There are certain places in the city that you walk past day after day and just know that something great hides inside. For me, Scotti's small restaurant storefront on Vine Street is one of those places. There's something about the quaint, two-story downtown building and snazzy retro neon sign that speaks to me. So, when a couple friends invited me to Scotti's for dinner recently, I jumped at the chance.
Started in 1911 by Salvator Scoleri and passed down through the family to today's owners, Salvator's great-grandchildren, Scotti's is a nothing if not a downtown institution and Cincinnati original. As their website states, "If you're looking for a franchise, you're barking up the wrong tree!"
When you walk in to Scotti's, the first thing you notice is tile. Lots
and lots of tile. A mosaic of tiles extends on every wall in the dining
room and follows you as you walk downstairs, and yes, even into the
restrooms. This abundance of tile combined with chianti bottles strung Tibetan prayer flag-style above you makes Scotti's feel a mile away from the hustle and bustle of its downtown surroundings.
After a few glasses of the house wine for the rest of the group, and a couple Morettis for me, we were ready to order. Although Scotti's is known for their, well, brisk, service, our waitress was very helpful in helping me overcome the semi-overwhelming menu. On the direction of "I like everything, just give me something you like," I was served a penne and spicy sausage dish with a red cream sauce that was the consensus table favorite. For all the wine lovers in the house, the marsala sauce pasta was heavy on the marsala - and for those that fast all day in anticipation of a huge Italian dinner, the spinach lasanga was plentiful. At $20 or so per entree (including of course soup and a pretty basic salad), Scotti's is not going to be a cheap night on the town, but it has a history and ambiance that is not soon forgotten.
Scotti's Italian Restaurant
919 Vine St
513-721-9484
Tues-Fri 11:30A - 1:30P, 5P - 8:30P
Sat. 5P - 9P
scottiscincinnati.com
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I still get hungry thinking about that red cream sauce you had. Mmmm.
I say with sadness that I have not been to Scotti's for years. Thanks for the pics to remind me of what I am missing. I want to go back!
I like Scotti's. The first thing I noticed after walking in was that I couldn't see a daggone thing. They have flashlights to help people read the menu.
I worked downtown and we tried Scotti's for lunch one day. It was the worst Italian food I've ever had. Trattoria Roma is kind of bad but Scotti's is just plain awful.
I have wanted to do a best alfredo sauce contest on BuyCincy for a while. My early favorite is Scotti's. It is the best I have ever had.
Dinner for two (without drinks) ran $70-ish with tip, but dang, if there is one thing I would eat for the rest of my life, it's Scotti's minestrone soup.
Laura C, maybe you should try Olive Garden. (I hear Applebee's is nice, too.) For those of you uninspired by P.J McBland's, this is the place to go. Scotti's is the real deal.
Scotti's is where I bring out of town guests - I try to get there once a week. 3 coworkers and I just got back from lunch. They were amazed - and stuffed.
I recommend the Lasagna Don Giovanni.
Don't forget the cannoli. (Leave the gun.)
-a