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Sotto
Review
About
It is a concept of casual intimacy and communal romance.Sotto is the art of simplicity, a steward of restraint. It’s undressed, gutsy and human. It is fire, meat, wheat, and laughter. Above all, Sotto is Italian.
Features
CUISINES
Italian, European, Tuscan, Central-Italian
Meal types
Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Gift Cards Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Valet Parking
Location
Does this restaurant serve Sicilian food?
Reserve a table
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 4:00 PM
Sunday
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monday
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tuesday
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wednesday
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thursday
4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Friday
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Saturday
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Contribute
4.7
820 reviews
Excellent
632
Very good
123
Average
41
Poor
14
Terrible
10
Reid M
Manning7 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
The experience at this restaurant was delightful, with a warm ambiance that sets the perfect mood for dining. The food was mostly excellent, bursting with flavors that tantalized the taste buds. Service was attentive but could use a bit more warmth at times. Overall, a great place to enjoy a meal with friends, though a small touch of refinement would elevate the experience even further!
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LexiV
Cleveland1740 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
You should make reservations months in advance if you want to eat here on a specific night, but it doesn't hurt to check if they've had a cancellation. We were able to walk in off the street with no reservation on a Friday night and immediately get seated at a booth because we just happened to enter right after some other party had cancelled. We loved the décor and our food, but it was quite and dark loud inside. We could barely read our menus. We were drop-ins who ordered a single meal to share, but we were still given excellent service. Everyone working here was incredibly nice. Save room for those ricotta donuts. They are absolutely worth it. Also, we parked at the meters outside the public library, which is a very short walk to the restaurant. We would love to eat here again sometime.
Written 30 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcuthill
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • business
OMG! We missed our reservation when we first arrived (late flight) and unfortunately there were no other reservations available. We thought we'd have to miss this one but on our last night decided to wait in line and get added to wait list. Let me tell you it was worth the wait! We were seated at a group table next to two lovely couples. Our waiter (Brandon) was fabulous and explained the menu and dishes in detail while encouraging a truly familial atmosphere. Pasta is made fresh in house and everything is made with quality ingredients. I am married to an Italian whose family pride themselves on their cuisine and cooking skills but I have to say (quietly so she doesn't kill me) that Soto's food is even more outstanding than Nonna's (if she reads this I'm a dead man). The breads are fresh baked, simple, yet flavorful. The pasta (my mouth salivates even thinking about it) is divine! Fresh, light, and cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of sauce and filling. It's heaven on earth! Each dish is the perfect size. Salads are amazing and the broccolini is divine. We ended up sharing with the two couples beside us so we all got to experience different dishes. One thing for certain, you CAN NOT leave without having the ricotta filled doughnuts for dessert!!!! HEAVEN ON EARTH!!!!!! Surprisingly the price is extremely reasonable for what you get. Dining at Soto is an experience.
If you go in October definitely try the white truffles. They are only available once a year. SOTO definitely is my #1 place and must see restaurant for Cincinnati. If you don't have a reservation it is definitely worth the wait!
Written 17 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
joyjim
Bradenton51 contributions
Sept 2022 • family
My husband and I have been to Sotto many times but this was a first for my son and his girlfriend. So our waiter went into quite a bit of detail about the menu… Way too much detail. I know that’s their thing there but we could’ve Had a lot less of that. We really did everything tapas style. we had the tartare, the prosciutto and melon and the goat cheese appetizer. For our mains we had the porterhouse steak (Delicious) Which they grill and then cut into pieces, the shortbread pasta dish and the pork tenderloin. Only the pork dish fell short for me. I felt it was dry. We always ask to sit in the bar area because for some reason it seems quieter over there than the main room.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sammysue
Mason446 contributions
Jul 2022 • none
I couldn’t remember this building until I went down the steps! It was a wonderful steakhouse called La Normandie and on the top floor was the venerable Maisonette which was Cincinnati’s only 5 star restaurant. Sotto now occupies the space and we snagged a hard to get reservation for a Monday night. We started with a goat cheese melt for our app and I followed up with a black kale salad which was different and very good. My partner had the house salad and was not impressed. I had the ravioli stuffed with shortbread which was delicious and my friend had the Tajarin Con Ragu which she thought was so-so. Dessert was their hot donuts with 3 sauces which was fun but I wouldn’t order them again. The service was excellent and my partner enjoyed her wine selections. We were not hurried or rushed and it was a nice cozy evening. With wine, dinner for 2 was over $200 so when we asked for some bread to go with our entree, I was shocked to find a $7 bread charge, really? Music did not fit the space or diners and the steps down to the restaurant are very poorly lit and dangerous. We are seasoned travelers and dine at lots of very nice restaurants; so will we return? Probably not. It really isn’t special enough for a return visit.
Written 22 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KittyChick
134 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
Make your reservations early for this outstanding Cincy restaurant. We were a group of 5 well-traveled ladies who aren’t afraid to pay for fine food and superb service. First the food: every dish knocked our socks off. Perfectly prepared Octopus, polenta on toast. The small salami and cheese board is much larger than we expected. I ordered the truffle pasta which was delightfully smothered in shaved black truffles. Two of my friends enjoyed gluten free pasta and couldn’t believe how great it was. Best branzino they ever had as well. The finale was a salted hazelnut mousse, which in its simplicity was devine. Adriana was our server who earned every penny of generous gratuity. She took a keen interest in our group, our preferences and exceeded all expectations. In short Sotto is not to be missed when in Cincy!
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patty B
Nashville1456 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
First let me say we will definitely return the next time we are in Cincinnati. We liked this unique, interesting restaurant. Our server Mitchell was efficient, pleasant and handled our problem well.
We started with a Caesar salad and wonderful bread. Drinks were good an Espresso Martini and my husband's Glenlivet Scotch, also good prices on the drinks.
They have good choices of pasta fusilli, rigatoni and papadelle. My husband's rigatoni was fine, my fusilli was almost crunchy. I have never been served such undercooked pasta ever!! When Mithcell returned to our table I told him and he actually tasted it, he said it was way undercooked. They replaced it and comped my meal.
Donuts for dessert were delicious. I would have given them 5 stars if the pasta had been prepared properly. That certainly was a first for me.
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kendellbrink
Hilton Head669 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Perhaps the best Italian dining experience in the U.S. everything was great from the cool ambience, to the professional and attentive service, and the creative and tasty meals. Sotto has maintained the traditional dishes of Italy and added their own flair at a reasonable price. They offer a nice selection of Italian wines at a variety of price points.
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William H
Covington2 contributions
Nov 2022 • family
Wanted a family dinner for a special occasion and Sotto was definitely a good choice! Ordered two bistecca steaks and several large sides and it was like a gourmet, home cooked meal. The private room was icing on the cake and glad we reserved in advance, 8-10 people fit no problem. Their wine selections are exquisite with knowledgeable staff. A special occasion must!
Written 13 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melissa w
Cincinnati1247 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
This was my second visit and it was as good as I remembered. Portion sizes are perfect for sharing. We had toast with goat cheese and honey and insalada. We ordered 2 pastas and are glad we did because they were the highlight of the meal. The cavatelli/braised beef and tortellini con zucca were a great pair because one was sweet/savory and the other salty/hearty. We finished with the breaded pork loin and broccolini. The broccolini was seasoned very heavily with pepper and too spicy for my husband. We ordered doughnuts for dessert which are a HUGE portion for 2 people (we took some home). They were very good but tasted more like funnel cake than traditional doughnuts. Everything inside was great. Here's my complaint...
We had a 7:30 reservation and arrived early around 7:15 after valeting our car. After checking in (which is done outside), they tell you to wait outside until your table is ready. They have no accommodations and our car was already gone so we waited outside in the cold (it was in the 30's) for 15 minutes. I completely understand following capacity limitations for Covid but this could be handled in a much better way. I'd suggest an email or text at the time of reservation or at reminder asking for you to call and check in prior to exiting your vehicle so that you don't have to stand outside. OR, just put heaters outside for those waiting. Hopefully they figure out a better system soon as winter approaches.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tammy M
3 contributions
Apr 2022 • none
This beautiful underground restaurant was the perfect place to celebrate my husbands 45th birthday. We've experienced many higher end restaurants with Michelin star Chef's. The food was FANTASTIC and the staff was very knowledgable about all menu items even willing to offer their own personal suggestions! Quality Italian cuisine with talent in homemade pasta dishes! Romantic ambiance.
Written 25 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RA Andre
Cary93 contributions
May 2023 • family
The wood fired Branzino was something special. Cooked perfect. Black kale Caesar was good The atmosphere had extremely loud music in main dining room as a drawback for large group conversation.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lea W
8 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
The vibe awesome. The service amazing. The food out of this world. I chose the spot with my boyfriend, and I were traveling to Cincinnati, because I was in the mood for some Italian food. I didn’t realize this was a SPOT! There was good music, playing, candlelight and dim lights. Making it very romantic. we sat at the bar, and enjoyed several delicious cocktails. Our bartender made several recommendations from the menu, and we were not disappointed. We were blown away will definitely come back.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
STARWisc
Racine42 contributions
Oct 2023 • family
Really good ambiance and service. The food was very good but not excellent. The salad dressing just made it very sour, the alio olio was alright. Truffle pasta was indeed excellent. Homemade pasta makes it a good culinary experience.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael T
Sharonville171 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
Outstanding dinner. Fantastic, helpful, attentive servers (we loved Charles). Wonderful food. Great wine pairing. Dessert was so good. Order the tuna bread app! Absolutely delicious. The octopus was sublime. Short rib pasta melts in your mouth. Black truffle pasta was ridiculous. Homemade doughnuts were phenomenal. Even the manager was awesome (he spotted my OSU sweater vest, took my menu, and gave me a replacement with all of the “M”s crossed out). The attention to detail at Sotto was very impressive.
Written 25 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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