Having never been there, made a reservation at 8 for myself, husband and 12 yr old son - looking for a nostalgia place for my son to experience. I would have loved to been able to share Scotti's with him. We arrived prior to our reservation for a glass of wine, Â however unknown to us, there is no bar area. We asked for a glass anyway and they refused and asked us to leave, to not come back. Stunned, we left and found a wonderful family owned Italian restaraunt around the corner called Campanello's. Service was amazing and food was impeccable!
Review Source:After months of walking past Scotti's we finally made it! And I am so glad we did! What a great experience!
Lots of American colleagues have warned me several times that "Italian food in the US is not really like Italian food in Italy". I always reassure them by saying that Italian food in Belgium is not like Italian food in Italy either. Each country just adapts Italian dishes and I'm fine with that (especially because in general it includes adding a lot more sauce and meat to the standard Italian dish!).
However, the Italian places I've tried in Cincinnati haven't really taken my breath away. Often, it just tastes bland.
So hurray for a "real Italian"! I've only been once, but I can highly recommend the spaghetti carbonara! It came with spicy sausage on top, which the dish didn't need at all in my opinion, so I just left them to the side and it was still plenty enough! My husband really liked the green lasagna.
5 stars for the food, as well as the service - quick, but not too quick (you can actually enjoy the surroundings and not feel as if you need to leave in 20 minutes) and very friendly.
So why was I tempted to give only 4 stars?
Because it's pricy - although I loved the food, the main reason we kept walking by was that we thought the dinner prices were outrageous. For lunch though, it's really reasonable: only 20 dollars for both our dishes together! This is definitely our new favorite Italian lunch spot (next to Fusian for sushi, and Akash for Indian). So, just come here for lunch! -- and yay, that did allow me to turn this into a 5 star review :)
While I liked the interior a lot (the candles! the walls! the old winebags hanging from the ceiling!), I was a bit intimidated to walk in for the first time. It's really a jump into the unknown... And I kind of expected some sort of mafia-looking people to walk in any moment (which does add to the real Italian feeling I guess :)) - I'm not suggesting to change ANYTHING as all of this is what makes Scotti's so unique.
I guess the only way to make sure people aren't intimidated is to just keep talking and writing about Scotti's! So please do!
Seriously?! Â Olive Garden is better than this place. Â It's so dark and dungeon like to start with. Â I know everyone has raved about how great the atmosphere is, NO. Â I have no clue how this place has stayed open sooo long. Â My in laws heard it was a great place to go and the restaurant was celebrating 100 years, I thought why not. Â I think the wine and the salad was the only decent thing that I ate. Â It's not homemade, nor does it remind me of Italy in any way, and yes I've been 3 times. Â Not to mention that the "Gentleman", lets call him, that ran the place was way annoying. Â He kept rambling on to another table, they hardly were able to eat, and he kept saying "fa get about it", like he was playing an Italian in a movie. Â Needless to say, I did not want to hurt my in laws feelings, so we claimed to be full, but ended up going somewhere else to eat after we left:( Â Do not recommend.
Review Source:Came here for a date night, and having heard mixed reviews from friends, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior is worth the trip alone, with candles set atop years of built up wax providing just enough light to showcase the brightly tiled walls and chianti bottles strung across the ceiling while maintaining a perfect level of atmosphere lighting.
If you're looking at getting wine and the people with you are feeling the same wine, going with the small carafe of wine is a great deal, three to four glasses of wine for the price of two individual glasses.
Most pasta dishes seemed to come with a soup and salad, and the minestrone was totally awesome, the salad not so much. It as actually dripping with dressing and more of a shredded consistency making it seem like more of a coleslaw than a salad. I ended up getting the pasta ala siciliana which was great, and one of a number of vegetarian options (meatless sauces were highlighted on the menu which was nice) Overall, a definite place to check out in Cincinnati, as one of the city's oldest establishments, it's a gem.
Pescatarian Rating: 4
Shame, shame shame on the owners and the cooks for calling this stuff Italian much less food. For those who have reviewed this "place" that claims to be a restaurant and have guided your fellow diners into the culinary mine field that is Scotti's Italian Restaurant, I will only say maybe you had a bad cold and couldn't taste the food? With out a doubt, this is the worst meal I've had in a long time. From the ricotta cheese that tasted of flour to the overcooked pasta that when mixed with the canned sauce became a massive pile of glue, to the bread that simply had no taste at all, it was bad, bad, bad. Save yourselves fellow diners and just stay home.
Review Source:While Scotti's is more expensive than I'd prefer, it does many things right. If nothing else, Scotti's has a lot of character. From it's unique decor, friendly family-run service, Â unique spins on Italian dishes, or historic significance of an restaurant over 100 years old, you won't find many places like this.
The cheapest pasta dishes run about 20 dollars, veal dishes start at 27 dollars. So I'd recommend stopping by for lunch if you feel that's to steep, which cost about 12-15 dollars.
I can't believe I've never reviewed Scotti's before now! Â This is probably my favorite restaurant in the city. Â 2012 marks 100 years in business, and here's to another 100!
I've been going here all my life, and my Father has been going to it for many years prior to my existence. Â We usually only get down there about once per year for someone's birthday or something. Â I always found it amazing growing up, that we could have 12 people at our table and they'd remember everyone's order, never screw anything up. Â I think they use order pads now... Â
You can tell the regulars, or even the occasionals because they usually don't even bother opening the menu. Â We went there the other night and at a table of 10, I think we needed 3-4 menus. Â You can either order a favorite from memory (Stuffed Veal a la Marsala!!) or just tell them what you're in the mood for and they'll whip something up that will knock your socks off. Â The garlic bread will most definitely fend off the strongest of vampires and completely pulverize the ones that shimmer. Â I think they have raw garlic on this toasted goodness, but VERY garlic-y! Â Their House Salad is simply awesome- with it's home made vinaigrette. Â The soup was different this time than what I remember historically. Â I don't usually go for the pasta dishes, I head to the right side of the menu (in my head) and go with the veal. Â -I know, I know, you're not supposed to eat veal, and I have no excuse, but this is one occasional meal and the only place I order veal. Â By the way, it is mandatory that you order the Spicy Italian Sausage as a side. Â It's so tender, you could cut it with a plastic fork.
The rest of the picture is the ambiance. Â How cool is it?! Â The red & white checked tablecloths, the chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, the drippy candles, the crazy tiled walls, the opera music, the old timey cash register *ching! ching! ching!*. Â It doesn't get much better. Â There are many restaurants I love in this city, and many that I frequent more often, but for my all-around favorite restaurant, I'd have to say it's Scotti's.
My friend treated me to Scotti's for my birthday a few weeks ago.
We both grew up in Dayton and are used to Dominic's, which was a Dayton institution, many a family meal there & had the best lasagna, but due to family differences is no longer, so I hold all Italian restaurants to Dominic's standards. She informed me I was in for a treat.
She made reservations, they have two nightly seatings, we were at the 6:15 seating.
When we arrived they welcomed us & brought us to our table right away. I like the mosaic decor and character of the place. I've grown up going to local hole in the wall restaurants and this is truly one of them here in Cincy.
Our waiter came right away with menu's & my friend told him it was my birthday, so he suggested we start off with wine to celebrate. We went with the house red a chianti in a carafe. My friend said we had to have their garlic bread, so we started with garlic bread wine and house salads. The wine & garlic bread paired well together.
I love lasagna so I asked our server which one he recommended, they have three on the menu. He recommended the Green Lasagna D'Amelia with spinach noodles, meat sauce, sausage and he said the best part is the eggplant mixed in with all of it, which I said sold. Friend ordered Manicotti and another ordered ravioli.
The restaurant was busy all of the tables were taken & people came in looking for a seat, but were turned away or told to come back for their second seating after 8:30.
Our food arrived hot and all three dishes looked great. I dove right in to the lasagna and it was good. I like my lasagna to be served from its own little crock, which I was told is dished out and put on a plate for you. It was flavorful, loved all of the cheese and the eggplant definitely was the best as the waiter suggested.
Everyone enjoyed their food. My only compliant is after we were done it took a while for them to take leftovers, box up and give us the check.
Why did I wait so long to try Scotti's some of the best Italian I've had in a while. Next time I will bring my parents this hole in the wall is definitely right up their alley for good Italian food.
This place is overpriced. Â The vibe is wonderful though with the melted candles, wine hanging from the ceiling and tiled walls. Â The service started out ok and then faded as the evening went on. Â I had the spaghetti carbonara which was good but not $20+ good. Â My fiance' had pasta with the white and red sauce. Â The white sauce was terrible and tasted like cake batter with alcohol in it. Â We also observed the occasional gnat flying around our food. Â It was good to try something new but we will not return.
Review Source:Great Italian Food in a unique setting, we really enjoyed our meal. It seems as though they work by reservation only as they turned away walk-in's with empty tables noting they needed a reservation. Â The only negative way a really bad "sewer smell" coming from the bathroom area downstairs.
Review Source:I understand it is authentic Italian food but if it is going to cost $25+ a plate, forget it. My fettucine alfredo was authentic and tasty but my friends plate of spaghetti and meatball was terrible. The cheese choices were above average. The place overall is overpriced and takes forever to make. Won't be back
Review Source:If you've ever desired to dine in the 1920s, come here!
Scotti's has been one of my favorite upscale restaurants for many years. Founded in 1911 by Salvatore Scoleri, the restaurant has continuously operated in the Scoleri family for four generations. You won't find food like this anywhere else in the tri-state. The flavors and recipes taste like you're dining in Italy.
My favorite dish is Scallopini Ala Sporti: a layering of eggplant, Italian ham, veal and Mozzarella cheese in tomato sauce. The meal comes with hearty minestrone soup and an Italian salad with one-of-a-kind zesty shaved sprouts and cabbage. Â An order of garlic bread compliments the soup. It's crispy, thick, and covered with chunks of buttery garlic. If that's not enough, you entree comes with a side of Scotti's signature spaghetti and sauce. Dinner averages around $25.00 to $30.00 per person; it's well-worth the quality and portions sizes!
The food is amazing, but pay special attention to the decor: the walls are lined with old Rookwood tile, the ceiling is filled with strands of wine jugs, historic Cincinnati and Italian themed decor are hung next to the table. The candle holders on the table are made from years upon years of dripping wax. Many of these are over 12 inches tall. They even have the original cash register from 1911, a big, copper push button machine! h
Brimming with history, heritage, and spectacular food, I hope to see the fifth generation Scoleris take over the Scotti's tradition. When you're craving Italian, visit Scotti's. The Scoleri family would be delighted to see you!
Price per person: $30.00
You like Italian? Who doesn't like Italian? You're gonna love Scotti's.
This is authentic Italian, complete with decor (Chianti bottles and amazing tile work) and attitude. "Whaddya want?" isn't rude - they want to get to brass tacks. And here's a #proTip - don't ask what the house dressing is, capice?
My personal favorite - Lasagna Don Giovanni, which includes about 4 different sausages and I'm sure as many cheeses. This with an order of their fresh-made garlic bread barely leaves room for their homemade cannoli.
Barely.
Interesting and fun experience of the time warp kind. Visually everything is small, from the doorways to the tables to many pieces of tile in the wall decor. It won't take long for you to understand and or hear the fact that it's truly family run. I've never seen Granny come out but you find yourself hoping she does. Regarding the food, there's nothing new and I don't think they're trying to. It's old school by the Italian book. And much as I want to love this place, I can't. The food is overly heavy and you will need a pitcher of water by your bed to rehydrate due to sodium overload.
Review Source:Ended up here based on a random recommendation. Loved the place, loved the service, loved the food (all but the salad, which I didn't finish). My friends and I asked the waiter (who was great) for some tips about what to order, since the menu was dauntingly long, and we were all really happy with what we got. I'd definitely recommend the Marsala cream sauce.
It was a little spendy, but we were celebrating and it was worth it.
Scotti's is my sentimental favorite Italian restaurant. Â It's not in the top 3 for food, and it is pricey for the quality, but I go there for the experience. Â This is old-school, Italian-American comfort food. Â It's not inventive or interesting, and as some other reviewers have noted, the menu basically lists several types of pasta noodle and several sauces and let's you combine them. Â It's good, filling stuff.
For those who've criticized the bread, it's funny to me because the bread at Scotti's tastes exactly like the bread my great-uncle (who immigrated from Italy in the 1920s) always served at his home. Â Italian bread is usually a bit drier than we're used to eating at American restaurants.
Also, it's pretty much a family-run spot, so the servers are usually also the proprietors or their family members. Â Although service can be a bit gruff, I've had some really entertaining experiences and appreciate the service as part of Scotti's charm.
The first time I visited Scotti's, it reminded me of the off-Bourbon places in the New Orlean's French Quarter... the only thing missing was the hustler out front trying to talk you into coming in for dinner.
It's a tiny looking hole-in-the-wall, but once you go inside, you're greeted by a blast of color and ambiance. Scotti's is a true gem in that regard. The decor is quaintly beautiful, original, and very unique. Again, think New Orleans Italian place hidden on a side street.
The food tastes very, very fresh - and to some who are not quite familiar with the differences between true Italian pasta vs. the Americanized pastas, it may taste very bland or quite unlike the heavily seasoned stuff.
The lasagna is excellent. Seriously.
The service is a bit snarly, but very good. Extremely good. I think they're trying just a bit hard to ham up the NYC schtick. But whatever works...
My real show stopper is the price. Yes, I realize that it costs a decent amount of money to make high quality food. I can crank out a $50 tray of deep dish lasagna with multiple cheeses (fresh smoked moz) and freshly made noodles.
So maybe that's the real problem, it's personal. Being of Italian descent, and able to cook like a monster including rolling my own fresh pasta - I guess I have a problem paying Scotti's retail prices for their food. I am constantly thinking, "I can make this myself."
But I highly suggest someone visit Scotti's because it's a true Cincinnati treasure. The scene is unmatched in the whole city.
Scotti's is literally a hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant; without the neon sign, you'd pass it by!
Once you walk in, it's dark... but not in a bad way! There are strings of lights that add just enough to see who you're eating with, but dark enough that it gives you a real rustic feel. The walls are mosaic tilework, dozens upon dozens of empty bottles of italian wine are strung along the entire ceiling, and the candlestick holders are just piles of old wax from hundreds of candles that were there before.
I went there with my boyfriend for lunch, and their lunch menu is pretty basic but just right: pick a pasta and pick a sauce. I ordered linguine with olive oil, garlic, and anchovies... but what arrived was spaghetti with said sauce. I didn't say anything, but that did kind of bother me.
Despite this, I highly recommend giving this place a try. We had two drinks, two lunches, and bread for just shy of $20 (before the tip)... but what was even better than the flavors in our meal was the ambiance and character of the place! Definitely a go-to Italian restaurant in the Queen City.
Scotti's is the quintessential American-Italian restaurant. You've got the pictures and maps of Italy on the wall and the candles on the table that have dripped wax one on top of the other to create the uber-romantic 1970s vibe. It's definitely a fun place. Plan to spend a while eating here because everything is made from scratch. The entrees are huge and come with both soup and a salad. Be prepared to be absolutely stuffed.
Definitely a fun experience and I would recommend for anyone that is looking to carbo-load before the Flying Pig!
Talk about authentic. Its like you stepped into Italy! Right down to the fights in the kitchen. Yes, that did happen. The style is ancient, yet neat. Its cozy, and old. But the food is not. The food is amazing. The selection of sauces is impressive. Wine choices are superb. The atmosphere is nice. The waiters are kind and quick. A must for a date. But it is Pricey!
Review Source:I thought is was OK. Nice place, good atmosphere. A 92 year old business in the heart of Cincinnati.
I got the Half n Half, which was spaghetti with meatballs and ravioli. The ravioli was very good. The meat balls were pretty good.
The only thing I did not like was the sauce. It was a bit bland. Not a spicy Italian sauce. The bread was fresh with real butter.
I could have eaten a big bowl of the minestrone soup it was the best thing I had, next to the salad. The dressing was an Italian sweet and sour.
I loved the soup, salad and bread. The other was good, but just OK for me.
Going down to Cincinnati was a treat this afternoon, and I was glad to share the trip with another fellow Yelper.
We came down here mosty for the nostalgia. Â It's a 97-year-old restaurant that probably hasn't changed much since it was founded. Â From the ceramic tile on the walls (yep, all of the walls!) to the chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, it looks exactly like I remember it the first time I was here, forty years ago.
Our dinner started with a bowl of ministrone soup and a basket of bread. Â It was followed by a small salad with balsamic vinegrette. Â Both were really delicious. Â For my main course, I ordered cappelini with meatballs. Â The meatballs were tough, which is why I knocked them down a star.
But all in all, it was a  nice day and a nice drive and a nice dinner.
Pretty good food, awesome decor.
I'm a little frightened of the service, which is on the thin line between funny and rude. It was fine for a lunch with coworkers, but I can't imagine being on a date or business lunch with that sort of atmosphere.
I'd love to go back, but it's mostly for the ambiance. The spaghetti and sausage was okay, nothing special.
Whenever I'm in Cincy, which is 100 miles away from the Ville, I have to stop in Scotti's for their Canneloni ala Lombardy. Â The white Marsala wine sauce is to die for over this veal stuffed pasta. Â I would give anything for the recipe. Â I've been a fan since I lived in Cincy 40 years ago.
Review Source:
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