Such a cute spot in Lakeview! The food was SO good, the drinks were delicious, and the patio was adorable. Everything we had was amazing, and it's such a fun place for a dinner or drinks with friends. Definitely recommend! (It's also dog friendly which I loved) read more

We had some friends in from out of town and came here for dinner. When the weather is nice out, they take over the street and have additional seating outside, which is where we sat. I had a couple espresso martinis which really hits the spot and set the vibes for a great meal. As my main, the bolognese was everything and I think about it often. They also have a gluten-free pasta available that they can do with most sauces. For dessert, I had the tiramisu which was lovely (because it's tiramisu so it has to be good). All in all, I hope to be back again soon. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Tiramisu - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This was my third visit to Sapori and the pasta dishes are consistently excellent. We started dinner off with a couple of espresso martinis. I love a good Espresso Martini and they know how to make them here, great just as I remembered. We then ordered the meatballs appetizer and they were so tender and light, not dense or tough. Honestly these are among the best meatballs I've ever had. For my entree, I chose the lasagna de carne and it was awesome. A generous serving with just the right amount of sauce and cheese. Easily some of the best lasagna I've had. Overall, the food was excellent and I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone craving a great Italian pasta dish. read more

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I absolutely adored my experience dining at Sapori Trattoria! The food was outstanding and so unique. There were classic dishes that somehow felt elevated and special in addition to already being delicious. For example, the burrata was uniquely Smokey and had flavors I've never had with burrata toast. I came on Wine Wednesday, when the bottles were half off. If you don't finish the wine, you are also able to take it home if you don't finish the bottle. The wines range from Chianti to Nebbiolo and you can't go wrong with any of their amazing selections. The service we had was incredible as well! I loved everything my server suggested and knew each dish would be a HIT! This is now my go-to Italian place and I plan to try everything on the menu! read more

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The restaurant has its charm and it's nice to be able to sit outside to dine here when the weather is good. In terms of pure quantity for price, this place does give you a lot more pasta than your conventional Italian place in the city, though I don't think it tastes the best quality wise. The pasta feels like there's something missing and doesn't quite deliver on your pasta needs, usually it feels like there's not enough flavor. That being said, I think this is a nice casual spot in the area to get a drink or munch on some pretty price efficient pasta. read more

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Was craving Italian food and this had been on my list of places to try. We came here for dinner Friday night around 4:30pm and almost nobody was there. We were sat in a tiny room, which was nice to have the area to ourselves at first. When we left around 6pm, there was a line going out the door! It was happy hour for $12 select glasses of wine. For food, we ordered the burrata platter and grilled broccolini. I ordered the gnocchi, which came in a creamy pesto sauce with chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce was delicious and tasted fresh. I may have filled up on the free bread and the burrata platter we ordered because I couldn't finish it even though I wanted to because it was so good! They give you a lot of food. The ambiance is romantic and perfect for date nights. The front of the restaurant is more casual with a bar and some high-top seating. read more

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Such a cute neighborhood gem in lincoln park! Super cozy on the inside with a great patio area outside too. The pasta was delicious and the portions are HUGE, so definitely come hungry. The ricotta toast is an absolute must for an appetizer, we wish we ordered another one! We went on a Wednesday night and took advantage of the half-off wine bottles. Our waitress was also lovely and gave us great recommendations throughout the night. She recommended to get the s'mores crème brulee for dessert and we were so glad she did, the night would not have been complete without a sweet treat. Great food, great service, cozy atmosphere & huge portions. Definitely a spot we'll be coming back to! read more

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I love this spot so much, such a cute space layout that makes you really feel like a guest in someone's home! It's perfect for a date night or a group dinning setting. Their food is HUGE portions, their pasta is fresh comes out hot and is always delicious. I always leave with leftovers which is one my favorite experiences. Their espresso martini and sangria is some of the best in the city! I've always had amazing service that's attentive and kind, during this experience our waitress Kaylee was on top of it and never left us unattended! Highly rec read more

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A staple of the Lincoln Park neighborhood for years!! Great Italian food and welcoming, cozy vibes inside. We came for wine Wednesday-- they have a selection of bottles that are half off. We ended up with a bottle of rose and had a lovely dinner. Our appetizers were the whipped ricotta toast and the burrata platter. Would recommend both! For mains we had the seafood pasta and the pistachio basil gnocchi. They were both delicious and the portions were very large. We had leftovers for lunch the next day! read more

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Had another amazing experience at Sapori Trattoria, this place truly never misses! If you're a fan of authentic Italian comfort food, this cozy Lincoln Park gem should be at the top of your list. The ambiance is everything you want for a night out. It's warm and inviting with that perfect neighborhood feel. It's the kind of place where you can settle in, enjoy a great bottle of wine, and take your time savoring every course. We started with the ricotta toast, which was incredibly fresh and flavorful--simple, but done perfectly. For mains, the gnocchi brivido was pillowy and rich, with a sauce that felt indulgent without being too heavy. The spaghetti allo scoglio was another standout, packed with seafood and layered with bold, savory flavors that really brought the dish to life. The waitress recommended I ordered the spaghetti spicy, which was a fantastic idea! She made my meal excellent with that suggestion. The lightness of the pasta complimented the spicyness in such a balanced way. I will be ordering that dish agai. And of course, dessert did not disappoint. The bread pudding was absolutely decadent, with a bit of a toasted flavor to the bread they used. The gelato it came with on the side was decadent and rich, some of the best gelato I've had in the city. The perfect sweet finish to an already incredible meal. Sapori continues to be one of my favorite go-to spots for Italian in the city. Between the cozy atmosphere, consistently amazing food, and generous portions, you really can't go wrong here. Already looking forward to my next visit! read more

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A great little neighborhood spot right on the corner of Schubert and Halsted with outdoor seating. Homemade food worth every penny I had the eggplant dish and my friend had homemade spaghetti with meatballs and sausage. Their bread pudding for dessert was divine. For appetizer, we had the lightly breaded very flavorful calamari. Very nice wine list as well. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Zucchini pomodoro with Parmesan and basil - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The food was horrible. I don't think I've been to a worse Italian restaurant. My pasta was essentially a cream soup. The service was the only good thing. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Pasta Contadino - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Sapori is a great place if you're looking for a warm and comforting meal after a long day or to have a casual girls night. The atmosphere was cozy, with dimly lit lights that made you relax immediately as you sat down. Service was great, all the staff were friendly and welcoming. We were greeted with hot bread and olive oil to start while we chose our meals. We started off with the whipped ricotta toast and bruschetta. Both were light and had the perfect amount to share between three people without overdoing it. The potato gnocchi with pesto & chicken was warm and creamy. The Rigatoni Bolognese had the perfect meat to pasta ratio. All of our entrees came out in huge portions, and could easily be shared amongst 2-3 people. Finally, the dessert. I've never had bread pudding before but after having it here, it's now one of my favorite dessert options! The house-made gelato was just as I remember it in Italy. It was the perfect way to end our meal. Overall, it was a great cozy place for a weekday dinner during a Chicago winter. read more

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This place has a nice ambiance, the restaurant is a whole what would usually be a multi unit home/condo which is different than anywhere else i've been. They also have outdoor street seating & it was nice to eat outside. The drinks were good too & the complimentary bread was nice. The spaghetti dish is what lost me, it was extremely bland and flavorless. The roasted garlic sauce from trader joe's is genuinely better than this. For some reason also, the meatballs tasted like literally nothing & the pasta was very overcooked. It was so odd and not what I expected. The pennette dish was better but nothing really amazing in my opinion. The plus side of the dishes was definitely the portion size. They are absolutely family size and can be split between probably two-four people. I'd come back to try something else for the venue, but nothing about the service or the food really stuck out to me. read more

Sapori Trattoria - espresso martini & dolce vita - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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8/8/26: The carbonara was definitely my favorite dish here - it was just so creamy and impactful. The overall vibe was nice. I didn't think the rigatoni vodka was great since the pasta was chewy and sauce didn't seem like it seeped into the pasta all the way. Loved the creme brûlée! read more

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Great food. So Loud! Could not have a conversation with our friends. So many people screaming over each other.

This is good neighborhood Italian in Lincoln Park that feels special enough for a treat but casual enough to pop in on a Tuesday for a plate of pasta at the bar. Standouts for me were the short rib, pasta contadina and the vanilla mascarpone. (Hosted experience.) read more

There was so much hype around this restaurant but honestly thats all it was.. hype.. I made reservation and arrived about 10 minutes early. We walked in and the hostess was crowded with people in such a small area. They seated up right away and walked us up stairs to the very back part of the restaurant. We were in this small cut away area with two other tables.. the inside wasn't that nice and it disnt look like much though has been put into the esthetic for a very long time.. When we sat down, and our server came to get out drink order. I ordered a glass of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, El Halcon, Rioja Alto Spain and my cousin ordered the Lady Fiori cocktail. The wine was recommended by our server and it was very enjoyable. The Lady Fiori was very strong with lots of changing flavors. They brought bread and Parmesan to the table and we enjoyed a slice while we waited for our food. We ordered the Calamari Fritti, the Vitello Meatballs, a Ceasar Salad, the Gnocchi Al Brivido and the Bucatini Carbonara. The bread was pretty good but we didnt eat it all right away because we wanted to enjoy it with our pastas. Unfortunately a server came to clear out table of appetizers ans took the bread before we could say anything.. The Calamari Fritti was very good! But for 19, they did not give us a lot.. that was unfortunate because it was the best thing we had to eat there.. the Vitello Meatball was cold when we cut into it.. we actually notified the server and she was like "okay put it back in will bring a new one" and she said it in such a rushing way we just did it. She brought out a new one and it was steaming got when we cut into it. She said it was cold because of the ricotta cheese on top of it but that wasn't true because the second one didn't get cold. The meatbal kind of fell apart as you ate it like it had no integrity ans kind of reminded me of a meatloaf. it wasn't impressive.. The Ceasar Salad was very well dressed and enjoyable. The Gnocchi Al Brivido was very fragrant and had good flavor but the chicken seems like it wasn't and good quality. The sun dried tomatoes in it were a very nice touch though. The Bucatini Carbonara was a huge serving, I was shocked when it came to the table, I was very excited to try it but i have to say it did not impress me.. the pancetta was bland ans fell apart every time I tried to grab a piece with my fork. The pasta was a lot thicket than spaghetti which made trying to eat it all little difficult. It wasnt that creamy either and when I tried to eat it, the noodles stuf together as if they had been sitting like that for a while. Honestly, it seemed like non of the food came out fresh or hot. I think a lot of things sat for a minute before being brought to out table. Where we sat was a little enclosed and they sat a group of girls in that very small area which made their voiced very loud and it was hard to hear each other at our own table.. Over all the food was okay but it was not worth paying $150 for okay service, painfully loud area, luke warm and just okay italian.. I won't be back. read more

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Been here multiple times and it rarely misses! Would recommend sitting outside in the summer. It's always a vibrant and lively scene with hearty pasta. read more

Sapori Trattoria might be my favorite Italian spot in Lakeview! If the weather is nice, they have big windows out front that open plus lots of patio tables outside. I was also surprised to find there is an upstairs to seat even more guests. We started with the Stella salad- loved the fresh fruit on top. It was the perfect appetizer before our pasta. We got the pennette cardinale and gnocchi al brivido. Both were very good, but my partner and I both agree the penne was the star of the show. Finished the night with the tiramisu, which was huge and delicious! They also have a large wine selection; we got a bottle of the moscato and while I wasn't expecting it to be sparkling, it was sooo good. Lots of tables around us got the carbonara, and it looked incredible. Would like to try that next time. Overall, definitely had a great experience. The one slight negative was the upstairs was packed so the room was a little loud. There seemed to only be one server for the whole floor as well, and she had her work cut out for her, but the staff was very friendly. read more

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My husband and I used to come to Sapori regularly for years. We came after not dining here for a year and were really disappointed. The service was pretty poor. Our salad didn't seem fresh and lacked flavor. Both of our pastas lacked seasoning and flavor as well. The cocktails and ricotta toast were good. Very pricey for the quality. This place used to be delicious so I'm hoping it was an off night. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Good variety of authentic Italian dishes served in a fun atmosphere by friendly staff! Portions are pretty big so good price/value. Also had good wine options 1/2 price for wine Wednesday. read more

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Had another great experience at Sapori Trattoria! I am SUCH a sucker for great Italian food, and I am a huge fan of this restaurant right here in Lincoln Park! The ambiance is so romantic and cozy, the wines are poured just right, and the selection of pastas and delicious dishes are incredible! My favorites from our meal were the Pennette Cardinale, the Pollo Ternana, and of course their decadent tiramisu! You really can't go wrong here. read more

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Love this spot. Great atmosphere, and the staff is friendly. Well above standard options for Italian food for this category and price point. read more

Solid restaurant, good outside seating, chill setting, and fine service (nothing to write home about)- overall left happy. They start you off with bread which is nice, though the olive oil isn't great. As for the dishes we ordered: Bruschetta - 7/10: Tasty and refreshing tomato and vinaigrette on top, but bread was unexpectedly soft (probably a little soggy because you could tell it was already toasted). Charred octopus - 10/10: DELICIOUS! One of the best octopus we've had in the city. Tender, good portion, delicious sauce, and great little potatoes. Truly amazing dish - highly recommend getting this. Cappellacci All'Aragosta - 2/10 from me and 5/10 from girlfriend: I simply didn't like it at all. Girlfriend thought it was tasty but didn't have enough seafood filling, as it was mostly cheese inside. Vodka sauce was not traditional although it was still good. Bucatini Carbonara - 4.5/10: Really average carbonara. The pancetta was more like thick slices of ham/canadian bacon which wasn't great and the dish just tasted kind of bland overall - just very cheesy. Dessert (on the house) - vanilla ice cream was great! Fried Italian donut was alright Paid $160 including tip overall - normal enough price for a restaurant like this, but definitely better restaurants out there at this price point. read more

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The servings are MASSIVE! So many leftovers and great options. Really enjoyed the look and feel as well. I didn't realize crème brûlée wasn't normal and s'mores so opted out but everyone at my table enjoyed it. read more

My first time at Sapori was maybe 7 years ago and every time I go, I am impressed with the quality, taste, and amazing service. Sapori truly never disappoints so I was excited to bring my friend for her first time. We went with the clams, burrata plate, and the pea ravioli. Everything was amazing as usual, but the clams were definitely our favorite dish. The sauce it comes in is so flavorful and just the right amount of spice (I need to go back for this dish). The kitchen staff was kind enough to split our entree for us as we decided to share the ravioli, which was a really nice touch. We were also pleasantly surprised to find-out that bottles of wine were 1/2 off for wine Wednesday! I remember a few years ago they used to send out birthday and 1/2 birthday cards via mail. I kind of miss this haha read more

Sapori Trattoria - Burratta plate Clams - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This restaurant had plenty of tables for seating but because of the way the tables were arranged throughout the building, it felt cozy and private. Our server and staff were all professional and attentive- checking in periodically. The burrata platter was delicious. I enjoyed the garlic spread. There were only four pieces of bread so we used the remainder on the free table bread (that came with Parmesan). Bolognese pasta's meat sauce was flavorful like I just ate a meatball. I especially like the large pastas. Pasta contadino came with a lot of delicious greens and garlic cream was noticeable but not overwhelming. Any of these pastas could be shared. Portion size was generous. read more

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Sapori Trattoria is such a great cozy, comforting meal in the Chicago winter! Their pastas are so creamy and flavorful. I loved the penne & gnocchi. We told them we were sharing the plates and they even split it up and brought the pastas on two separate dishes wish made it so convenient! Each 1/2 size looked like a full size meal, their portions are massive which I loved because we had leftovers! The chocolate cake for dessert is also delicious. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Coming from Italy my Italian food standard are high and often have trouble finding good Italian/Sicilian food that I deem acceptable here in the states... But Sapori's NEVA disappoints. I have been to this restaurant 3 times now this year and thoroughly enjoy my experience every time. I always get the calamari for a starter with an Aperol Spirtz, 10/10. The wait staff is fabulous and the kitchen is too. They can make any dish (within reason) on request and you are not bound to the menu. I feel like I'm back at my Nona's when I eat here LOL. So far I have had the pesto gnocchi, carbonara, and ravioli. Simple dishes with big flavor. I think my favorite is the handmade gnocchi. None of that frozen shit here... REAL ITALIAN BABY. Keep doing you Sapori!!!! read more

This place had a great ambiance!!! We started out with the complimentary bread, caesar salad, clams, and split the penne cardinale. The caesar was just alright-- didn't have a ton of flavor in the dressing. The clams & the pasta were my favorite things we had! The clams were very flavorful and yummy. Espresso martini was 10/10 perfect & vibes are pretty unbeatable, especially when decorated for Christmas! read more

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Went on a Saturday and they were a bit busy. The ambiance was warm, robust, and sultry. Our appetizers came out quickly. But our mains took over 45 minutes. I feel like the wait wasn't worth it. The dishes were okay, but lacking in flavor. The portions are good, but expected of an Italian restaurant. The best thing from this place is the meatballs! They're soft and flavorful and had the perfect flavor profile. Highly recommend. Service should be better at letting guests know their food is going to take forever. read more

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Really, really enjoyed this spot. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance transported me straight back to Europe--cozy, charming, and effortlessly romantic. The food was absolutely amazing, and honestly, I'd recommend everything we ordered (everything in my photo was a hit). The penne was cooked perfectly al dente--exactly how it should be. But the star of the night was the short rib. WOW. So tender, rich, and full of flavor. I don't even know everything that was in the sauce, but it was incredibly comforting and somehow reminded me of my childhood in the best way possible. We ended with the tiramisu, which was also excellent--not overly soaked in coffee, which I personally love. Balanced, light, and the perfect ending to the meal. The only downside was the service. For such a nice place, our server wasn't very attentive, and kind of just plopped down our food, but it was pretty busy, so that may have just been our experience. Overall, amazing food, great atmosphere, and absolutely a place I'll be coming back to. read more

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Sapori Trattoria is the kind of place that whispers romance the moment you step inside. Tucked away with a cozy, softly lit interior and warm wood tones that embrace you like an old friend, it's the perfect setting for an intimate dinner. Whether it's a first date or a quiet evening with someone special, Sapori radiates a kind of magic that feels deeply personal. But while the ambiance sets the mood, it's the food that carries the night into something unforgettable. I found myself caught in the best kind of dilemma, the menu is a treasure chest of mouth watering Italian classics, each dish more tempting than the last. After much contemplation, I finally chose the Bucatini Carbonara, and I couldn't have imagined a more perfect dish to mark this beautiful night. The Bucatini was a dream. Long, thick strands of pasta with just the right amount of chew, perfectly capturing every drop of the luscious sauce. The creaminess was indulgent but not overpowering -- a delicate balance of egg yolk and cream that created a velvety texture. Each bite was punctuated with the smoky richness of pancetta and crisped smoked bacon, their savory saltiness layering with the sweet softness of sautéed onions. A snowfall of grated Grana Padano added a nutty sharpness that elevated the entire experience. The sauce clung lovingly to the pasta, making every forkful a decadent, flavor-packed moment. The grilled chicken added a tender heartiness to the dish. Juicy and flavorful, the chicken was seared beautifully, with edges lightly crisped and a soft, well-seasoned interior that soaked up the richness of the carbonara without overpowering it. It added just the right amount of protein and texture, grounding the creamy sauce and enhancing the overall balance. Every bite was a warm embrace, layered, thoughtful, and deeply satisfying. It wasn't just a plate of pasta; it was a crafted experience. By the end of the meal, I felt as if I'd tasted something truly special, something made with care and intention. Sapori Trattoria doesn't just serve food; it tells a story through flavor, texture, and atmosphere. It's a place where you can fall in love, with the food, with the company, and with the night itself. read more

Sapori Trattoria - Bucatini Carbonara - Italian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After my most recent visit, I can confirm Sapori Trattoria remains an absolute gem of a Lincoln Park staple -- something they've been for nearly a quarter century. They have a great menu with so many delicious Italian-American staples, along with a rustic dining room and a lovely patio on a side street. Don't forget to keep visiting those longtime neighborhood staples, because most of the time they've been around for so long for good reason! read more

I really enjoyed Sapori, the vibes, service, and drinks were great. But honestly the food left a lot to be desired! Portions were great for the price, but the pasta (i think rigatoni caprese) was pretty bland. I liked that they used fresh tomato with the sauce but it was lacking spice and salt. The rigatoni tasted fresh but was a bit tough for my taste and the dish felt really heavy because of how thick the pasta was, with limited other ingredients in the dish. The Summer in sicily cocktail was amazing, and I'd go back for that! The tiramisu was decent, but my friends' gelato was Amazing and i would come back for that. Service was amazing, but wished they wouldve offered to bring out more bread before the entrees or checked on us more at the beginning. Overall I would recommend, maybe I just got the wrong thing because others seemed to enjoy! But drinks and dessert in my opinion were what stood out. read more

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It's been 10 years since I went to this restaurant and I'm so late in writing this review I still remember very clearly the night that my husband and I and his parents went to this restaurant and this was the week of the Chicago marathon that my husband ran, so it was very memorable. We flew in from California a few days prior and we stayed at the Embassy suites in Downtown Chicago. The drive to Lincoln Park to get to this Restaurant was a short one, but it was definitely more than a walk from our hotel. We got there before the restaurant officially opened so we waited about 10 minutes. The restaurant was incredibly clean. The staff was very nice, polite & warm. My mother-in-law ordered the spaghetti and she got bruschetta. My husband ordered Sausage w/peppers & onions. I honestly don't even remember what I ordered. I remember liking what I had but there was something my husband had that blew me away and it was this mini pumpkin that was stuffed with sausage and dressing. From the preparation of the mini pumpkin, I believe it was roasted beforehand, and then it was stuffed with sausage stuffing. I remember my husband saying that it was incredible and that I had to try it and when I did, it literally blew my socks away. I'm gonna finish this review, but I want to post this before I forget. read more

This place is still great! This restaurant is for all occasions. I've been here for birthdays and when people come visit from out of town. I love the Calabrian Clams and the octopus for appetizers. As for entrees, I love the seafood pasta and the risotto. For the seafood pasta, you can pick what kind of sauce with it. I've had the garlic & olive oil, the spicy garlic and olive oil, and the tomato sauce. All have been fantastic. I love the bread pudding and the gelato as well. All the staff here are wonderful. Don't be afraid to come here on your own, you can always sit at the bar and have a nice drink or dinner! read more

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Visited a few years back and have not stopped thinking about the gnocchi. I convinced my group to come back on a recent trip and was a little disappointed. The gnocchi was absolutely swimming in pesto. It was a little too much to be enjoyable this time around. But my husbands pennette cardindale was fab! I ate off his plate and there was still plenty to take home for leftovers still. Portions are generous! The vibe is cute at night with the string lights and blocked off street. Service could be a little friendlier but maybe that's just me not being used to the hustle and bustle of city life. read more

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I've now visited Sapori Trattoria three times, and the consistency is what keeps me coming back. The cocktails are well-balanced and visually appealing, perfect for a relaxed but elevated night out. The burrata platter was a standout--fresh, rich, and easily one of those dishes that quiets the entire table. Both the Pennette Cardinale and Spaghetti Barese were executed perfectly--flavorful, well-portioned, and satisfying without being heavy. Dessert sealed the experience: a cannoli-cheesecake combination that was both creative and indulgent. Overall, Sapori Trattoria delivers a consistently high-quality dining experience with a warm, intimate atmosphere. Ideal for date nights or girls' nights. read more