Sorrento Pizza & Pasta

Reviews

• Stephen S.

  star star star star star 26 May 2026

  I discovered this skyway Italian restaurant several years go after taking a job downtown nearly a decade ago. My co-workers and boss introduced me to it, and since then I've tried to come here on a regular basis. I'm sure everyone has a "rotation" if you work in a locale such as downtown Minneapolis. This has featured heavily in my personal rotation. I started frequenting this restaurant when they were in a much smaller space in the Soo Line Building, and found their expanded space in the Northstar West building superior to the former in terms of space for seating. However, this place is so popular, I have in the last few months have found the dining area to be at capacity, leading to an awkward Minnesota encounter where I have to *gasp* sit right next to another patron in tables that are "touching". Recently, it has come to my attention from frequent skyway lunchtime excursions that they are working on an "annexe" in the Qwest building just two blocks from my office.
  
  To me, this is a boon to me because this food and Sorrento Cucina represents the sweet spot between mediocre Italian and high bough Italian. The amazing and delicious every man Italian food, that your mother would make if your family was Italian. The meatballs are something I would want to have in my freezer to eat for dinner, but they wouldn't taste the same microwaved later that night. They have the classic Italian flavor that so many places attempt but fail at so readily, Their sauce is has perfect flavor; a delicate balance between savory, a bit a perfect balance of sweet flavor and a killer recipe. So order their Spaghetti and Meatballs, and judge for yourself. Their lasagna is is served in massive proportion, the first time I had this, I could not finish it, and this was coming from someone with a big appetite. Definitely good for leftovers. Another highlight is the Chicken Parmigiana that is a weekly special on Wednesday. They also serve this on Thursdays off menu. Great taste and tenderness on the chicken, and very well done breading along with tender penne. Did I mention the meatball or sausage subs, loaded with peppers. In general, the menu is very delicious.
  
  Value-wise, the price is usually reasonable for the food quality. You pay just slightly more than an average skyway dining establishment but are willing to fork it over due to the high food quality. The servers and owners are extremely friendly, consistently delivering a high degree of service.
  
  As for the salad...it is certainly average (though not bad) and I have grown to enjoy it, along with the dressing. You really should enjoy this place due to the entree.
  
  In summary, this is an independent Italian restaurant, using family recipes, with a very high food quality to value ratio. Friendly staff and delicious flavor should make this a regular stop if you work downtown.

• Yeeleng V.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 May 2026

  I've been here a few times before, but have a new outlook POST-my trip to Italy. I had the Penne Bolognese to-go with a portion of sausage and a meatball.
  
  I actually was pleasantly surprised at some of the nuance in the sauce. The variation of herbs gave the sauce a distinct taste that I enjoyed :) Unfortunately the penne, I felt, was overdone for my taste (too soft and of a single texture that gave easily when you take a bite versus being al dente. If the pasta broth (boiled with salted water) was combined with the sauce and tossed so the starch binded the sauce and penne I feel like this dish would actually be restaurant caliber (because of the herbs and flavor inherent in the sauce). Instead the sauce was just put on top (which is pretty standard here in America). Also little bit more saltiness built into the penne from being boiled in salted water would definitely have helped make the dish a standout!! :) .....aka 4 stars good ;)
  
  The sausage was decently good and that taste of the meatball was also good. Unfortunately the meatball texture was very sausage-like and ground down  smooth. It just felt wrong when chewed though it tasted good. The sausage itself was good, but just didn't have a fresh taste to it.
  
  Overall not bad for a average day at work lunch. Good value and also very friendly and accommodating service.!!

• Molly W.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Good food and friendly service. If you're craving a pasta fix for lunch go here. They have great specials and you'll leave full. I tried the penne ricotta and garlic bread - great comfort food.

• Dianna N.

  star star star star star_border 16 May 2026

  Heard through coworkers this is the hot spot for lunch. They weren't kidding. The lines can be pretty heavy, but if you don't go during peak lunch hours you should be fine. The portions and prices are great. For sure to note their weekly specials for your next lunch. The service is great too. They're quick and kind getting people through the line. If you choose to pass on the side salad they give you an extra breadstick or garlic toast. The bread and salad are included with the specials.

• Jerice A.

  star star star star star_border 13 May 2026

  No ones like eating fast food, but I don't have a complaint for the price and quality here.
  
  Tasted like home bolognese sauce-flavor was rich. Salad dressing was delicious as well-red wine vinegar/olive oil concoction was great.
  
  Super affordable for pasta and a salad for $7.