Sovana Bistro — Restaurant in East Marlborough Township

Last night my family and I headed out to eat. We went to eat at Hoods in Unionville only to find it closed. Since we drove all that way we ventured to a place down the street I had been for brunch before, Sovana Bistro. I had not been there since they had a fire but had always wanted to go back.

Upon arriving the two young blonde hostesses looked at us and said there would be a 30 minute wait for a 4 top. Seeing no one else waiting and tons of empty 4 tops we were very confused. It was a Wednesday night even. I went to look at their open table app and to my surprise I could get a reservation for 4 within 10 minutes and seemingly the rest of the night if I wanted.

My husband approached the front and expressed this confusion. Automatically they said “We can seat you.” So curious to go from 30 minutes to right away. As we looked around plenty of people had young children so that wasn’t it. Their Google profile said “family friendly” and “LGBTQ Friendly.” Their atmospheres listed led with casual and cozy. As we looked around it wasn’t even that people were all dressed up. The main difference was we were in a sea of neutral country club colors. Plenty of people were wearing cargos, sweat shirts, and t shirts. But all fit into a uniform color code and blended in. A stark contrast from when I had been there before. Even the attire of people who have posted of themselves in the restaurant was with baseball caps and casual attire. It became obvious to us that we stuck out and didn’t ooze wealth.

Unable to shake the cold heartedness of it all we spoke with a manager who apologized and wanted to comp our bill. We refused as money was not the issue and they gifted us a gift card. This was a kind gesture but did not negate how naturally the two, no older than seventeen, hostesses treated us. The level of groomed snobbery had them lacking common sense as anyone with eyes could look around and see empty tables and no other person waiting.

Being at the mercy of two very hungry children we stayed but typically we would have walked out. Which I am sure would have suited them.

I would suggest that in the future you enforce a dress code and change the tone of your restaurant profile. It appears as long as everyone looks the part it does not matter if you have children or are LGBTQ. Honesty is much more refreshing than a passive aggressive “shoo” from a teenage girl wearing a Forever 21 sweater and sneakers.

From a food perspective its hard to say. Any attempt to enjoy it was in vain so I cannot give a true telling of what was offered. It definitely was not good enough to shake the treatment...

I had not heard of Sovana until my newly married eldest Son took his wife there last year and came back full of praise and suggested I went there. My favorite Restaurant, until now, had been The Stone Barn but it was incinerated and I despaired at finding anywhere with the right balance of good food and unique atmosphere. Last night I found it. My Son took me and his Wife and new infant Son to Sovana to celebrate my Birthday. Sovana met all the desired criteria. We went for early Supper at 5:30. The first impressions were, in this order, "muted colours, gentle lighting, ubiquitous staff, open working Kitchen with serious warm fire under the grill. There was a pleasant atmosphere possibly five Tables at this time. My Son said they are very busy later on and I prefer fewer people to be there so conversation is not strained. We were seated within a couple of minutes and the service was pretty near perfect. Drinks orders were taken and delivered quietly and efficiently. In a past life I was a waiter and the aim is to be able to place the drink without disturbing the diner. This was accomplished to the extent my Wine was on the Table before I even sensed the Server's presence. Having a 9 month old Child can be difficult. The Server suggested and provided a Flan of Dough for 'entertainment' and it was much appreciated and nibbled by said Infant. Great idea! The food was imaginative and unlike some Restaurants, all the selections were available. The choices were such that one is inspired to return to sample the full range. I had NY Strip Steak which was the best one I have had. I generally am disappointed with the cut and the cooking. I asked for rare and it was textbook rare. The deserts are lush and it would behoove an interested reader to simply study the Menu. You will not be disappointed. The Wine selection is varied as are the Cocktails and the reason this place is a success is due to the attention to details. I realize I have written rather a lot for a review but am only "paying it back' to a deserving Restaurant Owner and Crew. This is not cheap fare but it is affordable and merits taking Visitors to PA. It is easily as good as the European Restaurants I have had the privilege to visit over the...

I don’t write reviews often, but I feel very particular about my experience at Sovana Bistro. Upon entering, the space and staff are warm and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were quickly greeted and seated in their spacious dining room for our reservation, with a charming view of their open kitchen. Our server—I believe his name is Chi—was super friendly and attentive to us throughout our whole visit. The seasonal menu is creative, featuring exciting, contemporary combinations and many dietary inclusive options. We ordered an artisanal cheese flight to start, and that was fantastic; our selected cheeses were complimented with an amazing, subtly sweet toast, assorted nuts, and two jams, and the presentation was adorable. Afterwards, my boyfriend ordered the butternut squash + ricotta gnocchi, and I ordered their pasta of the day: fettuccini in lamb bolognese. It was this that soured my experience completely.

The fettuccini was well over al dente; the sauce was watery and splitting slightly, and it seriously lacked the robust and gamey flavors expected from bolognese and lamb. The olives featured in the sauce where chopped in large halves, nearly the same size as the few chunks of lamb I could find (which was disappointing, as I was expecting a hearty meat sauce) and seemed to be the most flavorful element of the dish. Every bite seemed unfortunate, and I tried to like it but just couldn’t get on board with overcooked pasta, finished in below average sauce. My boyfriend’s gnocchi was also bland but cooked perfectly, and his Gorgonzola sauce was surprisingly watery as well. However, the crisp shallots on top were delicious. We left deflated and with my pasta barely touched; I took the rest home as to not seem rude.

I wanted to love Sovana Bistro, and every moment leading up to our main courses made us more and more excited to actually eat. My expectations were high, especially after the bistro was highly recommended to us, but I was severely let down. Considering their stellar reputation, I would not be surprised if we just got unlucky and came on an off-night, but it really was a shame to attend what seemed to be a nice dinner and receive nothing more than a...