Cafe Sofia used to be a wonderful place before it changed ownership, but since it has changed so much has gone down hill. The last time I went there I was in a rush and stopped in for a quick breakfast (I only had 30 minutes), which I thought I knew would be good because I was not aware that it had changed ownership. I only ordered pancakes and a hot chocolate. It took 15 minutes for my hot chocolate to come out. Dispicable. 15 minutes later my pancakes came out and I was running late. That means it took 30 minutes for the pancakes to be prepared and so many things were wrong with them. 1) they were not cooked properly (the most cooked one was on top of a stack of 3 pancakes and it wasn't even cooked. The one on the bottom of the stack was not edible it was that undercooked). 2) They were cold. 3) They were drenched in seeds and I wasn't even offered maple syrup with them. Everything has gone downhill with this place. It used to be my favourite cafe but now it's just an old memory that has been destroyed. Also, the food is quite expensive for what it is now days. Don't be fooled by the high reviews that were given when the cafe was actually good.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

A nice little place just next to Erskineville station. Staff is very friendly and helpful, prices are fair and food was good - though there could be small improvements. While the food tasted good and - despite looking quite tiny - was totally enough to feel full, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed when my plate arrived. The presentation of my poached eggs with salmon was quite underwhelming and the two pieces looked a bit sad and lost on the plate. I suggest adding some leaves of salad or a bit of tomato and/or cucumber - that would improve the appearance a lot. Also the atmosphere there is not the best: you're sitting 2m next to a busy road and people coming from the train station will constantly pass behind your back. However, they also seem to have another area in the back. Unfortunately I only saw the sign after I had already finished. All in all DEFINITELY WORTH THE VISIT and I'll check out the backyard next time!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Slow service; mistakes made & not rectified; & then they lie to you. I called in to Cafe Sofia for a quick coffee & a cheese & tomato toasted sandwich. There was only 1 or 2 other customers but the service was slow & I was given a ham & cheese toastie. I told the waitress that was not what I ordered & she returned literally 2mins later with a cheese and tomato toastie. I asked her if she just removed the ham and she admitted that’s what she had done! I told her that wasn’t acceptable & I wanted a new toastie. She went away & returned after about 5mins with the same toastie! The guy behind the counter said they made a new one, but the thing was cold, the tomato wasn’t cooked and it still smelled of ham! Totally unacceptable!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–20

Objectively speaking, I always had or unintentionally overheard conversations that happened within the sensible public sphere framework as outlined by many public intellectuals and communicative rationality. My impression was that people in that kind of space can freely meet and share their attitude. I absolutely love the cafe. Its almost ingrained in out community fabric. We are so lucky to have the little corner cafe which is almost always staffed with friendly, genuine and kind people that work there. The crowd is a reflection of ERKO, therefor most of the time amazing. I am not giving it 5 stars since none of the customers stays long enough for my taste and the cafe doesn't operate 24/7.

We visited Cafe Sofia twice this visit. The first day we enjoyed the outdoor seating at the front of the cafe. Service was prompt and the meals were presented as expected. The second visit however, the service was slower and the French toast was served without the banana. Instead, a few "extra" blueberries were added. The owner didn't make the effort to check if the replacement was acceptable. Instead, my partner left disappointed as they dislike blueberries. A little courtesy and Honesty would have been appreciated. Lucky for Sofia, it was our second visit, not our first. We'd have gone elsewhere otherwise.

Ate at this place with a friend on Saturday afternoon. The self-order impetus wasn't immediately apparent but my friend and I soon readily adapted. I ordered the scotch fillet salad with an apricot and raspberry smoothie and neither did disappoint. The salad was more like an open steak sandwich, but the accompanying psuedo-tomato-pesto rocked my socks. The smoothie was one of the best I've had in Sydney, and would soothe even the biggest hangover. When it was time to leave, the self-order imposition seemed much more favourable. Would definitely visit again to try more things on the exhaustive menu.

Coming to Sofia’s is like coming to a family members place to eat or get coffee. They know all the regulars by name and order and always greet you with a smile and a hello. It’s not just because it was in the customer service manual, it’s because they genuinely want to and that shows in the food as well. Given the size of the menu and how busy it gets it’s almost a miracle they’re able to get food or so quickly and I’ve never had an order messed up. Their breakfast wrap is the best in Sydney. Crispy bacon and a warm, soft, fluffy wrap for well under $10 Heads up: cash only

Girl on counter wasn't exactly rude but wasn't very friendly. Think it might have been because I was wearing trackies and a nautica shirt. She was nice and polite with a smile to everyone except me. #judgemental Shame because I really enjoyed the food. But I can't morally go there to get good food with poor service **UPDATE** Got home and opened my bacon and egg roll and there was a small spider casually walking around and a hair sticking out of the burger. And they've cut back on the bacon. Barely any on it theses days. I WILL NEVER EAT FROM HERE AGAIN #badfoodhygiene

Just ordered an almond croissant with a coffee. It is VERY dry, hard and stale tasting. It is not edible. I told a staff member who apologised but just wandered away. At a minimum a full refund for the croissant should have be considered. Ultimately, I paid $8 (?) for a menu item that should not have been sold. Coffee was good. Service at the counter was ok. It's often about how a customer service issue is handled. Sadly in this case Sophia's staff failed. ‍♂️
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 1
Service: 2
Atmosphere: 3

This cafe is a firm local favourite of mine; the food is consistently good and the menu nicely varied. The smoothies are excellent (try the raspberry and apricot) and their big breakfast fry is one of the nicest about - a bit indulgent without being flabbily greasy. Seating is limited, but there's a lovely shady courtyard out the back if you want to sit outside but can't get a seat at the (very busy, and very sunny) front section. Limited space for dogs outside the front and for prams too as inside is pretty tight.

Fruit salad needs to be made from good quality, sweet tasting fruit - it's summer and there's no excuse for sour, underripe strawberries and pineapple! If it doesn't taste great, don't put it in! I'd rather have a bowl of watermelon and grapes than a variety of whatever-you-can-find-that's-cheap! Even ice cream couldn't make this morning's salad taste good! Also, I watched the barista pick up two cups with her fingers inside the cup. Tighten up on loose hair too!

Very disappointing. Sofia used to do an above average breakfast but something has changed. Food and coffee is now a very sad standard. Ordered scrambled egg but the old woman cooking could not be bothered to make them, the poached egg and bacon she did instead was in eatable. Strongly suggest retirement for her. Suggest any other place in Erskineville for breakfast
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

Cafe Sofia runs like a well-oiled machine - orders run fast and fresh out of the kitchen, staff are always smiling no matter how busy it gets, and the food is always the same great quality you can rely on. I've taken my parents here to eat in, I've ordered on the go and I've gotten a cheeky breakfast to eat on the couch. Every time the food is great the coffee is tops and I leave smiling. A reliable and delightful Erskineville landmark.

A regular for the morning coffee school mums. Best coffee around, and it's still under $3! Friendly staff have seen my children grow up and never forget what we like to drink - get a shock if I ever change my order! They'll do half-portion smoothies and milkshakes and their breakfast wraps are to die for - not good if you've just been to the gym! It's definitely value for money and they let you sit outside with prams and dogs etc.

Delicious food and great coffee! Atmosphere is chill and the staff are really friendly. You can tell making their customers happy is their main priority.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
French Toast Missing the Essential Banana
Parking space
Plenty of parking
Parking options
Free street parking

So it has apparently changed hands, so now at least cash is not the only payment method. However, ordered food on DoorDash app, directed to by this website, and response on attempted pickup was ‘we don’t do that, even the address is wrong’ from extremely rude and uninterested manager. Owners before were rude and ignorant. Seems things haven’t changed. Such a bad attitude. Bad business. Stay away.

Probably the best chicken schnitty burger I've ever had. Two crunchy chicken schnitzels with really melted cheese on top (almost burnt, but in a good way!) and some salad. The chips could have been better, but who cares with that burger, really. Great coffee and service as well. Bear in mind they don't accept credit cards (they do, but with a surcharge) so make sure you have cash.

Great food and drinks. However, when we arrived at 1.30 on a Sunday they said they had already turned off the juicer, even though they close at 4pm. They had also run out of most breads so that limited what we could order - not sure why they wouldn't quickly buy some more bread? Also, astounding that they are a CASH only business. Would return if I ever happen to have cash on me.

Tasty sandwiches and wraps on a couple of visits now. Snappy service, too (as in snappy fast, not snappy rude). We've enjoyed sitting on a communal table out front, watching the folks of Erskineville cruise past, enjoying the food and sipping coffee. Can heartily recommend both the Reuben and tuna on rye. My wife loves the bacon wrap. All priced very reasonably.

Great place but not as good the last few times I have been there. Unfortunately dropping it from 5 down to 4 stars. Last 3 times I have been there my poached eggs were hard, no haloumi or lemon with the veggie big brekkie. Still wholeheartedly recommend this place but I have been disappointed my last few visits and don't think it deserves 5 stars anymore.

Fantastic staff and really delicious coffee. I didn't realize it was cash only and I was 30cents off and they allowed me to pay it forward and pay it next time I was in the area (which was the next day). Highly recommend! Lovely lovely service and the girl with the blonde shoulder length hair and nose piercing is amazingly friendly. Will be back again!

Thoroughly enjoyed brunch this morning at Cafe Sofia in Erskineville. Large range of breakfast options. The owner even personally helped make a special of the specials since I’m vegan. And prices are fair, especially good for those on a budget. The courtyard out the back is lovely. On minus was the flies when seated on the street side. Note: Cash only

Cafe Sofia is this amazingly cute Cafe situated in the busy hub of Erskinville. Serving a great range of coffee and food. Their bagels are delicious as well as their breakfast meals. I highly recommend Cafe Sofia.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

since new owners came it turned to absolute rubbish, not even a cafe i want to go to anymore due to the new menu and owners, poorly cooked food horrible compared to last owners no longer a good cafe, can’t go here with family anymore due to pricing rising aswell as how horrible the food is .
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1

They now take card but charge on top for merchant fee. Still order at counter. Scrambled eggs come automatically with coarse pepper on top which was not fun for me. Staff neutral attitude. Menu average. Was underwhelmed by halloumi portion for $4. Maybe an off day, might try again in 3 months.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast

Very good and healthy food as well as friendly staff! We really enjoyed our meal on a sunny Saturday in Erskineville sitting next to the street! Quite crowded on weekend but found a space to fit in! Nice people there! Right next to the train station! Eat here instead of getting a McDonalds Burger from somewhere for almost the same price!!!

Great cafe, friendly service & terrific food & coffee New owner has made a few changes - eftpos in case you don’t have cash Same great coffee, love the new cups, glasses & crockery Cafe Sofia will continue to be an Erskineville Institution …
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20

The 4.3 stars was deceiving... Food was very average: butter is a portion of Lurpak.. (which is not butter!) And the omelette with potato and halloumi is a simple omelette with added potato and halloumi on top, not actually cooked together. Service was ok but won't be back, there is so much better (food wise) not that far away.

What a local hero - always full, and I whenever I have been it has lived up to it's popularity. The food is quick and tasty and well priced. When I've ordered takeaway it's very fast (coffee is good and strong!) and when I've sat-in to eat it's a great vibe, cozy and busy and full of people. Lovely little place to be treasured!

Coffe are not to bad Almond croissant but to dry Ham cheese croissant, bacon and egg bagel are good. Price in all erko caffé area are one dollar at least more exp than usual.
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 3
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 2

One of the most friendliest cafe's around in town . We caught up with friends on Sunday to celebrate a friend's birthday . The staff were very welcoming and made us feel confortable . Definitely recommend this place to others for a relaxed brekky or brunch . ( Must try their bacon wrapped avacado).

We were recording at Unity Gain Studio and during breaks Cafe Sofia saved our stomachs! The coffee was exquisite, the food was delicious, fresh and healthy and the staff were friendly and efficient. We were so impressed we even thanked them on the Cd cover. Thanks Izzy and thanks to Cafe Sofia.

Great food, best coffee around, Alex and his staff are so friendly. Alex is such a great front man, makes us feel so welcome, nothing too much trouble, makes the whole experience great! Ample choice on menu, great place to watch the world go by.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Ive been here on many occassions over the past several years. The food has always been really good, both breakfast and lunch. Excellent value for money, large choice and most importantly, the coffee is fantastic. Im not local to the area, but do travel to this place for a good breakfast.

Food is great. Veg big breakfast is like a gustatory Mardi Gras. My only gripe is that it’s cash only. Can you please, PLEASE join the 21st century and get EFTPOS? Do it for your loyal customers who can’t be arsed walking up the road to the ATM. We’re a lazy, hungry bunch.

It's not a bad little stop, close to Erskineville train station pub and a few restaurants. Been here a few times, ordered a large coffee, got a regular, they noticed the mistake and offered another cup for free or full refund. Can't ask for better service than that.

The seating was a bit cramped but the food was interesting with some great flavours. In particular I liked the avocado version of a scotch egg! Delicious! Didn't care much for the tea, too strong and not hot enough but my wife seemed impressed with her coffee.

Delicious menu here all made fresh by no nonsense friendly staff. We chose one of their amazing pies - they are so good! And then a crispy bacon roll. Coffee is delicious and Service really good. They only take cash is the only downside. Otherwise would be 5*

Excellent food great service and a lovely courtyard out the back. I had the Philly cheese steak sandwich and it was excellent. I have also had the burger which was terrific. Be mindful however that this is a cash only venue, card payments are not accepted.

The food is consistently good and the coffee is great. I’m here fairly regularly even though I live over the bridge. Scott, Paul and the staff are super friendly and keep me and my mates coming back. A true neighbourhood gem. Don’t forget to bring cash!!

Awesome foods, sexy coffee and all staffs are lovely.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Vegetarian options
There are a lot of veggie options

Small but varied menu with fantastic food that was shockingly good value (perfectly portioned big breakfast option). Staff were so friendly and atmosphere was lovely in all sections. Drinks were amazing too with so many fruit smoothie options.

Local cafe featuring an extensive menu of all your breakfast classics. Ordered the veggie big breakfast with eggs my way (scrambled), avocado, mushrooms, spinach, avo, beans and halloumi. A good option with decent pricing for the location.

Ordered the veggie breakfast - food was tasty and hot. Service was friendly and efficient. I sat out the back in the courtyard - very pleasant atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

One of the best Soya chai teas anywhere (and they do a jumbo size) foods amazing and great vibes. Long standing family owned business. I wish I lived closer and their hours were longer.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch

Impressed every time Food looks Amazing. , very tasty, good service, lots of space to sit inside.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

From the outside it looks like a cramped coffee shop but there is a rich and vibrant courtyard out back that adds volumes to the character of the place. The menu offers a great selection of healthy and not so healthy options.

Huge selection of menu items covering both sweet and savoury. Well priced, great environment. Unfortunately the kitchen walkthrough smelled a bit like vomit. Large area out back and road front seating. Would recommend for all

An old favourite serving the best coffee in the inner west! Breakfast is always tasty and they manage to get the toast hot! If you like bacon, make sure you add a serve of bacon with your breakfast! Friendly family service!

Lovely place for breakfast - really lovely staff and comprehensive menu. All food was fresh and tasty! great coffee too. A great Erko cafe.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

It’s been a year since we had been to Cafe Sofia. We were vacationing near Sydney and came to the cafe every day for the week. We still think about it constantly. The owner was PHENOMENAL and the food was to die for.

Fantastic vibe here. Great coffee and fabulous food. It's very VERY busy so wait times on coffee and food should be expected. Get there early to secure a table or take your chances and wait for one.

Cute little cafe with lots of vegetarian options. We tried the vege big breakfast and French toast and they were both great! They're cash only but there is no ATM nearby so make sure you bring cash.

I loved their French toast. The coffee was smooth very nice. However I am not a fan of its casual atmosphere. The waiters are very casual and the decoration is a bit messy. But the food is great

An Erskineville standard, good cafe food. They put cheese on the bacon and egg rolls and you've never tasted anything so good. They won't smile when they take your order and i'm ok with that.

Very friendly and welcoming staff. Great coffee. Best value for money for breakfast/lunch in the inner west and great tasting food. All round 5 star experience for a Saturday morning outing.

Only had my coffee but taste very nice Thank you
Service
Take out
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food. Very welcoming. The coffee was amazing as they are using the little marionette. Keep up the good work. Will be back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Super friendly but still professional without being overbearing. Great coffee, nice food, excellent smoothies. Fantastic location where they meet all takeaway and eating capacities.

Fast service, delicious food and great value. The bacon and egg rolls always please. The cafe has a northerly aspect to enjoy the sunshine and watch the people of Erko go berzko.

Huge menu with fantastic breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, bagels, pastas and cold drinks. Coffee can be a bit hit and miss depending on the barista but otherwise a fantastic cafe.

Great spot in the morning catching the sum and locals. Food is great. Muffins are fresh baked and papers are available. Good inside areas and toilets.. Small So get there early

Best coffee in town with very friendly service and amazing food. My regular go to cafe in the area! Keep it up guys!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Went past the Cafe this morning, the owner was very welcoming, nice cosy atmosphere with delicious food I will be coming here again, highly recommended recommended …

Friendly service and amazing food - sweet or savoury, everything tastes awesome! Highly recommended the french toast and the avocado & bacon roll, they're a weekend must.

Great little cafe. Food was very well prepared, average prices for the area. Sides were a little small. Coffee and fresh juice was amazing Definitely heading back soon.

Excellent food and great coffee.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Always greatest coffee & food &!service, a place for locals. Finally takes EFTPOS
Service
Take out
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$20–40

Service was a wee bit slow, but the food was delicious and the staff were super friendly. A great selection of items, and a great little covered terrace out back.

Cafe Sofia is a local Erskineville favourite and it’s very clear why so! The vibes are relaxed and the coffee is good. Make sure to grab some brekkie as well :)

Nice staff and atmosphere. Although the food was very average and the vegan scrambled tofu was swimming in 'broth' and somehow also a salad? Very strange.

Sooo delicious, servings are super generous and everything tastes great! If you manage to grab a seat out the front in the sun you never want to leave!

Excellent value, spacious, quiet, calm, airy with good sized plates and quick service - thank you!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch

The vegan breakfast was sadly inedible, aside from the toast. Unless you like wet hot salad with unseasoned tofu, I wouldn’t recommend here.

Good coffee in quiet surburb and easy for parking. And it’s beyond my expectation that the boss is a professional gyprocker!^_^^_^^_^

Had the chorizo open sandwich, tasty and fantastic value, the dressing with mustard added a hint of spice. The latte was also good.

Best coffee! I buy bags of it. Very tasty egg & bacon roll with cheese and bbq sauce. Friendly staff. Ample seating at the back.

Cash only, folks! Piccolo $3.40 for take away. Coffee was ok. Cafe locations is very handy after the exit of train station.

Cash only. Delicious coffee, Bacon and egg roll and friendly service. Very convenient location right next to the station.

Great family run cafe with good food and coffee. Always come here for a cheap and delicious meal. Don’t forget your cash!

Great Breakfast, lovely courtyart. The value you get for your money is fair. Love it! The stuff is frindly as well.

Good service, excellent prices and incredible food. Definitely worth it if you can make it past morning peek hour.

Love Cafe Sofia, food always reliably excellent. Friendly staff. They even know my coffee order and make it fast !

Nice coffee and good service. Their Acai bowl consisted of strawberries, Acai and some Granola. Very limited

Not bad, but doesn't have the zing of former management. Coffee and hot chocolate were on the cool side.

pancakes yuuummm, the best in town. Thanks Al
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Had a mini bagel, the tomato base sauce kicks in beautifully.

Nice little cafe with good food and coffee!!

Friendly staff and lovely breakfast :)

Best coffee I have had in a long time