Sonata (CLOSED)

Had dinner at Sonata last night and cannot praise it enough. This is one fantastic little restaurant in every respect. Mark Tropea's menu is innovative and so delicious. All the dishes were also delightfully presented. This is a chef who knows how to make upscale comfort food with a flair. Run do not walk to Sonata, and tell your friends!

We were in this lovely restaurant for the first time attending a private party for a wedding rehearsal dinner. Sonata's decor certainly fit the couple who are musically gifted. The service from arrival till we headed out the door a couple hours later was exceptional! Everyone at our table commented on their enjoyment of the food. Plated beautifully, seasoned perfectly, and amazing to the taste buds!! I wondered how they would get everyone served but they did!! My salmon dish was absolutely the best ever. The party included ages 5 through 80 and everyone enjoyed a special evening made possible by the wonderful chef who came out at the end of the dinne and was greeted with a round of applause. Thanks to the groom's family who made a memorable evening for the special couple and all of us.

Don't go here without ordering the lobster crepes. They will melt in your mouth. The clams casino chowder was good as well. The service could have been a little more attentive, but everyone was pleasant. We well definitely be back.

Chef Mark Tropea is charming. His menu offers top quality ingredients; however, the food needs more tasteful sauces and seasonings. For example, the tuna was cooked perfectly (rare as ordered), but lacked any zip. Tuna needs flavorful and/or spicy additions to keep it from being boring. The lobster mac 'n cheese was expeensive at $27 (the poached lobster atop the pasta was smaller than pictured on the restaurant website). On the other hand, the salmon was a generous portion, but suffered from the same lack of zip as the tuna. The scallop crudo appetizer flavored with chile oil and preserved lemon was very tasty, but a small portion for $11. Recommend the chocolate decadence for dessert. With some tweaking, Sonata can become a go-to spot for good food.

The restaurant as a whole was amazing. The location is perfect for people watching and grabbing a nightcap afterward. The interior was a nice change from the Rittenhouse/Center City BYO scene of a minimalistic decor where they smash in as many tables as possible, so you feel like you're eating with the table next to you. Sonata was quaint, yet spacious. The service was good, but the food was AMAZING. I suggest trying the scallops and lobster crepe apps. The plating of the food was decorative and gorgeous. Truly a tribute to the chef's hard work and schooling. The food was almost too pretty to eat. The meal was delicious. A nice mix of flavors that complimented each other very well. It was definitely a great experience and we will most definitely go back again.

My girlfriend and I had an amazing dinner at Sonata. Each dish was perfectly seasoned and the menu is so creative. Mark, the chef, came out to talk to most tables. You can tell he really cares about the food he is cooking and it shows. I plan on becoming a regular. See you again soon chef!

Thank you, Sonata for the BEST dining experience I've had in a long time! Each course was beautiful and delicious like the one before it! We loved when Mark, the chef came to our table! He made us feel special. We will go back because we can't wait to try more! Yummy (and a great value)!