Trattoria La Sorrentina — Restaurant in North Bergen

It was literally years back that someone had suggested this place to me as some of the best Italian food in New Jersey. Last night, my wife and I finally went. Our initial impression was a bit underwhelmed by the aesthetics of the place. It's not a place that I think many would feel inspired to take a picture, inside or out. Not that it's not well kept, mind you, and they did put love into the place, but eh. However, from the moment you walk in, they greet you with the vibe of a friendly yet more upscale establishment. Though I would also add that once I drank my water, the glass stayed empty, and it would've been nice to be offered more. Friendly service, but could stand to be a bit more attentive. Moving on to the food. My wife and I shared two orders - one was an eggplant parmesan, and the other was a grilled calamari. Both were absolutely excellent. The sauce for the eggplant parmesan was very well balanced, which strikes me because a lot of places I find it in need of maybe a touch of heavy cream to smooth over an acidic bite to it. This was balanced and very good. The grilled octopus was actually a new flavor experience for me in how they do it, and is absolutely delicious. An amazing smokiness to it adds robust character, yet at the same time it's smooth. For any of you who enjoy scotch, I couldn't help but think that a nice dram of Highland Park or maybe even just Johnnie Walker Black would probably have interesting and delightful interaction with this dish's flavor profile. Each dish was very moderately priced, though I felt the portions could've been a bit larger. If you enjoy a beer with your meal, I skipped it because while selections are good... for example, I happen to like Stella, but I wasn't going to pay $8 for a Stella when I know places I could get a whole six-pack for $10. If they raise the meal portions a bit at the same price point, lower the price of a beer, and maybe even add a few other drink options mentioned (they do have a pretty extensive wine list, but none of the prices were inviting to me), they'd already easily hit 5-stars with me. Delicious food at affordable prices. I can easily recommend it and would definitely go back again. I should also note though that it's street parking, and we had to park several blocks away and walk. So if that would be a problem for you physically, this might be a bit of a roll...

Every time! Every single time! When i order for pick up,they tell you either 35 mins or 45 mins. When they say 35 mins, i show up 5 minutes after and have to wait at least 15 minutes like a dummy trying to chase down a waiter to pay and take my food. The same dilemma happens when they say 45 mins. Show up 5 minutes after and the same thing happens again. I have to spend at least 15 minutes chasing down a waiter to pay and take my food that it’s obviously ready on top of the table that they put it on. And always! The waiters play the same game.(one sends you to speak to the other guy,and the other guy gives you the run around to speak to another guy). And on top of that,they give you that attitude like if you are being a burden. Listen! If i order,and you tell me the food will be ready either in 35 mins or 45 mins scenario,and then i show up 5 mins after the due time,then why do i have to spend 15 mins chasing down a waiter to pay and take my food?. Also! The attitude that they show,(since it’s a pick up,and there’s obviously no tip,they act like whatever and just make you wait and give you a childish attitude. The food might be great and all,at least for me. But i think that to pick up an order that’s actually ready to go on the table! to pay and leave shouldn’t have to big a such a big deal dilemma. For the size of the restaurant,if anything! From what i’ve seen the 4 times that i’ve ordered to pick up,you guys are over staffed. So! I don’t get why waiters get annoyed and give a nasty uneducated attitude,when you’re just trying to pay and leave when the food has been ready and waiting on the table for while. 3 out the 4 times,3 waiters showed attitude,the other time one waiter was actually decent enough to apologize for the delay for accepting the payment and giving the food. It’s not like i went in guns blazing like yosemite sam. If i’m being courteous and polite,you don’t need to give nasty attitude just because a pick up order doesn’t technically...

Small neighborhood place that excels in delivering consistingly good food. Known for its delicious thin crust pizza. Parking can be tricky on the side streets and metered parking out front. Staff is attentive, quick and very pleasant to deal with. Having lived in Italy for many years, I understand where the owners come from and the pride they and their family take in their food and service. I have been to Sorrentina at least 100 times in the last 10 years. However on my last visit I was disappointed and a bit shocked to be served cuttlefish (sepioline) in place of the Octopus that I ordered. When I questioned why I wasn't served the Octopus, I was told by the waiter that it was baby octopus. Sorry but this is not true. Cuttlefish is not baby Octopus by any means. They may be from the same mollusk family but they are 2 distinctly different fish. We also know that Octopus is priced much higher at the fish market than cuttlefish. So why the bait and switch? Waiter even went as far as saying, 'we were told to say its baby octopus when in fact its not, cause most of the public doesn't know the difference'. So is it safe to say management thinks its customers are clueless patrons? This has altered my respect for La Sorrentina Restaurant. I would have rated it 5 stars, but will not. My advice to management is plain and simple- when you are out of Octopus, advise the customer you are out of Octopus and tell them you have grilled Sepia or Cuttlefish instead. That is the honest approach, do not bait and...