Sportello

Name: Sportello
Address: 348 Congress St, Boston, MA, United States, 02210
Telephone: (617) 737-1234 ext. 1
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2581 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Top Tags:

With two U-shaped counters situated around an open kitchen, Sportello (Italian for counter service) offers a menu from Chef Barbara Lynch featuring a range of regional Italian dishes for both lunch and dinner. A modern interpretation of the classic diner located in the Boston Fort Point neighborhood, Sportello features an approachable, artisan wine list. Snag a stool at the counter and enjoy a bowl of handmade pasta!

INDOOR DINING: Reservations can be made 30 days in advance, and due to the small nature of our restaurant, table seating is limited.

We are currently not offering outdoor dining at this time.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(617) 737-1234 ext. 1
Website
http://www.sportelloboston.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Owned/operated by
LGBTQ+, Women
Executive chef
Barbara Lynch
Private party facilities
Sportello does not have a private space, but we do offer semi-private space during service and private space via buyout.
Private party contact
events@sportelloboston.com: (617) 399-8513 ext. 108

Location
348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210
Neighborhood
Fort Point Channel
Cross street
A Street
Parking details
Please note due to COVID-19 restrictions we are currently not offering valet services however there is on-street parking, several open air lots and garages within two blocks of Sportello. There is a large garage on Stillings Street, a small lot on Farnsworth and several large lots on Boston Wharf Road and Congress Street.
Public transit
For those taking public transportation, we are a short walk from South Station (Red Line) or Courthouse (Silver Line)
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 2,581 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

2,581 Reviews

DC
DavidC
Greater Boston
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious. Menu is small and the cocktail I ordered tasted great but was tiny!
Is this helpful?
MP
MikeP
Greater Boston
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
Wonderul entrees. The strozzapreti and the gnocchi were incredible. Skip the tutti antipasti. It was very basic. It was a $25 antipasti board that they chharge $55 for. Server forgot to bring my glass of wine. Had to ask for it. Unfortunately, they sat us at a table 8' from the restroom doors and beside the front door. Every time a new party arrived we were blasted by cold air rushing into the restaurant.
Is this helpful?
FF
FoodieFemme
Greater Boston
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
I was surprised by the stark ambiance (everything is white laminate). We were the first to arrive at the restaurant so it felt very sterile. But the restaurant filled up quickly and it turned into a very lively modern vibe. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable but was quite slow in getting drinks. We had to wait about a half and hour. But the wine we had was fantastic! Three of us had the Bolognese and it was OUTSTANDING!! The fourth person in our group had the gnocchi and said it was very good too. So all in all it was a very good experience.
Is this helpful?
JG
JeffreyG
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 18, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
This used to be such a good restaurant. Sadly, the menu has not evolved, and the tagliatelle wasn't very good. Service was hit and miss. Our server forgot to order one of our entrees.
Is this helpful?
AB
AnnaB
Wilmington
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall3food5service2ambience4
The food we had was excellent, but disappointed that whole categories of the menu we'd viewed online were not available (meat mains, side dishes). Service was a bit unattentive.
Is this helpful?
CH
ChrisH
Atlanta Metro
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience4
The service was a little too impersonal for me. I know what the name translates to but the service seemed to match the typical lunch counter service. Barely adequate
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall5food5service2ambience5
I’ve been Sportello many times and have really enjoyed the food and drinks. Tonight our server was quite slow but otherwise the experience was what we’d expect: great food, and great ambiance.
Is this helpful?
BG
BeverlyG
Greater Boston
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 8, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
Been to Sportello several times because they have what is probably the best tagliatelle bolognese on the planet. Went here for my birthday last night and it was a little disappointing. It was remarkably busy for a Tuesday night and I think the waitstaff might have been struggling with that because everything took a really long time to arrive, from taking our order to the check (except our starter, that came out quickly). Also I asked for traditional seating when I reserved the table but got seated at the counter; the lack of back support or cushioning meant the seat was pretty uncomfortable. I had to keep standing up because of my discomfort. Food and cocktails/wine were on point as usual, though. They did give me a nice earl grey/apple crumble sorbet on the house, too.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience3
Excellent food, slow service (not enough servers), relaxed diner atmosphere.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall3food5service4ambience2
The food was fantastic but the stools without backs are extremely uncomfortable and doesn’t allow you to enjoy the experience
Is this helpful?
0
0923
Chicago
9 reviews
3.0
9 reviews
Dined on October 26, 2023
overall3food4service2ambience4
Service seemed overwhelmed. No attention. Constant waiting
Is this helpful?
I
Interloper
New York Area
53 reviews
vip
3.0
53 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall3food4service1ambience2
This was always my first stop whenever I’m in Boston but during my last two visits the quality had clearly gone down. The menu is still the same. The food still delicious if a little more carelessly put together. But the service has been frankly deplorable. I used to be able to count on friendly, attentive, professional. I’ve had great conversations at the counter with staff. No longer. This time not only did staff not take my order (even for drinks) for 20 minutes after being seated they seemed to be actively avoiding my attempts at eye contact and waves. They were however very prompt in giving me my check without my even asking for it before I even had a spoonful of my dessert. Really?! What happened to you, Sportello?
Is this helpful?
R
Rebecca
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One word - Delicious! Service was great, staff made great recommendations! It’s basically an upscale Italian pasta diner! Will go back for that bolognese and rabbit pasta!
Is this helpful?
SM
SofiaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food with a nice atmosphere and very nice servers
Is this helpful?
AR
AdamR
Louisville
13 reviews
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Cool vibe with an open kitchen. Would be a bit loud for a date night. Gulfo cocktail was delicious. Nice wine selection. Service was excellent Highlight was the Lobster Gnocchi. Would come back.
Is this helpful?
C
Chamonix
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall1food1service4ambience3
We first went to Sportello in 2013 and were regular customers until before the pandemic. This was our first time being back since the pandemic. How times have changed - and not for the best. The bad: Bolognese - not worth it at $38. No onions and celery in the sauce that I could taste. A few minor specs of carrots. Didn't seem like there was even veal and pork in the sauce - maybe beef and lamb? The pasta it was service with was OK. Gnocchi - this was the dish we used to order the most - it was delicious. So much so that we've perfected making it at home the way it used to be and the way it is in the Stir cookbook. The dish that is served in the restaurant isn't remotely similar at all. All you taste is garlic. No more chanterelle mushrooms either (just the cheap ones). The gnocchi doesn't seem pillowy and homemade like it used to be. No truffle oil and no thyme either (unless it's been totally masked by the garlic in the dish). No more free break. Back in the day, they would give you free break with a lovely whipped ricotta. Now you have to pay $10 for a bread basket. The good: The cocktails are much nicer than they used to be. We both had mocktails and they were the highlight of the meal along with the burrata appetizer. The pasta should be the star - and isn't anymore. Will will not be returning anymore.
Is this helpful?
FM
FredandMable
Greater Boston
26 reviews
vip
3.0
26 reviews
Dined on October 5, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
It is over priced. The $10 bread basket should be free, because the bread is not that great, and it comes with only a small cup of olive oil. The duck breast was correctly cooked and was good but there was about half a spoon of accompaniments with it. we would not return.
Is this helpful?
E
Edward
Greater Boston
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
The pasta was al dente and the rabbit was very tasty. The staff was attentive and friendly. The wine list, although somewhat pricey, had a very diverse collection of vintages.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience3
Food, drinks and food very good. The front door continually blew open blowing cold air directly on the patrons which was a disturbance and detracted from our overall experience. Seating was unique but not conducive for groups of two people. Also, seats were hard with no backs. Overall good not great.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
I had to leave a star for all categories to get to this point, but never actually ate the food. My wife was uncomfortable sitting at the counter, her back wasn’t feeling it. I asked the hostess if we could be relocated and was told no. So we got up and left. On our way out we explained that the counter seats were making my wife uncomfortable and causing her back pain. The hostess didn’t reply. It might not be a fair review, but if this is their level of service, I can’t imagine what the night would’ve been like. BTW, it was our anniversary which I stated when making the reservation.
Is this helpful?
T
Tony
Greater Boston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 23, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience3
Food was poorly prepared. Duck breast was tough and skin soggy. Chicken was mushy. Vegetables over cooked. There are far better places than this - was genuinely disappointing. And expensive to boot
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Miami
82 reviews
vip
2.0
82 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall2food3service4ambience2
Terrible lunch menu nothing but pastas Place is ugly and no vibe
Is this helpful?
CO
CharlesO
New York Area
9 reviews
vip
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 20, 2023
overall2food2service3ambience2
Despite having a reservation, we had to wait 15 minutes until the people occupying our table left; meanwhile, others were seated ahead of us. Our server was polite and efficient. The food was okay. My husband ordered a chopped salad, which he has had at numerous restaurants, and he said what he received was not what he was expecting. He said it was okay but not great. The room was very noisy. The space was unusually arranged, with a few tables surrounding a long, winding counter where people also ate and drank.
Is this helpful?
MI
MbfromIndy
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Oops, think lost my review when tried to add photo. Excellent food with friendly wait staff. Have already recommended this place to others. Think it’s only place to get Barbara Lynch brand food at lunch hour. Try the prix fixe menu with several choices. Pasta was silky and perfectly al dente, not sure how can be both but impressive. Small disc of tiramisu was excellent with perfectly toasted hazelnut garnish that nearly stole the show. R.I.P. to super chef Ryan Crofter who left us too soon but with a legacy of restaurants finely tuned.
Is this helpful?
DS
DeannaS
New York Area
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience3
Service was very slow and alot of the food came out cold.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tulsa
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The tagliatelle is unforgettable. I’ll be coming back next time I’m in Boston for sure.
Is this helpful?
OK
OKNBoston
Greater Boston
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food. Place was almost empty. Music was inappropriate, but probably enjoyed by staff members that far outnumbered the customers.
Is this helpful?
B
Brian02118
Greater Boston
11 reviews
vip
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience2
Eh. The red snapper crudo was really problematic. It was served with sliced fennel and a fennel broth and fresh parsley. Unfortunately, the fennel was sliced into pieces that were too thick to enjoy - it should have been shaved paper-thin. The parsley was crudely chopped and mounds were piled onto each piece of fish without regard for how strong the herb tastes against the delicate fish. The fennel broth was almost flavorless water. In the whole dish, there was no compliment to the fish - no acid, salt, heat/spice. It was watery piles of cold fish with too much parsley. The rest of the meal was okay. We got the branzino for two. The fish was prepared fine and already deboned. Though, the whole fish was delivered with no serving utensils. Trying to remove the head and tail was too fussy with fork and knife. The sides (carrots and sun chokes) were inconsistently cooked. Larger ones were hard while the smaller ones were cooked fine. All in all, the place felt spiritless and tired. The staff in the wide open kitchen did not appear engaged or interested in what they were doing. Big yawn.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience3
Service was good but the food wasn’t what my friends and I had expected. Bartender was great and reception very welcoming. The mood of hen restaurant was great. I would give it a second try.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall1food1service3ambience4
Food was not very good and limited menu will not be back
Is this helpful?
h
hiddengem
Greater Boston
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our servicer was friendly and attentive. We loved the grilled octopus and the gnocchi were outstanding. The expresso martini was fabulous. The salumi and bread basket chef choice was also very good
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sat almost immediately. Drinks and appetizers came out super fast as well. Food was delicious. Thank you! (Birthday date went great!)
Is this helpful?
NS
NSFood
New York Area
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent kitchen and cheerful service. Great value and very enjoyable.
Is this helpful?
KH
KatherineH
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spectacular food and service. Staff is fabulous and deserve kudos.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greater Boston
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Sportello is outstanding. The consistency of the food quality is unmatched. The complexity of flavors in every dish is astonishing. I’ve been here dozens of times. It never disappoints.
Is this helpful?
J
Jess
Greater Boston
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall2food1service2ambience1
Food was eh. Service wasn’t great. Atmosphere not good. Was pretty disappointed.
Is this helpful?
CS
CaseyS
Greater Boston
32 reviews
vip
4.0
32 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
Food came out really fast, like maybe too fast, but everything was delicious! Good drinks too! Fun atmosphere - we sat at the counter. Fun to watch them preparing all the food!
Is this helpful?
EC
EdwardC
Greater Boston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and interesting variety in the menu. Pasta is a standout in the menu.
Is this helpful?
F
Food
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall2food3service3ambience2
Bad acoustics make the restaurant very noisy. AC can't keep up with the number of people in the restaurant so it's uncomfortably hot. Doesn't help that the water served isn't cold.
Is this helpful?
CG
CarlG
Alabama
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really enjoyed the buratta, lamb meatballs , and lamb pasta dish
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Sportello using the Order Online button. Sportello also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (617) 737-1234 ext. 1.

Sportello is rated 4.4 stars by 2581 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

Dec 6, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

348 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
A Street
Neighborhood
Fort Point Channel
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Please note due to COVID-19 restrictions we are currently not offering valet services however there is on-street parking, several open air lots and garages within two blocks of Sportello. There is a large garage on Stillings Street, a small lot on Farnsworth and several large lots on Boston Wharf Road and Congress Street.
Public transit
For those taking public transportation, we are a short walk from South Station (Red Line) or Courthouse (Silver Line)
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
LGBTQ+, Women
Executive chef
Barbara Lynch
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.sportelloboston.com/
Phone number
(617) 737-1234 ext. 1
Private party facilities
Sportello does not have a private space, but we do offer semi-private space during service and private space via buyout.
Private party contact
events@sportelloboston.com: (617) 399-8513 ext. 108

Sportello

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Popular dishes

Fresh Gnocchi

Fresh Tagliatelle

1 Pint Bolognese

Menu

Antipasta

Tutti Antipasti$55.00

Bruschetta$14.00

Polpette$16.00

Bread Basket$10.00

Insalata & Zuppa

Caesar$14.00

Chopped Salad$16.00

Spicy Tomato Soup$15.00

Grilled Artichoke$15.00

Pasta

Strozzapreti$34.00

Gnocchi$38.00

Tagliatelle$32.00

What 2,581 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Sportello offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Sportello restaurant rated?

Is Sportello currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information