Hands down Sorellina is one of the most beautifully elegant restaurants in Boston. The space welcomes its patrons through large double doors into a small vestibule area washed in light cream decor and white curtains. Their bar curves just slightly around the left side of the restaurant as you walk in, part of which is cordoned off by standing shades, while the other is open to the gorgeous chic looking restaurant.
Sorellina main dining area
For a few weeks now my friend Kathryn has been talking and raving about the meatballs at Sorellina’s. Not being a red meat eater personally, I couldn’t join in her excitement; however, I could totally get on board with going back to Sorellina.
We finally headed over there early last Saturday evening for some appetizer sharing and bar dining and also to do a much needed blog (re)post. Luckily there were two free seats at the bar, which we procured.
A small menu treats you with tempting appetizers of tuna tartare, oysters and lamb carpaccio. Glance over to the entrée side and you are enticed with Sea Scallops, Halibut, Filet Mignon and Veal Milanese. Seemingly classic dishes with additional mouthwatering ingredients appeal. Their Italian inspired with a twist pasta dishes offers Gnocchi with Maine lobster, Tagliatelle with pea tendril and bacon and of course the Wagyu beef meatballs over Maccheronelli, which Kathryn immediately focused on. All of the pasta dishes can be appetizer or entrée portions.
We started with a glass each of rosé and the sharply bitter greens of the arugula salad dressed in a lemon truffle vinaigrette. Already split for us, all we had to do was enjoy.
ARUGULA – lemon vinaigrette, truffled Moliterno formaggio, pine nuts – $17
Next was the tuna. A huge amount of chopped fresh tuna mixed through with mustard and resting on a surprising hot bite of chili vinegar. I do enjoy a bit of spice.
TUNA – raw, hand cut, sushi grade, spicy mostarda aioli and chili vinegar – $21
In between our dishes we ordered a plate of East Coast oysters. This dish is simply spectacular. The Meyer lemon sorbet is a genius addition to the oysters. It made the oysters a perfectly refreshing respite before more indulgent food.
OYSTERS – East coast, meyer lemon granita, English cucumber mignonette – $21
I knew I didn’t want a full entrée so our bartender recommended I try the grilled octopus appetizer. A truly tasty and inspirational dish of slightly charred grilled octopus over a filling squid ink cous cous with sweet peppers and a mild hint of fennel. Great recommendation.
POLPO – grilled octopus, squid ink cous cous, cherry peppers, finocchio – $22
Kathryn reveled in her Wagyu beef meatballs, remarking it was exactly how she had remembered them. I did have a taste of the rich red wine sauce and I have to say it was amazing.
MACCHERONCELLI – American Wagyu beef meatballs, Montepulciano sauce and Parmigiano- $19/38
Service was perfect and food memorable as always at Sorellina. If you want something a little more upscale casual, I suggest dining at the bar. More romantic or celebratory, the restaurant is the ultimate treat.
