Greeted with long line, new cafe offers ‘an Italian experience unlike anything’ in Boise
A popular local dessert cart made its much-anticipated transition to brick and mortar Saturday.
And fans were enthusiastic, to say the least.
Offering “Italian pastries, focaccia and vibes,” Caffè Sorrento opened at 10668 W. Overland Road in Boise. It’s an expansion of the Tony Cannoli mobile food stand.
“We were so excited to come to support you today,” a Facebook commenter wrote, “but when we got there, the line was so long and it was so cold .... we will come back another day to enjoy the amazing goodies and try something new.”
“What a great start,” added another. “We stopped by on our way out of town — but the line was so long we couldn’t stay. We’re planning on trying again soon!”
Launched by married couple Tony and Emma Curcuru, the small bakery and cafe is located in a strip mall that also includes Hooligan’s Pub and Flying Pie Pizzaria.
The menu includes Italian pastries and cookies, plus Genovese focaccia by the slice or sandwich. Freshly made gelato and granita are planned next spring.
Months ago on social media, Tony Curcuru promised “an Italian experience unlike anything else in the Treasure Valley, much like a small and intimate Italian ‘bar.’”
Caffè Sorrento, he wrote, was inspired by his background as a kid “raised in an Italian-American home where going to Italy and enjoying authentic recipes was a normal part of my life.”
In 2017, Tony quit his job and moved to Italy, where he was inspired to return and create the Tony Cannoli cart. The Curcurus have “spent years developing and perfecting recipes to share with our community,” he wrote. “Emma has been incredibly talented when it comes to figuring out these recipes and after traveling to Italy with me herself, she’s developed her own love for the culture.”
Crowds at the restaurant inevitably will settle down. But be aware: Caffè Sorrento is open only from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
“Sandwiches on fresh focaccia will be available beginning right at 9 a.m.,” the cafe explained on Facebook, “with all items on the menu being ‘while supplies last,’ since we only make a limited amount each day. Also please note that some pastries are only available on Saturdays and Sundays including tiramisù, cassatine, tarts and cornetti. All other items will be available daily.”
Caffè Sorrento has taken over the reviews page for the Tony Cannoli cart. Of 27 submissions, two are of the new cafe — 5.0 stars, just like the overall score.
“Amazing food,” one wrote. “I had a mini tart and it was so sweet and yummy.”
Another raved about the flavors of the focaccia sandwiches — specifically, the Francesco (salami, pecorino scallion spread, sun-dried tomato, fennel, arugula) and Dino (prosciutto, sharp provolone, fig spread, crushed pistachios, arugula, olive oil drizzle).
“... Such a great addition to the Valley’s food scene!”