Sozo in Newtownabbey

Absolutely adore this establishment. Very well priced, food exceptional. The staff, especially Robert make it! Located right in the middle of Whiteabbey with views across Belfast lough. Sometimes there’s a small wait for a table, which shows how popular and good it is. Highly recommend the salt & chilli chicken 😍😍😍 - chef has added coriander to this dish and it was a superb addition. Being a regular at Sozo is like eating with family and friends constantly. Such a relaxed atmosphere & the staff cannot do enough for you. Defo my go to for mid week lunch :-)

Went earlier so quieter, but starting to get busier. Happy Birthday Camalia? - 4 oh!

We came in 2 people for Sunday lunch. When I picked the roast from the menu I was unsure if I was able to finish a large plate, as the look of all that food actually kills my appetite. No problem our very attentive server Alex said, and suggested what they call a Kids Roast instead. Good choice, but not very many restaurants offers this. My friend was having the Carbonara with added chicken and bacon and she also enjoyed what she had. For dessert we both had the prochecho cheese cake covered with berries and with fresh cream at the side. A winner as well. So we will be back.

Simply stunning, in every single way, from start to finish I cant praise this place and it's team of friendly accommodating staff. Large portions at small prices too. Definately recommend trying the Banging Wings !! And if you find a window seat you get the most spectacular views looking towards Belfast Bay, enjoy 😉

Late Sunday lunch 2 x carbonara with chicken and bacon - 5/10 at best. Best bit was the garlic bread slice. Son used to love this dish and he was so excited to go again (and convinced me to try it)... but it was not great today. He left most of his dry chicken. I ate mine given the level of hunger, not because it was tasty. Nothing worse than eating at meal at £15/16 a bowl knowing better could be made at home. Kids burger and chips were dry + dry - hate those skimpy wee overcooked patties. A low cost small fresh burger pattie is easy to make. It was a sad sight. £3.85 for an appletiser (thankfully they only had 1 left) - rip off! Service was ok - the guy was too quick rattling off drink options etc so it wasn't relaxed. The place wasn't packed so no need to rush. No atmosphere anymore - it used to feel kind if trendy and upbeat. Cleanliness was questionable - A smell detracted from the experience. At the end I sniffed the table top... ah ha, there's the smell; the tabletop smelt like wet dog (wiped with a damp cloth and no spray perhaps). When asked how it was upon paying I said "ok" to the lady at the till & decent ti the guy who served us, but neither the female nor the male server followed up with "just ok/decent, why so?". Also my wee son spotted we had been charged 75p extra for kids cheese (£1.25 for a blob of overmelted cheddar)... good maths practice before starting back to school. Sadly we won't be back. Other nearby establishments offer a much superior, fresher, better priced product (L.W. pizzeria).

Always 5*, food and service. We go to Sozo all the time.

A basic eatery with ok food. Does the job for a bite to eat but nothing fancy and can lack in taste. Definitely feel that it has got worse over the past while as it used to be a favourite of mine. With a limited menu, the food should be well executed but currently finding that there doesn't seem to be much thought or love gone into it. The staff are always lovely and welcoming.

Went this evening not having been for a few years. I felt the meals were expensive for what you get. A bowl of Caesar salad ie lettuce leaves a few croutons and a sun dried tomato was £10. £2.50 extra if you wanted chicken. I had salt and pepper chicken which was tasty but at least half the dish was fried onions. £4 for an Appletiser was expensive too. Overall I’d say average food overpriced and the same for drinks too. Disappointing as other times we’ve been it’s been much better.

Really enjoyed and excited. Lovely and friendly staff in the shop. I think it’s the best wrap in Northern Ireland I’ve tried. Also the salad sauce is what I really loved. Yummy …

Food is good and yum in my tum tum and made me satisfied, The only thing was Shrek the ugly ogre punched me in the nose and made me sad Rip my feelings

Great food and excellent service!

We had an amazing weekend brunch at Sozo, the staff was very friendly, service was nice and the food was awesome. Could not have asked for a better brunch.

Great time here, good choice including vegetarian and gluten free

As of June 24, staff are great, very pleasant and chatty and food all arrived together. But being honest, the food was only just ok. Burger didn't seem fresh, and it was very dry. £19 quid if you include cheese and bacon (6 little cut-up bits of bacon probs about a quarter of a rasher) is a bit much. Kids' meals were great, especially the fish and chips. But compared to years ago, it feels dated. The menu hasn't changed much, and food quality is not as good. I'm not sure I would go back now.

Had the salt chilli chicken on toasted sourdough, unfortunately they've recently changed their bread and you'd nearly need a steak knife to the cut, but it's still a dish to die for and still my favorite dish, their scones and peach ice tea are must haves!

Good place for lunch. I had baked potato on this occasion. Would have to say it was a very small baked potato and not worth the money. But only time I have been dissatisfied. Will be back though.

It was a wonderful place. the waiter was lovely,the scenery was splendid aswell as the decor.but I had got the curry and asked for just the rice and chicken with it no chickpeas,pepper or onion but when I got the food it came with everything not just the chicken and rice,it was also more of a soup type unlike curry itself.also very sad about the removal of the pizza

Wonderful service very friendly. The food is delicious, a nice cozy restaurant with excellent choices and food.

We had a lovely time at Sozo Highly recommended.

We arrived too late for the breakfast but staff were very friendly. We will definitely be back even if we couldn't get what we wanted

4 of us went for a meal. A combination of steak for some and chicken strips for others. Everyone had a lovely meal. Staff are very attentive, funny and service was excellent. Highly recommended for great food, great value and great service. Can't fault it.

Love everything about this place!

Food and staff was good, but £27 for two coffees, and the equivalent of four pancakes and six slices of bacon between two people, is too expensive. Also different prices on menu than what was on receipt.

Great spot lovely food lovely views from over the water and Robert who served us us is just the nicest guy ever. Been a few times now and have never been disappointed.

We arrived about 1.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Waited 5 minutes ,and was seated by a friendly waiter. He served us our drinks, and preceeded to take our order. My husband ordered chicken goujons, with chucky chips . My son ordered the same with skinny chips. I asked could I have baked potato with chicken coronation. To be told, by our waiter there was no baked potatoes left today. My reply was oh then I'll have Taco dirty fries. Oh he said, that's a much better choice you'll love them. Our food arrived 5 mins later, very quickly indeed. We all started to eat, my chunky chips, was hard, and on greater examination, my chips was sitting in water at the bottom of my dish. I asked my husband, how was his chunky chips. His reply was hard. Not nice at all. There was also gristle in one of his goujons, which totally finished him, with the meal. Our sons was ok, with skinny chips. He left, one goujon,on his plate. And I picked it up and ate it. It was greasy. My husband went and paid the bill, of course he said nothing. But paid £68.00, for the worst lunch I've had, in a very long time. I was a chef for over 35 years, so I know good standards. So much for my birthday lunch, with my family. 😡😩😡😩😡😩

Great service. Went out of their way to five us a sear that suited our needs thank you sozo

Just had lunch with friend.Had falafels and two side orders which were absolutely delicious.Lovely wee spot looking over the sea.Staff really friendly and made to feel very welcome .Will definitely be back.

Decent food and service . Atmosphere is OK and clean . I had the chicken burger with fries and I enjoyed it but would not rush back as it was mediocre.

Great food , great scenery & amazing staff . Its sozo good 😁

Had the best lunch here today. I had been before so knew it would be good anyways but the staff were just so so wonderful and lovely and fun. Should have asked our waiter his name… hopefully he knows this was about him. We had a 1pm booking with a beautiful view. Gorgeous food. Excellent service. Just all brilliant! Can’t wait to go back to try other dishes on their menu. Really lovely portion sizes! Brilliant chefs in there!

Hadn't been here for a while, by my God has it gone down hill. I had the lasagne, which I've had in the past and it's been OK. This time it tasted rather strange - not remotely like lasagne, or pleasant, but kind of sweetish, more like vegetable soup maybe. Thet taste was familiar, but i couldn't place it... so I opened it up, and discovered masses of diced carrots! SOZO - just so you know, lasagne is made of minced beef, tomato, onion, garlic and a fe other bits and pieces - NOT carrots! Yes, I know they cost pennies, but to serve this to paying customers is a war crime. And I think it was about £15 too (the online menu is well out of date). Just one thing - the staff here are just lovely - pity they have to serve things like this.

Good food. The best of the best staff, so friendly, happy to welcome young ones and just good craic.

Good spot, great staff and decent grub. Coronation chicken wasn't up to scratch though.

We called in as a family group (4 adults and 3 children) on a Saturday afternoon, chancing our arm to be honest! We were very quickly accommodated at a large table. I think we got in just in time as the place quickly filled up. Clearly a popular spot. Staff were very welcoming. Nothing was too much bother. They were very kind and gracious toward our young family. The food was absolutely delicious. Clean plates all round. We will definitely be back!

Price on menu different from price at till. Total rip off . I didn't want a full fry on the menu which was £9 [£10 at till) they said I could have a smaller version (a sausage, egg, half a tomato and mushrooms)£8.50....ridiculous, we will not be back

Love sozo, great atmosphere, well priced and the staff are all fantastic

Friendly, great service, beautiful views, good music and atmosphere and fantastic food.

Lovely birthday treat. The staff were exceptional! Thank you 😊

One of my favourite places for food, very nice staff and venue also.

Staff are very attentive and pleasant and patient with a table of fussy eaters (allergies, intolerances and kids)... love this place

Lovely food, ambience and great service

Nice bowl of soup and a pleasant environment.

Perfect fantastic view food cooked perfectly fantastic service

Went on a Saturday night. Food was lovely - hot and well presented plus tasted amazing. Staff were exceptional - they were so helpful and friendly, nothing was any trouble. There was a nice atmosphere. Really enjoyed it.

Brilliant relaxing place to eat.. Nothing for the staff is to much trouble and kids are welcomed . every table and around it, is cleaned before you get seated... With well mannered staff. Well done sozo....

Visited about 11:15 on a Monday morning. The place was buzzing but we did get a table. I had the poached egg on salted wheaten bread. Really was very good. Well worth trying.

Food was fantastic. Sevice was outstanding.

Had a very friendly greeting. Service was good and food as well. Unfortunately when my friend and I came to settle the bill separately, we were very abruptly told, no we don't do that here, you pay for the table! We have never experienced that before at a restaurant! Can you explain why this is so difficult? Maybe train your staff at the payment till to do it with more grace and decorum.

I asked for a ealing but was told it wasn't served after 3pm even though it was 2.30 according to the chefs decision. I was served an alternative I dhad to choose but wasn't my first choice. Then another customer was seated beside me after 3pm and offered my first choice. They ordered and were served their meal. I asked the waitress involved why I couldn't have the same. I was told it was down to what the chef decided but given no apology when I explained. On other occasions I've been told I couldn't be seated where I wanted when the place was half empty. Won't be back.

Staff were fabulous 👌 food was excellent and great ambience

Nice wee Sunday morning breakfast. Had the vegetarian fry. Excellent service.

Went here last week for food, the fella Robert and all the other staff were brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble…. Plus Roberts banter is first class! Such a funny fella…. He’s a credit to Sozo!

The food was excellent, the wait staff very nice and helpful and the restaurant itself very nice.

Fab spot v scenic too. Staff just so friendly and helpful. Food fantastic would highly recommend it- for family and couples

After parking at Hydebank and walking along the shore path we called in here for coffee and ended up having breakfast as well. I had a Large Fry and my wife had Poached Eggs on Sourdough bread. The fry was great with lovely sausages and bacon and my wife's poached eggs were nicely presented. The service was friendly and spot on. Sozo also has some great views across Belfast Lough. Will definitely be back when it's not a Bank Holiday.

Really top notch service from very capable waitresses. Food superb. Views spectacular.

Fantastic spot. And the service and front of house is absolutely fantastic.

Best food/menu in the area! Dog friendly too which makes it even better! 🐶🐶

Was there today with my partner and little boy, I couldn't recommend here more big friendly welcome as soon as we came through the door crayons and juice for my little boy in two mins, we had two servers kasey(hope i spelt it right)and Robert ( or Ruby doll as im told) and they were absolutely brilliant! nothing was to much hassle esp with my fussy eater every thing came on seperate ramekins for him and they made him what he liked, they were super friendly and attentive and not to mention the food was awesome! Deffo can't wait to go back!

Good food, attentive staff and if you get a window table, the views are to die for! But the text on the receipt? Weird!

As a family we have been here before. Prices are reasonable but the standard by which all staff should be judged is set by Robert! Our child is autistic and a visual eater. Food has to be super plain. This man is a dream! Nothing ever too much trouble and the patience of a saint! Thank you for another wonderful experience.

This is the 2nd time I went to Sozo to be told it was too late to be served. We arrived at 6.42 pm intending to have one course and although online the restaurant opening time showed as 8pm, we were advised that the kitchen had just closed so it was too late to serve us, (i.e. one hour and over 15 minutes before closing time) ... I've never made a complaint about a restaurant before. I'm sorry Sozo but this is not good enough. If you intend to close your kitchen over an hour before your advertised closing time, you should at least state this on your website.

Have been quite a few times to celebrate birthdays and to have nights out with friends. Cant fault the food. Good sized portions and served quick and warm. The service is great and prompt. Atmosphere fantastic!!!

Food was amazing will definitely be back

Very friendly staff and excellent food.

Excellent food, service superb, atmosphere very relaxed

The food is amazing and the staff are so lovely, we'll definitely be back.

Had a lovely Sunday lunch today with princess Zara. Staff are brilliant. Thanks

A cozy yet modern environment in which to enjoy beautiful food and wine with friends. Excellent service and an affordable menu 5 star 🌟

The staff was SO kind and the food and coffee was delicious ☺️

Strange experience this evening! The menu is pretty unclear, arbitrary overuse of adjectives make the whole vibe feel try hard ... what is it exactly that makes the "Posh Pea and parmesan carbonara" posh?! ... and overall choices feel limited. Between starters and mains, we went for a cigarette and returned to the table which inexplicably had been totally cleared (drinks included) and reset. Food we ordered was okay, as in edible, but absolutely not worth the money spent. We were "checked on" to see if the food was okay before we'd even taken a bite! Weren't offered desert at all, and then randomly advised at 8pm that they were turning off the coffee machine so if we wanted any would have to order now, meanwhile a good few tables were still eating their meals. Unsure why the rush to get rhe coffee machine swtiched off when 4 staff members were sitting down chatting at the table behind us. We took this as an open invitation to get out and go to mauds All a bit bizarre!

Greetings at the door upon entry. Friendly banter. SFC Burger excellent. Will be back 💯% . Guinness on point

The food was lovely here, massive portion size, the staff were attentive and the view is amazing here will be back soon 🤗

Great meal with family and staff were lovely

Lovely place. Great food. My Cajun prawn tagliatelle was cooked to perfection. Extra points for the option of taking home any leftovers from your plate. Attentive professional staff. Overall very pleasant experience

Favourite place for food. Breakfast was amazing 😋

All staff full of smile, friendly and accommodating. The food states so good.

Friendly welcoming staff, excellent service and great food. Good value as well. The haddock and fries is quite a plate full. Lemon and almond cake is lovely as are the Irish coffees. Plus a good view from the shore side tables.

Not value for money for what we ordered disappointed only good thing was the staff went above and beyond to make us happy not enough menu for kids

Lovely fresh food, friendly, efficient servers and a good atmosphere.

I love SOZO, every months I go with my family for soup or fish food. Very good place and very good staff.

Great food and service. Very accomodating.. no issues at all

First time here and great welcoming service.

I called to sozu Whiteabbey on Tues 3/1/23 at 6.55pm. They were advertised as open to 8pm. We were told they were closing because it had been a quiet night ? With an attitude like that they'll soon be closed permanently. I'll not be trying again.

Love this place Staff a def on their a game . Thank you x

Gorgeous brunch this morning with a great view of the Lough on a sunny and still day. Lovely to have a bit of craic with the staff as well. Thank you!

Excellent wee lady loves pancakes and fruit every Sunday

Really amazing quality food. Tastes were amazing. Staff friendly relaxed and helpful. The easy going put buzzing atmosphere is hard to beat. Absolutely loved it.

Breakfast visit, wee fry large fry and veggie fry all 10 outta 10, well priced good flat white nice roast of coffee. Staff happy friendly crew with quick service, couldnt manage a tray bake but looked amazing.

All in all good food and service but let down by putting service charge on bill . We don't mind tipping for breakfast if service is good, but service charge should not be on breakfast menu .

Good food and friendly atmosphere

Me and my 3 friends attended Sozo today at 1 and had a nice meal. Unfortunately the card machine was down but it was no bother as there is a card machine at the shop up the road. When going to pay we politely requested to the server (Jonny) if we could pay separately as we’d all lifted cash out separately and it made sense so that we could all get the right change. We explained this and he bluntly and rudely told us we couldn’t and said that “at the end of the day it’s all going to be the same change”. We were annoyed as we like Sozo and this would put us off going there in the future

Really nice breakfast, and lovely service. Really enjoyed the complementary scones for my birthday. Lovely gesture, thank you

1st visit to Sozo. Great food and attentive and friendly team!

Food was good as always. Robert is awesome

Dinning with an incredible view of the ocean. Burgers are great and service is excellent

Took the dog for a walk and ended up in Whiteabbey looking for some lunch. Lo and behold Sozos have an area out the back set up for outdoor dining and had no problem allowing us in with the dog. Even brought her a bowl of water ! Lovely food as well - a bonus!

Decent spot, attentive staff, good menu, great prices. Good portions, lovely food.

Arrived at 7.25 pm on Wednesday evening and told the kitchen was closed. Hard to understand turning customers away after businesses suffering and many closing the last few years because of covid. Extremely disappointed and definitely won't recommend.

Lovely staff nice food great wee place 😀