Sorellina

Chef Rigatoni
Nov 8, 2025
5 min read

Updated: Jan 19

"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. It’s tastefully polished yet not stiff, energetic but not frantic. The warm lights and rich décor create an inviting atmosphere. The open space hums with quiet sophistication. The scent of fresh pasta fills the air, while the gleam of silverware and the sound of glasses clinking come together to create an experience designed for slower, more intentional meals. This isn’t fast casual dining; it’s an occasion to savor. Not overly formal, but elevated and friendly, Sorellina is a place where you come for the food, stay for the ambiance, and leave feeling like you were part of something truly memorable.

A Culinary Journey Begins

Sorellina opened its doors in January 2006, founded by chef-owner Jamie Mammano and the talented team at Columbus Hospitality Group. The name “Sorellina” means “little sister” in Italian, a warm nod to the familial spirit that permeates the restaurant. Nestled in the heart of Copley Square, Sorellina emerged at a time when the Back Bay dining scene was ripe for a blend of Italian tradition and contemporary elegance. Mammano, already known for his previous ventures in Boston, articulated a vision: regional Italian-Mediterranean cuisine, inspired by Italy but tailored for the modern diner.

The warm-modern design, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, backlit murals, and quilted fabrics, speaks volumes about the restaurant's intention. This is Italian cuisine refined, not rustic, yet still approachable. Over the years, Sorellina has become a destination for celebrations and serious dining alike, drawing both locals and visitors who seek a meal that feels elevated yet welcoming.

The Chef / The Visionary

Jamie Mammano is a trained chef and a Culinary Institute of America alumnus. He built his reputation in kitchens from Washington, D.C., to Chicago before anchoring himself in Boston. At Sorellina, his philosophy centers on regional Italian expression. This isn’t just generic “Italian” cuisine; it’s about localized inspirations, seasonal ingredients, and a strong emphasis on technique and hospitality. The menu’s track record, showcasing handmade pastas, refined seafood, and a stellar wine list, reflects his dedication to excellence.

The kitchen is guided by Executive Chef Marga Raffucci, who rose through the ranks at Sorellina and now drives the menu’s execution. Together, they embody a vision that offers technique and flair, grounded in warmth and genuine hospitality.

The Art of Food

At Sorellina, the kitchen articulates a clear point of view: handmade pasta, seasonal Italian-Mediterranean ingredients, and a menu that oscillates between comfort and precision. 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.

Entrées include bone-in veal chop Milanese and halibut with black truffle butter, each dish speaking to both ingredient quality and technique-driven cooking. One reviewer raved about the “perfect little gnocchi pillows” and the “house-made pasta that sings.” The sauces and pairings are sophisticated yet not showy, showcasing clarity of flavor, balance, and texture. The wine list is a standout too, featuring hidden Italian gems and deep selections, with care taken in both glass and bottle. In short: you come for the pasta, but you stay for everything else.

The Atmosphere

Sorellina’s space is polished without pretension. Design elements include a backlit wall mural, floor-to-ceiling windows that let in urban light, soft leather seating, and curated drapery. Cork flooring and thoughtful details signal intention while inviting relaxation. The crowd consists of couples seeking date-night refinement, professionals celebrating milestones, and pasta lovers who appreciate craft.

The mood ranges from smart-casual to dressy, with jackets encouraged but shirts and dark jeans perfectly acceptable. The lighting dips appropriately, and the bar offers alternative vantage points. Conversations unfold without shouting, creating a rhythmic fullness—a symphony where food, service, and setting blend seamlessly.

The Experience

Arrive at 5:30 PM, and you’ll witness the space come alive. Valet outside, a host greeting you warmly, cocktails poured, and bread served. A server describes specials, perhaps the house-made pasta of the day, maybe truffle-butter fettuccine or lobster gnocchi. You sip wine, gazing at the mural or across the dining room, as the hum of conversation builds.

Your starter arrives—perhaps the burrata with figs and prosciutto or the Maine lobster bisque. Then comes the pasta: glorious, warm, and precise. You taste the craftsmanship in every bite—the roll, the cut, the sauce. The main course follows, and you linger, conversation flows, and laughter bubbles. Dessert awaits: tiramisu, artisan sorbet, espresso, and a digestivo. Your reservation ends, but you don’t feel hurried; instead, you feel completed. The valet whisks your car away, and you step out into the Back Bay evening, still savoring the taste, mood, and memory.

What Guests Say

Reviewers consistently praise the food and service. On OpenTable, Sorellina holds a remarkable rating of 4.9 out of 5, with over 5,000 reviews. TripAdvisor reviewers highlight the attentive, professional service and some of the “best meals” of their Boston visits.

Some caveats do arise: a few mention that pricing is high, portions may feel smaller than casual trattorias, and quieter tables can be harder to find on busy nights. Common themes in reviews include “hands-down pasta craft,” “depth of the wine list,” and “ideal for special nights.” Yelp also ranked Sorellina among the top romantic restaurants in the U.S., placing it at #10 for 2024.

Value & Audience Fit

Sorellina is best suited for diners seeking an elevated Italian-Mediterranean experience. This is not fast food or a casual pizza night; it’s thoughtful cuisine, ambiance, and wine. Ideal occasions include date nights, anniversaries, business dinners, and out-of-town guests wanting “that Boston meal.” The price tag reflects quality, with mains often ranging from $35 to $70 and pastas and starters upwards of $20 to $30.

The value lies in craft, service, ingredient integrity, and 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. It has been featured in Boston dining guides and restaurant review round-ups, noted for its handmade pasta, wine list, and inviting ambiance. The Columbus Hospitality Group underscores its private-dining capabilities and design credentials. The sheer number of high-rating reviews, along with consistent guest feedback, indicates 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 thoughtfully prepared, and of hospitality that wraps around you. It aligns beautifully with Pesto Pasteria’s mission: bringing people together through the joy of pasta.

The handmade pastas, the regional attention, and the shared experience contribute to a sense of connection. Visit Sorellina for more than just dinner; visit for a moment of community, craft, and cuisine.