Cafe Sopra was one of those places that I had always wanted to go to but never quite made it to. I don’t really live locally and they’re only open during the day which means that whilst I’ve pined to go for a while, it’s only recently that I’ve made it there. I’m meeting a business associate P here, on this threateningly rainy day. Arriving at almost 2.30pm I knew that I was getting there late (they close at 3pm) but we were greeted with friendly service and a blackboard with a lot of items that had finished for the day which is somewhat comforting to know that everything is at least made fresh every day. We choose some dishes to share and without waiting very long at all, they arrive.
Orange, passionfruit and pineapple juice
I start with a mixed fresh juice which is deliciously with fresh sweet oranges shining through.
Antipasto-Caponata; Caramelised Witlof; Mushroom, celery and Provolone; Fennel and Salsa Verde$14
The Antipasto plate arrives with 4 ice cream scoop sized mounds. The fennel is deliciously soft and lightly fragrant, the ultra thinly sliced raw mushrooms interspersed with thin slices of provolone, the caponata soft and unctuous with the only bitter tone being the braised witlof.
Buffalo mozarella with vine ripened truss tomatoes $18
The mozarella with tomato salad has slices of tomato layered with thick slices of mozarella. Mozarella is not my favourite cheese, in fact I never usually eat it but my dining companion P likes this dish.
Marinated figs, proscuitto crudo and goat’s cheese $18
The marinated figs with proscuitto crudo and salad are richly flavoured semi dried figs, with flavours much like a thick fig paste rather than fresh figs. There is a light drizzling on balsamic on the two sheets of proscuitto. There’s no trace of the featured goat’s cheese which would’ve been fantastic, without it it feels lacking somewhat.
We finish off with a coffee, and it’s good as you’d want from an Italian cafe. Despite the fact that it’s almost 4pm and they close at 3pm the staff are still gracious and friendly, warning us that there may be noise from workmen but that we are fine to stay. We pass by the free cooking classes that Fratelli Fresh put on twice a week and exit now that the rain has ceased.
Cafe Sopra
Upstairs at Fratelli Fresh
7 Danks Street Waterloo
Tel: +61 (02) 9699 3174
http://www.fratellifresh.com.au/
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11 Comments | Add your own
Looks great. I’ve always wanted to visit that place myself!
Cafe Sopra is probably my favourite place for an italian lunch. We have never been disappointed
oh yes! this is one of my favourite places to go for lunch… especially when my mum’s in town and lunch is on her.
i heart the antipasti plate — it’s always something different, though more than once it’s included a perfectly boiled egg with mayonnaise and capers. mmm!
i believe their recently opened branch around kings cross does dinner. yeah –
http://gourmettraveller.com.au/caf_sopra_potts_point_sydney_restaurant_review.htm
I liked the sound and look of the antipasto morsels and the salad the most.
I’ve not seen a coffee with a flower design before either.. it’s lovely
That’s the most chock-a-block chalkboard menu I’ve ever seen too. And you’ve given me a new perspective re: menu items not being available. I usually get disappointed and internally grumpy when what I want isn’t available. But I never thought that it’s a good sign that things in the kitchen are ‘fresh’ and in limited supply.
I didn’t realise those cooking classes were free at Fratelli’s! Exciting!
I’ve never been to Sopra either, looks yummy.
i love the tomato and cheese tower! and everything else, if i’m being honest. which i try to be. most of the time.
Cafe Sopra is the only place that has ever gotten me to eat cabbage – their dish with shredded cabbage, balsamic and grana-padano is divine. Actually, all of their stuff is yummy, and so fresh. You can never plan what to have beforehand though, because it is all made fresh.
I’m glad you finally got to go – no food blog is complete without a trip to CS!
Hi Y-I yearned to get there for so long
Hi Susan- Ooh I just saw you had the pasta there and you really liked it. Must try that next time
Hi bowb-Haha good move!
Oh that is good news, thanks for the info, must go back and try it-for research purposes of course 
Hi Maria-I know, how cute was the coffee design?
I also get disappointed if there are things missing from the menu and it’s the start of the service but I knew I was coming in at the end of their day.
Hi Christie-Yep they are! Although they have a no photos policy so I’ve given it a miss. Can’t go if I can’t photograph it
Hi grace-Haha it was quite an arresting and visually appealing tower! If only it were a different cheese (for me at least).
Hi kaydee-Yes that’s great that it’s all made fresh although I must admit I love planning what I’ll eat ahead of time! Yes I am glad I went too, it was too long!
new reader here – your photographs are absolutely beautiful! the caprese salad took my breath away. presentation is everything and i can’t wait to make mine all stacked and pretty like this one.
i’ll be back!
Hi melly-Thanks so much and welcome!
Presentation does so much for the enjoyment I agree 
Just discovered this website via Google, and it is absolutely stunning—by far the best way to find out about an eatery that I’ve ever seen.
If you intend to provide a similar brilliant service for Wollongong/Shellharbour eateries, please let me know!
You should be monumentally proud of what you’ve accomplished here.
Many thanks,
Mike
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