Should You Try Maitland's New Restaurant?

After driving by the fairly new SoNapa Grille restaurant in Maitland several times and wondering what it was like, I was anxious to try the Italian and American food there.


Known for its wine selection, flatbreads, and flame-grilled meat and seafood, the upscale casual eatery serves lunch and dinner in Maitland, in addition to dinner at its New Smyrna location. While SoNapa does not have a huge menu, there were a few good things to choose from. We ordered the Healdsburg Chicken Ravioli, which is a handmade ravioli topped with an alfredo-tomato sauce. This is definitely one of the best dishes to order there. The ravioli could have used a little more flavor, but was very light and unique. The Dutton Ranch Apple Chicken Salad also was not as flavorful as I thought it would be, and a couple of ingredients were mistakenly left off the plate.


SoNapa's atmosphere is upscale, sporting white tablecloths and candlelight. However, the atmosphere and food is not worth the prices. The ravioli, for example, is $14 (Macaroni Grill is still my local favorite for Italian food at those prices), and SoNapa's signature entrees range from $14 to $20 each. Perhaps if I was more of a wine connoisseur, I would simply enjoy a glass of wine and a flatbread for $9.


If you have dined at the restaurant, please let me know if you agree with my review in the comments section below. Where: 640 South Orlando Ave., Maitland.