Scotti's Italian Restaurant
(513) 721-9484
919 Vine St
Cincinnati,
OH
45202
39.1056
-84.5142
Neighborhood: Central Business District
Hours:
Tue-Fri 11:30am-1:30pm and 5pm-8:30pm
Sat 5pm-8:30pm
Price:
$
What People Are Saying About Scotti's Italian Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
When you walk in, it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust. Even during the day, this place is dark, lit only by a few decorative lights and dim candlelight--perhaps to soften the decor. The walls in the small, narrow dining room are covered with brightly colored tiles; hundreds of chianti bottles hang from the ceiling; and mounds of football-sized wax drippings hold candles on each table.
The Food
Pasta and veal are house specialties, though most veal items can be prepared with chicken. The emphasis in all cases is on authenticity, and the simple dishes taste wonderfully homemade. At lunch diners may pair their favorite pasta with their choice of sauce, ranging from elegantly simple olive oil and garlic to the hearty caruso with mushrooms, chicken livers and small meatballs.
User Reviews
Em09
March 30, 2009
I was surprised to see Scotti's nearly empty on a Friday night, but once our party started placing orders, I understood why. Our table had ordered a lot of appetizers, so two people ordered a meal to share. A man I'm guessing was the manager or owner was standing nearby and said it would cost $10 extra to share entrees. We were taken aback, since we'd spent a lot of money on appetizers already and ordered wine as well- it's not as if we were going to have a small bill if one or two entrees were shared. He was firm, saying he books the restaurant every night and he didn't want to deal with people sharing meals. Surprising, since the place was nearly empty on a Friday night. I figured the food must be really good if people put up with a manager who seems to think he's doing patrons a favor by letting them dine at Scotti's and the unusually high prices for Italian food. It's not often that spaghetti warrants a $23 price tag, after all. The garlic bread we ordered as an appetizer was hard and devoid of any sort of flavor, which should have let us know what the food quality would be like. I ordered the lasgna, which came with a hard boiled egg on top. Overall, it was mediocre at best. I've had much better lasagna for half the price at Olive Garden. Other entrees were also lackluster. The only saving grace of Scotti's was the waitress, who seemed to realize how unpleasant the manager/owner was and tried to make up for his rudeness. Save a few dollars and have a much better meal at Brio.
read full reviewuruguaysbest
February 26, 2009
Ambience was perfect, just like one of my favorites in Italy. Service was par or Olive Garden quality. I had to send back my veal, as it was spolied. They may make the traditional food very well, but do a terrible job at the specialties as well as the service. Don't waste your money, there are plenty of other Italian restaurants in Cincinnati that are a better buy.
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KSWA
February 28, 2008
I am sick and tired of reading all the bad reviews about Scotti's. It is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. I had an entree in Lombardo's in Albany NY..... Scotti's was so open minded that they didn't even flinch and duplicated it from my description. It was great. The price is reasonable. Whenever I am there, the service is excellent. The family members who run the place are soooo nice and friendly that they make me feel at home. that I live out of town, I miss the place. Whever I go back to Cincy, I will ALWAYS make a stop at Scotti's. Good work guys. Keep it up. Swa.
read full reviewThe Details on Scotti's Italian Restaurant
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Smoking Permitted:
Yes
