I've been here a VERY long time ago and remembered it being so good! The bruschetta was hands down my fave appetizer and the spaghetti & meatballs were fire! It's still awesome till this day! My Mr has never been here so he booked a reservation surprise for my 50th birthday (9 friends were invited). When you walk in, it takes you back in time. You feel like you're in Italy. Love the Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, the mosaic walls and old school pictures from back in the day. This is a family restaurant passed down from generations. And been here for over 70 years! Now that's respect! Omg! The menu is super huge! You better come here with an empty stomach because you will get what you pay for. They have everthing Italian you can think of. Except for pizza. Me and my Mr ordered: Bottle of Banfi Centine Toscana Rosso Spaghetti ala pasquale Canneloni lombardi You get a side salad and Minestrone with your meal. The food was on point! Homemade everything and made with love. The spaghetti had great flavor and love the soup that came with it! The Rosso (wine) went so well with the meal. My Mr and all my friends enjoyed their meals. They give so much food that we had to take some home. What an awesome experience! The service was excellent and the food was delicious. If you want authentic Italian food and love nostalgia, you have to check this place out. You will not be disappointed! I promise! read more

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Took a chance on Scotti's before a play, no reservations but were welcomed right in. This is the cutest place, small but enough room to do what's needed. The absolute star of the show was the minestrone soup, it was amazing. The meals come with soup, salad and bread. I had the shrimp scampi with garlic bread read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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I have been eating at Scotti's for special occasions since I was a child. It's been a while since I've been in since we live out of town. The decor is exactly the same as it has been always, beautiful tile walls, Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, drip candles on all of the tables. It's quaint and romantic. The servers are all family of the original owner. The pasta is always spectacular in my opinion, sauces are flavorful. The minestrone soup was great, but the salad was amazing but too much dressing for my taste. The downstairs bathroom is in need of a significant upgrade. It's clean, but it really showing signs of its age. Scotti's Italian Restaurant will always hold a special place in my heart. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Ate there the night before the Flying Pig marathon. This is one of the worst(maybe the worst) places I've ever eaten. The place smelled weird, the bread was dry and unpalatable, their soup tasted canned, the spaghetti and meat sauce I had was not good and served luke warm at best, and my wife's chicken parm was also bad. I actually warned people who were about to eat there as we were leaving to save themselves. Service was also mediocre except for a young busser who did a pretty good job. read more

I planned a big get-together to surprise my lady for her 50th birthday here. I'd heard so many great things about the place so I had a feeling it was gonna be really good. It's amazing how long this restaurant has been around for five generations in the family and still family owned and operated. The place itself definitely isn't huge, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in character and quality. Overall pricing is pretty fair, especially one their bottles of wine, which are around $37 which is FAR less than your usual Italian restaurant. My friends and my lady all enjoyed the nostalgic atmosphere. Their menu was a lot bigger than I'd expected and loaded with authentic Italian goodness. Veal is their specialty but I'm not a fan of veal nor is my lady. She ordered the Spaghetti Pasquale and I ordered the Canneloni Lombardi along with a bottle of Toscano Rossa. Both of our meals came with soup and a salad as well as fresh bread. The soup reminded me of minestrone and it was very good. The salad took me a little off-guard because the lettuce and cabbage were shredded so it looked almost like cole slaw. It was still tasty and very fresh and crisp though. It wasn't too long before our dinners were ready and they did NOT skimp on the portions or the quality. My lady really enjoyed hers and I finished off all of mine (I almost licked the plate of the leftover sauce). This is one Cincinnati staple that I would recommend for any pasta lover. read more

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So far the best Italian we have had. Service was great. You need reservations which we like. Cute little place. read more

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It's a cool, kitschy old school space. I was hopeful. The pasta was served cold. Not cool. Cold. Precooked and not reheated before saucing and service. Management did nothing. Will not return. read more

There is no other place like Scotti's. It is the REAL DEAL! The food, ambiance, and service are perfectly executed by the owners and servers. We especially enjoyed the veal entrees cooked to perfection. read more

Hole in the wall italian joint. Scotti's is romantic and you should definitely come with a date. My gf is Italian and loves pasta, we saw Scotti's was recommend on a Instagram video so we drove downtown to check it out. First impressions when you walk in, it's dark. Mostly lit by candlelight, we were promptly greeted by the owner and relative to Scotty himself (we would soon come to find out) They have just recently celebrated 100 years and it shows. From the authentic atmosphere of the wooden mugs hanging from the ceiling, to the atomic smell of diarrhea creeping up from the basement. We were seated at a small table, second group in the restaurant. It's not very big, maybe 15 tables but the dim lighting and atmospheric table setting immerses you. The menu has alot of options. We were craving pasta, red sauce seemed like the move. On the left side of the menu, you can order pasta types, add sauce and toppings for a price. I ordered linguini with spicy meat sauce, it was closer to the bottom of the choices. And my gf ordered the linguini with regular tomato sauce right under it. We also ordered the garlic bread and wine waited patiently. The garlic bread was big, crunchy and tasty. A little too much oil for my liking. I'm sure that's authentic but it was soaked. The soup and salad came complimentary and we didn't have the heart to deny them, salad was soaked in dressing. Flavorful but soaked. And idk what those weird vegetable looking worms on top were lol. The soup was pretty good, but it was a lot and I was mainly hungry for the pasta. I ordered a simple red recommended by the owner, the house red. It was dry tart and fruity, I liked it and felt pretty good after. Gf got the moscato but wasn't as potent as she'd liked it to be. Pasta came out last and man, it was worth the wait. My spicy meat sauce was very good. Noodles were a little tough but nothing to complain about. Sauce was delicious and the perfect level of spice. There is some spice. Decent portion too. Gf - it was very yummy. The garlic bread was eh, but I would get the pasta again. The bathroom was kinda scary. The atmosphere was great and the business is family owned, down to the wait staff. It was nice supporting. I do have to mention the downstairs though. This is where the bathroom is located, and before you even open the door, the stench of sewage tickles your nose. Then you enter what seems like the back rooms, flickering light, creepy long hallway that ends with a very unfinished bathroom. It smells. But you can't smell it in the dining room. At least not where we sat. (Along the right side face the door) read more

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Amazing food and atmosphere. Loves the decor. Lovely family setting. The food was amazing.

Scotti's has been around forever and is still as iconic as it was when I went for the first time over 30 years ago. The atmosphere is very uniquely kitchy and reminiscent of an authentic place tucked in the corner of NYC. The menu is extensive, spend a little time upfront researching the choices. I had the Veal Marsala which was fabulously flavored and chuck full of large mushrooms. It came with a cup of minestrone which was excellent, a chopped salad with a sweet vinegary dressing, and a small side of pasta with red sauce .Got an order of garlic bread and some meatballs. Tiramisu for dessert is a MUST have!!! Food was fantastic. Service was excellent. Sorry it took me 30 years to come back. read more

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It was our first time here and was glad we did. The atmosphere is very European with all kinds of wine bottles hanging from the ceiling. Our food was very good and you get a lot for your money. I ordered the eggplant Parmesan and it comes with minestrone and salad. My hubby got the spaghetti with hot sausage The only downfall was one of the staff. Our party was running late and she was not happy. read more

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I can't believe the negative reviews. Scotti's is fantastic! It has been over 20 years since we were last there. I love the atmosphere! 112 years in business not all in same location. Staff was all the family siblings. All the meals came with soup and salad. The minestrone soup was very good. The Salad was not typical but was like slaw. Very good. The choices of veal were many. I got the veal parmigiana. My wife got the Veal Marsala and son got the breaded veal with mushrooms and brown sauce. Each came with pasta and special Scotti sauce. All fantastic! We also ordered a side of garlic bread and side of meatballs. Everything was fantastic! We ordered tiramasu for dessert. It was awesome. We will be back. They do serve steak and chicken but specialize with veal. read more

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This small place shoots above its weight. The food and service is perfect. No complaints. The vibe is everything. Professional, romantic, quaint, reasonable, intimate, wonderful ... just really perfect. This isn't fancy, but it is so wonderful and unique; it is fantastic. I will be back many times. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food is amazing!! Service was top notch and very informative about menu items. The menu is very large. Ambience is exactly what u would expect in an old school Italian restaurant. We have been a few times and just keeps getting better! read more

Great services. Terrible food. Beautiful atmosphere There was just no flavor to the food. The garlic bread was good though read more

Lunch was just so so this time with the half and half covered with chunky tomato sauce. The sauce had a poor consistency for my tastes and the raviolis seemed overdone. The bread and butter was good. read more

I hadn't been in here in probably 20 years. Ambience is obviously the big draw and very charming. Service was great. Food is Amazing. Came in for lunch and left full read more

Overall great selection and service. Interior is dated but super cute, service is good.

If you don't mind a sewer smell that is putrid in bathroom area which is in a dimly lit basement hallway or rude waiters that make no effort to be friendly or accommodating then this is your place for mediocre Italian food. Maybe at one time this place was nice but it's just not . With so many options in the area . Don't waste your money on this overpriced and unfriendly establishment!!! read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant is 110 years old! The authentic pasta dishes are delish While it is located in the heart of downtown, it's still a little hidden gem if you haven't been before! You escape the sunlight into a dimly lit, traditional Italian dining space. They have a large menu with all kinds of available accommodations - music to our ears if you want to opt for a simple pasta and sauce they have tons to choose from! We thoroughly enjoyed : Eggplant Parmigiana - we asked for this with their spicy diavolo sauce and it had a kick! this dish came with a side of spaghetti with tomato sauce each entree also comes with a soup of the day (ours was a creamy minestrone) a salad and bread. *they were so nice to split this entree for us on separate plates! Manicotti side filled with ricotta covered in their tomato sauce - Cheesy, saucy, delicious. Cannoli - perfect crisp filled with luscious cream and chocolate chips topped with rainbow sprinkles. They only take reservations over the phone so call ahead especially on the weekends! read more

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Though I reviewed, but Yelp tells me "No" I passed by this restaurant, which looks like a dump many times without going in. Then my son brought me here. I was amazed at the interior. Wine bottles hanging, and just a homey feel. Food was outstanding...with enough left overs for another meal. At a very reasonable price. I will never walk by again. That is my story. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Do not sleep on Scotti's. I was one of those people who drove past this restaurant maybe 100 times without stopping in. My fiancé finally said, "They've been open for 100+ years, they must be doing something right" ... so we stopped in for dinner, and we're both so glad we did. Something important to note before you dine -- you do need a reservation. The restaurant isn't available on Yelp or OpenTable to book online, so you will have to call. We saw at least two groups turned away because they didn't call ahead. From the outside, Scotti's is completely unassuming. Just a neon sign and a rather unwelcoming storefront. But inside ... you're transported to somewhere totally unique. The ambiance isn't like anything I've ever experienced ... and I'll most definitely be searching for something to compare it to for years to come. It definitely has a European, "locals-only" charm ... a true hidden gem in Downtown Cincinnati. Our server was attentive and lighthearted -- and the food was authentic and memorable. The minestrone soup (included with the pasta meal) in warm and homey ... the salad (also included) is more coleslaw than salad, but in the best way possible. I ordered the Linguine Con Diavolo (the spicy tomato sauce) and it happily delivered a well-balanced spice. The garlic bread was crispy, although not the best I've had. We also ordered a small carafe of house red wine, which was the perfect size for two people who can never quite finish a full bottle. If you're reading other Yelp reviews and second-guessing whether you should try this restaurant ... just do it, and prepare for an experience you won't soon forget. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Linguine con Diavolo - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Authentic Italian, family owned since 1912. Feels likes you're in a 1950's mobster movie. One of Cincinnati's hidden gems - ambiance is unbeatable. I would recommend going in the winter months, Italian just tastes better when it is cold outside. You will need to call for reservations. They do not book online and the tables will fill up quickly as there is not many tables Portions are big! Food is good, traditional 'your grandmothers Italian', I wouldn't rank it as the best Italian in the city but it is definitely worth the visit. Bathrooms downstairs could use some love. Overall I would highly recommend Scotti's for a unique intimate date night. read more

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This is a family owned and ran restaurant. I guess the brother and sister were not getting along this day. They both wait on tables. The sister walks through the restaurant saying how her brother is an asshole. Then we hear them Yelling at each other in the back. He's telling her that she needs medication and she's calling him names and he's telling her "f$&k you!". Then the sister walks out and waits on a table like nothing over happened. Then walks to the back again, more yelling and screaming, then brother walks out like nothing. It was so bad that I thought we might be physical violence. I guess this just adds to the ambiance of the place.....very Italian. lol it was an experience e nonetheless. We didn't love our food this time but I think we just choose the wrong dishes for our taste. read more

My god the illnesses we walked out of this restaurant with... My dear friend Wiznewski had to literally run to the toilet after we wrapped our meal. Only good thing about this place is Marco, the man with the most beautiful laugh. Oh the soup was low key bangin. read more

First visit tonight and loved everything about Scotti's. Family-owned business with great intimate atmosphere, great food & great service. We will be back. read more

A group of coworkers and I went on April 4, 2024 for a celebration. We made a reservation about a week before. When we arrived, we were greeted and they had our table ready. It wasn't an overly busy night. The atmosphere is quirky and dim, but fun - decades of melted candles cover the candleholders on the tables, the tile work is colorful and seemingly has no rhyme or reason, photos and newspaper clippings adorn the walls. Our dinner had a leisurely pace. After we ordered we got minestrone, which was pleasant, followed by salad (the dressing is not my cup of tea - sweet Italian dressing and I'm more of a ranch dressing guy) which I tried a bit but did not finish, garlic bread - which was ok- and then our entrees. Nobody at my table had anything bad to say about the food. I had the spaghetti carbonara. Other than needing to add some salt, it was pleasant. The wait staff were efficient, not overbearing and never hovered. They seemed to know when to move things along and we didn't have to ask for anything. Overall it was a nice, rustic space that, sure, could be spruced up to be a modern restaurant, but then would lose its charm. If you're looking for a fancy spot, there are plenty of other places around, if you're looking for pleasant and old-world quirk, then Scotti's is the place. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Dining room - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Been waiting to try out this place for ever and finally decided to give it a shot for my mums bday. I called days in advance to make a reservation and thankfully I was able to get one. We got there a little late but they were super accommodating with that so that was a great start. They took a little bit to come and introduce themselves and all of that but it was completely understandable since it is a family owned and ran place, plus it was already packed. The waiter, took the drinks order and explained it was his great grandfather who started the place which I thought it was so cool that he said it with such pride. We ordered to glasses of wine. I'm not a wine drinker but the location and occasion called for it. Now to eat we ordered the Eggplant a la Rusticana, and the Stake Giardinera. I was going to order the pimentos as a starter but the waiter said it was a lot of food, so we opted for garlic bread. Both entrees came with soup (minestrone) and a salad, also with a side of spaghetti in red sauce. It was definitely a lot of food. Everything was extremely delicious, and full of flavor. The eggplant was tasty and well cooked, and the steak, I asked for medium well, and it was both soft but crusty on the ends which was perfect. Everything we was perfect! I'm not a fan of red sauce but the spaghetti was on point. Furthermore, the place is tiny but gracefully decorated. It truly take a you back in time. This is a must try location in Cincinnati, needless to say the price is worth it. read more

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Took a group of 10 for dinner and everything was FANTASTIC. You have to understand going in that this is not a fast food restaurant or a place to grab a quick bite. This is the place where you go to slow down and have dinner. The minestrone soup is wonderful and the chopped salad is unique and full of flavor. The garlic bread is delicious and my Braciola was tender and the red wine onion sauce was spot on. We really enjoyed the carafes of the House Red and we never had a time where we didn't have drinks in front of us. There is a reason they have been doing this for over 100 years. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Braciole Ala Veneziana Beef with Italian ham, mozzarella cheese and eggs with a dry red wine and onion sauce - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

When preparing to carb load for a marathon, what's better than an Italian restaurant that is over 100 years old?! This is our second trip for the Flying Pig Marathon and it really hit the spot! Inside you can picture it 100 years ago. Starting off with tasty minestrone soup and chopped salad. I chose this visit to be my first veal experience and I was not disappointed. I had the Scottis special which was veal, sweet peppers, mushrooms with tomato sauce. The portion was large and the taste was authentic and not too sweet. While it is not on the extensive menu, my wife requested chicken parm as is her ritual and she was delighted. Another huge portion and done to perfection. I chose and Italian red wine and it was delicious. Call for reservations as it is relatively small but the ambiance and staff are awesome! read more

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Great place. Very unassuming and easy to miss in a city like Cincinnati but it was a great old Italian atmosphere. No kids menu but that was ok and our split something. Small local type places we love finding and the service was perfect. read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We had a wonderful dinner at Scotti's. I haven't been there in over 25 years - not sure why! The food was amazing and the service was great. The atmosphere is my favorite part - so authentic Italy. Actually, more authentic than some of the actual restaurants that I ate at in Italy! I'll go back for sure! read more

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I would have given five stars, except that they were out of tiramisu to an accident in the restaurant. Something fell on the tiramisu, smashing it. The food though is very good and service was excellent. It was my first time eating here. I definitely want to go back read more

OMG! How is this place not closed down for health violations? The entire restaurant sits upon a basement that smells of raw sewage. Go down to the restrooms. It stinks like raw sewage and permeates the whole building. It is disgusting. If you like to eat around the putrid odor of raw sewage--this is your place! They should rename it Scotti's sewer and septic! They need to fix this! read more

Srsly one of the coolest interiors of any building I've been in. If you're a history buff you'll love this place. So much attention to detail and a vintage feel. The food is good. Minestrone soup is a 10/10. Salad I'm not a huge fan of but it comes free with the meal so it's not a big deal. The pasta is really good, however I would say it's priced a little high for what you get. I recommend the spaghetti with spicy Italian sausage! The two times I've been here I have encountered an older waiter with quite strange and unwelcoming vibes. He'll just get right up in your face and grab your dishes without saying anything. Overall it's a good place and I hope it stays open for years to come! read more

Scotti's Italian Restaurant - Italian Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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5 for what it is. The food is just delicious! Definitely get garlic bread and say yes to the soup and salad that comes with your meal. Best minestrone soup ever. Pasta is fresh and absolutely delicious! Service is straight to the point. No sugar coating, extra-ness here. The place is small but quirky, bottles hanging from the ceiling and a mishmash of tiles decorate the walls. The place is over a 100 years old and pretty authentic perhaps to what it once was. So not a shiny new establishment but nice cozy place with dim lighting and wonderful food! read more

Love the atmosphere. Food was delicious. Ask for recommendations because menu is broad. Our server was very welcoming and assisted in a fun tagalong with our guests. read more

Great lunch spot! Food was delicious and fast. Menu is daunting but boils down to shape of pasta and what sauce do you want

This little place has the best authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is quaint, and the ambience is old school. Staff is friendly and welcoming! Definitely a must when in the Queen City! read more