Latest Reviews
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I can see that those who've given lower ratings to SB are genuine, but it makes me sad that there have been such poor experiences of the place when I'…
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I was recommended Sonnys by a friend who lives in the area and who suggested it was in the similar vie to Bar Idda and Umbertos. So, on this recommend…
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My girlfriend and I went to this restaurant for our anniversary and the moment we walked, the dimmed lights, the white tiled table and the old classic…
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Sonny's Bottega is open for Casual Dining. Sonny's Bottega serves Italian and Bar Food dishes. Incorrect or missing information? Make a report, or claim the restaurant if you own it!Details
Feature List
takeaway availablewheelchair accessibleoutdoor seatinggardenindoor seatingserves cocktailsavailable for functionsReviews
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6 Reviews on “Sonny’s Bottega”
I can see that those who’ve given lower ratings to SB are genuine, but it makes me sad that there have been such poor experiences of the place when I’ve been nothing but welcomed like a family member, pleased with the ambience, and well-fed with quality home-made Italian food. We have never visited when it has been packed, so there has been time for them to give us a good amount of attention. We gave feedback on the meals at one stage and the owner who was also serving us explained a bit more about the history of the family recipe and the culinary practices of the grandparents back in Italy. It was a very touching and inclusive interaction that added to the great experience. I am not a focaccia eater – I actually avoid focaccia whenever I can as I’m still getting over the days when every caf seemed to be selling them, but SB’s focaccia that I begrudgingly tried has been beautiful each time. I think I remember being told that they put mashed potato into it. It is just soft and divine. I think about it often. The pastas we’ve had have been flavoursome and heart-warming. I’m not sure if they’re still doing this, but when they were posting their weekly menu on Facebook (on a Tuesday) I was constantly logging in to see what they had and plan to go there, especially if they were offering the pappardelle dishes. I hope that you all get to have the wonderful experiences we have had.
I was recommended Sonnys by a friend who lives in the area and who suggested it was in the similar vie to Bar Idda and Umbertos. So, on this recommendation, we made the trip up.
Inside, they have made a great job with the decor, wonderful white tiling that gave it a really nice, intimate bistro feel. However, someone decided to poop all over that vibe and add random bar room tables that blocked off the bar area, giving it the cluttered feel of a storage room.
Upon entering, one of the few diners looked up and asked what we wanted… Establishing that he was somehow involved in the whole caper, we asked if there was a table free. He shrugged and said sure and that there was a menu written on a board at the back we could look at. The board was indeed at the back of the restaurant and the written so small we could hardly read it. We ordered chicken and meatballs and a couple of glasses of wine.
Then we waited.
Then we waited some more.
After 15 minutes our wine came out. at $14 a pop I was expecting a really good wine but it was fine, but it was still $14.
After 45 minutes the food came and that’s where the problems really started. At $24 for meatballs, I was expecting something special. I got three meatballs in sauce and piece of bread. The meatballs were good, but they were three meatballs in sauce and were $24. The chicken however was appalling. Three undercooked, pieces of chicken that looked anaemic. They were served with polenta that would still be bouncing around the establishment had they fallen to the floor. My partner is a pretty stoic sort but after a couple of prods, decided it wasn’t worth the risk and threw in the towel.
So, 45 minutes, meatballs, chicken and two glasses of wine and close to $80. Sigh.
Reading this is makes me feel like a bit of a d*ck for posting such a negative review. The area they have opened up in is obviously starting to thrive and I really want to see small, independentplaces like this succeed, but my experience was so poor and their attitude was so ‘don’t care’ that I felt compelled to write this.
Look at the prices, look at making customers feel welcome and serve food that is edible.
My girlfriend and I went to this restaurant for our anniversary and the moment we walked, the dimmed lights, the white tiled table and the old classical Italian music set the perfect vibes for our dinner. We were very excited about the pumpkin gnocchi that we saw on their menu previously, but since their menu rotates weekly, we settled for the spinach gnocchi instead. We were both BLOWN AWAY by how well the dish was put together. It was the perfect amount of creamy-ness paired with the saltiness from the crispy speck. We ordered the meatballs as well and it is what I imagine a family owned recipe would taste like. Shame we couldn’t use the beautiful courtyard because it was too cold, but we will definitely come back to use the courtyard, and hopefully on our anniversary next year.
I left this place confused as to whether I liked it or not so Ive rated it 3/5. Firstly – shop fit-out is great and its a really cool space. Clearly some talented thought went into creating it. Dining areas, bar, courtyard – all very cool. I did find the place incredibly cold however – odd as Im not a cold person. The cold factor seems minor but once I started shivering it became as issue. The service was fine – our main waiter was okay however the other bearded dude seemed more preoccupied with his phone to bother with refilling our wine glasses. The food was good – main charcuterie platter impressive but the bread dishes won hands down. For some reason their bread is delicious, so crispy and fresh. Overall – a worthy place to check out. I look forward to giving this place another go and Im intrigued to see what others think.
Great service and great food and menu changes weekly with the use of fresh ingredients in season at the time. Old school Italian which is great ! The Prosecco Dance on a Friday night a highlight.
We moved to Reservoir one year ago, from Brunswick, and lamented the absence of places to eat and drink in our new neighbourhood. So when we heard SB was opening we were very excited. When it finally opened we were there on the first night for my birthday. I texted ahead to make a booking and arrived to a sweet little posy of garden flowers with a happy birthday tag attached on our table.
We were warmly welcomed by Raz, his sister and Dad, John, and handed a free glass of prosecco. We sat out the back on the deck in the lovely wrought iron furniture. It was a very busy night and we met others from the neighbourhood who were as pleased as us about the new bar.
The menu had 5-6 dishes based on what was fresh and seasonal. We had homemade gnocchi with a beautiful tomato sauce, a fennel and orange salad, a cheese and spinach frittata type dish and a focaccia. For dessert we had a divine strawberry tart. The wine was great and well priced.
Judging by the crowd and enthusiasm of everyone on the night SB has really hit the mark and has filled a real gap in Reservoir. Looking forward to many warm evenings on the deck.