Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 07/12/2023 WE @ 5:45pm): Sorellina shouldn't feel like a younger sister to anyone!
My friend wanted to try Sorellina - and their Wednesday Wine Flight Special, so that's all it took! As much as I loved Italian food, I rarely dined out at such restaurants except when it came to pizza. As I continued to explore Hoboken, there truly was an alluring energy about this town. Would this eatery change my "sore" attitude, or would I "lean" a little in their favor!?
PURCHASE
Bread & Butter Spread (COMP): We could've easily filled up on the fresh slices of bread along with the whipped butter spread but we didn't.
3-White Wine Taster Flight ($18.00 x2): This was a great way to try wines new to me, and all were lovely! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=wK9RkMjLzpjxqf8nVNS2qg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Fried Calamari Antipasti ($18.00): A large portion of crispy squid rings, these were da bomb! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=bbmGJOsP9hLtB3lPMTog9g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Mortadella & Melon Antipasti ($17.00): I enjoyed the thinly-sliced meat that paired well with the bread, but I wasn't impressed. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=gpVjVGDwPfHCDMJoA-U-iQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Caesar Salad ($12.00): This simple salad with the interesting green dressing, was a pleasant palate cleanser. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=7i_zlvKiUYYw_uJ08oVDWg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Lobster Scampi ($32.00): The pasta was lovely, the flavors jumped out at you, and there was lobster in every bite! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=0rXRs1CLOVZuq4sEHSKmdw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Grilled Branzino ($32.00): A simple dish, the fish was flaky and meaty but wished there was more to it. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=1ChDtxUYWZVEVhOFxlEV-g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
2019 Friuli Friulano Scarbolo White Wine 4floz Glass ($12.00 x2): From a taster to a full glass of creamy sweetness, I paired this with dessert. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Ja2-bVEjabu7hJLT7zim9A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
7 Layer Cookie Cake ($12.00): The vibrant colors caught my attention, but the separate flavors of almond cake, raspberry jam, and stracciatella gelato solidified its worthiness. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Qq6NZjT8UcM4tMT3Mw1cIQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
3-Scoop [Sweet Cream, Pistachio, Blood Orange-Basil Sorbetto] Gelato ($9.00): At $3.00/scoop, this was a pricey but delectable dessert. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=JrAjgayu9yN9VgIX8dyWQg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Mandatory Credit Card Fee (3.00%): C'est la vie...
SERVICE
With reservations, we were warmly greeted by a friendly young hostess who showed us to a great corner table that allowed us to watch the world pass us by. Our excited male server gave us menus, explained the evening's specials, made some recommendations, provided water, and gave us time to decide. Once we were ready, he was attentive the entire time as everything came out in a timed cadence so the table never got crowded with empties - bellissimo!
PARKING (Street Only; N/A this instance)
We took a Lyft here. Otherwise, as was the case for much of Hoboken, there were limited spots along the main drag of Washington St.. and all surrounding streets unless you were lucky enough to find an empty spot, or you took public transportation which stopped nearby - nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A darling corner location, colorful flower baskets decorated the black metal railing used to enclose the eatery along the sidewalk that later converted into an outdoor dining space, the interior was simply charming https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Q6XektjSzUKOxTbB6Iyicg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with a mix of brick, tiling, and wood along with a quaint bar. Tables were placed side-by-side throughout for a more communal feel. Plenty of natural lighting flooded in through the surrounding large glass windows and front doors while various electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. I noticed a couple blank TVs while international music played in the background music. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fuyIaLfDN8941_7ih-TX2g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
We had a brilliant evening at Sorellina, and were generally impressed from start to finish. The food menu was a bit curtailed but varied enough. They also had weekday happy hour specials. I felt the prices were reasonable, the food was incredible, portions were large, and the service impeccable. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned or local businesses. I found exceptionally good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $209.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.5 STARS