Outside and inside seating It was beautiful night so we set outside. Fairly extensive wines although mostly reds Pizza one of their specialities Others ordered specials of evening Pork tenderloin and seafood pasta Service great, European style in that they did not hover or rush us but were attentive read more

I'll need a second visit to Sophia's. I went during the heat wave (108° index) and there's no way I could sit outdoors in the blazing sun. Note: they don't have air conditioning inside either--but we were seated in a booth under a ceiling fan. It was tolerable. They did seem to gate-keep ice cubes--we had to keep asking for them. The calamari was pretty standard except for the cornmeal batter, which I enjoyed. The sausage, peppers & onions were delicious but I needed some yellow mustard to get the Fenway feel. My eggplant parm was saucy and delicious. The pasta is homemade. My date had the mussels over polenta--this is more saucey and less brothy. The heat really impacted my date night vibe and I'll have to go back in cooler weather. I thought the dessert choices were limited (only 3-tiramisu, lemon cake, and cannoli). Not a gelato or sorbetto in sight. Julie was an excellent server who checked back often and offered suggestions when we asked. read more

See all

Such a nice place. This time I was disappointed by the canneloni, but I have eaten well there before. I will go back.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Came here for my birthday meal a bit ago and it was super cute![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The entrance is a bit hidden but follow the signs out front and walk down the brick path![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We ordered the calamari, patatas bravas, pesto pasta, pizza and meatball sub. I loved the calamari, the pesto was also tasty. The meatball sub came with fries and those were so good - fresh and crispy (I think their fries were actually better than the thicker cut appetizer patatas) Would definitely come back next time I'm in the area!! read more

Sophia's Grotto - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

Something has changed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As many others have said the setting is lovely, the waitstaff are friendly, that's still true.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I've been going here with my partner for about 5 years, until last year, it was a favorite dinner spot. Then last year the food quality changed, radically. Overcooked pasta, bland under seasoned food, overcooked meats. We gave Sophia's a break for a few months to see if things improved back to the old standard, but unfortunately it just hasn't, if anything it's declined even more. Super sad to no longer have this as a nice Italian dinner spot. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a hotspot all year round, but it is particularly popular in the summer because they have a beautiful outdoor patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The pasta is freshly made and absolutely perfectly cooked. The servers and waiters are always very kind and check on you often without being overbearing. Last time I was here I had the pasta with some vegetables and it was so simple yet so absolutely delicious. The wine selection and appetizers are amazing and truly you cannot go wrong with anything you order. read more

Would've gone 4 1/2 stars if available. Really good food - especially the pasta. Tasted fresh and homemade. Service was friendly and helpful. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice outdoor seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Really enjoyed. Would definitely return when/if in the area. read more

See all

This restaurant was so disappointing. We went here with some friends, who told us they liked the restaurant. However, something was just not right tonight. All diners needed to ask for salt. I ordered the parpedelle, and it was actively foul. The pasta was very,VERY overcooked, the sauce was bland and it was truly one of the worst pasta dishes I've ever eaten. I took my left overs home only because I was worried about insulting my friends who recommended this restaurant. (I ended up tossing the box.) It turns out, my friends were equally unimpressed with their dishes. Perhaps it was an off night, but this was an uninspiring dinner. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVED my Friday night dinner here!!! My best friend and I came here as a party of 2 on a busy Friday night with no reservations, and were luckily able to get seated regardless with no wait. There is ample seating inside and outside, and the restaurant has a modern Italian feel. Parking is a little bit confusing, but we were able to find a small lot right by the restaurant. Service was quick and efficient, and the waitress was so friendly! We ordered drinks, and the restaurant ran out of the regular sized glasses, so we were able to get refills as needed due to the smaller glass size. For food, I ordered the Parma sandwich, which was very good. I was a little bit deceived though, as I thought it would be a chicken parm sandwich, but the sandwich apparently did not come with a chicken cutlet so I had to request it. I was not charged extra for this, which was quite generous. The sandwich was very tasty-- with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, greens, and prosciutto. The fresh mozzarella was one of the best I've ever had-- so flavorful! The fries were also tasty, and the portions were huge. I will so be back! read more

Sophia's Grotto - Parma sandwich (add crispy chicken) with fries - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great atmosphere on patio and server was great!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Entrees were ok at best-We ordered paella, tortellini, rigatoni & salmon in our group. A little too liberal with salt on tortellini dish-other dishes were "just ok" There are better options in area in my opinion - read more

I visited Sophia's as part of Boston's restaurant week. We ate on their outdoor patio, which was calming and quiet despite some rather loud children. Our server was knowledgeable about the ingredients in the meals available, which I appreciated - she was easily able to tell me whether specific meals were vegetarian. I started with the arancini, which were rich and light and served with a slightly sweet marinara. The flavors married well together and led to a pleasing feel on the palate. For my main course I had the spinach raviol. The pasta and filling were delicious, as were the cooked vegetables alongside it. My one issue was the sauce, which felt a touch too acidic and didn't quite complement the other components of the dish. It was also a rather thin sauce, which made it difficult to get a good serving of sauce with each raviolo. For dessert, I had the tiramisu. This was rich yet fluffy, and the coffee flavor and the custard-like base worked well together. Overall, I had a great experience here. However, I'd suggest just ordering a la carte off the regular menu - there's no deal to be had by ordering off of the dine out Boston menu, and you'll have many more offerings to choose from, particularly if you are vegetarian. read more

Sophia's Grotto - Spinach ravioli - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Sophia's Grotto has a nice ambiance and in a little courtyard of restaurants in an alley off the street.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dark interior has an old speakeasy vibe and big open ceilings, and appears to have been a carriage house or something industrial long ago.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is also very well crafted with tons of flavors, and fresh ingredients and preparation. We started with some broccoli Rabe with garlic that was perfectly prepared with a slight crunch and a lot of flavor. We also had the potato gravas, with horseradish sauce and spicy tomato sauce, and crispy potato wedges that really blended well together. Everything we ordered was delicious and generous portions. I definitely would enjoy going back to try some other dishes. The service was good and though we were early for dinner hour, we were well attended to. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very cute little restaurant! Old world charm and decor. Looks like a little village inside and a large patio outside[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Nice bar in the corner with lots of beer and wine options. The menu is pretty upscale with salads, small plates, entrees, thin crust pizza and sandwiches. We were greeted as soon as we entered and taken to a small table. Or server greeted us with a smile moments later, brought us water and drinks and came back three times since we couldn't decide what we wanted right away. We ordered a Boston Lettuce Salad with greens, vinaigrette, walnuts and blue cheese, cannelloni with cheese, spinach, Italian sausage and marinara sauce and arancini -risotto balls with mushroom and mozzarella and marinara sauce Really long wait for food. Especially since the people next to us who ordered after us got their food first with the same waitress and they ordered almost the same food. The sauce was a little sweet for me but my wife liked it We ended up asking for bread since none was offered but was provided. Bread was average. Cannelloni was good. Lots of cheese and sausage, lots of sauce but the pasta was a little overcooked. Still overall good. Arancini was good. Crispy on the outside, good flavors, but most it that came from the sauce. Perfect portion size. Prices are a little high but not completely out of range. I expected more. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere is a 5, server and hostess are a 4 and food is a 3.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Tucked away in a side alley (brightly lit though) is a Roslindale gem for dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Good for dates or a romantic night out, Sophia's Grotto offers delicious Italian dishes 90% authentic with a 10% creativity factor. service was kind and efficient, not pushy but personable and our waitress checked in frequently. Dishes were flavorful if fairly salty, not in the way you don't enjoy the food in the moment but you find yourself craving the extra glass of water later that night. Standout for me was the tapenade as the bread was warm when served and the flavor was very refreshing. read more

See all

Went back recently. And I've loved this place in the past . But feels like it's deteriorated - across the board. Service, food, drinks everything. May have to wait till I go back read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Sitting outdoors on a warm summer night with family, enjoying delicious meals and drinks - priceless.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

I have been a customer of Sophia's Grotto for decades (miss their brunch). [[HIGHLIGHT]]The outdoor space is great in the back courtyard along with all the other establishments--you can't beat an outdoor patio![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Over the years, I have watched as the menu stayed static which is great for consistency but specials would be nice to have. If there are any, the server didn't let us know. (was a Saturday) A recent visit has me wondering if it has changed management. The server was not good, the bread was stale with crust hard as a rock, and the broccolini was the worst thing I have ever tasted. read more

Tucked away in an alley way in the middle of Roslindale Square, Sophia's Grotto will transport you to a trattoria in Italy. Food, service and atmosphere are great. Not included in our photos are pictures of the Torino, a thin-crust pizza filled with mushrooms and drizzled with truffle oil, fried calamari, and cheese ziti with meatballs for our 3 year old. I highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for Italian. Pro tip: You can find free municipal parking just across the street next to the Citizens Bank parking lot. read more

Sophia's Grotto - Caserecci al Pesto. - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

See all

Went for restaurant week and loved our servers and food! [[HIGHLIGHT]]really cute restaurant with a very homey vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Must tries: stuffed artichoke, cheesecake read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]We stopped for cocktails on a pretty covered patio with overhead heaters.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I enjoyed my cocktail made with campari and prosecco. Hubby had blood orange gin and tonic read more

Sophia's Grotto - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

[[HIGHLIGHT]]During our most recent visit the food and ambiance were very good, as always.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] All four of us had main dishes we enjoyed. The service was not up to par. The waitress seemed distracted. She didn't remember one of the appetizers we ordered. Near the end of the meal she brought us the check and credit card slip to sign, which was odd as I had not seen the check, or given her a card. It was another patrons bill and card. We like this place a lot and will be back, but hope the service is better next time. read more

First time at Sophia's grotto and I will definitely be returning. We met family at the restaurant and had multiple appetizers and meals. Everyone commented on how great everything was prepared. Always nice when 6 people all enjoy their food. The staff is friendly and attentive and the service was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We ate at the outdoor patio which is a very nice setting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will return 4.5 stars! read more

Unfortunately the restaurant produced a below mediocre dinner for us on the evening after Thanksgiving. We came at the end of the night and I suspect that the restaurant's A-team had gone home leaving behind the cleaning staff to make our meal. The inside dining room was casual and cute but as patrons left the restaurant cold gusts of wind blasted our table. Our waitress was pleasant and attentive, the rest of the staff not so much. We had to ask for the complimentary french bread and were given the stumps of the loaf because "they ran out of bread." Yum! We started with sangria that was below average, lacking any visible fruit in the carafe. Burrata appetizer was uninspired and the fried artichokes were burnt and lacking flavor. Both appetizers were overpriced, not particularly generous portions, and lousy to my taste. We all had pasta dishes and mine was the worst; linguine with meatballs that tasted like it was homemade by my mother (who didn't qualify for "The Worst Cooks in America" reality show because she doesn't know how to turn on an oven so she boils everything until it dissolves). The linguine was so overcooked that it was like the pasta you'd give a toddler, and the meatballs tasted like hamburger. Adding a pile of shredded parmesan cheese couldn't hide the overly sweet and monotone flavored plum tomato marinara sauce that bathed the swamp of linguine. I got a big, whole canned plum tomato right in the middle of my plate. Others in my party had a pesto pasta, eggplant parmesan (served over the same pasty, overcooked linguine with the same marinara sauce) and gnocchi with vodka sauce. The consensus was that all of these dishes were average, but my family is really compassionate, so that means the food sucked! We skipped desert having been disappointed by the meal and spent nearly $200 with tax and tip for the four of us. This used to be family favorite place when we came to visit. Now we won't be coming back. read more

Its like stepping into Italy! The outdoor seating is relaxing and makes you feel like you are on vacation. Try the open face ravioli. You will not be disappointed! read more

Sophia's is a magical grotto, from beginning to end. At first we weren't exactly sure where the restaurant was because you have to walk down a mini red stone alley. The walk completely takes you out of Boston into a tiny little village of restaurants. I began the evening with a house-made sangria and because I like sweet drinks I had to ask for simple syrup to make mg sangria more palatable. For our food order we decided to get "small plates" and eat tapa style. We ordered the patatas bravas, brussel sprouts, meatballs, and stuffed eggplant. We weren't sure if four appetizers was enough for us, and the answer was YES. The portions were very reasonable for two people. The patatas bravas were different because unlike most tomato sauces this one tasted like cocktail sauce. Frankly, I'm not sure how I feel about cocktail sauce in potatoes, but if it helps we finished the dish. The brussel sprouts was our least favorite dish - they lacked flavor and basic seasoning (salt pepper). I think the chef could make them crispier and add an oil drizzle to avoid the dryness. I wasn't a fan of the cranberries and goat cheese, but perhaps it's because it needed flavor. The meatball were absolutely delicious, they tasted homemade, and I loved the sliced red onions with the meted cheese. The eggplant was my favorite dish. It was thinly sliced eggplant stuffed with ricotta and cooked in a tomato sauce. Overall, Sophia's is an experience and gem. I would highly recommend for a date or evening with people you dearly love. I'm looking forward to returning and trying new items on the menu. read more

See all

The food was quite good. The service was disappointing to say the least. - drinks arrived after we finished with the entree and the "mocktails" are served in a can (not even poured into the glass) read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Eating outside and Sophia's Grotto is a joy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But when the food was just not good and it's happens a few times, it makes you think about other places to eat that have lovely outdoor places. And it wasn't just with one course it was with all the courses. The Mediterranean salad felt like it was from Bertucci's with the quality of greens and overdressing. The salmon dish was overcooked as was the seabass special. And to add injury to insult, the mashed potatoes were definitely day old as they were so starchy stiff. Each dish had sautéed green beans which were also way overcooked. Both dishes were just sad. Our server didn't even notice that the salmon dish was only half eaten at and didn't engaged with us to see why that was. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We just didn't feel like complaining as was the reason we were trying to head out in a lovely environment in the first place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Love this spot, food is great, service is also excellent and [[HIGHLIGHT]]the patio is lovely[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great for a date night or dinner out with friends[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was solid, drinks were good, ambience was excellent, food was subpar.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This was our 1st visit to Sophia's Grotto, we have never heard a negative thing about this restaurant. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside, so lovely on a warm summer evening.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server was attentive and pleasant. The food was blah. We got the scallop risotto and it had zero flavor at all. We loaded it with salt and pepper, no improvement. We also got the tortellini dish, it was just ok. We will give this restaurant another shot. read more

While I never knew this alley existed w/ various shops, glad my friend suggested it. There is an outdoor patio which is lovely. They thankfully have some veg*n options which is good. Good drinks, good food, & good ambiance but pricey. I would say the service was good too but the server spent a bit too much time w/ their resident skunk that comes out every evening & steals the show. I think more time should be spent on customers so we can order dessert, get check, etc. It took longer than it should have so maybe just depends on who & when you go. read more

As usual a great meal and tier 1 customer service......Thank you Hailey. Scallops and risotto was perfectly cooked and my Old Fashion was text book made. Please make reservations and indicate inside or outside dining for peace of mind. read more

Cute little restaurant with amazing servers. We ate in their patio which had heaters and plexiglass that shielded us from the 50 degree breeze. Lifesavers for this SoCal girl! I had their Caserecci al Pesto (DELICIOUS!) and a Federico Fellini Martini (Tanquerey, Elderflower, Grapefruit and Basil). I couldn't tell you what everyone else had because I devoured my meal! The Cheesecake and Chocolate Cake were ok. We will definitely be back! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The back patio is a great dinner date spot on a nice day.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great atmosphere both inside and outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Has an old world feel to it which makes it very homey and provides a great atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food portions are massive and for a great price. All of the apps are worth trying as well. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Perfect spot for a more casual, but very nice dinner date.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Went to Sophia's Grotto Friday night to celebrate my son's birthday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]While the waitstaff was pleasant and ambiance was great, the food was a disappointment from the appetizer to main course.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The IPA on draft was warm. In addition the cost of the dinner was extremely expensive. I've been to the Grotto many times in the past years, but this was my first visit recently. I have to say I was very sad since this was one of my go to places iin the area. read more

Great spot! feels like Italy when you walk around the corner and see the lights. Hidden gem. Wonderful food! Great staff!

Joe and Sonia have run the Grotto through good times and bad and I'm so happy they have. While restaurants around them have come and gone, Sophia's has remained a prime gathering place and mecca for good food in Roslindale Village. Their arancini are the best I've ever had in Boston -- way better than a place I traveled to in the North End specifically for their arancini -- and their stuffed eggplant is always tender and fresh. Their proscuitto-wrapped artichoke hearts are a classic! Thin-crust pizza is always a great choice, and I can't leave without having a side of their tender and juicy meatballs. I'm not a drinker, but the bar at Sophia's is always a merry and cozy part of the dining room and adds to the warm welcome -- as does the open kitchen with blazing pizza oven! Sophia's has become a mainstay in Roslindale, and I'm so grateful it has! read more

Doesn't look like much when you walk by because of how tuck away this little hole in the wall is situated. However, this place did not disappoint. I've practically lived in Roslindale my whole childhood and never came here. It was the cutest set up outside with the led lights and expose brick walls throughout the whole restaurant. Came for my birthday dinner although they didn't have any birthday dessert for me for my birthday since I'm gluten free. The atmosphere was great but no gluten free pasta here. read more

Sophia's Grotto - Italian Near Me - Roslindale, Massachusetts

A hidden gem down an alleyway that opens up into a courtyard. The food and ambiance were fantastic. The fresh made pasta was delish!!!

We had an absolutely wonderful experience at Sophia's Grotto. The food was incredible and the service was the best we've had since restaurants have started to reopen. The Caserecci al Pesto was the highlight of the night. I cannot find the words to describe how delicious it was. We are on the patio in the grotto and it was lovely! The tables are still a bit spaced out and we felt like we had plenty of space to enjoy ourselves and be at ease. Can't wait to return! read more

See all

The entire staff is just amazing: friendly, helpful, attentive and accommodating. The food is always fabulous. I recommend everything on the menu. Lovely outdoor seating in a piazza in the warmer months. In the cooler weather, you are transported to an authentic restaurant in Italy. Order your favorite cocktail. The bartenders know what they are doing. Mangia! read more