Vikas Sharma

I had barely returned from an almost month-long trip in Toronto to reservations being booked en-masse for the coming weeks/months by my partner.

I thought we had taken a break from the bi-weekly rate of restaurant bookings that ensued when we arrived in Vancouver last year, but we seem to be back at it, and our first one was definitely an interesting endeavour at Sopra Sotto.

There’s usually a good, bad, and ugly of some sort, so let me get the bad and ugly out of the way.

My partner had made a reservation for four (or so she thought), as a couple of friends were joining us.

When we arrived, our guests were already there, but the host was sure to let us know that my partner had made a mistake, and had only made a reservation for two, and how he bent over backwards to ensure we were sat at a decent table. This literally went on for five minutes. While our guests watched from our table. I was wondering when he was going to stop going on about it and seat us.

The host’s best line was “I’m not being an asshole here, but … ” and then some further garbage to tell us how lucky we were to be gracing a table at Sopra Sotto this fine evening. And that we had a two-hour limit.

Fine. Wonderful. We’ll eat and drink as quickly as possible, my friend.

Now, I know that most restaurants are banking on a two-hour window for a seating- and some will breach the concept of the good grace of being a host to patrons who dine – but, I don’t need to hear about it. There’s an art to all of this. Figure it out.

When the host said “I’m not being an asshole here, but …” I almost jumped to say “But you are being an asshole …”

And then I thought it would be extra shitty if I got thrown out of the restaurant as our guests (who were sat) watched.

So, tight-lipped I sat and greeted our guests.

On to the good!

We had a wonderful server, who was attentive, kept us hydrated, and checked in frequently as we were slow ordering food, and never came across as impatient with us.

We ordered some drinks to start – Negronis, Perronis, and vino – as well as warm olives, meatballs, and pizza-style focaccia. From all accounts, the meatballs were good (nice sugo), and everything settled in well with the beverages.

For the mains – we ordered a couple of pizzas and a couple of pastas as well as a delicious arugula and fennel salad (similar to the salad we enjoyed at Di Beppe).

We also had a couple of glasses of Negroamaro wine – but the funny thing is when I went to check for the name of the winemaker, I couldn’t find it on the menu today. All to say, our server made a recommendation to try something different than the Chianti, and it went well with the meal.

They maintain a pretty rocking wood-fire pizza oven at Sopra Sotto, and they deliver the pies whole, with a pair of scissors to cut it up. I liked the look of the pies and the Margherita that I had was really nice. Good crust, good sugo, nice cheese.

My partner ordered the Rigatoni alla Norma (which is one of my favourite styles of pasta), and it was well put together and tasty. Alla Norma is a Sicilian style of pasta and pizza with eggplant, ricotta, and cherry tomatoes.

Our friends ordered the Gnocchi with Sunday Sugo (with braised short ribs, sugo, and pecorino) and the Diavola pizza, which they enjoyed (at least I didn’t hear any complaints).

I capped off my meal with an Amaro Nonino, and my partner with a double espresso.

Aside from the mishap with the host, it was an enjoyable evening, with a nice atmosphere, good food, and good service.

Below are some photos from their website which give you a very good indication as what will show up at your table if you decide to go!

Return: No – and I don’t like hanging my hat on that bad experience with the host, but I will. I’m stubborn.

Rating: 7/10