The Boston Globe describes Sophia's Grotto as feeling "like a trattoria in Italy, one you might stumble upon in some quaint little town." Named one of Boston's top 25 al fresco dining spots by Boston Magazine, it is no wonder that Sophia's gives off this impression. This fun, intimate, cozy restaurant is an equally good choice for a first date, night out with friends or an evening with the kids. A brick plaza with a handful of scattered tables provides Sophia's al fresco dining experience and is surrounded by a wall fountain and border garden, which create an inviting, relaxed setting for any occasion. A small neat bar area serves about 40 indoors in an intimate, carefully created Italian ambiance. Surrounding the interior are images of the beautiful Sophia Loren (for whom the restaurant is named) and covers of old Italian records. The Mediterranean-Italian menu has options ranging from salads to numerous small plates like fried rolled eggplant, artichoke hearts and spicy mussels. There are also sandwiches (stromboli, cataluna), pizzettas (Napoli, liguria) and plenty of entrees ranging from a juicy New York sirloin steak or salmon filet to ziti marinara or gnocchi Bolognese. Sophia's also boasts a strong wine list with reasonably priced Spanish and New World wines.