Nestled in the heart of Broomall is a treasure of culinary delights – Soprano’s Trattoria and Caterers. Upon entering the restaurant soft music fills your ears and delicious scents float through the air causing your taste buds to water with anticipation.

The friendly staff greets visitors and escorts them to a table draped with linen and bathed in the sunlight streaming through the large windows. Green plants decorate the room and helps create an atmosphere that is both warm and inviting.

While being led to our table Mark and I couldn’t help but dally at the large display case filled with home made salads and sweets. Italian Pasta and Potato Salads, Tortellini Salad, Bowtie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli Rabe and Stuffed Pepper Shooters were but a few of the tempting side dishes. Italian cookies of all kinds plus Cannoli and homemade Tiramisu promised a sweet end to a delicious meal.

We learned from our host that all the dishes were created by the talented hands of Soprano’s three chefs: Steve Rosci and Daniel Gonnell, formerly of the Overbrook Club and Chef Maurice, who specializes in French cuisine. Their skill, and Soprano’s famous Roast Pork, has secured the trattoria’s place among the top three spots in Philadephia and its suburbs as listed by Philadelphia Magazine for the past four years.

As we settled in at our table our server delivered a large basket filled with an astounding array of fresh-baked breads and rolls. Italian, brick oven, soft seeded, onion and whole wheat were among the selections and were all warm and delicious.

Soprano’s offers a selection of appetizers ranging in price from $2.95 for fries to $9.50 for fried calamari. We decided to try the Calamari and the Pepper Shooters ($5.50) made with prosciutti and sharp provolone. A large plate of fried calamari complete with dipping sauce and a dish of huge peppers shooters were soon brought to our table. The pieces of Calamari were tender and juicy and were coated in a light breading. The shooters were so large that we had to cut each before eating. The saltiness of the prosciutti was complemented by the sharpness of the cheese and together with the pepper created a wonderful blend of flavors.

In addition to the appetizers, Soprano’s has a large selection of sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes. Sandwiches are served on a variety of breads or rolls and range from $6.50 to $9.00 for Veal Scaloppini. Fifteen different types of Panini, twelve salads and over twenty five pasta dishes round out the menu. I decided to try one of their delicious sandwiches: the Vegetarian – fresh mozzarella, broccoli di rabe, roasted peppers, grilled eggplant and tomatoes with a touch of olive oil on a brick oven roll ($7.50). The size made me wonder how I would ever be able to finish the entire sandwich but once I tasted the fresh ingredients I knew I would never be able to put it down regardless of how full I became.
Mark opted for the Penne Alla Soprano with fresh chopped tomato, chicken and broccoli di rabe.
Beautifully prepared, the piping hot entrée boasted the perfect blend of spices and oils. We each eyed the others choices and finally had to swap meals in the middle so we could both enjoy each of the dishes. Although the appetizers and entrees had left us both feeling full, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the famous home made Tiramisu ($5.50) and Cannoli ($2.95). In my years growing up in an Italian household and in my dozens of visits to Italian restaurants I have had my fair share of Tiramisu. But I can honestly say this was the best I have ever tasted. Sorry Grandmom – the chefs at Soprano’s have outdone you. Thick but not heavy, creamy but not too sweet this is an absolute must try dessert – whether or not you were able to finish your dinner! The cannoli had a wonderfully crunchy shell and the creamy filling was the perfect compliment to the delicious meal.

Soprano’s is a B.Y/O.B. establishment that offers both eat in or take out. Known for their catering, Soprano’s can accommodate both large and small parties and will even help you to book a hall for your special occasion. Open Mon. through Wed. from 9am to 8pm, Thurs. through Saturday 9am to 9pm and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Call 610-359-9355 for more information or to book your next catered meal.