So cé – a Sicilian themed new opening.

Sofficé

The brainchild of a Sicilian restaurateur with global hospitality experience, a brand new Italian gastro-bakery/restaurant – Sofficé - has opened this month in Putney, London.

VARIED INFLUENCES

The venture is the creation of Giuseppe Tuttoilmondo (pictured), a passionate restaurateur with over 20 years’ global experience in the hospitality industry, including management roles at Norma London, D&D London and Zelman Meats. He says that he dreamt up the concept of Sofficé in mid 2020 when the Covid 19 pandemic was still having a major ripple effect on the UK’s hospitality sector. During his career, he was also inspired by his time at the Artisan & Urban Garden in Zurich (Switzerland), a place he recalls as being rich in honest and sustainable cooking with everything sourced locally and prepared freshly. He also worked at Carluccio’s when he arrived in London 16 years ago, recalling that he fell in love with the regional dishes and authentic cuisine which have subsequently gone on to now influence the dining experience and concept behind Sofficé. After years of dedication and experience of food and beverage around the world, Giuseppe Tuttoilmondo feels that he has mastered the craft of artisan Italian cuisine and says that his goal now is to provide Londoners with a unique dining experience that encompasses a passionate culinary art inspired by Sicily.

GASTRO-BAKERY

Sofficé is aiming to offer an elegant, Sicilian-inspired dining experience with a modern and contemporary twist, by pioneering a unique gastro-bakery culinary approach. Giuseppe Tuttoilmondo describes this concept as being the “gastronomical art of using fresh, seasonal products which are available to buy via our bakery/deli in the creation of bespoke dishes for guests dining in at the restaurant.” To achieve this, Sofficé promises to use only sustainable, seasonal and high quality ingredients from local producers and suppliers from Sicily (and other regions in Italy). From classic recipes to new-age kitchen adventures, each dish will reflect passion for high quality cuisine whilst paying homage to the founder’s Sicilian roots.

The 58-cover restaurant is set across two floors - a ground floor and a mezzanine with a few additional spaces on the outdoor patio. Guests can also enjoy an open kitchen experience in the basement where the chefs will be busy preparing fresh dishes. Needless to say, the venue’s contemporary and elegant interior design is also inspired by Sicilian culture and art.

Sofficé’s carefully curated all-day menu features authentic Sicilian dishes, notably a selection of antipasti, charcuterie, fresh pasta, pizzas, pan brioche stuffed with fresh ingredients, sweet pastries and desserts. The bakery is also serving speciality roasted coffees, cocktails, craft beers and wines from Sicily and various regions in Italy. “As London’s food and beverage scene makes a remarkable recovery from the Covid 19 pandemic, it is a very exciting time to introduce a brand new dining concept,” says Giuseppe Tuttoilmondo on the launch.

“Sofficé is a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure aiming to pioneer our ‘gastro-bakery’ offer in London. We hope to serve our guests a range of thoughtful and surprising dishes rooted in authenticity and sustainability, whilst enabling them to explore a new breed of Sicilian cuisine.”

Soffice (www.sofficelondon.com) can be found on 236 Upper Richmond Road, London, SW15 6TG (opening hours are Monday - Saturday from 8am to 11pm, and Sunday from 9am to 5pm).

HELP US TO HELP YOU

The Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Association aims to ensure the best market conditions for our industry. From lobbying government to its organisation of the prestigious Pizza Pasta & Italian Food Awards, we aim to provide the best environment for you to trade in plus a wide range of bene ts.

Facing the sta ng challenge – Our business needs good people. We are lobbying to ensure Brexit does not lead to the door shutting on the people we need to keep going.

Reducing Energy and Telecoms costs – Our specialist advisor will shop around to get you the very best deals – and it’s free!

Insurance with Free Membership – Our specialist insurers o er really keen prices for shop and business insurance – and independent retailers can get free membership if they use them.

KPMG Accounting o er – Members can take advantage of a three months free accounting o er from leading accountants KPMG.

Training – Our discounted on-line hygiene training is focused and saves you money and time.

Assured Guidance – Members following our Assured Advice are protected from enforcement challenges.

Free Advice – From legal to technical advice, our members have free access to experts.

Buying ingredients or equipment from abroad? Our agreement with Cornhill o ers exceptionally keen exchange rates.

Business rates and nancial help – We have teamed up with a specialist business nance consultancy who provide members advice on everything from business rates to raising nance.

Cutting Fuel bills – Members can enjoy savings of up to 5p per litre on diesel & petrol, and up to 10p per litre at motorway pumps, with a free no-obligation fuel card.

London hotel discounts – Save money when staying in London using the unique Association booking code with Grange Hotels.