Sofia's Restaurant, Walsall

When I mentioned to some friends that I intended to go to Sofia's for a slap-up meal it is fair to say that general opinion on their experiences at the High Street venue was mixed.

Sadly, taking their negative comments on board I approached the grand venue with a little trepidation.

But I am quite happy to report that my experience of Sofia's was a pleasant one.

Firstly, I was impressed with the restaurant itself - much of the old bank's layout is still apparent and the decor is simple, clean and effective.

A number of waiters and waitresses ambled about, all eager to help and always polite.

The menu was a delight - although I'm sure foul-mouthed TV chef Gordon Ramsay would find fault with it, but more on that shortly.

The menu is easy to choose from and you can have a two-course meal for between £12.95 and £19.95.

The price is given next to the main course, making it a buy a main meal and get the starter for free deal.

For appetisers, I opted for a sumptuous sounding roast pepper stuffed with beef and rice, covered in a bolognese and cheese sauce while my partner went for the tasty garlic mushrooms.

I'm informed that the latter consisted of some wonderfully tasting mushrooms, while I can honestly say I was impressed by the peppers.

The sauce was incredibly tasty and the stuffing was delicate and delicious.

In fact, a point which I raise in many of my reviews, the only fault I could find with my choice was that I don't have a very large appetite and the serving was quite large for a starter.

Onto the main courses, I chose Indonesian chicken and vegetables, priced at £14.95, while my dining partner chose fresh fillet steak, cooked medium, in a bordolais sauce, which was a kind of brandy and cream sauce, costing £19.95.

The Indonesian chicken was also pretty big and unfortunately I did not manage to get through the large amount of food on my plate.

It seemed to be an entire chicken doused in a delicious sauce complete with pineapple, fresh vegetables and basmati rice.

The steak, I was told, was cooked to perfection while the sauce reached a delicate balance of brandy and cream. Curiously, though, this dish also came with a side order of basmati rice.

All of the food that I had at Sofia's was delicious. If there is one problem, it is that Sofia's seems to be struggling for an identity.

It does both Italian and Indian food well, but for some diners this combination may not sit comfortably together.

Ramsay, on his TV programme Kitchen Nightmares, often berates chefs for trying too hard and offering too much.

I wasn't sure whether Sofia's was an Italian or Indian restaurant and maybe some people are confused by the menu as well. Having said this, the food, washed down with Stella Artois at £2.15, was great.

The service was also good and the ambience is one of Walsall's finest.

There is a wide range of drinks on offer including a number of delicious sounding cocktails. The restuarant, built in the 15th Century, has obviously been modernised and looks smart.

Beware though, the creative use of mirrors to suggest more space is a great way of doing just that but if you don't like staring back at yourself during a meal, ask to change your position.

The menu is impressive with some extremely tasty options ranging from pasta dishes, bolognese, ravioli, chicken stir-fry, tandoori king prawns and lamb kebabs as well as one of the restaurant's most popular dishes, the tasty smoked salmon pasta special.

An impressive list of homemade desserts are also available including ice-cream.

Visit www.sofiasitalianrestaurant.co.uk for more details on the menu and opening times.

ADDRESS

Sofia's Restaurant, Guildhall, High Street, Walsall

Tel: 01922 632223

By Lee Perry