Sofia Restaurant, Margate City, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Sofia Greek Restaurant, Margate, NJ. A dining review

Sofia Restaurant: A Modern Mediterranean Gem in South Jersey



Sofia Restaurant
9314 Amherst Ave,
Margate City

Best NJ Restaurant

Prestigious "Best Restaurant" Recognition
Awarded to establishments earning 3 stars or higher for culinary excellence, service, and overall dining experience.

Sofia: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Greek with Italian influences

Price: Expensive

Food Quality: Serves a well-executed Greek, Italian fusion menu using locally sourced produce and fresh caught fish

Service: Professional, knowledgeable, and attentive

Ambiance/Decor: Attractive Greek Villa ambiance cozy romantic niches, four inviting fireplaces, and a tree canopied bar.

Overall Rating: 3 Stars 

Note: Four-star Rating System from1/2 star = poor to 4 stars = Best in Class

Noise Level: Moderate - loud, depends on seating

Dress: Upscale Casual

Recommended For: Diners who enjoy fine dining with a well-executed menu, and attractive ambiance.

Not Recommended For: Budget conscious diners who enjoy a traditional, casual style family restaurant with a variety of comfort food.

Recommended dishes: When available, Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops, two double chops, fire roasted vegetables and potatoes, lamb demi; The Whole Branzino "Latholemono", lean Mediterranean bass, grilled on open fire, basted with olive oil, lemon, Mediterranean herbs, fire roasted vegetables; and The Pasta Corfu with Jumbo shrimp over capellini in a basil marinara sauce.

Liquor: Full Bar service, Bar scene is high energy with wine tasting, Martini Night, Social Scene Wednesday and live music Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

Renowned as one of South Jersey’s premier Greek dining destinations, Sofia Restaurant redefines fine dining with its inviting atmosphere—shedding the formality of traditional "Old World" elegance in favor of warmth and approachability.

Blending exceptional ambiance with a thoughtfully crafted, home-style menu, Sofia offers the perfect setting for celebrating milestones or enjoying an unforgettable romantic evening.

A Family Legacy
Founded and operated by siblings Dr. Athanasios Papastamelos (an infectious disease specialist) and his sisters Sofia and Diamantis Papastamelos, Sofia Restaurant is a labor of love steeped in family collaboration. Sofia oversees the dining room’s aesthetics and hospitality, while Diamantis manages the food and beverage program. Dr. Papastamelos remains a supportive silent partner, entrusting day-to-day operations to his sisters.

Culinary Excellence
At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Adrienne Armenia, an Academy of Culinary Arts (Mays Landing, NJ) graduate whose career includes stints at Atlantic City’s Tropicana Hotel and Ocean City’s Flanders Hotel. Since joining Sofia in 2014, Chef Armenia has masterfully fused her Italian heritage with Mediterranean flavors, crafting a light, vibrant menu centered on locally sourced produce and fresh, wild-caught seafood. Her signature Whole Branzino with Fire-Roasted Vegetables epitomizes this blend of Greek and Italian influences, delivering a dish as visually stunning as it is flavorful.

An Enchanting Atmosphere
Step through Sofia’s hand-carved doors into a space where artistry meets nature. A striking centerpiece tree, adorned with glowing branches beneath a sky-painted ceiling mural, evokes an alfresco charm. The first floor features two distinct areas: the cozy Atrium, warmed by LED fireplace displays, and a quaint courtyard for dining or cocktails. Upstairs, discover versatile indoor and outdoor spaces—a second-floor dining room for seasonal gatherings or private events, and a breezy rooftop veranda with a full bar, overlooking the bay.

Sofia Papastamelos’ design vision unites rustic wood, mixed stone, and custom ironwork throughout, accented by intimate nooks, four fireplaces, and the whimsical tree-canopied bar. In warmer months, the courtyard and rooftop come alive with fragrant herbs, vibrant blooms, and lion-head fountains, creating a Mediterranean-inspired oasis where gentle breezes and waterfront views enhance every meal.

Plan Your Visit
Open nightly for dinner—including major holidays—Sofia Restaurant invites guests to savor a modern Mediterranean experience where family tradition, culinary innovation, and enchanting design converge.

(Updated: February 2025)

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