SontesVery fine meal, close to MayoHad a lovely dinner at Sontes, would have been delighted with it in Manhattan, LA, DC or London; nice surprise to find such a place in Rochester MN, a few blocks from the Mayo Clinic!
Would certainly go back, and will send friends.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMPleasant SurpriseThis resturant was a very pleasant surprise. Loved the small plates and cheese selections. Very thankful for the glutten free guidance. Not sure why this the resturant was not more crowded on a Friday evening, but that was ok with us. Our waiter was attentive without being overbearing. Plenty of wines by the glass and interesting choices and fair prices for same. Bottom line, go here, you won't be disappointed.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMFoodie heavenSontes is a great restaurant for foodies. They offer both small plates and main plates. Wonderful variety of local cheeses. Gluten free items are marked on the menu. My favorite is the chorizo stuffed dates. Amazing wine list.6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous findThis was our first time at Sontes and definitely not be the last. Everything from the ambience to the service was superb. We enjoyed selections off the wine list and appreciated the varietals that were offered. There were also very tempting selections on the dinner menu and we tried a variety of small plates, as well as dessert. Everything was excellent. The service we had was exceptional. We would highly recommend this restaurant.5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMMake reservationsI have been to Sontes several times and each time has been a treat. The food is excellent and of the class you'd find on Iron Chef or Chopped. The chef will take a combination of ingredients that the average person wouldn't think to combine and make an amazing dish. An example would be the Chorizo Stuffed Figs. I started with a scrumptious Watercress Salad and for the entrée had the Lamb Ragout. My wife had the Duck Breast. For those wanting huge portion sizes, you will be sorely disappointed. The portions are appropriately size so you won't get a 20oz porterhouse steak.
I would highly recommend making reservations. Doing so entitles you treat prepared especially for those who made reservations.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDeeecentGreat food. Not a very vegetarian friendly menu . Very small portions. Decent beer list. Great service.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMTapas!Great food! The tapas are fun to share with a couple or a group. We each ordered a couple tapas and shared. Had a great time! The cheeses and wines are delicious! Really enjoyed getting the wine flight. Loved the desserts :) Our server was wonderful!5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Restaurant In RochesterThe food at Sontes is the best in Rochester. The small plates are all very good. The duck could have been a little more tender. I have had better. The restaurant is a little small so I would hesitate to go on a busy night where you had to sit in the restaurant. I heard they had outdoor seating so this may help on nice days. Good wine selection.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMFarm to table freshThe food at Sontes was very fresh, delicious and interesting. I especially enjoyed the brussel sprout presentation. Dessert was fantastic. The wine pour looked a little small.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was my first time atThis was my first time at Sontes although I have often thought it looked like a nice place. If you are seeking something other than a hamburger, steak or good old chain pasta; you may want to check it out.
Smaller portions and electric food selectios make this a great stop for either appetizers or entree. Creative,flavorful and local are some of the things that pop into my head when describing the food.
Atmosphere was great:let's you slow down after a long day and just enjoy the moment.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great experience,We had a great experience, as always. The dates, brussel sprouts, beet salad and scallops were fantastic. We ended the night with a cheese flight for desert - the only way to go. Good wine list too4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat place for fresh food.We were here for a visit to Mayo clinic. Since I was having tests early next day, I had to be very selective about what I ate. They were very accommodating.
Everything was very good. Wish I could have eaten more.
My husband really enjoyed his meal.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMMiss the larger tapas menu.Miss the larger tapas menu. This is what made Sontes unique.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI love when chefs push youI love when chefs push you to try new ideas and concepts. This was a fun experience. I highly recommend the pizza with pork belly on it (maybe a nightly special) and the duck eggs appetizer. The oyster brandade was not my favorite, but it was something different to try. Service is good and it's a fun atmosphere. Great beer and wine options as well.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat date night locationExcellent food, atmosphere, and service. The server was knowledgable about the food and wine, and had great recommendations.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth being a regular at this restaOutstanding, as always. The food is delicious; the service excellent. Sontes now offers a choices of tapas as well as regular entrees.
The one drawback is the physical space. We arrived for an early romantic dinner at 6 pm and it worked. However, by 7:30, it was loud enough and crowded enough that there's little privacy, and hard to hear each other or the live music.
The wine and beer lists are particularly strong.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIn town for a concert. FoundIn town for a concert. Found this restaurant to have an outstanding range of tapas that was thoughtfully crafted...and a very deep and interesting wine list in parallel. Our server was knowledgeable about both. Would highly recommend and hope to visit next time I am in town...3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistent quality experience,Consistent quality experience, great food, great service and wonderful surroundings. This was our third visit.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent time!We came here with another couple for a nice dinner and conversation. We had a fantastic time!!! We had a great night and the food was incredible-we left stuffed and couldn't eat another bite! This place is great for a date, couples, appetizers and wine, all occassions.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGood place in RochesterIn Rochester for a business meeting, Sontes was one of two local restaurants listed on OpenTable. It looked good, we went, and we enjoyed it a lot. The service was a little lagging, with our waitress disappearing at length sometimes, but the food and atmosphere made up for it.
Big hits at the table: Scallops, carroulet, beet salad, Korean pancake, bacon-wrapped dates
Avoid: The Calamari was very disappointing. It was a tiny portion and not very good.3/7/2013 12:00:00 AM