Sano by Michael Scipione — Restaurant in Mount Laurel Township

This is a VERY LONG REVIEW...but nothing else will do.

For my husband’s 60th birthday, we chose to celebrate at Chef Michael Scipione’s intimate restaurant, Sano, which seats just 12 guests. The evening was even more special as we were joined by my husband’s childhood friend, John and wife Stella. John and John were born just six days apart, making the occasion a double celebration of lifelong friendship.

Chef sent out two flatbreads, one with sweet nectarines, the other with beef, pork and veal. We also shared a wonderful plate of intertwined Citrus chilled prawns.

The meal was a prix fixe three-course menu, and each dish was a testament to Chef Scipione’s culinary expertise. I started with the veal meatballs, which were tender, rich, and perfectly seasoned. The burrata that followed was fresh, creamy, and paired with delightful balsamic cherries, prosciutto di parma wrapped around sweet nectarines, accompaniments that elevated the flavors. For the main course, I enjoyed the sea bass, which was cooked to perfection with a delicate, flaky interior. Each dish was beautifully presented, and the flavors were both bold and refined.

In addition to the veal meatballs, burrata, and sea bass, we indulged in several other standout dishes. The Dover scallops were a particular highlight, perfectly seared and served with a delicate balance of flavors. The Japanese A5 Wagyu beef tartare, topped with Sturgeon caviar, was luxurious and melt-in-your-mouth delicious—a true indulgence. Another favorite was the crispy ricotta gnocchi with black truffle zest, which had the perfect texture, with a golden exterior and soft, pillowy interior. Hubby enjoyed the duck Wellington which was in the oven while we dined to our delight.

The evening was perfectly capped off with an unforgettable dessert selection. We savored a Black Mission fig crème brûlée, its rich, caramelized top giving way to a silky custard infused with the sweetness of figs. The dark chocolate ganache, topped with Amarena cherries and amaretto, was pure decadence, while the pistachio tiramisu was a delightful twist on the classic, offering layers of nutty richness. To complement the desserts, we enjoyed stove-top Lavazza espresso, a fitting end to an extraordinary meal.

And then there was the amazing Ebony, our server, thank you Ebony for your attention to detail, humor and for keeping the wine flowing!

I’ve dined at some of the most amazing restaurants in my lifetime, but this experience at Chef Michael Scipione’s Sano was unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. It brought back flashbacks of the great Tony Clark—one of the most remarkable chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Chef Scipione has created something truly special. There’s no place else to go. This is it....

We recently had a horrifying experience at Sano which is owned by chef Michael Scipione. I booked a private dinner to celebrate my wife’s 35th birthday party, worked out the menu and details with Michael in advance, and paid him in cash inclusive of 20% tip for his staff. Our family came 15 minutes earlier to surprise my wife, and when we arrived and entered the restaurant, it was sweltering. The temperature in the restaurant was 85+ degrees and we all suffered and sweat throughout the meal. Our 4 year old was in tears and had to be brought outside several times to get fresh air. My sister’s infant had to have her clothes removed and be fanned throughout the meal to ensure her safety. Michael created a dangerous environment for us as his diners. At no point did he try to reschedule prior, and even after multiple texts and phone calls with him afterwards, he offered us no compensation other than a free meal for 4 which he ultimately rescinded, for the extremely poor dining experience. He even tried to say that this was an Act of God; just because it’s 96 degrees outside does not constitute one. He is an unscrupulous business owner who has no regard for his patrons, and is operating in bad faith. He should be ashamed, and you should stay far away from his...

My husband and I just got home from a dinner at Sano. It was a fabulous experience from the moment we stepped through the door. We were greeted warmly (by name) by Ebony who is all things front of house. The decor is warm, intimate and inviting. And then there was the food. Sano offers a three course chef's tasting menu which changes seasonally. My husband and I ordered different dishes from each course so we could share and taste more of the menu offerings. From the very first bite to the last crumb of dessert the food was stunning visually and a delight to the taste buds. Chef Michael was very attentive to his guests and really easy to talk to. Ebony was delightful and a great server as well. We had the feeling of eating very high end cuisine in a comfortable, unpretentious setting. We are really looking forward to trying out Michael's new menu...