For years, Joe Faro’s Tuscan Kitchen stood as a cornerstone of Burlington’s dining scene—celebrated for warm hospitality, handmade pasta, and classic Italian flavors that brought the community together. Today, that familiar space has entered a new era. With the opening of Sorella, the team behind Tuscan Kitchen has introduced a refreshed vision of Italian dining while honoring the traditions that built its reputation. According to Max Faro, Joe Faro’s son, the goal was not to replace what came before, but to thoughtfully move forward.
“Tuscan Kitchen meant a lot to us and to the community,” Faro says. “But restaurants evolve just like people do. We saw an opportunity to update the space and the experience in a way that reflects how people enjoy Italian dining today—lighter, more modern, and more social—while keeping the hospitality we’ve always been known for.” That philosophy shaped every aspect of Sorella, from its redesigned interior to its reimagined menu.
A Social Space
One of the most noticeable changes guests experience when entering Sorella is the atmosphere. The restaurant feels brighter and more open, designed to encourage conversation and connection. “The first thing people notice is the energy,” Faro says. “The bar is now the heart of the restaurant. We wanted the space to feel lively and welcoming— somewhere people gather, celebrate, and linger.”
To bring that vision to life, the team collaborated with renowned interior designer Taniya Nayak, who helped transform the layout. Relocating the bar to the center of the room created a natural focal point that energizes the entire space. “It immediately became the heartbeat of the restaurant—lively and social,” Faro explains.
The redesign also emphasizes texture, natural light, and an inviting layout. Expanded private dining areas provide space for celebrations, group dinners, and special occasions—something the team knows Burlington diners appreciate. The restaurant’s name reflects that sense of connection. Sorella, which means sister in Italian, symbolizes family and togetherness. “For us it represents community,” Faro says. “It felt like the perfect name for a place built around bringing people together.”
A Fresh Take on Tradition
While the setting may feel new, the culinary foundation remains firmly Italian. Chef Jared St. Amand approached the menu by revisiting dishes guests loved at Tuscan Kitchen and refining them with seasonal ingredients and lighter preparations. “We started by looking at Tuscan’s most popular dishes and building from there,” St. Amand says. “Some of those favorites are still part of the menu, but we’ve updated them with more seasonal ingredients and a slightly more modern presentation.”
At the heart of the kitchen are the same principles that have long defined Italian cooking: fresh ingredients, handmade pasta, and a deep respect for simplicity. “Handmade pastas, great olive oil, and quality ingredients will always guide what we do,” St. Amand says. “Italian food works best when you let the ingredients speak for themselves.” Several standout dishes highlight that philosophy. The four cheese pasta pairs house-made pasta with a rich blend of Italian cheeses for a dish that is both indulgent and balanced. A herb crusted rack of lamb showcases bold flavors with classic technique.
Seafood also plays an important role on the menu. The charred Mediterranean octopus is finished with citrus and olive oil, while a pan-seared crab cake highlights fresh lump crab with delicate seasoning. For steak lovers, the Brandt Beef sirloin is simply grilled and finished with olive oil and herbs—an understated preparation that lets the quality of the beef take center stage.
A Collaborative Vision
The transformation from Tuscan Kitchen to Sorella was shaped by a collaborative effort among chefs, designers, and the leadership team. “We had a lot of conversations about what the next chapter should look like,” Faro says. “Everyone contributed ideas to create something that felt fresh but still authentic to who we are.”
Many traditions remain intact, particularly in the kitchen, where classic Italian techniques continue to guide the cooking. “The commitment to fresh pasta and traditional methods is still our foundation,” St. Amand adds.
Looking Ahead
For the Faro team, success isn’t defined by trends or accolades. Instead, it’s measured by the experiences guests create inside the restaurant. “If Sorella becomes a place where people celebrate milestones, gather with friends, and keep coming back to, that’s success,” Faro says. For longtime fans of Tuscan Kitchen, Sorella offers a sense of familiarity alongside something entirely new.
“We want people to feel that connection to what they loved before,” Faro says. “But we also want them to feel excited about what’s next.” With its vibrant atmosphere, thoughtful design, and modern interpretation of Italian cuisine, Sorella marks the evolution of a beloved Burlington restaurant—and an exciting new chapter for dining in the community.