Sorrento Restaurant
An Italian institution
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When Sorrento Restaurant closed in 2021, it was one of the oldest family run restaurants in Northbridge.
Opening in 1949, Sorrento served up generous dishes of authentic, homestyle Italian food in an inexpensive and friendly restaurant.
Its owner, Italian-born Alfonso Di Lanzo, arrived in Perth in 1961. A talented and successful tailor, he long held an ambition to open a great Italian restaurant.
Cheerful owner Alfonso Di Lanzo at Sorrento Restaurant.
Courtesy Alfonso and Fatat Di Lanzo -
When Sorrento’s first owner, Michele Ribaudo, passed away in 1981 Alfonso retired his scissors and took over the restaurant.
Consistently good food paired with the warmth and generosity of Alfonso and his staff turned the well-loved restaurant into an institution.
With its candy-striped awnings and dining room decorated with classic arches and colourful murals, the restaurant displayed the homely charm of an Italian trattoria.
The iconic red and white awnings protected diners in a bustling alfresco dining area.
Courtesy Creative Spaces -
We were one of the biggest and greatest restaurants in Perth, doing 2000 people a week and a queue of people waiting outside. - Alfonso Di Lanzo
Closing the restaurant was a difficult decision for the Di Lanzo family, who had owned and operated Sorrento for 40 years. They farewelled the restaurant ‘the Sorrento way’, sharing food, wine and their famous hospitality with the many friends, customers and suppliers who had become part of the Sorrento family.
The Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan, was a regular. Mr McGowan (centre) is pictured here with his family to the left and Sorrento owners Alfonso and Fatat to the right.
Courtesy Alfonso and Fatat Di Lanzo -
The Di Lanzos celebrating with family and friends at Sorrento's in the 1990s.
Courtesy Alfonso and Fatat Di Lanzo
Sorrento Restaurant
Originally at 158 James Street, Northbridge
With thanks to Alfonso and Fatat Di Lanzo