Trattoria La Sorrentina
08
July
(4 votes, average: 3.75 out of 5)
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7/8/2009 Update:
Yum… Pizza!
Seeing that we’re on a roll for pizza places this week – Figured I’d update the 2007 “Get out of Hoboken” review of Trattoria La Sorrentina in North Bergen, NJ. Added the menu and wine list – some new pics – and reminded myself how outrageously delicious the food there is!
Still incredible 600+ days later
Stopped by Trattoria La Sorrentina Pizza for lunch earlier this week (7831 Bergenline Avenue – Corner of 79th Street – See visual map after the jump).
Although we just had a plain pizza (mouth watering as I type) and some basic appetizers (fresh mozz & tomato and a mini-eggplant parm) – what really caught my attention were the baked panini sandwiches the table next to us ordered… will definitely be back to sample those!
Some other things to note: Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, you might have a 10-15 minute wait if you come at peak time – but there’s a continual stream of ravenous fans that frequent the restaurant. Even Monday after peak lunch hour, there were about 8 tables of diners.
My sentiments from the original 2007 review remain the same, and I converted yet another Hoboken resident to a big “follower” of Sorrentina. Yeah, that good. Even if you’re happy with the pizza in Hoboken – I strongly recommend you take a trip out there and see for yourself.
You will not be disappointed.
READ ORIGINAL REVIEW AFTER THE JUMP…
10/9/2007:
Another installment of the “Get out of Hoboken” series brings us to Trattoria La Sorrentina brick oven pizza in North Bergen, NJ.
I quickly rushed out here when my friend Jason Perlow (of Off The Broiler) had sent me a stunning recommendation. We had met over the summer when Hoboken411 was invited to the Star Ledger’s “Munchmobile” trip, testing out various pizza establishments across the state.
What made me want to try Trattoria Sorrentina so quickly was this statement from Jason:
“Best traditional pizza in the entire area by far. I found this place on a recommendation by one of the top Italian restaurant owners in the area (Di Palma Brothers). Family is is from Naples, the pizza is true Neapolitan style. Not Jersey pizza. Brick oven with wood and gas.”
“Pizza Opinions are like… Everyone has one”
We all have a unique opinion about our favorite pizza. Some people like sweet sauce, others gooey cheese, and some people even love Dominos! There are a myriad of different styles of pizza out there these days. There are traditionalists who insist on eating nothing other than pizza that closely resemble authentic pies from Naples, to those that get fruity and enjoy pies with pineapple and ham on it. To each their own, you like what you like.
And our opinion is?
The two pies we sampled from Sorrentina (going on four generations) yesterday were in a league of their own. I honestly couldn’t even lump other area brick-oven places in this group. The taste was amazing, and very unique. Delicious is not a word that does it justice, as we’re nearing perfection-caliber food here in our opinion. The quality of the ingredients (mouth watering tomatoes, creamy mozz, sharp pecorino, refreshing basil) and the texture of the crust (perfectly thin enough, ideal “charring”, stable, easy to eat) was something my taste buds never experienced quite this well in Hoboken. Even Mike from Margherita’s (and Mikie Squared & Vito’s Deli) is known to frequent this restaurant often! That says a lot!
The pies are offered in two sizes, regular and large. The regular pies (which we ordered), have a standard round shape and are cut in six slices. The large has an oblong oval shape and is cut in 10 or 12 slices. Our choices were the Quattro Formaggi (four cheeses – Fresh Mozz, Provolone, Pecorino & Parmigian) & the plain Margherita. Jason gave a perfect description:
“Pizza Margherita, the classic. I urge you to order one of these first before trying any of the other varieties. The sauce has a wonderful acidic and savory flavor, which can only come from real San Marzano tomatoes from Italy, which are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius. The Marinara sauce is infused with basil and garlic, topped with fresh basil, pecorino romano and mozzarella cheeses, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.”
I’m telling you the taste of the Margherita was unlike anything I’m used to eating around here. It was almost unusual at first, unexpectedly. I thought there may have been a problem. But as I slowly chewed, tasted and digested this pie, it quickly won a place in my gullet hall of fame.
“Trattoria Sorrentina uses a gas fired brick oven to make its pizzas, which are the closest thing to real Pizza Napoletana you are going to find in New Jersey. Real Neapolitan Pizza in North Jersey. Bravissimo!“
- Jason, Off The Broiler
The four-cheese pizza was a winner straight out of the oven. Had a very sharp and smooth taste simultaneously, along with the ideal crust. We even dipped our crusts in some marinara sauce they provided, which was also spectacular. Same San Marzano tomatoes with simple added spices, such as fresh garlic and onions. The tang was a perfect compliment to the end of the slice.
Staff, parking, location
The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We went on Columbus Day at around 1:30pm, and there was still a decent crowd. The prices were incredibly reasonable ($7.95+ for the regular and $13+ for the large), and makes it even more worth the drive. Parking was plentiful and free (Park on 79th Street – which is one way heading east – Best bet is to take a left on 78th St from JFK blvd west). Their address is 7831 Bergenline Ave., and you can reach them at 201-869-8100 for reservations.
I’ll pick up some menus and post them the next time we go back (which will be VERY soon!)
Trattoria La Sorrentina gets the Hoboken411 Official Stamp of Approval!
Some additional pictures:
October 10th 2007 - 13:37:55 |
This place is excellent, I’ve tasted a couple pies with some great toppings – one of which is thinly sliced prosciutto (added after cooking) and another I seem to recall had arugula on it. Some of the best Pizza I have ever had.
If you like brick oven, you’ll love this place.
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October 10th 2007 - 14:17:36 |
Frankly if Daniele DiPalma did not tell me about this place I would have just drove right past it and not even given it a second thought. It looks like your average dime a dozen brick oven pizza places that are all over this area outside.
Our pictures really do not do this place justice. If you’ve been craving that truly excellent pizza with transcendent qualities and haven’t found it in Hoboken or anywhere else in North Jersey, GO. GO TO SORRENTINA’S NOW.
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October 10th 2007 - 17:12:21 |
wow it looks amazing. I wonder how their other food tastes. Will definely have to try them out.
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October 10th 2007 - 18:27:12 |
Book it, I’m there. Seriously.
411 send your invoice.
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October 10th 2007 - 18:28:16 |
Did anyone see a “close bold” HTML tag around? I seem to have lost mine…
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October 11th 2007 - 00:49:45 |
I lived for 9 months just a couple of blocks from this place. Not a cozy atmosphere and the signage doesn’t do the place justice which is why people would probably just pass it by. Ok, so you’re not going there for decorating tips. One day I noticed all of the Italian familes eating there and thought I should give it a try. Went back over and over again. All of the food is good, not just the pizza. The waitstaff are great too. It’s a family owned business that’s run like – well, a family owned business. Definitely worth the trip.
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November 13th 2007 - 22:38:00 |
went this past weekend. Pizza was very solid, but I think I still prefer Grimaldi’s. Dough /crust was missing that little something that the coal over adds.
I have to say the non-pizza entrees coming out all looked very good, and I will be back to try those.
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August 2nd 2008 - 06:32:38 |
OK, I heard about Trattoria La Sorrentina at another phenomenal (yet mostly undiscovered) Italian ristorante in North Haledon, Giuseppe’s. A subsequent search brought to this site. My interest was whetted, and as my wife and I are unabashed foodies, a visit was required. Note: I grew up outside New Haven, CT, where Neapolitan pizza reigns supreme at Pepe’s on Wooster Street and I have always maintained that it was the best pizza anywhere. I am not quite ready to cede the crown (Pepe’s white clam pizza is that good!) but I will happily return many times to Sorrentina with all the friends I can muster to prove me wrong. After all a 30 minute drive is preferable to a 2 hr drive and the pizza Sorrentina with creamy Ricotta Salada baked on top of a thin, crisp olive oil scented crust with barely wilted Arugula, tiny, halfed cherry tomatoes and a buttery, nutty Proscuitto laid on top was foodie heaven. We also quite enjoyed the Sauteed Octopus in a lemony, garlic, oregano and spicy red pepper white wine sauce. Service on a hectic Friday night was still friendly and timely. It’s 2 hours now after we finished and the flavors of the pizza crust (absolutely the best I’ve tasted in 50 years) are still dancing across my palate. A visit, yea a pilgrimage to Trattoria La Sorrentina is a requisite. It will not be your only time.
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August 2nd 2008 - 10:41:57 |
Easy-E wrote:
That’s my favorite pie hands down, anywhere. Come to think of it, it’s been ages since I had some…
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August 2nd 2008 - 16:56:13 |
There is actually a short cut thru union city heights that is quicker. If you goto the movies in Edgewater its about 5 minutes from there. We usually do dinner than pass out watching the movies. My friends and I have been eating here about once a month and it never fails to disappoint. The pizza mentioned above I agree with is terrific. Also eggplant parmigiana is very good.
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September 24th 2008 - 10:30:03 |
i have to say this place is very good, i went last night and the food was really good, excellent service and laid back atmosphere, why doesnt something like this exist in hoboken?
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January 24th 2009 - 23:39:41 |
Finally got to try this place, and I have to say it was great. I will definitely be going back many times in the future!
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July 8th 2009 - 12:25:56 |
This is by far the best pizza in Hudson County. I would put this pizza up against any in NYC as well. This is going to sound strange but I have actually dreamed about this pizza!
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July 8th 2009 - 12:40:27 |
This place looks fabulous but your killing me with all those food pictures, I’m craving all kinds of Italian food and pizza now but don’t stop I love the restaurant reviews and when I gain more weight I’ll only have you to blame!
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July 8th 2009 - 12:43:27 |
You’re right that does sound strange but I have one question, was it a wet dream?
In response to jc5201 who said:
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July 8th 2009 - 13:31:18 |
LOL! Close! Unfortunately, pizza is one of my passions, so I do get as excited as a pre-teen lad when I find a place this good!
The pizza Easy-E describes above is the best pizza I have ever eaten.
In response to justaview who said:
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July 8th 2009 - 22:27:53 |
The photos look FANTASTIC. I will make it a point to head out there. Helps that I’ve made new friends from North Bergen
.
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