Sofia’s Family Restaurant
802 Ferntree Gully Rd
Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
(03) 9574 7000
Wow, these guys know how to feed someone. Their portions are huge, and prices are reasonable. Food is not the best, but the value is definitely there.
The Stats
5 people, entree, main course, and 1 desert: $71.60
The value
By far the best value for money I have ever come across for the restaurant size that it is. They have a number of restaurants across Melbourne, but the Wheeler’s Hill one is absolutely massive with ample car space. Their portions are huge, and “normal” people need only order their small size. I ordered a small Gnocchi Calabrese and still couldn’t finish it.
The service
I went for lunch on a Saturday to my surprise the restaurant was quite empty. Usually the restaurant is packed out to the max. It is wise to book in advance for weekends anyway. I have been there a few times, and their service is prompt. We were a bit of a hurry, and finished our meals and got out of there in less than 75 minutes. Not the fastest, but way up there. Due to the size of the restaurant, sometimes it can be hard to get attention of the serving staff but I had no extensive problems. The owner is a nice fella and is friendly with all his customers. (I think it was the owner whom I saw today. Their community contribution is quite significant. Once I saw a contribution cheque worth thousands of dollars to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Good on ya guys!!
The electronic ordering system is unique, and it is nice to know they are a tech savvy business.
The ambience
Can’t really comment on this much because the restaurant was quite empty. But there is plenty of space for everyone. The tables are appropriately spaced out. However, I have been there at night when it is absolutely packed, the ambience is bustling! The view while driving past is extraordinary, with the restaurant lit up with people having a great time.
The food
I never really looked at the menu much during my previous encounters. They have quite a small range of options for the size that they are. None the less, there are plenty of options. However I have seen smaller restaurants offer a much wider variety of options than what Sofia offers. The taste wasn’t the best, I must admit. They did lose some points for this. It was served hot, and well displayed. I ordered one of their pasta Gnocchi. I have had pizza there before, and it is much better but unfortunately, I rate according to my experience now - not from before. On the other hand, the chocolate mousse is the best!
Inside tips
* Book in advance for weekends
* The pizzas are great tasting. The chocolate mousse is the best I have ever tasted.
Suggestions
I attempted to make an online booking, and couldn’t (email bookings possible). However, unlike recent businesses I have reviewed, it is nice to know that you are working on a website, albeit a very basic one at that. I am not sure why you have different websites for the same restaurant at different locations, granted it may be a franchise. Why not just have 1 website, and then have different sub-sites within for each location? The Burwood store has a better site, but the music is annoying.
Rating - 7/10 (great value, great service, food needs work)
I would definitely go there, and take my friends there. It’s a great restaurant, and going on a busy night is a must for anyone who has not tried it yet.
