We've been trying to find authentic Italian in the area and still have had no luck. When we walked in and they were speaking in Italian, we thought that this would finally be the right place. Unfortunately, it was far from it. (And before anyone judges, yes I am Italian and lived for a very long time in Italy...) The carbonara was not even close to authentic carbonara. True Italian carbonara is egg yolks, Parmesan, pepper and guanciale... NO cream. It was definitely disappointing for us, so we will continue on our hunt for true Italian cuisine that hasn't been modified / Americanized. Although the food didn't live up to our expectations, the service was great and it was lovely being able to speak in Italian with others.. but again, I wish the actually food was kept to the original recipes. read more

Their lasagna is amazing! Honestly, the best I've ever had. It's a big portion so you have plenty of leftovers. I've only ever done take out. The restaurant has a parking lot which is super helpful because the area is very busy. read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - an empty street - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

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The food was good but we waited too long for it. They have a lay back attitude I don't like that

They didn't even try to accommodate us. Walked into an empty restaurant and was told we could only eat at the bear. So we sat at the bar. Then he said oh, you want food? That will be at least 3 hours. Restaurant still empty. Very odd. read more

Wow!!! What a fantastic meal! I had Shrimp Scampi, shared a bottle of Barolo wine and enjoyed perfectly prepared Tiramisu. Great service by Daniel and the crew. Reasonable prices and terrific wine selection. I'd definitely go back! read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - a slice of cake on a plate - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

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Great "old school" Italian Food!!! Every dish was exceptional, a real gem in Elizabeth!!

I must first say if you want to eat quick this is not the place for you. IT is a place with very good authentic Italian food. I see the complaints of their food taking a long time,,this is the way they do things here so if you have no patience find another place to eat. (There are currently 3 tables it is very relaxed and no one complained about their food taking a long time because they know that's how it is here) Anyway let's get straight to the food! The clams casino were small with perfectly crispy bacon on top The clams slid right out of the shell. The casino butter was perfect for bread dipping afterwards. The veal francaise you can cut with a fork and had the perfect flavor. I also had a side of linguini with olive oil and garlic cooked to a perfect Al dente! I also had the tirimisu it was homemade. A little too much marscapone but if thats the worst I will definitely be back. The service was excellent by the way! read more

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Went to this restaurant on our last day in NJ and was disappointed. Service was nice super attentive but the waiters looked and sounded miserable, what seemed to be the owner asked if a wait for our food is okay we were in no rush so we said sure. Two other tables in this restaurant were being used and the wait for our food was an hour long. Insane. Save your money and go somewhere else. Then the guy in charge had the audacity to ask about how much we tipped he said "this isn't fast food you know" yes clearly with that wait time it isn't fast food. Definitely put a bad taste in our mouths about this place. Food was a 4/10 good but not worth that long of a wait time and the bread was warm on the outside and cold on the bottom. read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - a guest check - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

Old school Italian restaurant. Great food and service. Very chill inside. Try the Chicken Francese and the tiramisu. Awesome spot!

Chose this establishment for the 4.5 star rating, pictures looked good. Walked in on a Saturday night at 5:15 pm, children were working the coat room. We asked if it was seat yourself or if their was a maitre d'. An older gentleman came our and said that it is reservations only and they cannot accommodate us. (There were ten open tables and only two parties, one couple and a party of three) we asked if we could dine at the bar. The maitre d' said sure. We sat and ordered drinks. Then asked for a menu. The maitre d'/ bartender said oh the kitchen is a bit backed up and it will be about 2 hours before you will be served. There are 5 people in here, how are they that backed backed up. We left. read more

Wow found this place after looking at reviews. This place is off the beaten path and has an older looking building, but inside there is the most amazing food made from scratch. I live in Florida and so happy I chose to try this place and my co workers were equally impressed. It's family owned and the owner is just as nice as can be. Service is fantastic, wine is superb, and the food is unbelievable. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Elizabeth!!! If you're a foodie this is a definite stop!! read more

In Newark on business and went here because of good Yelp reviews and description. Like old school Italian and this is it. Food was wonderful, I had the special Chicken, Shrimp, and Veal Francese. It was delicious. Had a Sambucca at the bar with locals after dinner and chatted with John, the owner. Would definitely recommend. read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

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Ordered the lasagna and the veal parmesan: BOTH were a disaster. The food here tastes like you handed someone a recipe for something they've never made before.. We went for dessert to see if we could at least enjoy that - the tiramisu was soggy and presented like it was dumped on a plate at a prison cafeteria, the coffee was washed was like a tea. I'm surprised they are in business with this low quality food charged at Manhattan prices.. most shocking to see the place was packed - tells you there aren't many good Italian restaurants here. read more

This place was a bit of a disappointment. The outside could use a lot of sprucing up. The inside is one large dimly lit dining room. I had called for a reservation and when we got there went to inform the host we had all arrived. He didn't let me speak and just told me to wait over there. We waited for 20 mins, were seated and then waited over an hour for our food. The food was ok nothing amazing. read more

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This is by far and away one of the best Italian dining experiences I've ever had. We come here every year when on work in the Newark area.

Great place ! We drove down from PA just to eat here based off the reviews and pictures. One hour and 45 minutes later we had one of the best meals we have ever had. This place is like an old school Brooklyn restaurant. The wait staff and the owner go out of the way to make sure everything goes right. We will be back and I can't wait. read more

The worst food I've ever put in my mouth , the service was terrible and establishment looks like it's in the 1800s.

Hubby had family in Elizabeth so this has been our local authentic old school made from scratch Italian restaurant for family/relative and friends get togethers. We've been here several times for large family style meals. Depending on how many people is how we determine how many entrees etc. We always start out with about 3 different kind of wines. They have a full bar also. The waiters give each table section complete family style Italian bread, appetizers, olive/relish tray and several entrees nicely timed out. Since our groups are large we always get an excellent variety of all fresh cooked Italian entrees. The larger the group the more variety. We've had some pretty incredible appetizers and entrees with the much larger groups. Sorry can't remember everything but all the food was so delicious! This recent time I took a few pics but couldn't get every entree. Some entrees and appetizers were already partially gone by the time I took the pics. Not every family style entree came to me first. The variety of Italian entrees is quite extensive that you can order because the chef is very knowledgeable and makes everything fresh. Call ahead for a large group. This last time we had fresh made Italian nut chocolate biscotti's for dessert and coffee. You can order after dinner drinks also. What is nice is that you can order pretty much anything and the chef or bar can make it. The wait staff is extremely polite and professional!!! Truly a pleasure :)! They serve regular meals also for individuals, couples or very small groups. Truly everything about our visits each time has been 5 star. Best place in Elizabeth for Italian food. Plenty of parking on side of building. Yelp Review #336 read more

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Great food and good people. Everyone is friendly and in this area that's not easy to find. Had a hard time finding good Italian food when I moved here from NY and this place was a breath of fresh air. read more

My best friend hosted a late luncheon reunion at Toria A Sorrento for my husband and I when we arrived from Texas in late October along with his girlfriend and prayer partner. We were warmly greeted by John, the owner, and served the most delicious fresh fish (monk and salmon) and pasta "to live for"! I found this extraordinary restaurant through reviews and only wish I lived much closer to make it our regular place for celebrations and when we wanted to feel "at home"! Our round table with the warm and sunny open doors provided great joy. We highly recommend this restaurant for delicious and authentic Italian food in a loving home-type atmosphere! read more

Food was good, got the chicken franchaise. Came with good Italian bread. Small quaint little place, super cozy.

The owner made sure my mother and I were taken care of, especially after we told him we traveled all the way from Texas just to eat there. The salads were so fresh that the produce tasted as if it were just picked right from the garden. It was probably the best salad I ever had. I could tell from the presentation that the lasagna was made from scratch. Generous portions, reasonably priced. Excellent food and service! I hope to be back again someday. read more

Authentic Italian food. Great customer service. Great food. Had fried zucchini fried mozzarella chicken parm and creamy tortellini. All the food was delicious and tasted fresh. Ordered sangria too. It was just okay had better. Overall great place and fair prices read more

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Had dinner here mid-May. The reviews are right; this place is unbelievably good. I'm suspicious anyone who had a bad experience here actually is writing about a different place. Wife and I had peppers and mozzarella appetizer along with grilled squid. The squid was incredibly tender and the sauce and preparation of both dishes was outstanding. For entrees had red snapper special and wife had eggplant with sausage. Both were perfectly prepared, perfectly seasoned, and perfect in their simplistic perfection overall! Portions here are large and you will probably be bringing food home. Overall I loved the meal. It's simple, unpretentious home-style Italian cooking of the highest order. It's nice to know places like this still exist and I look forward to returning. read more

Wonderful ambience. The service is always great too. Delicious food, would definitely recommend.

Cozy and comfortable restaurant! The food is good, and they have a parking lot which is very nice. read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

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Nothing in this area compares to Torna, it is the best authentic Italian restaurant. I've been coming here with my family for years and it is our go-to when friends visit. John and his staff are professional and provide great service. read more

I was really hoping to love this place but unfortunately I didn't. The appetizers were very good so I was looking forward to a wonderful dinner. I ordered the special veal Osso Buco, was very disappointed in the brown gravy sauce that was on the veal it tasted like it was from a bottle. The only good thing I can say about the meal was the veal was cooked very nicely where it was falling off the bone the gravy was a disgrace, not to mention the dish was $42 which I don't mind paying but I would've expected the gravy to have a wonderful home-cooked taste. read more

Great local spot! Service was excellent and food was very good! Obviously an old favorite as many of the guests seemed to know the staff. I was told the sons of the owner now run the place. I'd definitely recommend this place and will return when staying at EWR area. read more

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I was a tad reluctant to visit Torna A Sorrento as it looked like a neighborhood place that outsiders may not be all that welcome. Maybe I just watched too many Soprano's episodes, but wondering in off the street to a quiet Italian restaurant in NJ while dining alone raised a few flags. However, I am glad that I decided to go. Upon walking in, I saw no Hostess, but the man behind the bar came out and gave me an inquisitive look. I admit, I am not from around here and I stood out in the crowd. He asked me if I wanted a table or if I preferred to sit at the bar. Wanting to go with the flow, I told him that I would sit wherever he wanted me to sit. I think this helped get off to a good start. After seating me at the bar, the same guy (John) gave me an extensive menu to pick from. As I looked around there was not many other people in the place, except for another nice couple at the bar and a business meeting of some sort that included a gathering of about 12 men who looked like they meant business. Again, maybe too many Soprano episodes. As time passed, I began to like the place. I overheard the couple at the bar mention the beach, so we struck up a conversation. To prove what a small world it is, I learn their son belongs to the same organization I work for, and I would later learn that the guy (Bob) and I are Fraternity Brothers. It was an amazing experience. John, seeing that I had befriended the nice couple joined in the conversations. It was quite an experience. I walked in with suspicions and apprehension. I left with friends. I am reminded about the Billy Joel lyrics - "John at the bar is a friend of mine". John and Bob made this stop in New Jersey a great one. I will be back for sure. Oh yeah,,,,, and the food is pretty good as well! :-) read more

Food was amazing, staff very attentive. Authentic Italian food. Just wish the menu was in English terms as well as Italian. I had to google the menu items. Going back!!! read more

My go to restaurant.! Sorrento's is always my choice when dining out, meeting up with friends . You can count on delicious food with terrific service in a nice relaxing atmosphere. Never disappointed. Been going here for many years & will continue to do so. No one beats their Franchaise dishes & the wonderful seasonal vegetables! Can't wait to go back! read more

Introduced to this place as a kid.My Mom (Sabina DeVinzenso,recent passed) grow up with Johnny .They have the best Mozzarella this side of Italy. read more

Everything from the cocktails, decor, food, wine list, and dessert was top notch. Such a wonderful dining experience.Highly recommend.

My first stop whenever I am in the Newark area on business. The team at Sorrento is so welcoming and professional. The Clams Casino are 100% the best! From there, gotta have the Eggplant Parm and the Veal Saltimboca. Did I forget desert? How could I? They are all home made! Take care John and see you as soon as we start flying again! read more

Torna A Sorrento Restaurant - Pre-flight Eggplant Parm at the Bar with John. Routine! Outstanding! A must before the schlepp back to Chicago! - Italian Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

I would give this place zero stars if I could. There was a sign in the window that there was a "private event" going on until 6:30. The guy at the door told me to come back in 5-10. I waited 20 and showed back up at 6:50. When I got back to the door I was rudely waved off / shooed away from inside. Real class acts here. read more

Drove from Pennsylvania for dinner Saturday night. We order the mozzarella en carrozza and zucchini fritters. They were both huge platters with plenty to take home. I order the baked ziti which was also a platter full with leftovers to take home. My husband order the puttanesca dish which also was delicious. John and staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. We look forward to our next trip very soon. read more

Man came to this place on Saturday and have to say I loved everything from the inside of the restaurant to the food. Order fried calamari,chicken parm,and a couple of more dishes man their sauce it's awesome loved it just give me a loaf of bread and I'll dip away. Food was excellent can't wait to go back. read more

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My husband's parents were from Italy, and he usually refuses to eat anything but his mamas sauce. However, we were starving after a long travel day and he didn't put up a fight. We loved everything about this place. From the excellent sauces to his tasty pork chops. Even the appetizer olives were yummy. I told him I'd even fly from Cali just to eat there. read more

Really old time feeling here but in a good way. The decor is like walking into a 1950s Era mob restaurant. The waiters are in dress shirts and ties which kind of makes you feel underdressed if your casual like most people. Now onto the food. We ordered chicken parmigian with linguine and fettuccine Alfredo with chicken. Both were amazing, nice portions and so delicious. The only negative I can say is that it took a while for the food, they make everything al dente which is nice but not if your in a hurry. Try this place you will not be disappointed, just make sure your not in a rush. read more