Jea Kim
Great modern Italian dishes served in a uniquely cozy ambiance.
Our recent Friday evening visit commenced with a warm reception into the distinctively designed space. The prominence of bar over table seating struck as somewhat unorthodox, but it accentuated the establishment’s open and laid-back ethos, creating an environment we found both refreshing and intimate.
Kickstarting our meal was the Spicy Tomato Soup, a melody of rich umami flavors that felt like a warm embrace on the palate. The accompanying Taleggio & Caraway Crostini, fresh from the oven, served as the perfect dipper. The Grilled Hen of the Woods mushroom entrée came as an unexpected delight. It danced between the notes of sweet and sour, reminiscent of the hearty Bulgogi – a beloved Korean delicacy.
In the pasta department, Sportello did not disappoint. While both the Strozzapreti and Campanelle were sumptuous, the former edged out as the star, thanks to its aromatic rosemary-infused braised rabbit. The campanelle, on the other hand, showcased an interesting juxtaposition of braised tripe and the fiery Calabrian chili.
Another highlight was the Veal Braciole. With its Porchetta-inspired presentation and the harmonious blend of crispy and succulent textures, it was a piece worth the indulgence.
Sportello may not vie for top laurels when it comes to ambiance amidst the bevy of modern restaurants in the Seaport area. However, in terms of food quality and service, it's a beacon. The restaurant proudly stands as a testament to Barbara Lynch's commitment to culinary excellence.
Navang Shetty
The portions were slightly misleading. The entrees were seemingly larger and more filling than the main. Which while with the price helps the wallet, it can be difficult to ascertain how much to order. The ravioli was the main while the panini was the entree. The focacia was not expected and didn't represent a focacia. Appeared to be more aligned with whole wheat bread that was slightly charred. The desert was delicious and a spin on traditional tiramisu but maintained the core elements of a standard tiramisu.
Timothy K
Really impressive and creative dishes. We enjoyed everything. Maaaaybe I could have done without the green olives in the braised rabbit dish, to me it was a salty kick that didn't really help balance the heaviness of the dish itself but it's subjective.
Can't wait to be back!
Yuri
Cool open kitchen serving delicious food. We had the bolognese, the octopus, the lobster gnocchi, and the tiramisu. Everything tasted excellent and fresh. My only small disappointment was the gnocchi only having some tiny pieces of lobster when it could have some more for the price.
Amy M.
Wow, the food is incredible! We've been waiting eight years to return to Sportello. It's some of the best Italian food I've ever had. Highlights were definitely the duck and lobster gnocchi. The tiramisu was dry and didn't have much coffee involved (see photo).
Service was lacking. Our server sent the salad first and then all of the other dishes at once. We tried to eat as quickly as possible but it's hard when there's four plates to consume simultaneously. Most of it was cold before we were halfway thru. I highly recommend asking them to course it out.
Meli
We loved the Bolognese Tagliatelle! Very flavorful sauce and fresh pasta! Nice sized portion for one person.. Servers were friendly and the ambiance was great too.. you could be at a table for a more personal interaction or at the peninsula bar and interact with others. Music not so loud you can't talk with your friends.
Elias D
A Barbara Lynch-owned restaurant, Sportello lives up to its legacy with what I consider to be impeccable service, food, and atmosphere for the price. The drinks and selections are excellent, and nothing we ordered was not enjoyed by both of us. Our favorite dishes were the Burrata and the Gnocchi with lobster in it. I can't wait to go again.
Hannah Vds
Great Italian restaurant and friendly staff. From the outside it might look a bit a like a weird restaurant, but once you're inside you won't regret it. The interior is something I haven't seen before. I would recommend the papparedelle with lamb!
Miro K
Can't really go wrong with Sportello. Delicious food and great wines. Probably the best Tagliatelle Bolognese in Boston. The food is not fancy, rather it is simple and prepared really well. Portions are not huge, which I appreciate. Prices are on point for the quality of the food. Service is also great.
Kat Gale
Wonderful dinner. I loved the vibe of this restaurant. The food was delicious from soup to dessert. Highly recommend a reservation and a visit. Also try the bar below. That place is super cool too.
C Hill
Fantastic Italian restaurant by Barbara Lynch. The rabbit and GF pasta was excellent. The lobster gnocchi is fabulous! Run here for the best gnocchi in town.
Jaimie Puckett
Incredible food, diner seating. Doesn’t get any better than that. Sportello’s staff is right on par with the incredible food - they are so thorough, knowledgeable of the menu & very friendly. Our server treated us to one of the best service experiences to date! The hardest part of the meal was deciding what to order - so many options! Fun wine list too!!
Xin Zhang
We came here for New Year’s Eve dinner. $85 per person without wine pairing. The food was decent, but the quantity was too little. It was a family style dinner, which they served one big plate of food and we all shared. The service was good and they have some masquerade decorations.
Clarence Kam
Sportello is a great Italian place where most diners sit along a diner-like counter with an open kitchen. It's fun to see the cooking in action and other guests. It's a great way to see what other people are ordering for ideas.
Most of the food was amazing though I thought the cod dish that night was OK as well as the chocolate tart. Nothing bad about either but not amazing. My wife and I thought the salt was slightly heavy handed on the pasta but they otherwise we're great!
This is a place worthy of another visit and is a fun date spot too.
Heather Hamilton
Great bar and awesome experience all around. A must see if you're up for adventure and intrigue!
Kristin S.
Went for lunch with a friend and it was all delicious. Asparagus salad to start was light and refreshing, with a very unique taste. The bolognese sauce was very flavorful (though with just a touch too much spicy pepper), and the tagliatelle was delicious and perfectly cooked. I can't remember the name of the dessert (something delice?) but the flavors of blueberry sorbet, chocolate mousse, and salted caramel goo were wonderfully balanced and tasted amazing!
luis e carranza
have been waiting, excitedly, to return here ... it didn't disappoint. the appetizers are always fantastic and seasonal and the pastas classics that don't really change in the menu (strozzapreti with rabbit and olives, anyone?). also nice that they have a full bar. once sportello gets back in their full post-pandemic groove, let's hope they refresh the place, spruce up the old tables, and replace ye'olde saloon bar with something fitting of sportello's modern vibe
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