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Sorellina

Chef Rigatoni
Nov 8
5 min read

"Where contemporary Italian-Mediterranean meets the pulse of Back Bay"

Walking into Sorellina at 1 Huntington Ave in Boston’s Back Bay is like stepping into a modern Roman villa, tastefully polished but not stiff, energetic but not frantic. The lights are warm, the décor rich yet approachable, and the open space hums with quiet sophistication. The scent of fresh pasta, the gleam of silverware, the murmured toast of glasses: all converge into an experience clearly designed for slower, more intentional meals. This isn’t fast casual; it’s an occasion. Not stiff formal either, but elevated, friendly, and perfused with character. A place where you come for the food, stay for the ambience, and leave feeling like you were part of something a little memorable.

Story

Sorellina opened its doors in January 2006, founded by chef‐owner Jamie Mammano and the team at Columbus Hospitality Group. Sorellina+1 The name “Sorellina” is Italian for “little sister,” an affectionate nod to a familial spirit. Sorellina Set in the heart of Copley Square, the restaurant emerged at a time when the Back Bay dining scene was ripe for something that combined Italian tradition with contemporary elegance. Mammano, already known for previous ventures in Boston, articulated a vision: regional Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, drawn from Italy but honed for the modern diner. The warm-modern design (floor-to-ceiling windows, backlit mural, quilted fabrics) speaks as much as the menu to the intention, this is Italian refined, not rustic, yet not distant. Sorellina+1 Over the years the venue has become a destination for celebrations and serious dining alike, drawing both locals and visitors who seek a meal that feels elevated but welcoming.

The Chef / The Visionary

Jamie Mammano is a trained chef (Culinary Institute of America alumnus) who built his reputation in kitchens from Washington, D.C. to Chicago before anchoring himself in Boston. Sorellina+1 At Sorellina his philosophy centers on regional Italian expression, not

just generic “Italian,” but localized inspirations, seasonal ingredients, and a strong emphasis on technique and hospitality. The menu’s track record (handmade pastas, refined seafood, stellar wine list) reflects his dedication. According to the fact sheet, the restaurant emphasizes contemporary regional Italian-Mediterranean cuisine and a thoughtfully curated wine programme from Italy’s lesser-known producers. Sorellina+1 The kitchen is guided by Executive Chef Marga Raffucci who rose through the ranks at Sorellina and today drives the menu’s execution. Sorellina The combined vision: Offer technique and flair, yes, but grounded in warmth and genuine hospitality.

Food

At Sorellina the kitchen articulates a clear point of view: handmade pasta, seasonal Italian-Mediterranean ingredients, a menu oscillating between comfort and precision. From the menu listings you’ll find appetizers like oysters with Meyer lemon granita; curated pastas such as maccheroncelli with beef meatballs and Montepulciano sauce; or fettuccine with Joyberry Farms mushrooms and black truffle butter. Sorellina+1 Entrées include bone-in veal chop Milanese, halibut with black truffle butter, and other mains that speak to both ingredient quality and technique-driven cooking. OpenTable+1 One reviewer raved about “perfect little gnocchi pillows” and the “house-made pasta that sings.” Tripadvisor The sauces and pairings are sophisticated yet not showy, there’s clarity of flavour, balance, texture (al dente pasta, seasonal produce, careful cooking). The wine list is a standout too: hidden Italian gems, deep selections, care in glass and bottle. Sorellina In short: you come for the pasta, stay for everything else.

Atmosphere

Sorellina’s space is polished without pretension. Design elements: backlit wall mural, floor-to-ceiling windows looking out or letting urban light in, soft leather seating, curated drapery, cork flooring, details that signal intention but invite relaxation. Sorellina The crowd: couples seeking date-night refinement, professionals celebrating milestones, pasta-lovers who appreciate craft, out-of-town guests wanting a memorable Boston meal. The mood: smart‐casual to dressy (jackets encouraged but shirts and dark jeans fine). The lighting dips appropriately; the bar offers alternative vantage; conversations unfold without shouting. Reviewers note attentive service, polished plating, and a vibe more “evening occasion” than “quick pasta stop.” Tripadvisor+1 There’s a rhythmic fullness, a song, not a solo, where food, service, setting all blend.

The Experience

Arrive at 5:30 pm and you’ll see the space come alive: valet outside, host greeting, cocktails poured, bread served. A server describes specials, maybe the house-made pasta of the day, maybe truffle-butter fettuccine or lobster gnocchi. You sip wine, looking out over the mural or across the dining room, the hum building. Starter arrives, perhaps the burrata with figs and prosciutto or the Maine lobster bisque. Then the pasta: glorious, warm, precise. You taste the workmanship: the roll, the cut, the sauce. The main course follows; you linger, conversation flows, laughter bubbles. Dessert: tiramisu, artisan sorbet, espresso, digestivo. Reservation ends, but you don’t feel hurried, you feel completed. The valet whisks your car; you step out into the Back Bay evening, still savoring taste, mood, memory.

What Guests Say

Reviewers consistently praise the food and service. On OpenTable Sorellina holds a rating of 4.9 (over 5,000 reviews) and average price range listed as $31-$50. OpenTable TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the attentive, professional service and some “best meals” of their Boston visits. Tripadvisor Some caveats: a few mention that pricing is high, portions may feel smaller than casual trattorias, and quieter tables may be harder to find on busy nights. Tripadvisor Common themes: “hands-down pasta craft,” “wine list depth,” “ideal for special nights,” “dress for an occasion.” Yelp also ranked it among the top romantic restaurants in the U.S., #10 on a list for 2024. Boston 25 News

Value & Audience Fit

Sorellina fits best for diners seeking an elevated Italian-Mediterranean experience, not fast food, not casual pizza night, but thoughtful cuisine, ambiance, and wine. Ideal occasions: date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, out-of-town guests wanting “that Boston meal.” The price tag reflects quality: mains often $35-$70+, pastas and starters upwards of $20-$30. (OpenTable data shows mains e.g. $48 for salmon, $70 for veal chop). OpenTable The value lies in craft, service, ingredient integrity, atmosphere. If you’re seeking bargain pasta, there are simpler spots. But if you’re after something that feels special, Sorellina delivers.

Recognition & Accolades

Sorellina’s reputation is strong: listed as a “Top 10 romantic restaurant in the U.S.” by Yelp in 2024. Boston 25 News Featured in Boston dining guides and restaurant review round-ups, noted for its handmade pasta, wine list, and ambience. The Columbus Hospitality Group underscores its private-dining capabilities and design credentials. Columbus Hospitality Group | Boston, MA+1 The sheer number of high-rating reviews, plus consistent guest feedback, indicate reliable quality.

Why It Belongs on the Pasta Trail

For the Pasta Tribe, Sorellina represents excellence in pasta craft, regional Italian inspiration, and communal culinary experience. This is not about quick bowls and casual bites, it’s about the feeling of being together, of food that’s thought through, of hospitality that wraps around you. It aligns with Pesto Pasteria’s mission: bringing people together through the joy of pasta. The handmade pastas, the regional attention, the shared experience, every plate and every service moment contribute to connection. Visit Sorellina for more than dinner; visit for a moment of community, craft, and cuisine.