The History behind Sortino's

Sortino's Italian Kitchen is a new age red sauce restaurant where old-school Italian cuisine meets the modern age. Bringing a tradition of hospitality to Kalahari Resorts, Sortino's was established by Giorgio and Giacomo Sortino more than 60 years ago when they opened the original Sortino’s Little Italy restaurant in Sandusky, Ohio. 

“Our family has been long-time friends with George and the whole Sortino family, so we’re honored to continue their legacy and support another family-owned business in the Sandusky community,” said Todd Nelson, owner of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions.

Brothers George and Jimmy Sortino brought authentic Sicilian cooking to Sandusky, Ohio starting in 1974, using recipes passed down from generation to generation to their father, Michele Sortino, who immigrated from Modica, Sicily, in 1952.

“Our family has shared our love of Sicilian cuisine with guests for 46 years, so closing the original restaurant is the end of an era for us,” said George Sortino, owner of Sortino’s Little Italy. “It was an honor when Todd and the Kalahari team expanded our family brand to its resorts, and we’re glad Kalahari will continue to offer our recipes.”

Whether you’re dining with friends, gathering with colleagues or simply feeding the kids, Sortino’s satisfies the appetite and soothes your soul with the flavors of Italy and the warmth of family. You can find Sortino's Italian Kitchen at all Kalahari locations.