Some flavors demand patience, care, and a human touch.
At Piazza Sorrento in Hershey, pasta isn’t just cooked—it’s crafted. Each noodle is kneaded, rested, and shaped by hand, giving it a texture that tells a story before you even taste it.
Sauces cling to every ridge, every fold, hugging the pasta in ways machine-made noodles can’t replicate. Tagliatelle captures rich, slow-cooked ragù in its valleys.
Penne cradles creamy or tomato-based sauces in perfect grooves.
The servers are guides, describing textures in plain language, helping you navigate flavors without overwhelming chef-speak. Every bite balances wheat sweetness with savory depth, showing off a rhythm of craft passed down for generations.
Dining here isn’t just a meal. It’s an experience where hands-on tradition meets vibrant, layered flavors you’ll want to remember.
A Family-Owned Tradition Of Handmade Pasta
Walk into Piazza Sorrento and you catch the flour in the air before you see the dough. Hand-rolled sheets are cut, shaped, and dusted by people who learned from family, not factory manuals.
You can feel that pride as ribbons of pasta glide through the kitchen, destined for pans already hissing with olive oil and garlic.
The space is roomy yet cozy, a neighborhood hub where date nights mingle with family celebrations. I love how servers talk through shapes and sauces like trusted guides, steering you to pairings that just make sense.
When you twirl that first bite, there is a gentle chew, a spring that only fresh pasta delivers.
Being family-owned matters here because it shapes every decision. The menu blends seafood, pizza, and classics, but pasta remains the soul.
You see it in the deliberate pacing, the way timing hits so dishes land hot and perfect.
Gluten free friends do not sit on the sidelines either. Dedicated options mean everyone can join without compromise.
Between the lively dining room and the pizzeria side, it is easy to find your vibe and settle in for something comforting, crafted, and unmistakably Hershey.
Why The Dough Matters: Texture, Bite, And Bronze Cuts
Fresh pasta at Piazza Sorrento is all about feel. That tender resistance when your teeth meet the noodle tells you the dough was kneaded right and rested long enough.
Sauces cling because the texture is intentionally imperfect, a beautiful roughness that bronze tools make possible.
When you order, lean into shapes that highlight this craft. Tagliatelle with a slow-simmered ragu shows off edges and valleys that hold flavor.
Penne brings grooves perfect for tomato brightness or a creamy blush that hugs every ridge.
I appreciate how servers describe textures in plain language, not chef-speak. They will guide you to that balance where sauce supports, not smothers.
You end up with a bowl that tastes layered, from wheat sweetness to savory finish.
Even simple aglio e olio becomes expressive with this pasta. The garlic pools in tiny crevices, the oil shines, and chili heat pops.
It is proof that great dough turns minimal ingredients into something memorable, bite after bite, right here in Hershey.
Gluten Free, Done Right And With Care
If gluten free dining usually means settling, Piazza Sorrento flips that script. There is a dedicated gluten free menu and staff trained to handle celiac needs carefully.
From pizza to penne, options feel exciting, not like stand-ins for the real thing.
What stands out is the confidence. Hosts ask proactively about gluten free when you arrive, and servers explain cross-contact steps without drama.
It is reassuring, and you can relax into the meal rather than interrogating every plate.
Friends rave about the gluten free Chicken and Penne, and I have watched entire tables share gluten free desserts without missing a beat. The texture is right, sauces sing, and you feel included.
That feeling is everything when eating out with mixed-diet groups.
Call ahead if you want to confirm details for severe allergies, but know the system here is practiced. Hershey gets a lot of visitors, and the team meets that challenge.
The result is a spot where you can celebrate freely and still eat the pasta you crave.
What To Order: Signature Pastas And Smart Pairings
Start with a classic like tagliatelle ragu, where slow-stewed depth nestles into handmade ribbons. If you crave cream without heaviness, chicken and penne in a blush sauce balances richness with tomato brightness.
Seafood lovers can aim for linguine studded with clams or shrimp, letting briny sweetness shine.
Ask for a server’s pairing. A medium-bodied Italian red flatters ragu, while a crisp white lifts seafood.
If you are gluten free, request the adjusted pasta and feel confident the texture still satisfies.
Consider splitting a pizza as a starter for the table. The pizzeria side turns out pies with a chewy edge, perfect for sharing before pasta lands.
Salads arrive crisp and well-seasoned, a fresh counterweight to richer sauces.
Leave room for dessert because the kitchen does not coast at the finish line. Strawberry shortcake makes a seasonal cameo and disappears fast.
When everything is timing and comfort, the best move is to trust the house and enjoy the ride.
Make The Most Of Your Visit: Reservations, Timing, And Vibe
Piazza Sorrento can get busy around peak dinner hours, so reservations are smart, especially on weekends. When you book, note whether you want the pizzeria side or the dining room, since the feel differs slightly.
Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and scan the specials.
Service here can be wonderfully attentive, with servers who know the menu inside out and handle modifications gracefully. On rare nights, seating hiccups happen, so patience helps.
If something is off, speak up kindly and they usually fix it fast.
The crowd skews mixed: families, date nights, travelers chasing chocolate town charm. It is welcoming and lively rather than hushed.
Expect a comfortable buzz that suits hearty plates and conversation.
Parking is straightforward in Briarcrest Square, and lunch is a calmer window if you prefer quiet. The restaurant opens at 11 AM and keeps later hours Tuesday through the week.
Plan accordingly, come hungry, and let the kitchen set the pace.
Dining Room vs Pizzeria: Picking Your Setting
Piazza Sorrento runs two experiences under one roof. The pizzeria side is casual, lively, and perfect for pies, quick lunches, and laid-back bites.
The dining room leans a touch more formal without feeling stiff, ideal for pasta-focused dinners and lingering conversations.
Prices and portions feel consistent, but energy shifts. If you have kids in tow or want a faster meal, the pizzeria vibe fits.
For date nights or celebrations, book the dining room and settle into a slower rhythm.
Noise levels vary with the crowd, so earlier tables tend to be calmer. If ambiance matters, mention preferences when reserving.
Staff usually accommodates when they can.
Either way, the kitchen’s heart beats the same. Handmade pasta and thoughtful sauces cross both sides, with pizza acting as a fun opening act.
Choose your lane, then let the plates do the talking.
Local Logistics: Address, Hours, And How To Plan
You will find Piazza Sorrento at 16 Briarcrest Square, Hershey, PA 17033, a short drive from the park and downtown. The location is convenient, with easy parking and a layout that welcomes both quick lunches and unhurried dinners.
The rating hovers around 4.4 stars, earned plate by plate.
Current hours show an 11 AM opening, with Tuesday listed 11 AM to 10 PM. Always check the website or call +1 717-835-1919 before you head over, since holiday or event days can shift timing.
Hershey weekends fill up fast after late afternoon.
For details and menus, visit http://www.piazzasorrento.com/. It is helpful for browsing specials and confirming gluten free options.
A quick peek saves you from decision fatigue at the table.
If you are mapping it, coordinates are 40.2692288, -76.6713049. Plan around traffic near attractions, especially during summer and concert nights.
When everything aligns, you are seated with a menu and a plan to feast.
Balancing Expectations: Food Quality vs Occasional Hiccups
Most nights at Piazza Sorrento deliver excellent food and warm service. Handmade pasta sets a high bar, and gluten free execution stands out.
Still, like any busy spot, there can be off moments at the door or with pacing.
If you feel rushed or the greeting misses the mark, take a breath and restate what you need. A calm ask often resets the tone and gets you where you want to be.
Once seated, servers usually bring the experience back on course.
It helps to separate a blip from the bigger picture. When plates hit the table, craft and flavor take center stage.
That resilience is why locals and travelers keep coming back.
Set your plan: reserve, arrive a touch early, speak up kindly, and let the kitchen win you over. The payoff is a comforting, handmade meal that tastes like home and holiday at once.
That is a fair trade for the occasional wrinkle.
Perfect Pairings: Drinks And Dessert To Finish Strong
The bar at Piazza Sorrento keeps pace with the kitchen. Italian reds cozy up to ragu, while citrusy whites sparkle beside seafood pastas.
If you prefer zero proof, ask for a bright spritz or a classic Italian soda to refresh between bites.
Dessert should not be an afterthought. Strawberry shortcake shows up seasonally and vanishes quickly for good reason.
Tiramisu, when offered, brings that coffee-cocoa comfort that ends a meal gracefully.
I like ordering espresso with something sweet to stretch the finish. The buzz pairs beautifully with creamy textures and lingering sauces.
You leave satisfied, not weighed down.
Ask your server which desserts are available gluten free that day. The team does a thoughtful job ensuring everyone can indulge.
Ending on a balanced note ties the whole Hershey evening together.