We recently enjoyed a weekend away in the beautiful Garden City of Toowoomba, primarily to be in the opening night audience of the musical production, "
The Boy From Oz". More about this another time, but let me share what it is like being frocked up for a function but not being aware of where to dine beforehand because you're not sure of your environment. You may laugh but some of us lose our way more than others.
The boxes that needed to be ticked were:
1. Walking distance to the venue, the heritage-listed art deco Empire Theatre on Neil Street.
2. Near Ruthven Street, the main street of Toowoomba Central that leads in and out of town.
You are spoilt for choice with restaurants, cafes, and hotels within the city and decision-making can get your head in a spin, especially if you're wearing heels for the first time in twenty years. We were thrilled to discover
Sofra Turkish Restaurant in Margaret Street just two minutes walk from the theatre, which was only too happy to fit us in on a bustling Friday evening.
We immediately relaxed in the colourful Turkish-inspired decor which was hosting parties that included all ages including Little People. The restaurant appeared to be a popular venue for those on a night out, for family gatherings, and those celebrating the end of the working week. It would have been so easy to "make a night of it".
For our meal, we agreed on the Seafood mezze platter for two, which consisted of calamari, mussels, char-grilled prawns, swordfish kebab, grilled halloumi, babaganoush, taze fasulye, pilav, Turkish bread, shepherd salad, mixed vegetable pickles, and mixed olives. It was delicious and we were unable to clear the plate.
Both the food and customer service was exceptional and next time we travel up the range for a theatre production we will return to Sofra to sample some of the other delights on offer. For the current menu go
here.
Sofra Turkish Restaurant is located at 164 Margaret Street, Toowoomba, and is open from 11:30am till 9pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11:30am till 9:30pm from Friday to Saturday.
There is also a takeaway service on their website which you can ring through on 07 4638 0044.
Reservations are recommended particularly if it is a party booking. It's that kind of place.
