to have a hard time shining. ($12)
  
  Russian Salad: A variety of grilled and blanched vegetables which is perfect for sharing amongst friends. I order this every time I come here! ($10)
  
  Combo bread: I don't think any visit to SOFFRITO is complete without ordering their freshly baked bread. I don't care if carbs make me fat. This bread is worth the extra cardio. ($1)

• Kristi D.

  star star star star star_border 2 June 2026

  Located on Fort Street Mall next to Subway, this place is a Real Food Place. The selection seems eclectic but each dish seems to deliver. Made with real ingredients and a lot of care. Lots of seating, the tables are quite large, but it can seem a little squishy because of the size of the furniture. Proprietors seem very nice.
  
  Due to the location, there is only street and muni parking, as well as some private lots. If you are lucky enough to live or work in the area, you could walk.
  
  My girlfriend ordered the jambalaya and she said it was very good. I got a pasta dish and was very pleased with the depth of flavor (it was a red sauce with ham, if I remember correctly).
  
  The ambient temperature seemed a bit high, which is my 1 star off. Sweating while dining is not my favorite experience. Otherwise everything seemed spot on for the price.

• James F.

  star star star star star_border 21 May 2026

  I have to admit I was very pleasantly surprised.  This is a small spot off the beaten path.  Perfect for the downtown worker that wants something different from your run of the mill lunch options.  A Very eclectic atmosphere that is inviting.  Only a few quaint tables help to ensure casual conversation and escape from the hum drum of work.  The husband and wife owners/chefs do a great job of welcoming you.  
  
  I ordered the Jambalaya to go because I knew I wanted a lunch dish with rice.  The dish was dressed with a large shrimp with the head still on.  I can imagine how much better the presentation would be if I ate in.  If you like chicken and shrimp then order this dish.  I would have liked a little more sausage, but  it still wasn't skimpy.  The dish was seasoned well but not too spicy.  The garlic is not over powering and it was just enough heat to let you know you are eating Cajun food. I would suggest getting a side of cornbread to help you sop up what is left on your plate or to go box.  This is a place I will bring my wife back to and eat at more often when work brings me downtown.

• Desiree R.

  star star star star_border star_border 16 May 2026

  Good food, but I'm still very confused about what kind of food is sold here.. is it Italian or New Orleans (Cajun)?

• Sam J.

  star star star star star_border 15 May 2026

  This is one of those places you drive by and never know it was there.  This is their second restaurant and from what I've been told it's a much better space and the menu has a bit more variety.  They describe the menu as American with European roots and it show in their dishes.  Theres a lot of Italian and eastern European influences on their menu however they do have some choices like Gumbo or Jumbalaya. The owner makes everything, including the bread, in house and has his daily choices on display on the counter.  The focaccia looked soooo good I had to order some with my smothered shrimp.
  
  Let's start with the focaccia.  He uses a fermented dough so maybe that's why this focaccia was so light.  When I think of focaccia I think of a dense and chewy bread but this one was light and airy.  He chose to top his focaccia with onions, sun dried tomatoes, and herbs and it was amazing.  I probably could have just eaten the whole loaf for my meal.
  
  The smothered shrimp was a savory brown roux with lots of celery, onion, spices, and shrimp.  Served over mashed potatoes it was a hearty meal that I used the focaccia to ensure I wiped my plate clean.