Nov. 7—Sofia’s Restaurant is a gem that I truly enjoy reviewing. This small, family-owned establishment has created quite a buzz, serving comforting, classic dishes with a strong focus on quality and hospitality.
I met up with my friend and fellow food enthusiast Justin Williams from Justin Eats Alaska for a lunchtime rendezvous. The dining area is cozy, featuring fewer than six tables alongside a makeshift lunch counter equipped with high-top tables and stools. With every table occupied, we settled at the end of the counter and began examining the menu.
The menu primarily consists of the kinds of meals my daughters request when they come home. It showcases hearty sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and homemade soups, all reflecting an old-school culinary style. These are straightforward meals that require a touch of love to prepare.
Interestingly, it’s what they have chosen not to prepare that has caught the attention of many online food lovers: the salad bar. Since COVID, it appears that many salad bars in the area have disappeared. The enthusiasm for this particular salad bar shows that it’s something people have missed. To be honest, I rarely chose a side salad when other tempting options were available. Moreover, I never imagined I would drive across town for something I could whip up myself. It seems I’ve overlooked its appeal.
As shared by Paul Charalambous, one of the co-owners and our server, the salad bar boasts over 50 choices, with all dressings crafted from cherished family recipes. Situated in Spenard, Sofia’s is a fresh addition to the community, although the Charalambous family has been a staple in the Alaskan restaurant scene for more than 40 years.
I’ve become a fan of salad bars, particularly one as vibrant and well-equipped as this. Who can resist a nutritious meal that also sparks creativity? My eclectic salad included cucumbers, feta cheese, chickpeas, kimchi, mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and roasted potatoes. And yes, I did throw in a couple of slices of pepperoni. Was it an odd choice? Absolutely. Did I enjoy it? Without a doubt. I also grabbed a cup of ranch dressing for dipping (a personal favorite when prepared well, which it was), though I experienced a twinge of regret when Paul detailed the Italian dressing, which is made by pureeing fresh herbs for a thicker, aroma-rich finish. However, in the delightful rivalry of dressings, it seems there are no losers.
For entrees, guests can choose between a trip to the salad bar or soup. I decided to take a chance, ordering an additional entrée to sample one of their numerous soup options. That day’s lineup included clam chowder, chicken noodle, spicy chicken tortilla, tomato, and lemon chicken rice. I chose the lemon chicken rice, while Justin opted for the tomato soup.
Justin proclaimed his soup a triumph, enjoying the rustic feel of the tomato pieces nestled in the refreshing bowl. My chicken rice soup was thick, creamy, and comforting, reminiscent of a rich congee.
The highlight of the meal was undeniably the French dip, which stands out as one of the finest sandwiches I have ever tasted in Anchorage. The beef is succulent, full of flavor, and appropriately seasoned. This is genuine food, not just some deli meat concealed by bread and cheese. A generous layer of cheese ties all the elements together, beautifully packed into a roll that is soft enough to take a full bite yet sturdy enough to hold its shape when dipped into the homemade jus. I could indulge in one of these sandwiches every day — although I really shouldn’t.
The club sandwich I had for dinner later was a wonderfully nostalgic creation, piled high and expertly held together by the classic frilled toothpicks that are synonymous with club sandwiches. Despite its tall build, it’s so well-constructed that you can savor each bite without risking any disassembly.
All of our meals arrived in takeout containers, which initially seemed like an odd decision for dining in. However, it ultimately proved to be convenient, allowing me to simply close the lids on my leftovers without the hassle of transferring food from plate to container. This is particularly useful for those with limited lunch breaks. And believe me — you will end up with leftovers. The dining area may be small, but the portions are generous.
What I appreciated most about Sofia’s was its inviting, neighborhood vibe. This is the kind of place where you immediately feel like a local upon your first visit. Our lunch occurred just a week before the city experienced its first real snowfall, and on that day, a few gentle flurries fell outside, enhancing the cozy ambiance of the space. Justin summed it up perfectly when he remarked that dining at Sofia’s feels like “visiting a friend’s house for lunch rather than a restaurant.”
If you decide to visit:
Sofia’s Restaurant
3801 Lois Drive
Contact: 907-748-1010
Open from Sunday to Saturday, the hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pricing starts at $.
Contact us for more details.