Hearty pies, quiches and burgers are balanced by beautiful sweets at Bella Sophia Culinary Café in Pretoria.  

Food
The menu is geared to cater for all manner of tastes, featuring a range of goodies all made in-house. Breakfasts include English muffins with marinated aubergine, tomato sheba and poached eggs, or a meatier version with home-made pork patty with sage and thyme. The hearty pies – beef and ale, chicken and mushroom or lentil and leek – are particularly good, and offer great value for money. Other light meals include scrumptious quiches, flatbread with toppings, which are great for sharing over a glass of wine, and a haddock burger to die for. Owner Berdina Schurink gained fame as a baker of note, and they still offer this service at the café. If you're tying the knot or have a celebration worthy of a showstopper cake, give them a call!

Wine
The wine selection is smallish but well considered, and you are welcome to take your own. (Corkage is only R30.) The barman has perfected a selection of delicious cocktails such as a killer margarita, a very cosmopolitan cosmopolitan, and some old-timers like a Chelsea sidecar or a beauty spot. They close late on Fridays, providing the perfect opportunity to while away time on the stoep that runs along the front of the shop, and watch the world go by.

Service
Quirky, yet professional. People taking their dogs for a walk appreciate the bowl of water set out for their parched pooches, and if your canine companion is really good, he or she may qualify for a dog biscuit on the house.

Ambience
The vibe is convivial and geared towards good times with friends on the stoep, but it’s more restful inside. Some patrons use the spot as an office away from the office, courtesy of the free wi-fi connection.

And…
Leave space for a sweet treat, whether waffles with white or dark chocolate mousse, one of the decadent cakes, or their speciality macarons.

By Hennie Fisher

Have you been to Bella Sophia? Let us know what you thought.