Sofi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, Surfers Paradise

Cocktails just taste better when you’re kicking back, sipping away perched atop your rightful throne (#yasqueen #orking), high above the rest of the world watching it go by #facts.

Which is why, whenever we hear whisperings of a new rooftop bar breezing into town like an enigmatic and glamorous distant European relative (y’know, the type you’re equally enchanted and intimated by), our anticipation immediately skyrockets.

We might even bust out our best high heels for the occasion, because the higher the better #amirite – unless you’re afraid of heights (or blisters) that is.

Enter Sofi (short for Sofia) our newly crowned Mediterranean goddess in the form of a rooftop bar and restaurant reigning over the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Sofi is one of those venues that has it all – classy, but still inviting.

Consider it your new destination that’s just as suited to laidback hangs as it is for lavish wining and dining.

Surrounded by olive trees, pops of terracotta and an abundance of whitewashed lounges to bask upon as the GC sun sinks low, the unmistakable Amalfi Coast inspired surrounds will act as your one-way ticket to Euro vacay vibes (no airfare required #win).

Sprawling over two luxe levels, you can either settle in and treat your tastebuds to a Mediterranean holiday of their own in the restaurant on level one, or level up your sips and snacks and let the rooftop views steal the show.

Regardless of where you decide to plant your butt (hard to go past the allure of the cosy cabanas tho), award-winning Chef Gerhard Spatz has got you covered.

Gerhard has spent the last 35 years refining his craft the world over, he’s now drawing upon his three NSW Chefs Table Gold Award Winner titles and Euro experience to dish up a little bit of magic as Sofi’s new Executive Chef #luckyus.

Prefer to graze the day away?

Settle in upstairs, soak up the views while the likes of the Wagyu slider feat. ala francise, bacon marmalade, roquefort cream or Charcutier w/ country bread and cornichons make the perfect companions for all those cocktails you’ll no doubt be sampling.

For the foodies among us, the restaurant is obvious choice for the full spread experience – make like The Hungry Caterpillar and nom your way through the Chermoula grilled prawns with tahini caper dressing or the Pastured fed steak tartare to start.

Follow with the Dry aged duck – vadouvan spiced duck Mediterranean vegetable gateau, feta, blackberries and you know your tastebuds will be having a quackin’ good time.

Donut skip the desserts either, with the Pink Lady apple tarte tatin – almond frangipane, cinnamon dolloped with ice cream winning our vote (and hearts).

Luckily for, well, anyone with a mouth, the full suite of irresistible sips are available venue-wide, though with one small problem – you’re gonna need to channel your inner kid and bust out the ol’ trusty #eeniemeaniemineymo to figure out where to start (we’d say flip a coin but rlly who even has those anymore?).

We’re really pining for the Strambo, Plantation Pineapple, Yuzu, pineapple, house made toasted coconut syrup, lime, matcha foam and the Tramonto with Never Never Triple Juniper Gin, Rhubi Rhubarb Liquor, house made rhubarb & strawberry reduction, Prosecco, lemon paint also sounds ridiculously ap-peel-ing.

There are also some fun twists and spicy takes on some of the classics like Margaritas (jalapeño!) and Martini’s (fig!).

Come to mention it, the exhaustive drinks list offers up everything from Apertifs through to Digestifs, so no matter the exotic the libations you’re craving, you’re bound to find something to tickle your fancy #cincin!

So assemble the BFF’s, because our sophisticated new sips spot Sofi (we dare you to say that five times fast with a few Strambo’s under your belt) is officially open and ready to level-up your weekend plans.

Where: Level 2, 4 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday – Sunday, 11:30am till late

Words by Kellie Leader.
Images by Belinda Symons.