Celebrated restaurateur Natasha Sideris, founder of the beloved Tashas restaurant brand, is set to bring us a fresh dining concept this year.

@eatout_southafrica Bonjour Cafe Sofi! New on the Cape Town dining scene: Cafe Sofi by tashas ???? Location: 2 Park Road, Gardens, Capetown. A chic all-day spot bringing European flair, dreamy interiors & a menu made for lingering lunches. Would you try it? ???? #EatOut #CapeTownEats #CafeSofi ♬ elio – ⭐????????????????

Café Sofi will soon join the Tashas Group’s impressive portfolio, a collection that has grown rapidly since the group’s humble beginnings in 2005 with the opening of a single restaurant. Since then, Tashas has expanded globally – it opened in Dubai in 2014, and it now operates in more than 40 locations. The expansion continues with a recently announced AED 100 million (R480 million) joint venture with property developer Arada, a move set to further strengthen the group’s presence in the United Arab Emirates.

“Our focus remains the same: creating beautiful and memorable dining experiences that celebrate creativity and hospitality,” the group shared in a LinkedIn post.

The upcoming Café Sofi is a heartfelt tribute to Natasha’s mother, Sophia Electra, and reflects her distinctive blend of elegance and irreverence. This latest venture promises to showcase the spirit and unique style that have become key characteristics of the Tashas Group – qualities that have earned Natasha significant industry recognition.

“Our menu is a collection of our mom’s favourite dishes – things she made often, not just for occasions. It’s not trying to be overly fancy. It’s just authentic, simple, and even edgy. Classic and modern. Clean, pared back. Just the essentials on a plate,” says Natasha.

In March, Caterer Middle East included her in their Women in F&B Power List 2025: 51 Female Leaders Changing The Industry.

In addition to its original brands, Tashas Group has teamed up with chef Nic Charalambous to expand the award-winning Ouzeri restaurant concept internationally. Ouzeri, an Eat Out 2-star restaurant on Cape Town’s Wale Street, is celebrated for its contemporary spin on authentic Cypriot heritage cuisine.

South Africans can look forward to experiencing the much-anticipated Café Sofi when it opens its doors in September in Park Road, Gardens.