Sorellina — Restaurant in Hoboken

DO NOT MAKE A RESERVATION HERE ONLINE! If I could give it 0 stars I would. It started with me making a reservation for my son's college graduation on a Monday night. There were 9 of us and I wasn't sure if I wanted to sit outside or inside because one of my guests had hearing issues and if it's loud, he has trouble hearing. They stated that either area was available because they weren't busy at all. When I got to the restaurant, there was only 3 table that were being occupied, so we sat inside. We waiting over 15 minutes for a server to even acknowledge us. We ordered a glass of wine, a bar drink and a few sodas and a coffee. That took another 20 minutes to have the drinks brought to us. There were plenty of staff around, but nobody seemed to be doing anything. Eventually we ordered some appetizers. When I say we waited 45 mins, I am not kidding. The calamari was cold and rubbery and the meatball had no taste at all. It was horrible. We had already been there for over 90 mins and we were not happy. We asked for the check and it came out at $225. When I asked about it, they said there is a minimum charge of $25/per person. I refused to pay it and they said they will charge me no matter what because I booked my reservation on the Resy app and they have my credit card number. I added up the food and drinks and left cash on the table for what I thought was appropriate for the food and tip and left. I cancelled my credit card so I couldn’t get charged. Can you believe that a week later I got a charge for $225 on my credit card? It was considered a pre-authorization, so it didn’t get blocked and I can't fight it. They charged me for a “no-show” reservation!! Scammers!! Now, the restaurant won't call me back or return my emails. I guess that is why they had so many available tables. Their only way of making any money is by scamming people illegally. So I am spreading my message to as many review sites as I can. Hoping I can stop some other innocent patron, from out of state, from falling into the same trap as me. Response to your 6/3/2024 Reply: Maybe you should check your email and see the proof that was sent to you. I have been emailing and calling you since you applied the fee and nobody has responded to me. It takes a negative review to get you to respond. Your response to me is that an email is coming. Here it is 24 hours later and nothing has been received. I would like you to call me. Seems like YOU have your...

I’ve been to this establishment twice, but after my last experience, I won’t be returning. The place itself is lovely – they have an impressive wine list, and the food is decent. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with a beautifully designed interior.

My first visit was great. I came on a Friday afternoon, and the manager was incredibly polite, friendly, and accommodating. While the bar staff wasn’t very pleasant, the manager’s excellent service more than made up for her bad service. I was with my small service dog, who sat quietly on my lap, and we had no issues. We enjoyed some food and ordered some wine, which were delightful.

However, my second visit was a completely different experience. We came on a Saturday evening around 5 PM. There was a different manager but the same bar staff. From the moment we arrived, the new manager was unwelcoming. He initially refused to let us in, even though I explained that we had been there the previous day with my service dog without any problems. While I understand the need for paperwork, which I always carry, his attitude was unnecessary. We sat at the bar, the same bar staff was just as unfriendly as before.

I put my dog on my lap as there was no one around us, but the manager came over and rudely told me that while it was "enough to bring your dog in," she had to stay on the floor, not in my lap. It wasn’t what he said, but the way he said it that was so off-putting. At that point, I decided to cancel my order and leave.

I highly recommend re-evaluating the customer service approach of your staff, particularly the manager. His attitude was disrespectful, and it left both me and my partner feeling unwelcome. Because of this, I won’t be recommending or returning to your...

Since my boyfriend is new to Hoboken, we decided to take a stroll around the neighborhood. We passed by Sorellina, which looked like a cute date spot. Since we had some time to kill, we decided to grab a drink.

I had the Forza Negroni (Bulleit Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth, Campari) and he had the Classico Negroni (Dorothy Parker Gin, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Campari). Both tasted pretty similar and had a little too much Campari for my taste. You're probably better off sticking to a glass of vino from their wine list, which is pretty extensive and reasonably priced.

Some of the appetizers stood out to us so we also ordered a bite to eat. We had the Grilled Cherrystone Clam Spiedini {with housemade chorizo, caracara orange marmalade & sourdough croutons} and Nonna's Meatballs (pomodoro braised veal & ricotta). Neither of these appetizers were good. They certainly looked appetizing but that was about it. The clams were ridiculously chewy. I even tried cutting them up into super tiny pieces but even then, it was extremely difficult to eat. The meatballs had an okay flavor but the texture was just not the way meatballs should be. I don't know what it was - maybe they ground up their meat too much but the consistency was that of a hot dog. My boyfriend compared it to a Vienna sausage.

I was really hoping to like this place but if the appetizers we ordered weren't very good, I'm not sure if I would want to be back to try the mains. Guess we'll just have to find another go-to Italian spot in the...