It’s difficult to imagine that after introducing 13 food and hospitality brands to the world, a new café in Cape Town could be such a source of emotion for Natasha and Savva Sideris. The siblings are best known for the Tashas chain, which spans three continents, but the project closest to their hearts is their latest venture, Cafe Sofi, a handsome Victorian-style heritage house on Park Road in the recently rejuvenated Longkloof Precinct in Gardens.
‘We’ve been in the food business for more than 30 years,’ says Natasha at the launch of the restaurant named after her and Savva’s mother, Sophia Electra. ‘As Savva and I walked into this space, we both said, “We’ve got to do this one for Mom!” It just feels like her.’ Inside, the house (formerly occupied by Rick’s Café Americain) reflects the family’s Greek heritage – almost entirely white with blue accents – and there’s a pretty courtyard, too.
Part of a thorough neighbourhood refurb that includes a Hilton-owned hotel and an array of boutiques, Sofi looks the part: an elegantly attired matriarch ready to welcome and serve. Aesthetically, the space celebrates Sophia’s assorted interests, from her fascination with Pac-Man and The Pink Panther to her love of listening to the great Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar on the radio. ‘She was a beautiful contradiction,’ says Natasha of her mother. ‘She loved all things classical, but also all things funky. We’ve juxtaposed the pared-down interior with some modern pieces that she loved.’
Foodwise, it’s Tashas with a Sophia Electra twist: flavour-forward, indulgent without being overly fancy or pretentious, nothing stuck-up or ‘elevated’ or elaborately plated. Instead, the focus is on scrumptious, tasty fare.
‘It’s all about really good, honest cooking and amazing flavours,’ says Natasha, highlighting her mom’s love of wellmade, classic comfort food. ‘Uncomplicated, nostalgic and deeply satisfying, our menu represents our mom’s favourite dishes; things she made often, not just for special occasions.’
And while you’d be forgiven for jumping straight to desserts like the tiramisu or the pineapple heaven cake, there’s plenty of reason to first steady yourself with more substantial offerings like rösti and beef ragu, steak rolls with horseradish crème fraîche, pickled beetroot and watercress or a substantial chicken pot pie.
‘I’m so proud of this place,’ Natasha says. ‘It’s been a very emotional journey for me. We can’t get our mom back, but we can honour her by serving beautiful food every day.’
