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Sofia Wine Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sofia Wine Bar
8.2
This intimate Turtle Bay wine bar captures the essence of a rustic Italian countryside retreat with exposed brick and chandeliers. The handmade pizzas with bolognese burrata topping and Mike's hot honey have developed a devoted following among neighborhood regulars since 2009.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bolognese Burrata Pizza, Mike's Hot Honey Pizza, Homemade Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Cozy wine bar atmosphere with authentic Italian wines and handmade pizzas since 2009
Who should go: Wine lovers and couples seeking intimate ambiance
When to visit: Early evening for quieter seating or date night
What to order: Bolognese burrata pizza, meat and cheese plate, Italian reds by the glass
Insider tip: Request the small garden patio in warm weather for an enchanting outdoor experience
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby garages on E 50th/51st St run $26-50 for evening parking. Street meters on 3rd Ave side, but scarce after 6pm. Subway (6 train to 51st St) recommended.
Dress code: Very casual - jeans and nice tops welcome. Cozy neighborhood vibe, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate - intimate enough for conversation but can get lively when full. Smaller space amplifies buzz on busy nights.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min by 7:30pm, no reservations accepted. Arrive by 5-6pm for immediate seating.
Weekday lunch: Not open for lunch - opens at 4pm daily.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - many options including margherita, marinara, quattro formaggi pizzas, salads, cheese boards, and pasta dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - marinara pizza (no cheese), salads modifiable, bruschetta. Ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF pizza crust available with any toppings. Reviewers with celiac report positive experiences. Staff knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal first date spot. The dim candlelight, exposed brick, and intimate 38-seat space create natural romance. Share a bottle from their 200+ wine list and split the burrata pizza. Just arrive early - it fills up and waiting outside isn't romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. Walk-ins only. Weekdays before 6pm you'll seat immediately. Friday/Saturday after 7pm expect 30-45 minutes. Bar seats turn over faster if you're flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Workable for older kids and tweens who enjoy pizza in a grown-up setting. Not ideal for young children - small space, wine bar atmosphere, no kids menu. Sunday family dinner could work with well-behaved kids.
Best For
Better for: Wine discovery with knowledgeable staff who guide selections, authentic rustic Italian atmosphere without the price tag of formal restaurants, and consistently excellent thin-crust pizza. The back garden patio is a hidden gem most competitors lack.
Skip if: You need a reservation for a big group (6+ is tight), want a full entrée-focused Italian menu (this is tapas/pizza forward), or prefer quieter conversation on packed weekend nights. Sister restaurant DeGrezia down the block handles larger parties and fuller meals.
Sofia Wine Bar
8.5
Sofia Wine Bar has been a Midtown East standby since 2009, pairing an intimate brick-walled room and candlelight with scratch-made Italian home cooking. With pizzas, pastas, and a deep wine list, it’s one of the neighborhood’s most reliable romantic spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola pizza with burrata, Paccheri Bolognese, Nonna burrata pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Brick walls, candlelight, and a serious wine program anchored by pizzas and small plates.
Who should go: Wine-loving couples who want cozy, close-quarters seating
When to visit: Arrive before 7pm or after 9pm to avoid peak waits
What to order: Diavola pizza, paccheri Bolognese, a shared tiramisu or lava cake
Insider tip: If you’re serious about wine, ask for off-menu bottle recommendations from the staff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Turtle Bay, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 2nd & 3rd Ave typically run $18–$28 for the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished jeans are fine, but most guests lean date-night dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—warm background buzz but still comfortable for conversation at two-tops.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during the 7–9pm peak.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; opens late afternoon, and early evenings before 6:30pm rarely have a wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—margherita and mushroom pizzas, several pastas, salads, and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—salads and a few veg-forward small plates; pizzas and pastas generally rely on dairy.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is typically available; pizzas are not GF and cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, small tables, and a strong wine list make it ideal for a relaxed, intimate first date without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, if you come early or late. Walk-ins are common before 6:30pm and after 9pm; peak hours often require a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—tight seating, candlelight, and a wine-centric crowd skew adult. Suitable for older teens but not ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Cozy date nights, wine-centric evenings, and intimate catch-ups where atmosphere matters as much as the food.
Skip if: You want large-group seating, extensive vegan options, or a quick meal—other Italian spots with more space or broader menus may suit better.