Located in Vancouver on the southern border of Washington state is Pizzeria La Sorrentina, an Italian eatery focused on bringing fresh ingredients and classic recipes straight from Italy to the Pacific Northwest. Owners Daisuke and Amy Matsumoto have established a family-friendly environment, from hiring staff within their own community to sharing their love of Italian cuisine with others.
From a food truck hidden gem to launching their restaurant in 2020, Pizzeria La Sorrentina has opened the door to authentic Italian cuisine without having to travel all the way to Naples, Italy. Daisuke and Amy Matsumoto found it important to provide everyone with traditional dishes while also creating a warm and welcoming space for people to try recipes that are not necessarily available at your “typical” Italian restaurant in the states. Upon walking in, you’ll see the walls filled with art from many regions across Italy, along with a spacious dining area great for an intimate date night, special celebration or family night out. The outdoor patio is excellent for groups, and pet friendly so no need to leave your canine companion at home.
Begin your culinary journey at Pizzeria La Sorrentina with one of its signature antipasti dishes. The mouthwatering fresh burrata served with hand-cut prosciutto then topped with olive oil and black pepper is a great sharable starter. Pair this with an order of the focaccia Napoletana for an authentic Italian starter. Finish off your first course with an Aperol or Cappelletti Spritz, and be sure to keep an eye out for some of the featured drinks which change seasonally.
All red and white sauce pizzas are made to order and can also be prepared with a gluten-free crust. Try the red-based puttanesca pizza, packed with flavor and topped with tomato sauce, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, oregano, Mama lil’s peppers and red chili flakes. The restaurant is also famously known for its calzones, like the Calzone Napoletano which is stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, ham and pepperoni, then finished off with tomato sauce on top. For those who prefer a white sauce-based pizza, the prosciutto and arugula is light and flavorful. It comprises perfectly baked dough accompanied by cherry tomatoes, smoked and regular mozzarella then garnished with arugula and grana. Dining family-style is always a great idea allowing for a mix and match of different dishes.
A meal at Pizzeria La Sorrentina would not be complete without an order of fresh-made pasta. And the gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a showstopper, oven baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, savor each bite of these pillowy pieces of gnocchi. Seafood lovers, make sure to try the linguine con polpo made with house-made linguine and octopus. This dish highlights fresh seafood from the Pacific Northwest region.
Onto dessert, go for the ooey-gooey Nutella calzone filled with Nutella and ricotta cheese, which will not disappoint! For something less filling, try one of the house-made Sicilian cannoli, a crispy deep-fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta cheese (these are so delicious, you’ll want to take some to-go). Pizzeria La Sorrentina is well known for its babba; this dessert is unique and something to try. The brioche is soaked in sweet rum then filled with an Italian pastry cream. Paired with some espresso, this duo makes for the perfect finish to your meal.
Every ingredient used is imported directly from Italy, ensuring that each dish is prepared in its purest and freshest form. From Caputo 00 flour and the wood-fired pizza oven down to its genuine Italian espresso machine, Chef Daisuke does not skip a beat when recreating these classic Neapolitan-style pizzas, pastas and desserts.
Pizzeria La Sorrentina is open Wednesday, 3:30 to 9 p.m.; Thursday, Friday and Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Now serving both dine in and take out, you are able to enjoy all these signature dishes in the restaurant or at home.
For more information (and to stay up to date with the latest events including paint and sip nights, cooking classes and more), visit lasorrentinavw.com.