Foodies, rejoice — there’s a new restaurant in the Exchange District! The creators of the wildly popular Sho Coffee & Bar are back with Soho kitchen + wine, the latest addition to the King Street Block. With a menu led by Michelin-experienced Chef Oleksandr “Sasha” Bohdan, who lived and cooked in Naples for over 25 years, Soho brings European breakfasts and Italian lunch-and-dinner classics to a bright, airy restaurant space. The result is an experience that feels upscale and modern, paired with authentic, comforting food.
At Soho, Denys Bohdan is a sommelier-in-training and the warm, enthusiastic presence greeting guests at the door. Born in Ukraine and raised in Naples, Denys grew up surrounded by Italian food culture. Though he trained as a lawyer, he was quickly pulled back into the world he loved: hospitality. His experience spans Michelin-guide restaurants, traditional Mediterranean kitchens, and training in Italian wine.
When Denys moved to Winnipeg in 2023, he met fellow Ukrainian hospitality veteran Hryhorii, and the two instantly recognized a shared passion. Together with Sasha, they launched Sho Coffee + Bar, a cozy William Avenue café that’s a hotspot for students, remote workers, and the Exchange District community. As soon as Sho opened its doors, they knew they weren’t finished. “We have so much experience we wanted to share,” says Denys. A full-scale restaurant was always the dream.
After the success of Sho Coffee + Bar, the team knew they wanted to stay in the Exchange District. “When we moved here, we learned that the Exchange District was a unique historic site in Winnipeg. The atmosphere, energy, and architecture are singular,” Denys explains. “It reminded us of Soho in London and New York, complete with bars, restaurants, culture, and a lot of joy. The Exchange feels the same, and Soho represents that.”
The menu at Soho is inspired by Italian cuisine, with influences from other areas in Europe and Canada. Denys describes their breakfast as Canadian with some Italian touches. Dishes like their crispy, cheesy, Beef Arancini bring a taste of Naples to the Exchange. You’ll also find plates like savory Spinach & Salmon Pancakes and benedicts topped with chicken pesto, salmon and cream cheese, or avocado. Sweet breakfast lovers will swoon over the Custard & Berry Pancakes or Berry Crepes.
For lunch, try Chef Sasha’s specialty: pasta. Each dish is made with traditional Italian methods and true-to-origin sauces, from the silky Rigatoni Nerano inspired by the Amalfi Coast to a proper Roman carbonara with pecorino romano and Italian bacon. Fresh soups round out the offerings, rotating weekly as ingredients come into season. While many components are sourced from Manitoba farmers and suppliers, key ingredients such as cheeses, oils, and specialty pastas come from Italy. Dinner service and a carefully curated wine list are on the horizon, with more than half the bottles set to be Italian.
When it comes to service, their ethos is that people are not just customers, but guests. Denys and the team prioritize conversation, connection, and making people feel genuinely cared for. “We don’t just serve food,” he says. “We serve an experience.” That approach shows up in small but meaningful ways, like Denys sharing his personal number so people can text ahead and have their meals ready for pickup when they arrive. At Soho, hospitality is personal, and the community grows because of it.
The space itself also reflects that philosophy. Local artist Zach Ironstad, one of their very first customers, has artwork hanging on the walls. They commissioned a feature wall from fellow Ukrainian artist Aksinia V. Another community member, Sergiy, made their Soho sign, and DJs at their partner restaurant, Sho, on weekends. Collaboration is woven into the place. The team also regularly offers their space for community events, art gatherings, and cultural programming. “We want people here to be proud of this area,” Denys says. “Proud of themselves. Proud of what can happen in the Exchange.”
If one thing is clear, it’s that Soho is just getting started. They plan to extend their hours to open for dinner this fall. Their menu will expand with a curated selection of starters, pastas, and hearty main plates. Stay tuned for more information on events, like tasting menus with wines and hands-on storytelling from Chef Sasha. They also plan to expand their seating and add more art from local creators. But even with big plans ahead, Denys sums it up simply: “We are truly happy to be here,” he says. “This place – this neighbourhood – feels like home.”
Check out Soho kitchen + wine at 100 King St, Unit A in the Exchange District.
Instagram: @soho.k.w