Sophia’s is the New Kid on the Block

Local restaurateur Ryan Witkowski opens a welcome new spot in Hobe Sound

December 16, 2024

The dinner menu at Sophia’s features sushi rolls, surf and turf. Photo by Jen Sampson — The dinner menu at Sophia’s features surf and turf. Photo by Jen Sampson

In September, Ryan Witkowski—owner of Stadium Grill in Abacoa and Blue Pointe Bar and Grill in Tequesta—expanded his portfolio to Hobe Sound with the opening of Sophia’s. Located in the former space of Kork (and then DelBar), Sophia’s offers “contemporary American cuisine with high-end flair,” says executive director Robyn Pizzichiello, and is named for Witkowski’s youngest daughter.

The outdoor seating area at Sophia's. Photo by Michael O’Malley — The outdoor seating area at Sophia’s. Photo by Michael O’Malley

The restaurant is designed to be a place where families feel at home, like they’re sitting in their own backyard with family and friends enjoying a good meal, says Pizzi-chiello. The outdoor space was fitted with a tiki hut to shade the seating area and a stage for live music. Inside, the preexisting wine cellar was removed to create space for a private room with a 65-inch television that can accommodate a party of 20 for special occasions. There are a total of three spaces that can be reserved for private parties, all named for Witkowki’s other children—Brooks’ Boardroom, Harper’s Terrace, and Charlotte’s Courtyard.

The dinner menu at Sophia’s features sushi rolls. Photo by Jen Sampson

Guests familiar with Witkowski’s other eateries will spot some menu crossover, but other dishes—like the shrimp pesto flatbread with grape tomatoes, pesto sauce, mozzarella, and shaved Parmesan—are unique to Sophia’s. Some of the more popular dishes are the two- and three-tier seafood towers, beef tenderloin sliders, sweet potato–encrusted grouper, and surf and turf (an 8-ounce filet and a 6-ounce lobster tail).

Enjoy tasty cocktails like the Hobe Sound Beach Martini with coconut rum, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice. Photo by Jen Sampson

If you can squeeze in dessert, order a slice of vibrant orange Creamsicle cake. “It’s a bright orange and fluffy cake that’s made with Florida oranges and Florida orange juice,” says Pizzichiello.

On the cocktail menu, the drinks pay homage to the area, named for streets and significant places in Hobe Sound, like the Laurel Lane Margarita, Blowing Rocks Mojito, and Pettway Punch. The menu also features two mocktails, the Mock Mojito and the Watermelon Breeze, for those who abstain.

Drinks, flatbreads, and appetizers are half-off during happy hour (Monday through Friday, 4 to 6 p.m.). And if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate the holidays, Sophia’s will host a special Christmas Eve dinner and a New Year’s Eve party with live music, a four-course prix fixe menu, and an open bar. 11970 SE Dixie Hwy., Hobe Sound; 772.245.8182