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GAMBIT: Best of New Orleans 2019

Gambit Readers Tell Us Where They Like to Eat

Sofia

It was a big year for Italian dining in the Warehouse District, but Sofia’s colorful atmosphere, wood-fired pizzas and vibrant happy hour helped it break away from the pack. Restaurateur Billy Blatty (who owns local spots Barcadia, Ohm Lounge and Belle’s Diner) opened Sofia in January in partnership with the Denver-based Culinary Creative group. The restaurant pays homage to actress Sophia Loren (a friend of Blatty’s parents) not only through its name but also the stylized images of Loren adorning the walls (we should all look that good eating spaghetti). Since opening, executive chef Thalia Diele and team have drawn crowds seeking not only pizzas (including the Signore Bianco with stracciatella, grana Padano and creamed leeks) but classic handmade pastas and small plates, including a variety of seasonal salads. The bar program also received recognition: In June, Travel+Leisure named Sofia one of the Best Places to Sip an Aperol Spritz in the U.S.

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