Sortino's Italian Kitchen

Name: Sortino's Italian Kitchen
Address: 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH, United States, 44870-8628
Telephone: (419) 433-6653
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.2

4.2

466 Reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top Tags:

Sortino's Italian Kitchen is a new age red sauce restaurant where old-school Italian cuisine meets the modern age. Sortino’s Italian Kitchen is a casual restaurant and bar that brings the Kalahari a tradition of hospitality established by Giorgio and Giacomo Sortino more than 60 years ago when they opened the original Sortino’s Little Italy restaurant in downtown Sandusky, Ohio.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Steak, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(419) 433-6653
Website
https://www.kalahariresorts.com/ohio/things-to-do/dining/sortinos-italian-kitchen/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Chad Vandegrift
Private party facilities
We don't have a private room, but we accept parties. Please contact the restaurant for more details. 419 - 433 - 6653.

Location
7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870-8628
Neighborhood
Sandusky
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 466 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Cleveland / Akron / Canton
Kid-friendly
Cleveland
Kid-friendly

466 Reviews

L
Lisa
Cleveland
19 reviews
vip
4.0
19 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food5service2ambience3
All of the food was delicious and our server, when asked, gave a perfect recommendation of what to get.
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B
Bdot
Central Coast
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was fabulous!! Large portions !! Customer service was excellent. It was great to see and speak with the owner during our meal!!
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D
Ditasflipflop
Cleveland
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have eaten here several times and not once been disappointed. The spaghetti and meatballs are top tier. The service was outstanding. I think it is one of the best dining experiences in the area.
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MC
MichaelC
Pittsburgh
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great little restaurant! Make sure to go while George is there. Great to talk to and spend some time with. We look forward to going back again the food was excellent!
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C
Conference
Cleveland
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
It was expensive and they were out of the house red wine and didn’t have another house option in red.
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TB
TrishaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We started at the bar where Chris made a fantastic drink! Followed with a fresh, authentic Italian dinner. The best part of our night was our chat with George, the original owner. I love that he still continues to visit with diners, share memories, and most of all show gratitude for their business. that kind of customer service cannot be beat!
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J
James
Cleveland
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
Disappointed at the change from the original restaurant. Ambiance and unique experience are gone. Original bread dipping oil far better that what was served. Should not have added vinegar to the recipe. Too much cheese and sauce on the food now. It masks the true flavor of the dish. Food is still good but now too "Americanized". Trying to fit a Sandusky institution into a glorified food court environment just doesn't work well.
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TN
ToddN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I like the atmosphere of the restaurant, how attentive the waitress was and how authentic the Italian food tasted. Thanks for having us, we will be back in the near future!
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K
Keysha
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved this restaurant! The food was delicious and the portions were extra large. If you get the veal parmigiana plan on sharing or having lots to take home. The atmosphere is nice as well, italian music and art, hanging lights, etc. Would definitely recommend and would go again.
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F
Foodie
Cleveland
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
I’d say, it was OK. I was hoping for great but was disappointed. Wait staff was disorganized and scattered. Took a long time to take our order and bring drinks. Calamari was overly salted, meatballs were meh and italian salad was bland with dressing only being oil. Best thing is the bread.
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FD
FallonD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food arrived quickly and was authentic Italian. Delicious.
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DO
DanielleO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious, portions were large. The service was efficient and friendly.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dinner. Our server Devin was awesome. We will be back.
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SM
SharonM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
We were very excited to try Sortino’s as it was my sons choice to eat here for his birthday dinner at the Kalahari. Our waiter was very honest and helpful when we were ordering…completely appreciated his honesty. The wait time for our food was reasonable. Our food was hot. The portions were big…if you don’t have any room in your mini fridge, it would be better to have slightly smaller portions with a slightly smaller price tag. According to the boys, the fettuccine Alfredo was good…although not as good as mom’s (mom is not Italian). The baked ziti had a lot of cheese…maybe too much cheese. The Chicken Parmigiana was really tasty although the size of the portion was ridiculously large (my husband ate maybe 1/3 of it and he is not a light eater). And the cheese ravioli was way too salty! The ravioli was really good but the sauce was way too salty. I was offered a different dish but turned it down. All I wanted at the time was a refill on my drink…that took forever…I was done with my meal before the refill came. Just a tip to the waiter, it’s okay to ask someone to pass the glass down to the end of the table to refill the water glasses instead of reaching across the table and dripping condensation from the water pitcher all over everyone’s food. This was a very pricey not so good experience for the 5 of us.
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D
Disappointedlocal
Los Angeles
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 21, 2023
overall1food1service2ambience1
The food was undercooked and uninspiring from the table bread to pizza. For the prices they command, one would expect better food and experience. There is little charm or uniqueness about this place as it seemed no better than a low end Italian chain. The charm of Sortino’s is long gone.
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SR
SusanR
New York Area
106 reviews
vip
5.0
106 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredibly delicious, authentic Italian food. Started with the 2 huge meatballs with marinara appetizer. Then Veal Milanese and sausage and peppers and a huge shareable side of roasted broccoli. We shared and loved everything. Large portions so we took half home. We declined bread, but saw huge loaves being delivered to tables. Yum. The owner visited many tables with lively conversation treated everyone like old friends. Many were repeat customers. We will go back too.
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LS
LaurieS
Columbus
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best meals I’ve had in some time. Highly recommend the bruschetta and spaghetti and meatballs. We enjoyed all our dishes. Portions are large — enough for two people.
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p
poppy
Cleveland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We had a great dinner. Our waitress (Gabriella) was helpful and had a great personality. Our meal was delicious!
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GP
GabriellaP
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
The bread and butter in beginning was delightful. The chicken marsala was ok but the pasta with it was just drawing in marsala sauce. The spicy pasta with steak and veggies was not great. There was one piece of broccoli and like 4 pieces of peppers. To make it spicy they pour hot sauce in it. It was like eating a bowl of delicious noodles and sauce ruined because all you could taste was hot sauce. Not even spicy, just hot sauce. NOTE to chef: you use cayenne or red pepper to make pasta sauce spicy. Not hot sauce.
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NR
NiseR
Detroit
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter Matthew G was amazing. It was our first time there and he was very helpful in choosing our entrees. The meat and cheese appetizer was delicious. Matthew was very personable and made sure that we had everything we needed throughout the meal. I chose the shrimp cocktail and tomato and mozzarella caprese for dinner. Lite and delicious. This was the best restaurant that Kalahari had on property. Highly recommend.
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R
Rusty
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Eggplant Parm. was the best I've ever had as was the mussels in maranara sauce. Originally from Sandusky, our past was filled with memorable italian restaurants. Now living in Nova, Oh. though, it's been many years since we've had good italian food. Sortino's went beyond our expectations. Not keen on its location at Kalahari but look forward to dining there again. The dinner was to celebrate my husband's 84th birthday and you folks truly outdone yourselves. He enjoyed the shrimp alredo and shrimp cocktail. We both drooled over the delicious cannoli and apple crostata. THANK YOU so much for making his birthday a special memorable event. May God Bless you all!
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CB
CoryB
Detroit
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience2
It’s in a resort so it over priced. The bread was odd for a Italian restaurant and not served warm. The waitress seemed new and inexperienced.
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CM
ChelseaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The place was amazing. Our server was amazing. Def will visit again.
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RC
RobertC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Our waiter was was very poor. Was always in a rush, rude and did not explain anything prior to ordering. Every time we had a question or a request it was like we were bothering him. The food was ok but not high end. The sauces for the Spagetti and Alfredo were watery, not something you would expect at place like this. Probably did not drain the pasta properly. Appetizers were good.. it was a good thing for the waiter he got the mandatory tip for the large party as he would have got none for that poor service. Its probably why he was so rude and short to begin with as he knew he had a mandatory tip coming. If you go, be a small party so they don't apply a mandatory tip and you get stuck with a crappy waiter who doesn't care. Reflects poorly on the resort.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely Italian dinner, food was excellent, generous portions, reasonably priced, friendly service. Our server Elyse (might have spelled wrong, sorry) was top notch and very personable. Would return and recommend.
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A
Aldomichael
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was super authentic and excellent. Had a wonderful waitress, Ciara, who was very experienced and great with our kids. Going back again tonight.
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NC
NathanC
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience4
Ravioli only came with 4 pieces. My sone finished his ravioli before I finished a slice of pizza. Wife's fish was 2 star at best.
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JL
JaimeL
West Palm Beach
13 reviews
2.0
13 reviews
Dined on August 3, 2023
overall2food1service5ambience5
After watching the hotels information channel and learning about Sortinos and the owners story we were so excited to try. The appetizers were very good but the food was really disappointing. The noodles were all over cooked for the 6 of us, shrimp were tough and overcooked, the meatballs were hard straight through just an overall underwhelming experience. Nothing like the hype of what we saw on TV.
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FC
FoodCritic
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience4
Some pasta dishes at our table were good. My Chicken Marsala didn't have even a hint of Marsala wine and chicken had a heavy charcoal taste. Not just grilled. Atmosphere and service was great though.
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LT
LatoyaT
Cincinnati
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience3
We were seated 10 minutes earlier than our reservation which was accommodating. I’ve we were seated we never received utensils and had to ask for them. For an Italian restaurant we wasn’t even offered fresh grated Parmesan. Then to top it all the food didn’t taste authentic.
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JD
JimmyD
Chicago
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Food was good, good atmosphere and our waiter Carlos was exceptional
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PS
PatS
Cleveland
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience3
Really like the restaurant and food! Service was very good and our server Sierra was excellent! Families with small children is challenging but it is up to the parents to control they're children and sad to say most do not at this time! What the answer is I do not know! My experience with noise level I guess was to be expected and overall was still good.
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EB
EB331
Indiana
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good food and service. The garlic cheese bread was so good too!
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JB
JosephB
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
I am an Italian Food snob. That being said the food here is very good and authentic. Portions are very big so come hungry. Our server Gabriella was the best.
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MI
MIKE
Toledo
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
We waited over a hour and a half for our food. The waiter was polite but kept assuring us it was on the way. He then informed us the chef was remaking it. When I finally got my steak medallions l, the were in a pool of water. The food was bland. I would suggest getting a pizza or going out in town to eat.
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RI
RICHELLES
Cleveland
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Not good to much money to spicy would not recommend this pkace
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DL
DanielleL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about our experience was amazing! We wish their was Sortino’s by us in Michigan. The service was great! Our waitress was extremely friendly and welcoming. The food was delicious and great portion sizes.
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N
Neha
Austin
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely dinner at Sortino’s, Ohio. The food was delicious & the portion size was a little on the bigger side. We happened to meet the owner during our dinner & he was a such a pleasure to meet. A gentle personality & he loves to take extra care of his guests. During our conversation, we randomly mentioned that we were celebrating our son’s birthday & he treated our son to a free dessert of choice. Sweet gesture:) We ordered chicken alfredo pasta & cheese ravioli. Both were yumm!
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LR
LeciaR
Cleveland
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Excellent food and keep training new waitresses to match your brand!
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DE
DonaldE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sortino’s food has changed since they moved to the new location. Not all items are on the menu, and there love sauce in not even close to what it was before. Food is still good, but just not the same.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Sortino's Italian Kitchen offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (419) 433-6653.

Sortino's Italian Kitchen is rated 4.2 stars by 466 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Sortino's Italian Kitchen

7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870-8628

Additional information

Neighborhood
Sandusky
Hours of operation
Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Italian, Steak, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Private Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chad Vandegrift
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.kalahariresorts.com/ohio/things-to-do/dining/sortinos-italian-kitchen/
Phone number
(419) 433-6653
Private party facilities
We don't have a private room, but we accept parties. Please contact the restaurant for more details. 419 - 433 - 6653.

Sortino's Italian Kitchen

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

What 466 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Screening

FAQs

Does Sortino's Italian Kitchen offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sortino's Italian Kitchen restaurant rated?

Is Sortino's Italian Kitchen currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information