Sorano — Restaurant in Kolkata

This is going to take a while so bear with me. Let’s start with entrance, for a first time visitor, it is confusing, the valet and entrance not marked or visible. Makes it difficult to spot, when you finally do, the approach of valet of high end dinning restaurant should be warm and welcoming. It was just for the sake of it. Then comes the effort of finding the entrance to the restaurant, again, not visible. The entrance to the building was shabby, dirty, no way to know which floor the restaurant is located, no attendant in the elevator either. It is understandable that the building is colonial hence it would look shabby but, how much effort does it take to keep the area clean? Somehow found the floor, got out and there was door to an apartment it seemed. And they don’t take reservations over the phone however, it took some request to do so. It is located in a colonial building which was meant for residence so, the layout is only logical but it is dull. We could not find place near the bar so we were seated in the main hall. Depressing though, empty table, with a few silverware in a wooden caddy. Comes the menu, no suggestions or advice, I expected some warmth some guidance but, it was more like “one should know everything about Italian cuisine before visiting.” Moving to menu, for someone exploring and relatively new to the place, it is going to be a struggle. So brush up a little on the knowledge there. Non-alcoholic beverage choices are limited and honestly, nothing worth mentioning came out of it. For someone who is riding or driving, stick to water. The glassware were certainly not impressive either, some crystal goblets would have added a little niche to the experience. Seating was odd and uncomfortable. Not sure what exactly were the thoughts behind the concept of designing the ambience. The food, this bothered me. The Antipasti Misti was disappointing, no cheese, no celery, 4 slices of some bread, a few cashews, no celery or carrots. There was a lot left to desire. Fondue was a total disappointment, unexpected disappointment to be honest. The simmered cheese was split, distasteful, had no notes of mozzarella, Parmesan or any Italian cheese. I was expecting some touch of Italian flavours to it. Accompaniments were … well, you must have figured out by now. There was absolutely nothing worth the hype about this place, I actually been waiting to visit this place for about a year and a half given, Italian cuisine is my food for the soul. Some of you may like it, most of you who know would find it overrated. One particular dish which needs a mentioning here is the deconstructed tiramisu. That is the reason why there is an extra star. Nailed it. Wasn’t a pleasant experience and definitely not worth the...

This place is indeed worth the hype! They really are serving the best and authentic Italian food in the city. The atmosphere was so laid back and the high ceilings with perfect monochromatic colour combination did wonders to the ambience. Coming to the food IT WAS HEAVENLY! The blend of flavours were perfect and everything on the plate complimented each other. Drinks: Breeze: Quite icy and flavourful. Had a very nice floral hint. Berry lemonade: Pulpy berry mix. Tastes incredible. Yuzu rose sour: Sublime citrusy aroma is quite subtle, with a hint of rose sour. Perfect. Yuzu and mint: similar to fresh lime soda.

Dishes: MARGHERITA BUFALA: Perfect crust. It was as it should be. Nice, light and cheesy. BURATTA CAPRESE: Best burrata ever! It was so fresh and the greens had an amazing dressing. SALMON CROSTINI: The salmon mix went really well with the toasted bread beneath it. It had a melt in the mouth texture. A drizzle of the herb infused olive oil enhanced the taste even further. WILD MUSHROOM RISOTTO: The best dish of the day! Who said veg food is not good enough ? Well sorano is here to prove you wrong. Arborio rice cooked perfectly till al dente in rich cheesy delicious sauce made my day. 12HRS BRAISED BONELESS LAMB SHANK: Tender, melt in the mouth, flavourful boneless lamb pieces are to die for. The brown sauce was on point and went well with the mashed potatoes and crunchy sautéed veggies as well. But was a bit upset when i got the super thinned sauce on refill. The quantity of each dishes were enough for individuals.

Dessert: DECONSTRUCTED TIRAMISU: No wonder why its called the “Dessert of lovers”. I personally loved the mousse paired with the espresso sauce. A bit of all on the plate in a bite will melt your heart away.

Highly...

I have heard lots of the place and was looking forward to having my birthday party with a big group there. Me and my sister lunched here yesterday to check the place out.

I had very high expectations which were not met.

We ordered 2 dishes

1. Caesar Salad this was very very good! you could taste the garlic and the parmesan shining through. But, for a 500 rupees price point I had expected it to have either a larger portion size or to be made tableside.

2. Pesto Gnocchi it was just plain awful. The pesto tasted like the jarred barilla pesto sauce, it had no nutty flavour so I don't think pine nuts were even added. Also garlic was too less, and I could not find a trace of parmesan in it. The sauce wasn't emulsified at all: the basil and olive oil were separating. The Gnocchi too was not well made... texture was off and the dough wasn't salted so it tasted bland. But at least portion size was ok I guess.

I had wanted to try the pizza and berry sorbet afterwards initially.... but the gnocchi had dissapointed me so much that I didn't want to spend more money.

When the server asked us if we liked the food, we said the same thing as I have written above. I was expecting the server to do something about it, or call the chef (though I didn't tell him this) but he didnt. He told us that after we are done he will send some kind of review book in which we can write?

After the meal we paid the bill, and sat at the table for an extra 5-6 minutes, but no "review book" arrived. We're very non confrontational so then we left.

I would recomend the chef to try out the pesto pasta at other Italian...