Where do you take a vegetarian for dinner in Toowoomba?
It’s not a riddle. There’s an easy answer: Sofra.
With its cheerful, energetic atmosphere and ridiculously tasty food at great prices Sofra is a fun choice for anyone. But its large array of vegie food is perfect for the non-meat eaters that roam among us. And Turkish cuisine is an exciting alternative to the traditional vegetarian lasagna or pasta options that litter Australian pub menus.
Carnivores will also be happy at Sofra. The Karides Izgara ($28) featuring eight succulent marinated char grilled king prawns, a generous serve of flat bread, pilav and shepherds salad will send you home happy, as will the Izgara Kofte ($23) – beef meatballs seasoned with special herbs and spices and char grilled.
My vegie friend tried the Yaprak Sarma ($12.50) – vine leaves stuffed with rice, enhanced with pine nuts, blackcurrants, fresh herbs and spices. They had a fresh, zingy taste and were accompanied by a salad featuring sweet potato crisps. Marinated mixed olives ($5) and a serve of the Turkish bread ($7) with pomegranate molasses, olive oil and dukkah completed the spread.
The humble Turkish bread was a total highlight. Soft and pillowy, with a light crust, it puts Turkish bread from the supermarket to shame.
When the ladies weren’t dancing up a Turkish storm a talented guitarist provided a steady stream of delightful instrumental music that completely added to the experience.
If you head to Sofra on a Saturday night maybe book ahead. A completely full restaurant and an hour’s wait greeted us – but with nowhere to be we spent that hour very happily at a nearby bar. When we did get a table the service was fast and friendly. Worth the wait.
See the Sofra menu on their website.
