BY JACKIE FENDER for WEEKLY VOLCANO | 7/31/2026
There’s something undeniably charming about downtown Sumner. If you haven’t visited lately, I advise you to make a point of it. The walkable downtown is filled with locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, and inviting eateries that make it easy to spend an afternoon wandering before settling in for a great meal.
Among them, Sorci’s Italian Café &Wine Bar stands out as one of those places that feels like an experience from the moment you arrive. Like Sumner itself, it’s a vibe, one that instantly transports you to a little slice of Italy once you cross the threshold. The warmth doesn’t stop at the front door, either. It has a lovely outdoor seating area that is one of the biggest draws, offering the kind of patio that feels like a true retreat here.
The menu strikes a balance between comforting Italian classics and creative takes that keep you coming back. My personal favorite is the Stuffed Avocado, where a baked avocado is filled with olive tapenade, creamy goat cheese and fresh bruschetta. It’s rich without being heavy and somehow manages to feel indulgent and refreshing at the same time.
For the meat eaters, snag the Steak Milan. The Angus top sirloin arrives perfectly prepared and topped with house-made gremolata that brightens every bite. Paired with garlic-and-rosemary-roasted fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables, it’s a hearty plate that still feels thoughtfully composed.
Then there’s the pasta. Simply put, every pasta dish I’ve had here doesn’t miss. Whether it’s the deeply comforting Smoked Pork Ragù (trust me, this is no Chef Boyardee) or the Butternut Squash Ravioli with its generous helping of creamy goat cheese, Sorci’s consistently delivers the kind of handmade flavors that make Italian food so satisfying.
Feeling a bit like a mad scientist? Go with the Pasta My Way option and build your own culinary experience. Choose from spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, angel hair, or even a gluten-free pasta before selecting from seven different sauces. Then add one of eight proteins from land and sea, ranging from classic meatballs to smoked brisket sausage and prawns. Finish it off with any number of add-ons that bring pops of fresh, savory, sweet or spicy flavors to your custom creation. It’s a fun way to make every visit a little different.
Pizza lovers have plenty to celebrate as well. Each pie is served on a 12-inch imported wood-fired crust, and you can taste the care that goes into every ingredient. Toppings are thoughtfully distributed, allowing every bite to shine atop a crust that boasts a beautiful golden-brown finish and just the right amount of chew: not too bready and not too crisp.
While I tend to exclusively indulge in classic bourbon-based cocktails like Manhattans or old fashioneds, Sorci’s beverage menu has a little something for everyone. The cocktail list isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel or venture into overly esoteric territory. Instead, it’s filled with approachable, well-crafted drinks that complement the food rather than compete with it.
Perhaps one of Sorci’s greatest strengths is that it never feels stuffy. The service is warm and unpretentious, the food is consistently delectable and the atmosphere invites you to linger without ever feeling rushed.
Best of all, this isn’t the kind of restaurant you have to reserve for milestone celebrations or anniversaries. Sure, it makes for a wonderful date-night destination, but it’s just as fitting for a spontaneous weeknight dinner, a leisurely lunch after shopping downtown, or a happy-hour pit stop with friends. That versatility is part of its charm. Sorci’s proves that exceptional dining doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. Sometimes the best reason to go is simply because it’s Tuesday.
That is not to say there’s a void of great Italian eats in the South Sound, but Sorci’s is a standout. It has carved out its own place by pairing quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation and genuine hospitality with the small-town charm that makes downtown Sumner so special. It’s the kind of neighborhood restaurant every community hopes for, one you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
Sorci’s Italian Café 1012 Ryan Ave., Sumner, WA
(253) 891-8400
