Emily Campion Takes the Helm at Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar in Lakewood

Chef Emily Campion steps in as executive chef at Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar, ushering in a new culinary chapter for the Lakewood favorite.

Big chef energy hits Lakewood, as Emily Campion slides into the executive chef slot at Sofia’s Kitchen + Bar—and yes, the expectations are as high as the flavors. After a year and a half under the eye of chef Andy Strizak, the restaurant is ready for its next act with Campion at the pass. If you've been searching for a fresh twist on your local favorites, you’re about to get it.

New Chef, New Vision

Campion isn’t new to Cleveland’s culinary stage. Her resume? Stacked. She’s sharpened her skills alongside legends like Dante Boccuzzi and even did a humanitarian chef stint in Ukraine with Edwins’ Brandon Chrostowski. Most recently, she was leading the kitchen at Birdietown, also in Lakewood. Now, she’s set to craft a fresh experience that blends Sofia’s signatures with her own inventive touch.

A Legacy of Women-Led Kitchens

There’s some full-circle magic here. Before Campion, Jill Vedda (her mentor) co-owned and cooked at this same spot for years, setting a tradition of women running the show. It’s not just a changing of the guard—it’s passing on and elevating a legacy, something the Sofia’s crew is rightly proud to keep alive.

Expect an Exciting Fall Menu

Campion’s first big project? A new fall menu launching mid-September. She’ll balance house-loved classics with a parade of creative newcomers and daily specials. While the full lineup is on lockdown for now, here’s what you can likely count on:

• Signature shareables with a fall twist
• Farm-inspired entrées reflecting local harvests
• Clever cocktails to complement the new energy
• Daily chef-driven specials that will keep regulars guessing

Where and How to Visit

Find all the action at 17625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. If you haven’t been, Sofia’s is the definition of a neighborhood hang with legit cocktails and a bustling dinner crowd. Pro tips:

• Dinner service: Tuesday–Saturday
• Lively bar scene (do not skip the old fashioned)
• Cozy-chic vibes, with room for groups
• Parking is street or nearby lots (plan accordingly)

Why Lakewood Foodies Should Care

Chef changes can reboot a restaurant—or raise it to the next level. Campion’s hiring means ambition in the kitchen and fresh reasons to visit Sofia’s, all while honoring what’s made the place a Lakewood favorite. Even more, it’s a win for women in Cleveland culinary leadership.

Curious what Emily brings to the table? Put Sofia’s on your must-visit list and taste the season’s new direction yourself. Just don’t be surprised if you spot every local in the know doing the same.