From the Canadian-born powerhouse hospitality group behind Miami favorites: Byblos, Amal, & Level 6 Rooftop– INK Entertainment has recently unveiled their widely popular Toronto hotspot, Sofia, in the Miami Design District neighborhood. Born out of a love affair between Contemporary Art and elevated Italian cuisine, and designed with a pristine level of world-class extravagance by the award-winning Studio Munge, Sofia extends an unparalleled combination of first-class hospitality, a refined approach to modern Italian fare, high-end European glam, and captivating couture design that perfectly captures her vibrant, high-spirited ambiance. Complemented by a chic yet sophisticated signature backdrop, guests can look forward to a premier fine dining experience beyond traditional dining while exploring Sofia’s glamourous indoor dining room and livened outdoor courtyard that extends her oasis far into the neighborhood’s iconic Palm Court.
Helmed by visionary entrepreneurs Charles Khabouth, Danny Soberano, and Ricardo Tabet, INK Entertainment Group holds rank as one of the most avant-garde hospitality groups, controlling a collection of award-winning culinary and entertainment concepts across Canada and South Florida. As part of the hospitality group’s rapid expansion plans throughout the U.S., Sofia joins their existing and widely lauded restaurant ventures, marking their fourth restaurant concept opening in South Florida, which reigns as their newest crown jewel of Miami. Situated in the heart of the city’s central arts, culture, and shopping district, Sofia is Miami’s new, bold, and admirably modish dining destination, whose magnetic charm lures guests to celebrate, savor, and explore within.
“We couldn't be more excited to expand our footprint in South Florida, bringing Sofia to what we feel is one of the most significant areas and desirable culinary destinations in Miami,” says Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment Group. “Full of energy and mischievous curiosity, Sofia Design District is the perfect complement to the Miami Design District neighborhood as Palm Court’s newest signature restaurant.”
Sofia Design District offers a fresh perspective and an honest, refined approach to both new and nostalgic Italian dishes. With a commitment to sourcing only the finest quality ingredients that pay homage to authentic Italian flavors, Sofia’s seasonal offerings highlight the quintessential flavors of Italian fine dining. Curated by Executive Chef Daniel Roy, the menu leads with a selection of antipasti including, Prosciutto, Carpaccio, Polpo (Grilled Octopus), Insalatas, Stracciatella, Fiori di Zucca (Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini), Tonno (Raw Ahi Tuna), and a robust collection of Crudo. Fresh, handmade pasta dishes headline the menu’s main section, with dishes like Cacio e Pepe al Tartufo, Rigatoni alla Vodka, and Ravioli di Ricotta e Noci. ‘Pesce’ mains feature Branzino, Orata (Sea Bream Fish), and Gamberoni (Shrimp), while ‘Carne’ mains highlight Bistecca Alla Fiorentina (Tomahawk), Cotoletta alla Milanese (Breaded Veal), Costata di Manzo (Ribeye), among others.
Sofia’s cocktail program is a refreshing medley of signature drinks with an Italian twist. Expertly crafted cocktails are enhanced by regionally sourced herbs and flavor-focused ingredients, with a notable emphasis on execution and elegant presentation. With names like Nights of Cabiria, Sorrentino, and Amarcord, the cocktails are tributes to Italy’s vast geography and pop culture history. Aside from the delectable cocktail menu, Sofia’s vast wine selection features many vintages and an ample selection of authentic Italian wines rare to the local dining scene. Surrounded by a myriad of visionary concepts and iconic luxury brands, Sofia exists as a lively central hub, within the Miami Design District, for guests to indulge in dinner and drinks followed by late-night revelry and bespoke outings, featuring curated nightly entertainment and live music activations.
Carpaccio di Manzo
Imagined by award-winning design collective Studio Munge, nestled between European jewelers and designer boutiques in the heart of Miami’s Design District, Sofia reigns as the exuberant Princess of Miami. Inspired by the bold aesthetics of Sofia Toronto, Sofia Miami seduces worldly travelers and locals alike with its flamingo pink and amethyst palette, ultra-glamorous design, and exquisite taste.
Livening the terrace imagined as a secret garden, a joyful curation of flamingo pink lacquered pieces, teak furnishings, and soft textiles is a playful design statement hinting at the artful experience ahead. Frilly rose umbrellas boast a fresh silhouette rooted in tradition yet utterly contemporary, while modernized peacock chairs pay homage to Miami’s illustrious Deco past.
When exploring Sofia’s dining room, Miami’s sartorial elite and international jet setters will instantly connect with the venue envisioned as an art dealer’s entertainment den curated with pieces by Marco Grassi and Mr. Brainwash. Sofia houses a unique rotating art collection, which will freshen quarterly throughout the venue, enabling guests the opportunity to purchase all pieces on display. Nine custom handblown Barovier & Toso glass chandeliers, imported from Murano Island as souvenirs brought back from a Venice escapade, illuminate the room with continental sophistication.
While most tables host groups of four and more, a semi-dining private room with hosting capabilities for up to 14 people lives in the back of the dining room, while three additional intimate niches offer a recessed point-of-view for smaller parties. In their center, framed by sleek pink leather upholstered curved walls, portraits of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, and Audrey Hepburn by Russell Young elevate the room with their iconic glamour and charisma.
Sofia is open seven days a week for dinner service starting at 5pm, with brunch and lunch to launch in the coming weeks. Guests can look forward to a diverse selection of live entertainment, music, and unique activations throughout the week. Nightly programming and special larger-scale weekly events will roll out in the coming months.
Images via Brandon Barre