A rare gem with a farm to table feel.
This venue gave a perfect balance of modern and rustic decor with a staff of old school American hospitality and excellence. The owners at the Sovana must have taken great care in hiring, training, and maintaining their staff. Brendan, the manager, and Even, our server, took every available measure to ensure that our two person party was given a dining experience that would become one of our greatest.
We came for the charcuterie boards and nothing was left to chance. Each component was fresh, proportionate, and expertly paired with just the right additions. The pickled carrots quickly my favorite. The number of cheese options was unmatched! I have had boards in and out of the country, but I’ve never come across a menu with so many options, cheese variations, and or customizable side boards.
By the time we left, Brendan had welcomed us into the Sovana Family, Even had filled our bellies with a meal to cry over, and on the drive home my husband and I planned our next visit. This experience will become a recurring part of our self care.
Jennifer Steffy
My favorite restaurant in Kennett square!
Kim England
Great service from Sarah and staff! Treated our party of 6 extremely well and took the time to light a candle for my grandmother’s 97th birthday! Food was great and surprised even the picky eaters!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrea Fischer
We had a wonderful experience here. Meatballs, calamari, and tuna shareables were fabulous. Salads, gnocchi, burger, and halibut were fantastic. Perfect creme brûlée and super foamy cappucino. We loved everything. Service was impeccable. They ask and are willing to work with dietary restrictions- we didn’t need any, but nice to know.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna Tartare, Fran's Meatballs, Caesar Salad
Donovan Leus
I don’t write reviews often, but I feel very particular about my experience at Sovana Bistro. Upon entering, the space and staff are warm and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were quickly greeted and seated in their spacious dining room for our reservation, with a charming view of their open kitchen. Our server—I believe his name is Chi—was super friendly and attentive to us throughout our whole visit. The seasonal menu is creative, featuring exciting, contemporary combinations and many dietary inclusive options. We ordered an artisanal cheese flight to start, and that was fantastic; our selected cheeses were complimented with an amazing, subtly sweet toast, assorted nuts, and two jams, and the presentation was adorable. Afterwards, my boyfriend ordered the butternut squash + ricotta gnocchi, and I ordered their pasta of the day: fettuccini in lamb bolognese. It was this that soured my experience completely.
The fettuccini was well over al dente; the sauce was watery and splitting slightly, and it seriously lacked the robust and gamey flavors expected from bolognese and lamb. The olives featured in the sauce where chopped in large halves, nearly the same size as the few chunks of lamb I could find (which was disappointing, as I was expecting a hearty meat sauce) and seemed to be the most flavorful element of the dish. Every bite seemed unfortunate, and I tried to like it but just couldn’t get on board with overcooked pasta, finished in below average sauce. My boyfriend’s gnocchi was also bland but cooked perfectly, and his Gorgonzola sauce was surprisingly watery as well. However, the crisp shallots on top were delicious. We left deflated and with my pasta barely touched; I took the rest home as to not seem rude.
I wanted to love Sovana Bistro, and every moment leading up to our main courses made us more and more excited to actually eat. My expectations were high, especially after the bistro was highly recommended to us, but I was severely let down. Considering their stellar reputation, I would not be surprised if we just got unlucky and came on an off-night, but it really was a shame to attend what seemed to be a nice dinner and receive nothing more than a subpar meal. :<
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Katrina Beach
Always a great meal here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Morgan Smith
Food was good , service in general was ok- however they were not so great in accommodating in what most would think are simple customer asks - very disappointing,. Maybe not worth the journey
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Michael Swafford
Great food. Really nice staff. They were knowledgeable about handling gluten-free options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
stephanie kosinski
Will be returning!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin C
Server was not on top of his game. We had to ask multiple other servers for drink refills a few times, appetizer plates and silverware for our dinner. Felt like we should have tipped them instead. Also, Chef should check with his meat vendor..no way was that a Prime grade NY Strip. ($59) Was very tough. Place was also super loud. They should work on getting some sound deflection/absorbing pads on the ceilings and walls. Will not be back.
Stumbled upon this gem, 5 star quality and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JLN
I love the ambience! Nice selections of meals, and priced very reasonable. The service was outstanding, definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elisabeth Voss Geers
Another wonderful seasonal meal at Sovana to celebrate a birthday! Truly special place. The care in preparing the food and drinks is exceptional. Shout out to the server we are so lucky to have each time, Francesca! She knows her stuff and has never given a bad recommendation. Highly recommend. I had the steak and that creamed corn - OMG. Son had the squid ink seafood dish. All so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Billy Knox
Great atmosphere and service. Always a dynamic menu that is never boring.
Michele W
We had the most wonderful experience with the owner Nick and Lynn . We were supposed to have a funeral luncheon at the restaurant , but the day before there was a storm that caused the restaurant to be without power . They were so accommodating to offer to have the food sent to our house and set it up . The food and presentation were absolutely amazing ! They went above and beyond to make a sad day for our family easier for us all. I can’t not thank them enough for their thoughtfulness and the delicious food !!! We appreciate you both and look forward to coming into the restaurant to have some more of Nick’s delicious food ! Michele Waggoner
A rare gem with a farm to table feel. This venue gave a perfect balance of modern and rustic decor with a staff of old school American hospitality and excellence. The owners at the Sovana must have taken great care in hiring, training, and maintaining their staff. Brendan, the manager, and Even, our server, took every available measure to ensure that our two person party was given a dining experience that would become one of our greatest. We came for the charcuterie boards and nothing was left to chance. Each component was fresh, proportionate, and expertly paired with just the right additions. The pickled carrots quickly my favorite. The number of cheese options was unmatched! I have had boards in and out of the country, but I’ve never come across a menu with so many options, cheese variations, and or customizable side boards. By the time we left, Brendan had welcomed us into the Sovana Family, Even had filled our bellies with a meal to cry over, and on the drive home my husband and I planned our next visit. This experience will become a recurring part of our self care.
My favorite restaurant in Kennett square!
Great service from Sarah and staff! Treated our party of 6 extremely well and took the time to light a candle for my grandmother’s 97th birthday! Food was great and surprised even the picky eaters!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a wonderful experience here. Meatballs, calamari, and tuna shareables were fabulous. Salads, gnocchi, burger, and halibut were fantastic. Perfect creme brûlée and super foamy cappucino. We loved everything. Service was impeccable. They ask and are willing to work with dietary restrictions- we didn’t need any, but nice to know.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna Tartare, Fran's Meatballs, Caesar Salad
I don’t write reviews often, but I feel very particular about my experience at Sovana Bistro. Upon entering, the space and staff are warm and welcoming. My boyfriend and I were quickly greeted and seated in their spacious dining room for our reservation, with a charming view of their open kitchen. Our server—I believe his name is Chi—was super friendly and attentive to us throughout our whole visit. The seasonal menu is creative, featuring exciting, contemporary combinations and many dietary inclusive options. We ordered an artisanal cheese flight to start, and that was fantastic; our selected cheeses were complimented with an amazing, subtly sweet toast, assorted nuts, and two jams, and the presentation was adorable. Afterwards, my boyfriend ordered the butternut squash + ricotta gnocchi, and I ordered their pasta of the day: fettuccini in lamb bolognese. It was this that soured my experience completely.
The fettuccini was well over al dente; the sauce was watery and splitting slightly, and it seriously lacked the robust and gamey flavors expected from bolognese and lamb. The olives featured in the sauce where chopped in large halves, nearly the same size as the few chunks of lamb I could find (which was disappointing, as I was expecting a hearty meat sauce) and seemed to be the most flavorful element of the dish. Every bite seemed unfortunate, and I tried to like it but just couldn’t get on board with overcooked pasta, finished in below average sauce. My boyfriend’s gnocchi was also bland but cooked perfectly, and his Gorgonzola sauce was surprisingly watery as well. However, the crisp shallots on top were delicious. We left deflated and with my pasta barely touched; I took the rest home as to not seem rude.
I wanted to love Sovana Bistro, and every moment leading up to our main courses made us more and more excited to actually eat. My expectations were high, especially after the bistro was highly recommended to us, but I was severely let down. Considering their stellar reputation, I would not be surprised if we just got unlucky and came on an off-night, but it really was a shame to attend what seemed to be a nice dinner and receive nothing more than a subpar meal. :<
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Always a great meal here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good , service in general was ok- however they were not so great in accommodating in what most would think are simple customer asks - very disappointing,. Maybe not worth the journey
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Great food. Really nice staff. They were knowledgeable about handling gluten-free options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Will be returning!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Server was not on top of his game. We had to ask multiple other servers for drink refills a few times, appetizer plates and silverware for our dinner. Felt like we should have tipped them instead. Also, Chef should check with his meat vendor..no way was that a Prime grade NY Strip. ($59) Was very tough. Place was also super loud. They should work on getting some sound deflection/absorbing pads on the ceilings and walls. Will not be back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Restaurantji Recommends
Stumbled upon this gem, 5 star quality and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love the ambience! Nice selections of meals, and priced very reasonable. The service was outstanding, definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Another wonderful seasonal meal at Sovana to celebrate a birthday! Truly special place. The care in preparing the food and drinks is exceptional. Shout out to the server we are so lucky to have each time, Francesca! She knows her stuff and has never given a bad recommendation. Highly recommend. I had the steak and that creamed corn - OMG. Son had the squid ink seafood dish. All so good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere and service. Always a dynamic menu that is never boring.
We had the most wonderful experience with the owner Nick and Lynn . We were supposed to have a funeral luncheon at the restaurant , but the day before there was a storm that caused the restaurant to be without power . They were so accommodating to offer to have the food sent to our house and set it up . The food and presentation were absolutely amazing ! They went above and beyond to make a sad day for our family easier for us all. I can’t not thank them enough for their thoughtfulness and the delicious food !!! We appreciate you both and look forward to coming into the restaurant to have some more of Nick’s delicious food !
Michele Waggoner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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