I'm so happy this spot finally got a full makeover -- it's now a cool, dark, moody modern Italian restaurant and bar, and honestly, I think this concept might actually stick. This property has been so many things over the years, but this one feels intentional, stylish, and like it truly belongs in North Park. We came for an anniversary dinner right at opening (5 PM). The host was friendly, let us choose our seating, and there were so many great options it was hard to pick. I love the pops of red, the cheetah print, the mid‑century touches, and the Italian‑themed poster art. It all comes together beautifully. Our server was warm and checked on us often. The menu is definitely pork‑forward, so our options were a bit limited, but everything still sounded delicious. We ordered the short rib croquettes, Caesar salad, the white pesto wagyu pasta, and the special of the night -- a short rib with truffle cream sauce. Food and drinks came out quickly. They offer wine, beer, and a few cocktails, plus a solid happy hour at the bar with good drink deals. Entrées are on the pricier side, but that's expected for a modern Italian spot. Every dish was flavorful, rich, and generously portioned. The standout was the short rib rigatoni -- creamy, perfectly cooked, and incredibly satisfying. We each ate half our pastas and were stuffed. They also thoughtfully boxed our leftovers and surprised us with a little treat for our anniversary, which we really appreciated and enjoyed. Such a sweet touch. Overall, Sono feels like a great addition to the neighborhood -- stylish, cozy, and serving genuinely delicious food. I'd definitely come back for a special occasion, a birthday, or even a casual happy hour with friends. read more