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This tasteful new Italian restaurant is very modern meets retro with counter dining (and two small tables). The theme colors are white and chocolate brown. They have bakery items in one corner, retail items by the entrance, and an open kitchen. You get to sit very close to the kitchen. It's so small that some diners have to walk behind the bakery counter to get to their seats.
The menu is simple (not many items) and seasonal. They bake their own bread and make their own pastas. They're also skilled with the mandoline. The food is attractively plated. Appetizers are expensive, about $9 for soup, a small side salad, etc. Pastas average $20. The quality of the ingredients can't be faulted.
The complimentary bread consisted of a few slices of dense, soft bread with a spread of fresh ricotta, olive oil and something that I avoided (looked like preserves).
* Butternut squash soup ($9). The soup was sweet and smooth, finished with a few tiny pumpkin seeds and a swirl of pesto. It was good but not worth $9. I would have liked a big piece of toasted bread and more pesto.
* Chicory salad ($10). I asked for no walnuts but for some reason I didn't get any mushrooms either. The salad was fresh and topped with fine shavings of soft ricotta salata. The chicory had a nice bitterness. The dressing tasted like balsamic vinaigrette. It was very plain.
* Cookie plate. I was pleasantly surprised to receive a large assortment of items: 2 soft anisette cookies, 2 long, flat, crispy thin glazed gingerbread cookies (good), a pate de fruit (apple) and a slice of a dense almond cake. The cookies were very good (but not the best).
I think I ordered the wrong things. Everyone else raved about their food. The thick pork chop and 1/2 roasted chicken looked really good. The bakery items looked very tempting...spotted macarons, cupcakes, cookies, scones, muffins, etc.
Since they bake their own bread, it would be nice if they featured more of it in their dishes, e.g., croutons for my soup, bread with the pasta dishes, etc.
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3.444 stars
One salad, one calamari, two pasta dishes, a bottle of sparkling water and two cappuccinos resulted in a $73 dollar bill without tip. This for lunch at a counter that is too white and too bright. Yes the food was very good as was the service. I hate to say it but the bill was about $10-$15 high for the value of the experience we had. I am a huge Barbara Lynch fan, #9 and B&G are my two favorites. My salad was the chicory, and it was delicious save the walnuts, which were a detraction. Too dry and the pieces were too large. The tagliatelle bolognese was pretty much a flawless New American Italian execution of the dish and I mopped the sauce up with piece of bread. My companion had the famed gnocchi, he loved it I was less impressed with it, too mushy, I like them more al dente. I would hesitate to bring my friends from Italy here, they would not recognize this as a true trattoria (price again, sorry), and the food is too much of departure from the traditional. For me the 'whiteness' and the general feel was too antiseptic. I never got comfortable like I do the the B&G bar.
* not really feeling the Drink vibe either but that is another review.
* the capu's were better than starbux
While I don't frequent the Waterfront area of Boston, Sportello was well worth the stroll! Overall, it was a great lunch stop and I would definitely go back to check out dinner and buying from their in-house bakery (breads, pastries, etc.).
Interior: This is definitely a unique space--mostly white with a long, relatively low bar to eat at and then a few tables for larger groups. It's a perfect set up for 2 people at the bar and 5 or 6 at tables. Going with 4 people would fall into an awkward in-between arrangement. The fixtures are gorgeous and the bar borders the open kitchen, where you can see everything being prepared.
Before the meal: Delicious sliced bread (made in-house) is brought out. The bread has a savory sweet flavor that offers a beautiful juxtaposition to the smooth ricotta cheese, oil and fig preserve. It's scrumptious in and of itself!
Appetizer: I ordered the spicy tomato soup and have to say, it was amazing. It comes with a side of grilled cheese on rye bread for dipping and was a perfect, light and flirtatious fall dish. It was a little much for just me, but luckily, I was there with a trusty friend to help me finish it!
Entree: Though the entrees generally would be more expected at dinner time, the portions were just right for a heavier lunch (quick tip: I skipped breakfast expecting to fill up at this lunch). I had the Papardelle, which was a lovely wide and thin noodle with bolognese sauce (had a good amount of meat, which I loved!), which was topped with a fried basil leaf. It was absolutely delicious and surprisingly light considering the nature of the dish.
Surreptitious Steal: Of course, part of the pleasure of going new places is sampling your counterpart's dish (clandestinely or not). I was able to grab a few bites of the potato gnocchi, which I thought might be a bit much, as it came in a cream sauce. Delightfully, the cream sauce was quite light, the flavors well balance, and the ultimate effect highly desirable.
Tweaks and Trepidation: The one thing that's always a turn off is when restaurants have those tiny bottles of soda that are smaller than a can and come in class. I went through two at this meal and i hate the price inflation and post-consumer waste (at least they're glass!).
Finishing Notes: Two bar stools were easy to come by on a Wednesday afternoon at 1pm, but if you're going with a larger party, definitely make a reservation. For your first time, try to go with a party of 2 to feel out the ambiance before you bring the whole gang.
Sportello is odd to say the least. I would never bring my parents there, that is for sure. I saw one old couple sit down...look around perplexed and then get up. I'm not sure if they left or not but they were definitely confused -- why you ask? Well, there are only really 2 tables in the place. Then there is a slab of a table wedged between the cafe counter and the diner counter. It is odd and instead of conferring a homey group atmosphere it felt like a mistake. Was it really worth those extra 2 or 4 seats to not just cut the table in 2 and allow people to not have to walk behind the counter? Very odd...
I went on a Monday -- thank GOD! Because I can not imagine how chaotic it must feel on a busy night. Every area is semi-cramped. The chairs are tiny and hard, the stark white counters must never look clean and the place was loud even with less than 10 people in it.
But, in the end food is what trumps everything and I did have an amazing dinner. I haven't tasted seasoned so well all summer. And the bread...tasted like it just came out of the oven. Not sure how our bill ended up in the triple-dig when it almost felt like we had a snack. But, that's fort point for you.
I like Sportello, but I prob won't go back. Even though I will definitely go back to Drink, again and again. I think they are trying to do too much -- breakfast counter, dessert section, dry goods, fine Italian cuisine...stop already and pick one! You're confusing people - and by people I really just mean old people :).
I am an avid bar eater, so my perspective on a restaurant is not just on the food, but the restaurant as an overall experience. I like the fact that all Sportello dining is at a "bar" or counter, but at the same time...it detracts from the full "eat at the bar" feeling when everyone is at a bar and you can watch them eat across from you.
Food: Sportello means counter in Italian and the menu here features trattoria-inspired Italian dishes. The food is casual, but elegant and everything is fresh, simple and tasty. They have a pasta maker so all of their pastas are homemade and the bakery is filled with yummy breads and pastries. I went for dinner and tried the artichoke with breadcrumbs. It was not bad, but lacked flavor. The papardelle bolognese was very satisfying and I am extremely picky when it comes to bolognese, because I order it everywhere! I just love homemade pasta and the bolognese sauce was perfect with the fried basil. I also tried the roasted chicken and swordfish. Both were good - simple and subtle in flavor.
Sportello has an electric induction stove top, which cooks "magnetically" as I was told and supposedly heats faster, more even and doesn't burn the food. After what felt like a healthy dinner, I debated ordering dessert but as I skimmed the menu, I could hear the bread pudding calling my name. It was delicious...with house-made jam and honey caramel and I ate every last bit. I'd even go so far as to say it was the best part of the meal.
Bartender/Staff: There isn't a real bar, since the entire place is counter seating. Also, they only serve wine and beer...The waitress always seems to have a bit of attitude. After talking to her a bit, she seemed to warm up, but still...not the grand welcome we're used to having at our favorite restaurant bars.
Attitude: Like I said...no real bar and everyone's at the counter where you can see all the other people in the restaurant eat across from you. But they're open late and the general attitude is very laid back which is nice.
Scene: South Boston...not much of a scene other than the after work, Convention Hall crowd. Again, might I mention that there's no bar, but Sportello is upstairs of "Drink," where the young and pretty hang out to sip on overly priced cocktails. Sportello does serve a great brunch and it seems to be a fairly trendy place with that euro-diner feel that hipsters would love. Only problem is, despite it's casual feel...the dishes are on the pricey side.
Get Lucky Factor: Eh, not good. Go downstairs to Drink and find yourself a good-looking guy or gal. Chances are, they'll be smashed off those delicious cocktails...
I like Sportello and I really wanted to LIKE it. I like the space and the cafe style design and the food merchandise tantalizing your thoughts before, during and to take with you.
A great ambient feel to the music and the cacophony of fellow diners. The service was at best distant. No desire to entice me to any particular item; nothing to say except the very basic or shall I say the very minimum to get through my dining experience.
I ordered the corn risotto with Chanterelles and Pancetta bits which sounded so good for this time of year. The rice was not cooked long enough--I don't like to bit into the risotto and there is some creamy texture that gives way to an uncooked middle. I don't like to order risotto out. But the main dishes didn't appeal to me--the swordfish is something that I do not pine to have--actually it is too heavy for my palette.
The wine list is extremely small but I would say was well selected. I enjoyed a glass of Cusamano Alcamo white blend. I asked the wait person about the wine and I asked what it was--she didn't know--she said Alcamo was a varietel and it is a region in Sicily. Given the limited wine selection I would expect a wait professional to be versed of what was on the list. Of the three Barbara Lynch restaurants that I have enjoyed this is my least favorite for several reasons.
I
Do not go to Sportello if:
- you are on a date
- you want to have a private conversation (say, about your best friend's divorce, or your colleague's crazy ex boyfriend, or your hideous boss)
- you actually want to chat with your friends
- you are in a group larger than 2 (unless you're a group of 6 or more, in which case I think they'd actually give you a table).
We wanted to love Sportello. In fact, we had all been wanting to try it for months now. But it just fell short in so many ways.
It's true, the counter is an interesting concept- it also makes it hard to have a real conversation with your friends, particularly if you're in a group larger than 2 (as we were). It felt like we were constantly leaning in to chat (or, rather shout, since it was pretty loud), and we were literally elbow to elbow with other eaters. All of this to say, Sportello is not a good place for a date, for a lengthy catch-up dinner, or for private conversations.
And then the food. Echoing what others have said here, the bread with ricotta and fig jam is interesting (the fig jam is much better than the ricotta; as my friend said, it would have been better with goat cheese). We had four entrees- all of which were just medicore. The most unexceptional was my friend's farfalle with mussels and clams featuring overcooked pasta and tasteless mussels and clams. Much more impressive was another friend's chicken (apparently cooked under a brick. I still don't know how that happens, but it makes for good chicken). I had the swordfish which was unremarkable (especially for $22) and my husband had the salmon which was quite bland. It felt disappointing to have such mediocre food when the meal came to $120.
What we loved about Sportello was dessert. We shared the delicious cookie platter and the chocolate budino tart, both of which saved the night for us. The cookie platter was particularly delicious with a lavender shortbread cookie, a vanilla shortbread cookie, a chocolate chip cookie, and a chocolate salty cookie (in fact, a lot of the cookies did the sweet/salty thing which worked well). We also loved our waitress who was sweet and attentive, though there was definitely a sense that they encourage you to leave (again, Sportello is not a place to linger) - we had dinner at 7:30 on Saturday, and I think we were out by 9:30 and they were practically going to throw us out because of the crowds waiting.
Lunch at Sportello is a fabulous way to treat yourself. I love exploring the Fort Point neighborhood, and had been dying to try Sportello so I was thrilled when Ben G was up for trying out lunch there. The restaurant is incredibly well-appointment with a sleek, white interior that is chic without being sterile. The majority of seating is at a wonderful counter that opens up to the kitchen, but there are a few larger tables for bigger groups. This is definately a place for a smaller party, think 2, as I'm not sure how a group of 4 would work. A group of 6 might be able to snag a table with a reservation.
Barbara Lynch understands flavors, and her menu at Sportello is no exception. Even for lunch you're getting a culinary experience that starts off with the most wonderfully smooth, creamy, delectable ricotta cheese spread perfectly paired with fresh olive oil and delicious fig preserves with just a touch of sea salt that has you scrambling for every last bit of the tasty freshly baked bread. I could have just had that and left the restaurant happy. It was TREMAZING.
Lunch options varied from some scrumptious looking appetizers (my friend had the tomato soup with a bite of grilled cheese on Rye, yum!), to panini's and pasta dishes. I debated between the polenta with bolognese, the parpardelle with bolognese, and a yumtastic looking gnocchi dish with cream, mushrooms and peas. Our server was extremely attentive and suggested I might try the freshly made gnocchi since my friend was going to try the papardelle. I was hesitant because it seemed like it might be a bit heavy for lunch, but decided to give it a try. Holy cow, it was delightful! Some of the lightest gnocchi I've ever had (and I lived in Italy) and the cream sauce was far from heavy...the peas and mushrooms, a touch of truffle...the flavor combinations were exciting and delicious. I was lucky enough to sample my friend's papardelle and it was equally tasty... I have a feeling if i had tried just about anything else on the menu I would not have been disappointed. I was completely stuffed after lunch which meant I didn't get a chance to sample one of the many dessert options... I promised myself I would be back. Outside of what was offered on the menu for the seated tables, there was an entire pastry case on the other side of the restaurant which I only got to glance at but my mind exploded a little at some of the desserts it held.
All in all I will absolutely be back to Sportello... they served both brunch and dinner, so I'd love to try those menus out as well.
Treat yourself and pay a visit to Lynch's latest hit in Fort Point. You won't be disappointed.
Sportello For Lunch - Nice Italian Cafe With Good Vibe
My initial interaction with the restaurant was via its web site which heavily uses Adobe Flash. I use a screen reader:
http://en.wikipedia.or...
and the page did not "read" at all because of the way Flash is implimented. This may also be an issue accessing the page from certain mobile devices. I pinged the restaurant on Twitter
http://twitter.com/spo...
where they are present but have taken a bit of a hiatus.
The service though was excellent, including the waitress reading the complete menu, not merely a small subset.
As noted the setup is a little different with diner style counters, and only a few tables. The counters have hooks for hanging things, and through the Foursquare iPhone application I read they have WiFi and a vibrant breakfast scene at 7:00 A.M. A mayor has already been established in Foursquare. Yes, you have to check the Foursquare web site or ping me to see what that is :).
http://playfoursquare.com
I personally was not much of a fan of the whipped ricotta and sweet fig jam spread for the bread, but this is largely a matter of personal taste. Perhaps next time I will see if I can get just olive oil or some other twist on the spread.
I had the chilled tomato soup with sea food as well as a pasta dish with sea food, I am not going to try to spell either one :). The soup was good, although I would like it with more seafood.
The pasta though was excellent! You could taste that it is locally made on the premises fresh each day. The accompaniments were also fresh both in the soup and pasta. The pasta dish was the highlight of the meal.
Again the service was consistently attentive, friendly, and above average. I also liked the bowls they used to serve the dishes.
The restaurant is a little on the pricy side but the food was good, and I will certainly return and will try out the Italian breakfast and coffee which was also recommended. I also liked the space overall, and that they are doing something different and out of the ordinary. Without going to the north end, this is a solid choice for the pasta or other Italian dishes.
This might be the longest it's taken me to get to a new establishment. Especially as it's roughly 50 steps from my office.
I surprise myself each time I visit a Barbara Lynch place. She is definitely too rich/fancy for my blood, but everywhere I've gone, I've really liked.
Sportello was no different.
Showed up for lunch around 1:30 with a friend, with the only expectation being diner-style seating. I have to say, I am a big fan of the lunch counter dining style. Huge, even. The service was good - attentive and fast, as we were out of there within about a half hour.
We each just got a salad - the beet/pistachio/feta one for me and the panzanillo/squash one for her. Both really yummy. The homemade bread with whipped ricotta and fig spread that they serve is damn tasty as well.
I would've liked to have tried one of the pasta dishes, because they not only sound fantastic but also get rave reviews. However, I can't justify spending $17 on a lunch portion of pasta (especially during the week, and I'm not sure why it should matter whether it's Tuesday or Saturday but for some reason it does).
We checked the breakfast/dessert counter on the way out, and there were a couple temptations, but next door at Flour I know I have my pick of the litter. While browsing the desserts, though, I saw a deli counter that had small sandwiches and salads that you can get to go. Nice.
The icing on the cake was the wall on the way out the door. I am a yelper, so by definition, I am
a) cool
b) in the know about what's happening around town
I LOVED their creative way of displaying events all around the city for the rest of the month.
That might actually earn them a 5th star, but I think it's going to take a second visit and a taste of some pasta before I go for that move.
Lucky for me, I got the hookup and had the pleasure of dining here for cheap with my friend and her boyfriend, who works at this restaurant, and also got a quick, mini tour of the kitchen after.
For an appetizer, my friend and I shared the burrata with cipollini onion and chesnut honey. Burrata is like a mozzarella cheese, and, with the onions and the honey, you spread it onto these kind of bread-like crackers that they give you. It was absolutely delicious!
For my entree, I chose the potato gnocchi with porcini mushrooms, peas, and cream, which my friends highly recommended. I had never tried gnocchi before and had always wanted to. I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the texture of the gnocchi and the whole dish was flavorful. I thought I would be overwhelmed by the cream sauce (I pictured the thickness of alfredo), but it was subtle and light.
For desert, I wanted gelato, but the only flavor they had at the time was saffron, so I decide to simply go for a cappuccino, which was very good and came in a large cup.
The portions here are good, whereas other high-end places, you may pay a lot and get very little. Here, the portions are satisfying, but don't force you to overeat. I loved the decor- simple and modern, with table and counter seating. And, lastly, the service was impeccable. Our waitress was super nice and super helpful. She made conversation, but wasn't overbearing.
I had a great experience here. I would love to go back again sometime, maybe for lunch or to try their bakery corner, since it is a bit pricey for me.
The first I heard of this restaurant was when the new beau texted from lunch that it was "better than sex." EXCUSE ME!? You don't tell me that without taking me to the place on our next date, that's for damn sure. Although we later agreed that it was not "better" than sex, I did experience ecstasy on more than one occasion while we were there.
I was skeptical of the accounts that the waitress might let me try a wine and pick something else if I don't like it, but she made it clear from the get-go that this was the case. Sweet! We really liked the wines we got so THAT turned out to be a moot point, but it was nice to know we had the option.
We started with the new potatoes and haricots vert appetizer. I thought they mistakenly gave us two portions, but they had just split it to two plates. As someone who MUST cut something exactly in half before splitting (listen, I just need to know how much is MINE, you know?), this was much appreciated. Salads are tough to share.
It was delicious. There was an almond pesto hidden under the leaves--before I found it the salad seemed a little lemony and bitter, once I found the pesto, though, it was out of this world. Fresh local ingredients?? So maybe I have the farmers' market schedule memorized...you had me at "Western Mass."
I got the gnocchi because it sounded great and if you're reading this, you can easily see all the recommendations below. They're right, its pillowy soft and delicious. This gnocchi was clearly made by someone who knows their pasta, I would bet that any of the dishes from that category are stand-out.
I let Mr. B get the striped bass, despite the mediocre reviews of the entrees (by "let" I mean I didn't tell him about the reviews, I wanted to see for ourselves!)(I'm such a jerk). It was a solid entree and the eggplant and pine nuts underneath jazzed it up a bit, but it wasn't up to par with the other dishes.
Last but not least, the dessert. The guy found an olive and chocolate tart from the counter (we had to go look before we could decide whether to pick from there or the menu) and I got the bread pudding, but we decided to go halvsies (I'm a baker, I need inspiration...or something). The first bight of the olive and chocolate tart was...weird. I didn't really like it. He kind of liked it, but wasn't sure. The second bight won me big time. Maybe I just had to get used to the idea of chocolate and olives, but I couldn't get over it. It reminded me of something I would eat at Alinea (yeah, I've been there). Fantastic. The bread pudding was awesome too, but that tart...mmm...
So yeah, not better than sex, but a great meal. Go there.
Stakes were high, since I went here with two dear friends from Philly who both work for Jose Garces and love to order everything on the menu and more. We started downstairs at Drink (!) and then snuck in without a reservation--the host graciously told us that he could seat us for no more than two hours, and then left us alone as we spent those two hours feasting. After artichokes anchored in an anchovy-laced butter, sweet burrata, the risotto, and lots of great and unusual wines, we were glowing with raves, which don't come easy from my discerning industry friends.
I'm not sure about the potential for this place as a date restaurant--the lighting in Sportello is bright, and the tables are long and nestle you up against other diners. For a meal, however, with friends who love to eat and talk and drink, it's a fantastic restaurant.
A well-designed Boston restaurant that is upscale but not fussy is a bit of a rarity. So is a restaurant serving Italian food that is delicious but not over-filling. Sportello wowed on both fronts.
We've previously established that counter-style seating makes anti-social New England types nervous (Wagamama is doomed to fail here), but I thought it was fun and wouldn't have traded my stool for a table and chair. If you have a group with you as we did, just ask to sit at a corner! One neat bonus of counter seating is that you can scope out other people's food before you order (and even -- gasp -- talk to them about it)!
So, shout out to our counter neighbors -- the panzanella appetizer was fab, a perfect pesto-y beginning to great meal. The complimentary bread with cheese and fig sauce wasn't too shabby either, even though figs aren't my favorite. But my potato gnocchi was so good that I was scraping the bowl with my fork and wishing it was a spoon. The salty chocolate cake from the bakery? Awesome as expected. Every chocolate cake should have sea salt on it. Sportello makes an excellent cappuccino too, naturally.
The restaurant also has a small Italian market and bakery on site. We brought home a homemade white chocolate bar sprinkled with pieces of cacao. It didn't last long!
Our waiter was knowledgeable (including about vegetarian items) and unfailingly steered us in the right direction whenever we wavered between options. And the music was very cool and sounded like my ipod -- no muzak here.
Our group was totally impressed and our out of town guests couldn't stop talking about their experience here. Yay Sportello!
I went to Sportello on a date earlier this week. The guy I'm seeing was taking me out for my birthday dinner. His birthday was the day before mine so I called ahead and told them to do something special for dessert. We went to Drink first and had two perfectly made cocktails. I had been there before and loved the originality mixed with the old fashioned style "serious about quality cocktails" bartenders, which are so rare these days. My date, who rarely goes across the river without serious coaxing, explained the surroundings simply as "Well, we're not in Cambridge anymore..." I think that means he liked it, but he's a hard egg to crack sometimes.
We headed upstairs and were instantly greeted by a server who pointed out two seats right next to the open kitchen. We were both completely caught by surprise at the layout of the restaurant but in a good way. We are the kind of diners who like to sit at the bar and LOVE to watch our food being cooked right there in front of us. Though it was a bit chaotic at first and it seemed like we were kind of being looked over a bit (took our waitress a few minutes to get our order in but we realized she had a big table to serve sitting behind us so we gave her a break), we didn't mind too much. My date was mesmerized by the kitchen, as was I.
The first course came quickly. He had the tomato soup (which was just the right amount of spicy and creamy) and grilled cheese (which was basically a crunchy burnt cheese crisp, I love burnt cheese but I'm guessing other people might be thrown by this if they expected a classic american style sandwich type grilled cheese) and I had the fonduta with salami and potatoes, which tasted like a little dish of heaven but I wish it had been a little warmer. I like my fondue like I like my showers, hot.
The second course, however, was perfect. He had the bolognese with house made pasta and I had the half chicken with artichoke hearts and squash. Both dishes were amazing. The skin on the chicken was the perfect amount of crispy, not fatty, just flavor filled mmmmmm. We were going to skip dessert but the waitress got my note about the joint birthdays and brought us both pieces of cake, one coconut and one chocolate, both with trick candles which was adorable. My date was surprised and impressed and all went well. On our way out we checked out the little deli counter full of treats and I think I might have fallen in love with either the large chunk chicken salad or the mocha dusted cupcakes... maybe both... either way it was really hard to tear myself away and I may have left a little nose print on the pristine counter glass because I simply couldn't help myself. If I'm down in Fort Point for lunch, I know where I'm going.
Over all I'd say it was pretty much a perfect night out. I love the Butcher Shop and No. 9 Park and I'm happy to say that in my book, Barbara, Sportello is now added to that list!
BL...you're my BFF. I know you don't know it, but you are.
This place butters my bread. It's all that and then some, tall dark and ha...
Anyways. It's great. Get the Italian sandwich with the varrying cured hams. Totally perfect. Came here w/ the fam (straight off the boaters) who loved the pappardelle and everything else. The waiter explained everything perfectly, was helpful and not intrusive.
A true gem. Definitely will go back many times.
So I've been back a good number of times since my last review and felt I should at least let y'all know that I've ventured beyond the pappardelle. Good news, everything is just freakin' fantastic! I've since had the polenta for lunch (mmm... creamy, yummy, goodness), and the gnocchi for dinner (perfect fluffy little dumplings). Also, I highly recommend raiding, err visiting, the bakery counter post-dinner. I'm usually too full to eat dessert at the restaurant so I take it all to-go. The macaroons are amazing! and I just want to thank Sportello for introducing me to the French variety. Also the peanut butter cupcake and salty chocolate cake both equal happiness.
I've had dinner here twice in the past month and both times had a thoroughly enjoyable meal. I'll… Read more »
Fresh, modern, simple and divine.
I'm a BL fan, tho I tend to consider B&G a bit overpriced. Here I can give the high pricing a pass since it's not as cramped and chaotic, there's room to breath, huge windows, take out, etc, and every single thing is the very best quality and just about perfect.
Also, I had THE best pasta I have ever put in my mouth - the fresh thin eggy tagliatelle - really, a bit of heaven. My mouth is watering, hours later. Ditto the other things we ate - superb cheese and roasted tomato panini with tarragon, perfect greens on the side, and a fantastic chocolate semifreddo with salted hazelnut caramel topping. Prosecco and a dessert wine, both delicious. Bread plate was an A+ with whipped ricotta and sweet fig jam. Yup, it's carb heaven.
All of it was served and explained expertly by our friendly waitress. Wine tastes, split plates, etc.
I just can't wait to go back.
Probably more like 3.5 stars, but I will give 4 due to the creative concept and beautifully prepared fresh pastas. We had 8 pm reservations and were seated immediately at the end of the counter. it was fun to be so close to the "action", but it was definitely very warm since we were inches from boiling pasta water and the huge stove.
Now on to the food. The wine list is tiny, but I think that might be part of the minimalist vibe they are trying for. The bread was served with whipped ricotta - extra points for a little creativity there. I started with the fennel and celery salad. It was incredibly simple - prepared with a little olive oil, lemon juice and parmigiano-reggiano. Very tasty. For my entree I had the potato gnocchi prepared with peas and mushrooms. The gnocchi was just as it should have been, like little pillows. All in all, everything was very good.
The wife and I decided to try out Sportello for my birthday meal and we were not disappointed. After a recent lackluster meal at another "fancy" restaurant, we were expecting to be disappointed because that's how we are. As others have mentioned, it's not a traditional setup, and the seating is around a twisty bar that wraps around the rather small space. I was a bit concerned about this, but it ended up being quite nice. Our waiter was very friendly and although we seemed a bit invisible near the end, it was a very good service experience. You start out with some home-made ricotta with olive oil and jam. I could eat that all night, but I had to move on. We shared the panzanella, which was excellent. It included a healthy helping of yellow heirloom tomatoes, which I ate about 4-5 pieces of and I HATE raw tomato. The crusty bread pieces were perfectly seasoned and the pesto vinaigrette was excellent. There were bits of basil and raw zucchini, which surprisingly was also very good.
My wife had the gnocchi in a cream sauce with peas and assorted mushrooms. The gnocchi were a bit mushy but the flavors were strong and the entire dish was delicious. It was a good portion and she wasn't able to finish it all. I had the corn risotto with pancetta and chanterelle mushrooms which was totally awesome. The risotto was toothsome and not at all mushy, with a light flavor of sweet corn lingering throughout. Then you'd get the occasional bit of pancetta that would have a salty bacon flavor that wasn't overwhelming, just a perfect complement.
Prices were high, but that was to be expected, since this is a Barbara Lynch restaurant. There was enough food to satisfy and neither of us finished our plates. We had to save room for the bread pudding, which was also excellent. It was a crusty bread pudding, less eggy and pudding-like as most bread puddings that I've had, but it worked. It was sitting in a shallow pool of a tangy caramel sauce and was covered with homemade jam.
All in all, a great night out, and we will return when we've saved up enough cash to go again!
One odd thing though: 2 patrons sitting on either side of us got "special treats" from the chef, but not us. Did we look too poor? I wonder how they decide who gets what.
The food is good, the atmosphere is interesting, but I probably wouldn't go out of my way to return to this place when my job isn't picking up the tab.
First and foremost, don't go here for a business lunch! I went in knowing absolutely nothing about this place, so it was a bit awkward to realize that four suits had to sit around the corner of a counter instead of at a table. I would love to revisit this place on my own time, with a friend or two in normal clothes. It's a great spot for some people watching with everyone sitting around a huge counter.
The ambience is very modern - from the minimalist setup to the curvature of the cutlery. The service was outstanding- our server was genial and helpful, serving us quickly and making the perfect recommendations. I had the gnocchi with cream sauce and peas. I've never had gnocchi without red sauce, so it was fun and new, and definitely delicious.
The place is good, without a doubt. It's main goal seems to be an unflinching adherence to a modern aesthetic, which it does quite well, at a price. If I lived in the South End and could afford $17 pasta lunches, I would go here for basic, delicious, casual lunches all the time. As that's not happening any time soon, I'll be sticking with the more affordable restaurants off of the red-line.
Went back and had the proper dining in experience and it was truly lovely. The staff may actually be the most gracious bunch of people that I've ever experienced while dining out in Boston.
We had a delicious Italian red wine (2005 La Prendina Corvina) and started off by sharing the grilled calamari appetizer. It was perfectly tender - sometimes calamari can be chewy, but not here!
I had the mussels gnocchitini, which was going out on a limb, for me. I don't really like gnocchi but the sauce & ingredients in this sounded too good to pass up. Turns out, I LOVE gnocchitini. It's baby gnocchi so it doesn't have the same heavy texture that larger gnocchi has (the part that I am not crazy about). My husband had the parpadelle bolognese and loved his as well.
It's not just the perfection that is served in a pasta bowl that makes this place so divine. It's absolutely everything. The look, the smell, the service, the wine, the atmosphere. Basically, the entire experience from the moment we walked in the door was memorable. What was originally a crush has turned into a full-blown love affair.
Yaaay, another dining option in my neighborhood - and the people that work here are so nice. It more… Read more »
I really liked Drink and have been meaning to make it up to Sportello. Unfortunately, I had dinner plans already, so I was only able to pick up some bakery items.
Getting here on a weekday during rush hour can be a bit of a pain, but street parking usually isn't too bad. I'm not sure if there's valet. It's actually not that far from the T, either.
At 7pm, the restaurant was essentially empty on a rainy Thursday night. The dining area is very cool and has a winding bar-style table across the room, looking into the open kitchen. It's set up a little bit like Drink downstairs, but everything is white and pristine, and I like how everyone gets a view of the kitchen.
There's also a small takeout section with things like marinated carrots, eggplant caponata, salads, etc. I really want to go back and try their dinner menu!
The bakery is off to the side, and prices are super reasonable. I was able to get 2 large scones (one sour cherry, one orange something), a large french macaron, 2 cookies, and a brownie for $8.87! I thought there was something wrong in the calculation! It was much much less than I had expected.
Bakery choices are interesting, and flavors are subtle but well highlighted. The scones are almost like a biscuit - not too buttery but just the right amount of flakiness. The cornmeal ginger cookie was unique and tasted like a crisper cornbread with a light ginger accent, but I wasn't a fan of the ginger pieces. It was an innovative cookie, though, as are many of the other 85 cent ones, like lavender shortbread.
I was sad they were out of chocolate croissants. The French macaron is the largest I've seen (outside of Bellagio in Las Vegas), and it was light with a nice shell, and the chocolate ganache was rich and silky. The brownie was dense and very rich and chocolatey without being overly sugary, and it's great for any dark chocolate cravings.
For the simple yet innovative takes on the pastries and bakery items, the prices are amazingly reasonable. I was very happily surprised, and I definitely want to make it back!
I came here with a date on a Friday night, so I got to try two of each course. Here's the rundown:
Appetizer: My spicy tomato soup vs. his lamb sausage & bean soup. Winner: spicy tomato. Although it wasn't that spicy, it was flavorful and came with an appropriately crispy piece of rye bread to dip in it. The lamb sausage soup's broth was a bit bland, and it just wasn't memorable on the whole.
Entree: My potato gnocchi vs. his steak. Winner: the steak. Perfectly cooked, with a nice salty crust on the outside; juicy and tender on the inside. The gnocchi (served in a delicate cream sauce with mushrooms & peas) was very good, but no carbohydrate could live up to that steak.
Dessert: My chocolate budino vs. his chocolate ginger cake. TIE. The chocolate budino had a deliciously crunchy cookie-like chocolate crust, filled with what can be best described as a thin chocolate pudding. The top was sprinkled with sea salt, and it sat in a pool of mild olive oil. His chocolate ginger cake had the consistency of a gooey brownie, but the interplay of flavors between the dark chocolate and the slightly spicy ginger was unexpected and tastey.
Our server was sweet, knowledgeable, and efficient. She recommended an excellent wine, and kept everything moving smoothly. I wasn't a huge fan of the atmosphere of the place...sitting at counters in semi-bright lighting somehow does not appeal to me for any type of nice dinner. The seats were pretty uncomfortable, and my jacket kept falling on the floor. I highly recommend requesting to be seated at one of the few tables if you make a reservation.
I will preface by saying that I would definitely give this more of a 3.5 experience. Went in for my girlfriend's birthday dinner with some friends, as we were wondering what the buzz was all about.
The service was FANTASTIC. If I could, I would give our waitress a thousand stars. She was attentive, super knowledge and SO friendly. Great recommendations on appetizers, entrees and the wine selection. She was great!
The space was... interesting. I had been warned that it was counter service, which is usually fine by me, but the stools were so bloody uncomfortable and close together, it made eating and socializing difficult. It was very clean and modern, but I do wish there was a tad more wiggle room.
The food was just 'a-ok'. From what I'd heard and read, I was expecting to be blown off my stool.. and admittedly, I was not. We ordered a bunch of apps, the tomato soup was one of them (eh, alright for $10) and the antipasto, which I would recommend and have again myself. For an entree, I had the mussels gnocchitini, which was good. I am a self-proclaimed gnocchi fanatic and these were right in my range- perfectly handmade baby gnocchis. The mussels provided a nice extra something to the dish, but it just didn't wow me. My friends agreed, their entrees were good but nothing to write home about.
Overall, I would have to say that Sportello does not live up to it's Saveur profile (as I'm still perplexed as to why it was featured.. ) but it was worth the trek to Southie. And, I will be trying it again when the menu changes.
I had the privileged of dining at Sportello for lunch with one of my favorite Yelpers, Leighann. She and I had never been to Sportello but are both big Barbara Lynch fans, so it was about time we made it to Ft. Point to try out the new hot-spot.
Sportello probably isn't everyones cup of tea. It's casual in the sence that it's "communal" dining, sitting at the counter. Probably not the best for a large group of people (4+), but if you are dining with a friend or by yourself, I think it's great.
The menu is upscale Italian, featuring unique dishes like rabit, goal, chestnuts... you get the idea. You won't find a meatball sub here. I started with the spicy tomato soup, with was recommended to me by my friend Courtney (of Sweet cupcakes). It was good and not overpoweringly spicy. The best part of the soup was the cheesy toast that was served alongside of it. Yum! Dunk dunk dunk, in goes the cheesy toast, into the soup...
For my main course, I ordered something I'd never had before, riccota gnudi with walnut pesto. It was basically a huge bowl of walnut pesto, with dollops of ricotta scattered all over it to soak up the pestoey-goodness. I enjoyed the dish, but would have rather had something a little more traditional and filling, like pasta or ravioli. If you aren't too hungry and want something light, I would suggest this.
Sportello is a LUNCH. This isn't a place where you're going to get a wrap, a bagel, a sub, whatever you'd normally eat in Ft. Point/Financial District. Everything about this place is three notches above the aforementioned foods, so expect to pay slightly more. It's worth it!
As a long-time lover of No. 9 and a from-the-start (and constant!) believer of Drink, Barbara Lynch can do little wrong in my eyes. Sportello follows suit with concept and cuisine, and my lunch adventures in this neighborhood will draw me to this Congress Street eatery as often as I am able.
The opening of Sportello has spawned some new, much-needed friendships: Old-fashioned counter-service diner, please meet our newest friend, the fine-dining chef. Seat yourself, please make the acquaintance of white-glove service (san his usual companion, snobby upturned nose). Homemade baking, allow me to introduce you to toasted hazelnuts and truffles.
For my lunch, I ordered a bowl of the chestnut bisque and the pappardelle in bolognese. One of these items would have been more than sufficient to satisfy my hunger for lunch. The soup was rich, thick and piping hot, with large pieces of chanterelle. I only did not finish as to save room for the pasta, which was thick, perfectly al dente ribbons under a meaty dollop of melt-in-your-mouth bolognese.
Yeah the prices are steep, but what were you expecting? Just because the economy isn't doing so well, suddenly the same chef of No.9 is going to start selling you Super Value combo meals? If you want something cheap, I believe there is an Au Bon Pain somewhere around here. It baffles me that people can complain about paying for quality, especially when the portion sizes are quite generous. If you need more than one of these pasta dishes to satisfy you for lunch, then I think some reevaluating should be considered in your consumption department.
The concept is cool (fancy, sleek 'lunch counter' style dining), the area is open and clean, and my waitress was really friendly. And the food was pretty good. But I think I put this up there in my "a little too trendy, a little too pricey, kinda not worth it" category of restaurants. In all fairness, it's probably because I went here for a lunch in the middle of the work day... maybe it would be a different experience 'going out' here for dinner. The dinner menu looks more extensive.
I did really like my soup. It was the tuscan bean soup with garlic sausage and it was full of incredible flavours. But $10 for soup? I don't know. I also shared a panini sandwich with a friend, the fancy take on grilled cheese. It was pretty decent. My other friend had the prosciutto cotta sandwich, which she thought was only mediocre. I assume that the higher ratings for this place comes with the bigger, fancier entrees, not the sandwiches and soups alone.
Oh and the cupcakes from the bakery were pretty good for dessert.
In all, I do think it's probably worth visiting to check out, but I don't think I'll go back any time soon for lunch.
Gotta say, I love the lunch counter concept! Although I was not blown off my chair at the service level like some other yelpers, I did have a great, comforting meal. The size of the menu was just right, although Sportello's wine list could use a facelift/more options. The wines downstairs at Drink are actually much better.
The gnocchi with peas & cream was heaven on a plate!
I will definitely be back, I love the fact that they have a bakery/retail operation.
I can't believe there aren't more 5 star reviews of this place. My husband & I were here over the weekend, visiting from NYC. I really can't think of a single thing to say in crticism of this great little restaurant.
The décor is spare, but very lovely. The open kitchen is fabulous, particularly to show off how simply & quickly such fresh & delicious meals can be prepared.
We ordered the papardelle bolognese & another pasta dish- chicken breast with pasta and cheese in a light sauce. Both were absolutely delicious and refreshingly not so heavy. We'd decided to forgo first courses, so that we could share a desert, which was fully worthwhile.
The staff was very friendly & polite, even when the place was packed to capacity.
I will look forward to my return to Sportello next time we're in Boston!
Sportello adds to Bab's portfolio of No. 9, B&G, The Butcher Shop, Drink and her other tasty enterprises. Fort Point is being revitalized and it's places like Sportello (and Drink) that are redefining the neighborhood.
It's no wonder that reviewers' opinions vary so drastically between 1 or 2 stars and 4 or 5. Sportello is a concept that is not familiar to us. Diner seating yes, but this is no diner. Award winning chefs deliver huge flavor in white on white place settings. Sleek lines to the open kitchen allows the aromas to waft and entice.
I recommend the fennel & celery salad, potato gnocchi, spicy tomato schiacciata, rabbit strozzapreti (basically everything I've ever tried)! I can't wait to try the short ribs. I advise to skip dessert though. We tried both the chocolate ginger cake and the chocolate budino. Both severely lacked chocolate flavor and left us wishing we stopped after those amazing appetizers and entrees. I suggest going downstairs and enjoying an after dinner drink instead.
And yes, the cost is more than a cup of coffee at Mel's diner, but then again you won't be kissing anyone's grits here.
Sportello is a very interesting concept. I like bar dining, so sitting at the counter here was not a big deal for me and friends. There are tables, but not many. Probably the best antipasti I've ever had and I highly recommend it. I ordered the ricotta ravioli with duck meatballs which was amazing. My friends had the gnocchi and swordfish which were equally as tasty. Try the bread pudding for desert. The Italian wine selection was interesting, and not being an expert here I left it up to our wait person to do the honors. We had two white bottles, one with starters, more like pinot gris, and one with dinner, more like a chard that were very good. While sitting at the bar I was eyeing amazing looking coconut cupcakes in the bakery display - I had our wait person box up a couple to go. Overall service was excellent and the food was great. Portions, like other Lynch establishments are not abundant, so don't go too hungry. Start with cocktails downstairs at Drink before you sit down here as it makes for a nice evening. Reservations recommended.
There a few things in life I can always rely on. There is always going to be a speed trap when I am flying thru the Ted Williams. My family will always call me Debbie and not Deborah (my preference)....and a meal at any of Chef Lynch's restaurants will be something to gush about the morning after.
Sportello is no exception.
I went several weeks ago for lunch, and cannot believe it took me this long to carry on about the latest addition. I am going again to sample the dinner menu tonight and cannot focus much on work as visions of chanterelles, chestnuts and truffle oil are dancing in my head, and felt that I should get some initial thoughts out of my system.
The decor of the place is clean and classy. The counter dining style is what sets this place apart. I feel as if this set up allows for a more intimate relationship with the knowledgeable staff Sportello provides.
Portions are large without being a meal for Gigantor. My dining partner and I split every course and it was just the right amount.
Clearly we started with the Chestnut Bisque...which I plan on getting again this evening and perhaps carrying some out of their refrigerator case (yes there is a 'to go' chest of goodies). We then moved onto the Robiola and Truffle Vinaigrette Scacciata and finished with the best Bolognese in all of the land on Tagliatelle.
Too full for dessert...but the menu was tempting...perhaps tonight?
Standby for part II of Sportello...coming to Yelpers everywhere 1/15/2009!
Oh Barbara Lynch... i love ya.
i went to Sportello with a coworker and was very pleased. It's a really cute sort of lunch counter set up, Italian themed joint. Service was excellent, food fantastic! We were served home made scally bread with ricotta, olive oil and fig preserves. I could have eaten just that for lunch. the bread was soft and a little chewy with delicious sesame seeds on top. mmm. For lunch i had paparedelle with goat meat. It was effing perfect. The pasta was cooked perfectly, as was the goat. the flavors were so simple, but just delicious. I plan to make several visits here. They have some delicious looking pre-made sandwiches, soups and salads, hand made pasta to buy, and AMAZING looking pastries.
YAY!
I have to say I was relatively disappointed with my experience here. I had read good reviews of the restaurant and it didn't quite live up to them for me. First of all, we entered and there was no host available, so we sat ourselves. Five minutes later we were approached and asked to move, which I found a little odd. This happened to about four people after us too - one couple actually left the restaurant - I'm not sure I blame them, it was really awkward.
Moving along, the food was good, but as everyone has mentioned a bit pricey. We both definitely enjoyed our meals - gnocchi and chicken. The waitstaff was ok. It felt like they had better things to be doing though, and it was hard to get their attention, despite the fact the restaurant wasn't close to full.
So, in short, it was good food, but I don't think I would go back.
it is bewildering to me how the talented cast of sportello can consistently make pasta that is just so special. my prince pasta, at home on any crappy quick dinner night of the week, never ever tastes so rich, full, and delicious. supreme noodles at sportello, my friends, supreme and perfect.
i've come here multiple times now, waiting each and every time to recognize something closer to what had grown up eating at the green diner. after all, the location isn't in back bay. it has a long winding lunch counter, and a kitchen open to the discriminating eyes and nose of every customer. but when i walk in here, a bright room and the waft of tomatoes, mushrooms, meat, and sauces is simply intoxicating. don't be put off my sitting next to strangers. their excited anticipation of a hearty meal, and perhaps a smile from a stranger, only adds to the warm, good time of this restaurant.
so what have i had here? well, for starters, if they have the heirloom tomato salad on special, order it and share it with your dining companions. the hefty portion, with large quartered pieces of ripe tomato, and a gentle vinaigrette lets the fresh ingredients of summer speak for themselves. these are meaty tomatoes, you know, like the ones you could grow in your garden before the various blights hit new england hard and nasty like. but on to the noodles. i've had the stuffed maccharoni, not currently on the menu. wide cylinders of perfect pasta are stuffed with a meaty ricotta stuffing, and smothered with delicious foraged mushrooms. i've also had their perfect farfalle with clams, mussels, and radishes. this dish is buttery and has that nice flavor of fresh shellfish mixed amongst the wide noodles. i've tasted their papardelle, with a meaty bolognese sauce and fried basil. tomato sauce has never tasted so fresh. this isn't the mush i grew up with, instead a sauce intended for dressing each thick slice of pasta, and complete with a scattering of protein. comfort food, unexcelled. what else? how about the pillowy, light, but incredibly filling gnocchi carbonara... a real treat for anyone who enjoys a great cream sauce, salty and scattered with sweet, fresh peas. i'll just keep on trucking with this list of recommendations. how about a little veal chop? how about a little perfectly seared veal chop? you know, like a steak that has a perfect crust, and a juicy center, but tasting of the unique young bovine flavor that we all know and love. not your thing? a little seafood perhaps then. striped bass will please anyone that loves seafood... and adores perfectly cooked white fish caught only that day and when pricked still runs the juices of the ocean.
i can't say enough about this place, and honestly, it's affordable enough so that even i can go out and lunch there once a week without breaking the bank. furthermore, since lunch prices are cheaper, i can assure you that saving a buck and taking a break mid day will not cause you to miss out on what makes this place special. try it for lunch, and then maybe come back for a few drinks at "drink" which occupies the downstairs space, and follow up with a filling, relaxed dinner later in the evening. overall, this restaurant is one of my favorite lunch places, and they really do work some incredible trickery and magic each time they put a noodle in water.
Great food, beautifully designed, especially great for taking friends from out of town. just one problem: it's a small space with the acoustics for quiet conversations... but a lot of people bring babies with them.
Earlier in the week my partner and I had lunch at Sportello. I was intrigued to see Barbara Lynch's newish restaurant after what I had read and in the end I find myself disappointed. I ordered the $12 spicy tomato soup and $17 robiola truffle vinaigrette scacciata. Both items were fine, but nothing special for $29. Given the portion sizes and the simplicity of the presentation I found both items' unvarying depth of flavor monotonous to consume. (Hint: If you go and order these items ask to have them served as a single course.) If I return, I will chose a salad accompanied by a pasta dish instead.
Beyond the food, I found the space odd. Upon entering the restaurant one finds oneself standing not at a portal for dining, but in line for the toilets. The dining room is minimalist and looks best when the room is empty. Crammed with diners, the space looks like the dog's breakfast bathed in too many watts of light.
About the seating, one literally finds oneself shoulder to shoulder with fellow diners seated at stools mounted to the floor while facing a service corridor and other diners facing back at you beyond--be prepared for your conversation to become theirs and vice versa. As a person of average height I found the stools both too tall to comfortably rest my feet on the floor and too low to use the foot ledge. The meal's end therefore became this diner's goal.
I came here for lunch about three weeks ago during a rainy day. It was easy to find since I had recently visited Drunk aka Drink. The space is very modern and clean looking. I love the bar-style seating area and the open kitchen.
I was expecting a great experience but I was slightly disappointed. As noted is previous reviews the prices are goofy. I can't understand why Ms. Lynch charges $12 for her salads! I bet the vegetable & mesclun salad costs about $3 to make but somehow there is a 400% mark up. Also, the pastas are great (i had the ricotta ravioli) but I don't think the $17 was worth it. If you can look past the crater in your wallet you will find the flavors fresh and quality ingredients.
Overall, I was hoping Sportello would be a fresh and affordable lunch option in the Seaport district, but I quickly learned that my search continues.
Another fantastic restaurant by Barbara Lynch. The food is amazing and the wine list had a couple very nice affordable bottles. I made reservation and was promptly seated on time. Our server was very nice although a little slow at times. However I had a very enjoyable meal. The restaurant is also beautiful inside. Nice, clean, modern lines.
Wednesday Night is Spaghetti…
Boston, MA
Introducing
Somerville, MA
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: American (New)
Boston, MA
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Italian
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