I have eaten a lot of Italian food in Harford County, and I think this is the best spot for Italian in the area. Portions are good, pasta dishes are good, and pricing is fair. I have been here about 10 times and have enjoyed it every time.
(5)
Chris S.
Great place! We have never had a bad meal and the staff is tops! Yes it is pricey but you get what you pay for. This is a place for special occasions and not a shorts and flip flops place, if you want that go to Five Guys. Clearly one of the best in Bel Air! We always make reservations and they make sure we are seated on time. My only complaint is that I wish they were bigger.
(5)
Kimberly O.
Their Italian food is probably the closest I've found to NJ Italian since arriving here. Service is very good which helps because the wait for our food was quite long. We ordered an array of dishes, most were very good. Husband said the fried shrimp were kind of bland. We got a side dish of broccoli which was outstanding. It had diced tomatoes and I think lemon butter on it... Not sure, but it was killer. Food was a bit expensive, but not unreasonably so.
(4)
Steve W.
Yes, I really am a fan. Go there about twice a week, every week. Almost always dine at the bar. It is a wonderful group of regulars and the bartenders are outstanding in service and personality. Great place to unwind. Atmosphere is relaxing and it is a pretty place. The food is always fresh and once you get to know the menu you can eat well for a very reasonable price. Unless you are a big eater, many of the appetizers will serve as an entree. They do not skimp on portions. Everything is well prepared. They do an excellent job with seafood. Love it!
(5)
L. O.
I love scotto's!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs. Boring you say? No way!!! Delish! It's not easy to find great sauce and awesome meatballs. The sauce is so good. I get the marinara with the chunks of tomatoes. I've had several other items on the menu that were just fabulous. I also love the salad with gorgonzola and blueberry dressing. Oh, and the lemon ice is served in a frozen lemon. The desserts are imported from Italy....omg...
(5)
Y C.
We need a place between DC and NJ for a Mother's Day dinner. We chose Scotto's, and it was a great choice. The accommodated a need to change the reservation in the week before a huge restaurant day (Mother's Day). The food was fabulous, with generous portions. And the service was spectacular! We sat for along time and did not feel a bit rushed to leave. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Matthew J.
Scotto's was more than I expected. Interesting menu options. The bread, entrees, and desert were all spot on. Make sure you ask about the specials. Our waitress did not mention them and I missed out on a killer looking steak.
(4)
Nick G.
The food is AMAZING! The overall experience was great from the Service to the Food! The portions are typical for any Fine Dining restaurant and prices are a little high. However I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for in the food industry". I would return to this restaurant in a heartbeat! BEST IN BEL AIR! if traveling on business, its a must go for seafood, steaks and your favorite italian dishes!
(5)
Tricia F.
What a great place for dinner or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Made to order Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Score! (Unlike the Italian restaurant we experienced a few short weeks ago while in Ocean Side, MD). The atmosphere was very relaxing...and a little romantic which surprised us because the restaurant is located in a shopping center. We were seated quickly and service was exceptional. Great choices on the menu ~ so it was difficult to decide! We opted out of ordering appetizers, and honestly, we're glad we did because the portions were generous! Before we ordered our meals we were served THE most delicious sour dough bread with butter. YUM! I ordered Melenzane alla Parmigiana: sliced eggplant layered with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese served with capellini. It was prepared to perfection! A little heavy on the cheese, but hey...it's an Italian restaurant!! My husband ordered the Stuffed Shells: jumbo shells filled with ricotta cheese, topped with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella. We both really enjoyed our meals. They definitely know how to prepare and present Italian food! Hands down this restaurant will be a favorite addition to our "go to Italian" restaurants.
(5)
Philip B.
Excellent! On the expensive side but worth it. Had the chicken Marsala. Delicious. Friend, chicken parm. Fantastic. Another friend tortelloni. Very good. Friend, veal sorrentina. Sublime. Came in. Table was unbalanced. Waitress, unasked, came over w something to shim the table into place. Good service, good food, good drinks. We'll be back.
(5)
Katharine T.
My date and I ordered from the prix fixe menu. Everything was tasty, especially the bruschetta.... amaaazing. The caprese was good, but not to-die-for. I had the Toertellini Boscaiolo, which was super good, and the serving size was plentiful. My date had a meatball dish which was served with some noodle that was essentially super-large ziti (can't find it on the menu now). The serving size on that seemed a little light - there was plenty of meatball, but not enough pasta to balance it imo. Deserts were good, though a little more variety of choice would benefit the prix fixe menu. Next time I'll skip prix fixe - there are more things I'd want to try!
(4)
Maryann Z.
Still our favorite. They consistently serve fresh and delicious Italian dishes. The quality of the food is superior but at a decent price point. The salmon special with artichokes and capes exceeded expectations. Cooked to perfection!
(5)
M S O.
Scotto's is, in my opinion, one of, if not the best restaurant in Harford County. The food is delicious. They obviously use quality ingredients. Whoever is in the kitchen clearly knows what he or she is doing. They pay attention to details. I was trying to think of a clever way to express how good the food is when I noticed a fellow Yelper wrote: "...it was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Like, fall-back-in-my-chair, eyes-a-flutter-after-the-first-bite kind of tasty." I'm sure that my wife would apply that to the crab ravioli. The staff is friendly without being familiar and attentive without being intrusive. They are obviously well trained and take pride in what they do. This gem would do well even in a New York or Los Angeles. It is NOT inexpensive (by Harford Co standards) but I have always felt that the value delivered exceeded the check. And I don't mind paying for that level of quality and service. We eat there almost every time that we're visiting the area - maybe a dozen times or more so far. I can't think of a single measure of a restaurant - ingredients, menu selection, execution, wine list, wait staff, ambiance - where I would say I was less than satisfied. We look forward to our next visit. Lunch or dinner. MSO
(4)
Shawn C.
My brother dropped in unexpectedly, as he was traveling through the area for work. He likes Italian and I've been wanting to try Scotto's for some time now, and decided to go for it tonight. I made the reservation via the Open Table link, quick and easy, but only one drawback. I didn't receive my 100 points credit on Open Table. I don't know what the disconnect was, but the restaurant knew who I was when I said I have reservations for 3. The food was excellent, just a few minor glitches, well to me minor, but to someone who doesn't like spicy they might be major. 1st: The dipping oil served is heavy on the red-pepper flakes, way, way too spicy for my brother. 2nd: On our appetizer of Fried Calamari with marinara sauce, the sauce was also way too spicy for all three of us. The Waiter was nice and offered to change both items out as soon as we brought it to his attention. The Calamari was lightly breaded, tender, and very crispy.... a delightful item to enjoy. Non-rubbery squid is an indicator of freshness instead of using frozen restaurant supply. The atmosphere inside was very nice, definitely a upscale motif, classy & romantic, befitting many different special occasions. My brother ordered the Pollo Marsala, I had the Vitello (Veal) Sorrentina, & Sheri had the Gnocchi Al Pesto (see pictures of all 3). I was able to taste all three dishes before they were totally devoured.... yum y u M y U M Y U M!!! The only real drawback is the price, but then again, if Scotto's was nestled in Little Italy in downtown Bmore, the prices would have been right on!!! This is not a place I would take the kids for a casual meal, but Scotto's is a great place for that special event or person(s) in your life to show them you care!!!~
(4)
Linda S.
This was our second dinner at Scotto's. We liked it the first time and wanted to see if it was just a fluke. Nope! The house salad was a little boring, but it was fresh. Our meals were really good and plenty of food. My husband had the bison ragu special and I had the eggplant parm. Both were delicious. This place is a little pricey, but when the food is good, and the atmosphere is pleasant, you're eating out, so don't compare it to fast food, or chain Italian. Just enjoy!
(4)
Alec V.
This is certainly an upscale establishment despite being cleverly hidden in a strip mall and the food did not disappoint. I had the shrimp parmigiana, which was very good, though the shrimp were slightly overcooked. Quality sauce and cheese! I also had a Gorgonzola salad with a blueberry vinaigrette dressing which was excellent, the gorgonzola was very flavorful and the blueberry vinaigrette was a creative take on the typical dressing that turned out to be delicious. My colleague got the stuffed shells which he said were also very good. The food did seem a bit pricey, even for the quality, but maybe I'm just not used to East Coast prices. That plus the overcooked shrimp drop the rating from 5 stars, but I would still highly recommend!
(4)
Karson L.
Overall we had a good experience. The atmosphere is warm and the food tasty. The service overall was good once we were seated; we did have to wait 20 minutes after our original reservation time. This is a nice restaurant in Harford County for a date-night or a group of friends to get together without the needing to drive to Baltimore.
Over priced. Food is just ok. Definitely not worth it. Go downtown if you want real Italian. Ill never return.
(2)
Jane D.
The only thing I come here for is the tiramisu, I ordered some muscles one time and the sauce they were smothered in was super salty, yuck, sent that back and they took it off my bill. If I'm in the Festival I might stop in occasionally and get some tiramisu to go and that's about it. ***I could give it another chance but not right now, I'll update if I decide to go again, but don't hold your breath.
(2)
Ryan G.
Closest nice Italian Restaurant to our house. Overall, the food is pretty solid, I have had the tortellini, filet mignon, stuffed shells and chicken marsala and all were very good, sometimes a little inconsistent though. A little pricey compared to other local Italian places, but IMO it's worth the extra buck. Will be back for sure!
(4)
Rich B.
The best Italian food in Harford County in my opinion. I have been there around 25 times and have always had a great meal. I also have had carry out on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. The prices are a little high but for the quality of the food I can't argue. I always take friends and relatives here and they all loved it. The atmosphere is bright during the daytime but in the evening they turn down the lights which makes it romantic and a great place for a nice dinner. I just wish they would bring back the Beef Carpaccio.
(4)
Claire B.
This is my go-to place whenever we have out of town guests or business visitors and I am never disappointed. Ambiance is perfect -- quiet without being too intimate. The servers are great -- just the right touch of friendliness and respect. The food is great and I have tried many of the entrees and so I have had a good run at the menu and again, never disappointed. When out of town guests return for subsequent visits, they inevitably request that we return to Scotto's -- and we do.
(5)
Shane N.
Strip mall Italian restaurant that is much better than its location. It does the basic Italian dishes very well. Beware of specials that cost much more than any menu items. Calamari is magical on one trip and dreadful the next.
(3)
Adam B.
Scotto's Cafe, a small 20 year old neighborhood restaurant that invites guest to experience the authentic tastes of Italy has been quite popular amongst my fellow Bel Air residents, especially on Friday nights. So I decided to go ahead and try it myself with my family. Walking into the restaurant, we were greeted by two smiling hosts who escorted us to our table. As we continued to stroll through the restaurant, we passed the busy open kitchen shielded by hustling white-shirted, black-tied waiters and waitresses. The dimly lit Scotto's Cafe has a very relaxed, cozy feel. Laughter and conversation filled the air but it's not at all overwhelming. Our friendly waiter came to our table and explained the specials of the night, most of which sounded appetizing. After grazing the menu, I settled for the Pappardelle al Pesto. Let me put it this way, it wasn't that great. Actually the pasta was a bit overcooked. The house-made pesto was okay, but I've had far better from a jar. Once we finished our meal, our waiter offered us a few dessert choices. As the sweet-tooth that I am, I couldn't resist. I decided to try the Orange Cranberry Italian Cheesecake, mainly because I've been craving cheesecake for literally months. Yes, I didn't go with the typical tiramisu. I know I know, shocking right? After a few short minutes, my cheesecake arrived at my table on a chilled plate. The first bite consisted of a potent citrus tang strictly focused near the tip of my tongue finished with the slightly smooth, yet somewhat grainy texture of the thick ricotta cheese based italian cheesecake. As I continued to indulge, every so often my bites consisted of small pieces of sweet dried cranberries throughout, which gave the cheesecake an occasional tiny sour kick. Overall, I give the Orange Cranberry Italian cheesecake a 3/5. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't something remarkable. You're honestly better off enjoying a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Although my meal wasn't delicious, the attentive service and relaxed ambience of the restaurant helped make this a pleasant experience. Next time, I'll be sure to make a more appetizing entree and dessert choice. You can count on that.
(3)
R W.
My husband and I have never had a bad meal from here. Their red sauce is just as good as our favorite places in Staten Island and Manhattan, if not better. The last meal that we had, I had the special, rockfish with jumbo lump crab meat and a white wine sauce with angel hair pasta. My husband had Paccheri con Polpette, which is basically meatballs with pasta tubes in a red sauce with fresh basil. The meatballs were perfect, baked and pan seared. The rockfish was cooked to perfection and the jumbo lump crab meat was plentiful and huge. The sauce was perfect with the seafood. We finished the meal with a cannoli for desert. The food here is wonderful and you can tell that the chef cares about providing the best meal he can for his guests. I will concede that the prices are a little high, but when you always get great food, isn't it worth it to pay a little more?
(5)
Mark N.
I have been going to Scotto's for years and it never disappoints. The dishes are always prepared to order and cooked to perfection. My favorite dishes are the Veal Marsala, Linguini with white clam sauce, Shrimp Fra diavalo, ah who am I kidding close your eyes and point to something you won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Tanya C.
I tried Scotto's for the first time thanks to a Groupon. It is a bit unassuming from the outside but inside it is quite nice on the inside. The service was good and the food was also very tasty and quickly delivered. My husband and I had different versions of the Gnocchi and it was fresh and flavorful. We also had the brushetta, which was great. The pricing is a little high for the area, but this restaurant isn't typical of the area. Great italian food.
(4)
Brian B.
I'm not trying to bad mouth them. The ambiance is nice and the food is ok. I think what really shaped my opinion of the experience was the price. Aside from appetizers and the salads, I found few items on the menu for under $18. I was going to let that slide thinking "$18 for an entree, ok, well, what does this entree come with?" Nothing. Just the item itself. A wedge of lasagna in this case. Not even a side salad? Huh. Ok. Well then, this must be some amazing food. Not so much. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't bad food. And the portion size was large, at least large for me. Were they to drop the cost by $6-$7 I would recommend it. If you've got money to burn, go for it.
(2)
Jay S.
I remember that this restaurant used to be pretty good. Recently the quality kinda went down (either that or I have a better idea of what's good after eating at many other Italian restaurants). The bread isn't fresh or warm for that matter. And it only comes with little packets of butter. You have to ask for olive oil and for some reason the oil was very bland and lacking flavor. The appetizer portion sizes were pretty small and not that spectacular. The entrees were alright but I have definitely tasted better.
(3)
Diana D.
A bit pricey but definitely delicious. We used a groupon I bought a while back. We ordered the calamari ($11?) and I ordered the salmon ($23?) which was the fish of the day. It was made in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach on top. It was great. The staff was very friendly and it is a place for date night for sure. You can make reservations on opentable as well, and get your points toward a free dining certificate. I wasn't able to find their business on restaurant.com though.
I dined at Scotto's while in the Bel Air area for work and to be honest it left a little to be desired. While the restaurant is very appealing - decorated nicely, nice ambiance, good service - the food was lacking. I ordered the Minestrone and Melenzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan): - By Minestrone standards it was ok; not too salty a good amount of vegetables, but the broth was a little thin. - Then came the Eggplant. It looked very good at first but with the first cut from my knife I knew something was wrong. When you have to put force into cutting through eggplant - you know something isn't right. I'm not sure if it was just a bad eggplant or under-cooking, but either way it was not good. I was able to get through about a quarter of the tough and chewy eggplant before I threw in the towl. Thankfully there was a decent amount of cappellini that comes with it. The only reason this place did not get 2 stars is the service. I'd be willing to try this place again, but definitely not the eggplant.
(3)
Sharon F.
I was really excited to try this place after I had read such good reviews of the restaurant on here. And I also had a recommendation from a friend. I placed a carry out order for the meatballs and pasta because I just wanted a quiet evening at home but to enjoy some delicious Italian food. The price was $2.00 more from what their website listed. Okay, no big deal as long as it was going to be a fabulous meal. Boy, was a sorely disappointed!! The pasta was overcooked, the meatballs were tough, tasteless and had bits of cartilage throughout and the sauce was watery and just as tasteless as the meatballs. I couldn't even eat it. I took one bite and had to spit it out. I promptly called to speak with the manager who, I was told, was too busy to take the call. I went back to return the poor excuse for meatballs and get my money back. There was barely anyone in the restaurant and the manager was waiting for me at the front- even though he was "too busy". I explained what was wrong with the meal and he asked if I wanted something else. Nope...I just want my $19 refunded. The bartender was quick to refund my credit card. What a let down!
(1)
Denise T.
I have been to Scotto's several times and have never been disappointed. Seating has always been quick; reservation or not. The food is always fresh and delicious. I try something new every time because it all looks so good and always delvers on taste. I have been with family and friends there and no one has ever had a complaint. The staff is courteous, friendly, and efficient. We have never felt rushed through a meal even at lunch during the 'business rush.' I pass at least 10 other Italian restaurants to get there as it's a 20 minute drive from home but I know I will get a great meal in a quiet atmosphere. Yes, they have a bar and a tv but it has never interfered with my dining experience.
Great food, great staff! A nice gem in a sea of strip malls.
(5)
Dan E.
So i saw this restaurant on restaurants.com during one of their 80% off sales. I order a gift cert to try this place out. I was really surprised with the place. I was expecting a little more casual , as i was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt (the place is called a cafe and it is located in the Festival of Bel Air), so when i walked in and it was filled with people all dressed up, on dates, and having special celebrations I felt a little awkward. The staff didnt mind and didnt make me feel bad though. The food was good but not memorable. We had a salad, tortellini in a cream sauce with prosciutto ham and peas and chicken in a red sauce over capellini. We'll go back, better dressed and try some other things, but i think the jury is still out on Scotto's for me.
(3)
Kate O.
Good food, but very expensive. The servers are young & the atmosphere is just alright, so the quality of the 'experience' devalues the quality of the food.
(4)
Zachary Z.
Yes it's a cozy italian ristorante in a strip mall in the suburbs, but it's pretty decent italian. Just ate there with my wife and saved $15 with a groupon. Spicy shrimp marinara over linguine was excellent. Kind of pricey if you don't have a coupon (most entrees are ~$18-22), so it will start adding up quick if you have a big party. Complimentary bruschetta is good, but I'd skip the caesar salad, as it was nothing special for $5.
(4)
Chris B.
Delicious italian food. Can be a bit pricey, but it is worth it if you value quality.
(4)
J S.
One of our favorite restaurants for Italian food. They create their own homemade sauces and pasts and the freshness comes through in taste. Great place for special occasions or date night. Some of our favorite dishes include lasagna, Bolognese, Spaghetti & Meatballs (best around!) and some of their seafood pasta specials have been to die for! And make sure you save room for some dessert which is always sure to please! We always ask for John as our waiter - excellent service! The only disappointment we've had was the gnocchi which was very undercooked and gooey.
(4)
Ray E.
Great food, great service. The restaurant is small and friendly and has a great menu with awesome Italian food!
(4)
Pappa D.
This a consistently good restaurant .Service varies from new waiters to experienced servers.However the quality of the food and imagination of the chef make up for any service issues.
(4)
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Address :5 Bel Air S Pkwy,Ste 1575
Bel Air, MD, 21015
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Andrew E.
I have eaten a lot of Italian food in Harford County, and I think this is the best spot for Italian in the area. Portions are good, pasta dishes are good, and pricing is fair. I have been here about 10 times and have enjoyed it every time.
(5)Chris S.
Great place! We have never had a bad meal and the staff is tops! Yes it is pricey but you get what you pay for. This is a place for special occasions and not a shorts and flip flops place, if you want that go to Five Guys. Clearly one of the best in Bel Air! We always make reservations and they make sure we are seated on time. My only complaint is that I wish they were bigger.
(5)Kimberly O.
Their Italian food is probably the closest I've found to NJ Italian since arriving here. Service is very good which helps because the wait for our food was quite long. We ordered an array of dishes, most were very good. Husband said the fried shrimp were kind of bland. We got a side dish of broccoli which was outstanding. It had diced tomatoes and I think lemon butter on it... Not sure, but it was killer. Food was a bit expensive, but not unreasonably so.
(4)Steve W.
Yes, I really am a fan. Go there about twice a week, every week. Almost always dine at the bar. It is a wonderful group of regulars and the bartenders are outstanding in service and personality. Great place to unwind. Atmosphere is relaxing and it is a pretty place. The food is always fresh and once you get to know the menu you can eat well for a very reasonable price. Unless you are a big eater, many of the appetizers will serve as an entree. They do not skimp on portions. Everything is well prepared. They do an excellent job with seafood. Love it!
(5)L. O.
I love scotto's!! I usually get the spaghetti and meatballs. Boring you say? No way!!! Delish! It's not easy to find great sauce and awesome meatballs. The sauce is so good. I get the marinara with the chunks of tomatoes. I've had several other items on the menu that were just fabulous. I also love the salad with gorgonzola and blueberry dressing. Oh, and the lemon ice is served in a frozen lemon. The desserts are imported from Italy....omg...
(5)Y C.
We need a place between DC and NJ for a Mother's Day dinner. We chose Scotto's, and it was a great choice. The accommodated a need to change the reservation in the week before a huge restaurant day (Mother's Day). The food was fabulous, with generous portions. And the service was spectacular! We sat for along time and did not feel a bit rushed to leave. Will definitely be back!
(4)Matthew J.
Scotto's was more than I expected. Interesting menu options. The bread, entrees, and desert were all spot on. Make sure you ask about the specials. Our waitress did not mention them and I missed out on a killer looking steak.
(4)Nick G.
The food is AMAZING! The overall experience was great from the Service to the Food! The portions are typical for any Fine Dining restaurant and prices are a little high. However I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for in the food industry". I would return to this restaurant in a heartbeat! BEST IN BEL AIR! if traveling on business, its a must go for seafood, steaks and your favorite italian dishes!
(5)Tricia F.
What a great place for dinner or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Made to order Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Score! (Unlike the Italian restaurant we experienced a few short weeks ago while in Ocean Side, MD). The atmosphere was very relaxing...and a little romantic which surprised us because the restaurant is located in a shopping center. We were seated quickly and service was exceptional. Great choices on the menu ~ so it was difficult to decide! We opted out of ordering appetizers, and honestly, we're glad we did because the portions were generous! Before we ordered our meals we were served THE most delicious sour dough bread with butter. YUM! I ordered Melenzane alla Parmigiana: sliced eggplant layered with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella cheese served with capellini. It was prepared to perfection! A little heavy on the cheese, but hey...it's an Italian restaurant!! My husband ordered the Stuffed Shells: jumbo shells filled with ricotta cheese, topped with pomodoro sauce and mozzarella. We both really enjoyed our meals. They definitely know how to prepare and present Italian food! Hands down this restaurant will be a favorite addition to our "go to Italian" restaurants.
(5)Philip B.
Excellent! On the expensive side but worth it. Had the chicken Marsala. Delicious. Friend, chicken parm. Fantastic. Another friend tortelloni. Very good. Friend, veal sorrentina. Sublime. Came in. Table was unbalanced. Waitress, unasked, came over w something to shim the table into place. Good service, good food, good drinks. We'll be back.
(5)Katharine T.
My date and I ordered from the prix fixe menu. Everything was tasty, especially the bruschetta.... amaaazing. The caprese was good, but not to-die-for. I had the Toertellini Boscaiolo, which was super good, and the serving size was plentiful. My date had a meatball dish which was served with some noodle that was essentially super-large ziti (can't find it on the menu now). The serving size on that seemed a little light - there was plenty of meatball, but not enough pasta to balance it imo. Deserts were good, though a little more variety of choice would benefit the prix fixe menu. Next time I'll skip prix fixe - there are more things I'd want to try!
(4)Maryann Z.
Still our favorite. They consistently serve fresh and delicious Italian dishes. The quality of the food is superior but at a decent price point. The salmon special with artichokes and capes exceeded expectations. Cooked to perfection!
(5)M S O.
Scotto's is, in my opinion, one of, if not the best restaurant in Harford County. The food is delicious. They obviously use quality ingredients. Whoever is in the kitchen clearly knows what he or she is doing. They pay attention to details. I was trying to think of a clever way to express how good the food is when I noticed a fellow Yelper wrote: "...it was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Like, fall-back-in-my-chair, eyes-a-flutter-after-the-first-bite kind of tasty." I'm sure that my wife would apply that to the crab ravioli. The staff is friendly without being familiar and attentive without being intrusive. They are obviously well trained and take pride in what they do. This gem would do well even in a New York or Los Angeles. It is NOT inexpensive (by Harford Co standards) but I have always felt that the value delivered exceeded the check. And I don't mind paying for that level of quality and service. We eat there almost every time that we're visiting the area - maybe a dozen times or more so far. I can't think of a single measure of a restaurant - ingredients, menu selection, execution, wine list, wait staff, ambiance - where I would say I was less than satisfied. We look forward to our next visit. Lunch or dinner. MSO
(4)Shawn C.
My brother dropped in unexpectedly, as he was traveling through the area for work. He likes Italian and I've been wanting to try Scotto's for some time now, and decided to go for it tonight. I made the reservation via the Open Table link, quick and easy, but only one drawback. I didn't receive my 100 points credit on Open Table. I don't know what the disconnect was, but the restaurant knew who I was when I said I have reservations for 3. The food was excellent, just a few minor glitches, well to me minor, but to someone who doesn't like spicy they might be major. 1st: The dipping oil served is heavy on the red-pepper flakes, way, way too spicy for my brother. 2nd: On our appetizer of Fried Calamari with marinara sauce, the sauce was also way too spicy for all three of us. The Waiter was nice and offered to change both items out as soon as we brought it to his attention. The Calamari was lightly breaded, tender, and very crispy.... a delightful item to enjoy. Non-rubbery squid is an indicator of freshness instead of using frozen restaurant supply. The atmosphere inside was very nice, definitely a upscale motif, classy & romantic, befitting many different special occasions. My brother ordered the Pollo Marsala, I had the Vitello (Veal) Sorrentina, & Sheri had the Gnocchi Al Pesto (see pictures of all 3). I was able to taste all three dishes before they were totally devoured.... yum y u M y U M Y U M!!! The only real drawback is the price, but then again, if Scotto's was nestled in Little Italy in downtown Bmore, the prices would have been right on!!! This is not a place I would take the kids for a casual meal, but Scotto's is a great place for that special event or person(s) in your life to show them you care!!!~
(4)Linda S.
This was our second dinner at Scotto's. We liked it the first time and wanted to see if it was just a fluke. Nope! The house salad was a little boring, but it was fresh. Our meals were really good and plenty of food. My husband had the bison ragu special and I had the eggplant parm. Both were delicious. This place is a little pricey, but when the food is good, and the atmosphere is pleasant, you're eating out, so don't compare it to fast food, or chain Italian. Just enjoy!
(4)Alec V.
This is certainly an upscale establishment despite being cleverly hidden in a strip mall and the food did not disappoint. I had the shrimp parmigiana, which was very good, though the shrimp were slightly overcooked. Quality sauce and cheese! I also had a Gorgonzola salad with a blueberry vinaigrette dressing which was excellent, the gorgonzola was very flavorful and the blueberry vinaigrette was a creative take on the typical dressing that turned out to be delicious. My colleague got the stuffed shells which he said were also very good. The food did seem a bit pricey, even for the quality, but maybe I'm just not used to East Coast prices. That plus the overcooked shrimp drop the rating from 5 stars, but I would still highly recommend!
(4)Karson L.
Overall we had a good experience. The atmosphere is warm and the food tasty. The service overall was good once we were seated; we did have to wait 20 minutes after our original reservation time. This is a nice restaurant in Harford County for a date-night or a group of friends to get together without the needing to drive to Baltimore.
(3)Stephanie M.
Scotto's food is heavenly. My husband and I came here for a Friday lunch with a Groupon. To be honest, we've never come for dinner because the prices aren't justifiable when we can get the same delicious food at lunch for half the price. We started with the tomato basil soup because it is extremely flavorful and serves as a satisfying appetizer-on-the-cheap: just dip the complimentary fresh bread in the soup and you're good to go. YUM. My husband got the Rigatoni Abruzzi: Sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and red roasted peppers, sautéed with garlic in a white wine sauce. SO GOOD. Yet not as good as my dish: I ordered the Tortellini Rosa and it was one of the best things I've ever tasted. Like, fall-back-in-my-chair, eyes-a-flutter-after-the-first-bite kind of tasty. In sum, we'll definitely be back (for lunch).
(4)Jarrett G.
Over priced. Food is just ok. Definitely not worth it. Go downtown if you want real Italian. Ill never return.
(2)Jane D.
The only thing I come here for is the tiramisu, I ordered some muscles one time and the sauce they were smothered in was super salty, yuck, sent that back and they took it off my bill. If I'm in the Festival I might stop in occasionally and get some tiramisu to go and that's about it. ***I could give it another chance but not right now, I'll update if I decide to go again, but don't hold your breath.
(2)Ryan G.
Closest nice Italian Restaurant to our house. Overall, the food is pretty solid, I have had the tortellini, filet mignon, stuffed shells and chicken marsala and all were very good, sometimes a little inconsistent though. A little pricey compared to other local Italian places, but IMO it's worth the extra buck. Will be back for sure!
(4)Rich B.
The best Italian food in Harford County in my opinion. I have been there around 25 times and have always had a great meal. I also have had carry out on numerous occasions and have never been disappointed. The prices are a little high but for the quality of the food I can't argue. I always take friends and relatives here and they all loved it. The atmosphere is bright during the daytime but in the evening they turn down the lights which makes it romantic and a great place for a nice dinner. I just wish they would bring back the Beef Carpaccio.
(4)Claire B.
This is my go-to place whenever we have out of town guests or business visitors and I am never disappointed. Ambiance is perfect -- quiet without being too intimate. The servers are great -- just the right touch of friendliness and respect. The food is great and I have tried many of the entrees and so I have had a good run at the menu and again, never disappointed. When out of town guests return for subsequent visits, they inevitably request that we return to Scotto's -- and we do.
(5)Shane N.
Strip mall Italian restaurant that is much better than its location. It does the basic Italian dishes very well. Beware of specials that cost much more than any menu items. Calamari is magical on one trip and dreadful the next.
(3)Adam B.
Scotto's Cafe, a small 20 year old neighborhood restaurant that invites guest to experience the authentic tastes of Italy has been quite popular amongst my fellow Bel Air residents, especially on Friday nights. So I decided to go ahead and try it myself with my family. Walking into the restaurant, we were greeted by two smiling hosts who escorted us to our table. As we continued to stroll through the restaurant, we passed the busy open kitchen shielded by hustling white-shirted, black-tied waiters and waitresses. The dimly lit Scotto's Cafe has a very relaxed, cozy feel. Laughter and conversation filled the air but it's not at all overwhelming. Our friendly waiter came to our table and explained the specials of the night, most of which sounded appetizing. After grazing the menu, I settled for the Pappardelle al Pesto. Let me put it this way, it wasn't that great. Actually the pasta was a bit overcooked. The house-made pesto was okay, but I've had far better from a jar. Once we finished our meal, our waiter offered us a few dessert choices. As the sweet-tooth that I am, I couldn't resist. I decided to try the Orange Cranberry Italian Cheesecake, mainly because I've been craving cheesecake for literally months. Yes, I didn't go with the typical tiramisu. I know I know, shocking right? After a few short minutes, my cheesecake arrived at my table on a chilled plate. The first bite consisted of a potent citrus tang strictly focused near the tip of my tongue finished with the slightly smooth, yet somewhat grainy texture of the thick ricotta cheese based italian cheesecake. As I continued to indulge, every so often my bites consisted of small pieces of sweet dried cranberries throughout, which gave the cheesecake an occasional tiny sour kick. Overall, I give the Orange Cranberry Italian cheesecake a 3/5. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't something remarkable. You're honestly better off enjoying a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Although my meal wasn't delicious, the attentive service and relaxed ambience of the restaurant helped make this a pleasant experience. Next time, I'll be sure to make a more appetizing entree and dessert choice. You can count on that.
(3)R W.
My husband and I have never had a bad meal from here. Their red sauce is just as good as our favorite places in Staten Island and Manhattan, if not better. The last meal that we had, I had the special, rockfish with jumbo lump crab meat and a white wine sauce with angel hair pasta. My husband had Paccheri con Polpette, which is basically meatballs with pasta tubes in a red sauce with fresh basil. The meatballs were perfect, baked and pan seared. The rockfish was cooked to perfection and the jumbo lump crab meat was plentiful and huge. The sauce was perfect with the seafood. We finished the meal with a cannoli for desert. The food here is wonderful and you can tell that the chef cares about providing the best meal he can for his guests. I will concede that the prices are a little high, but when you always get great food, isn't it worth it to pay a little more?
(5)Mark N.
I have been going to Scotto's for years and it never disappoints. The dishes are always prepared to order and cooked to perfection. My favorite dishes are the Veal Marsala, Linguini with white clam sauce, Shrimp Fra diavalo, ah who am I kidding close your eyes and point to something you won't be disappointed!!
(5)Tanya C.
I tried Scotto's for the first time thanks to a Groupon. It is a bit unassuming from the outside but inside it is quite nice on the inside. The service was good and the food was also very tasty and quickly delivered. My husband and I had different versions of the Gnocchi and it was fresh and flavorful. We also had the brushetta, which was great. The pricing is a little high for the area, but this restaurant isn't typical of the area. Great italian food.
(4)Brian B.
I'm not trying to bad mouth them. The ambiance is nice and the food is ok. I think what really shaped my opinion of the experience was the price. Aside from appetizers and the salads, I found few items on the menu for under $18. I was going to let that slide thinking "$18 for an entree, ok, well, what does this entree come with?" Nothing. Just the item itself. A wedge of lasagna in this case. Not even a side salad? Huh. Ok. Well then, this must be some amazing food. Not so much. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't bad food. And the portion size was large, at least large for me. Were they to drop the cost by $6-$7 I would recommend it. If you've got money to burn, go for it.
(2)Jay S.
I remember that this restaurant used to be pretty good. Recently the quality kinda went down (either that or I have a better idea of what's good after eating at many other Italian restaurants). The bread isn't fresh or warm for that matter. And it only comes with little packets of butter. You have to ask for olive oil and for some reason the oil was very bland and lacking flavor. The appetizer portion sizes were pretty small and not that spectacular. The entrees were alright but I have definitely tasted better.
(3)Diana D.
A bit pricey but definitely delicious. We used a groupon I bought a while back. We ordered the calamari ($11?) and I ordered the salmon ($23?) which was the fish of the day. It was made in a creamy tomato sauce with spinach on top. It was great. The staff was very friendly and it is a place for date night for sure. You can make reservations on opentable as well, and get your points toward a free dining certificate. I wasn't able to find their business on restaurant.com though.
(4)Michael P.
I had a 6pm reservation at Scotto's Cafe and it did not disappoint. My family was quickly seated, the inside decor was nice, and the music was perfect to fit the Italian theme. We were greeted by our waiter and presented with the specials for the day and we chose our main courses from the specials presented. The two dishes were the salmon with sautéed spinach topped with a vodka sauce and a seafood (clams, lump crab, shrimp, and mussels) pasta with a white wine sauce. Before our main course we tried the tomato basil soup and the insalata imperiale (Caesar salad) for our first course. The table was also provided with freshly baked bread complimentary. Scotto's Cafe has a nice selection of wines which I did not partake in, but next time I will. Price wise the specials were between $22 to $26. The menu entrees ranged anywhere from $14 to $26. Some people may think the prices are slightly highhe food being served by Scotto's is good quality and definitely worth it. Food Analysis: Italian Bread - Crispy, Crunchy, and Soft which made for a perfect pallet combination, the bread was delicious. I was surprise for an italian restaurant that the bread was not served with fresh olive oil, but not a big deal. Insalata Imperiale (Caesar Salad) - Perfectly mixed and not over powered by the dressing. With the fresh parmesan and fresh cracked pepper (provided by the waiter) made for a enjoyable first course. Seafood Pasta - FRESH to death! My main course was on point, seafood was fresh and the white wine combination went well with the pasta shells and seafood. Salmon Dish - I had a taste of this dish and the salmon was cooked perfectly with the vodka sauce and sautéed spinach. Tomato Basil Soup - I had a taste of this dish and the soup was different, but delicious. The reason why I say different was the fact that the soup had hint of sweetness at the end. Overall Scotto's is given my top rating of the BOMB dot COM status. Scotto's is definitely my go to location when I have guest visit from out of town.
(5)Nate I.
I dined at Scotto's while in the Bel Air area for work and to be honest it left a little to be desired. While the restaurant is very appealing - decorated nicely, nice ambiance, good service - the food was lacking. I ordered the Minestrone and Melenzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan): - By Minestrone standards it was ok; not too salty a good amount of vegetables, but the broth was a little thin. - Then came the Eggplant. It looked very good at first but with the first cut from my knife I knew something was wrong. When you have to put force into cutting through eggplant - you know something isn't right. I'm not sure if it was just a bad eggplant or under-cooking, but either way it was not good. I was able to get through about a quarter of the tough and chewy eggplant before I threw in the towl. Thankfully there was a decent amount of cappellini that comes with it. The only reason this place did not get 2 stars is the service. I'd be willing to try this place again, but definitely not the eggplant.
(3)Sharon F.
I was really excited to try this place after I had read such good reviews of the restaurant on here. And I also had a recommendation from a friend. I placed a carry out order for the meatballs and pasta because I just wanted a quiet evening at home but to enjoy some delicious Italian food. The price was $2.00 more from what their website listed. Okay, no big deal as long as it was going to be a fabulous meal. Boy, was a sorely disappointed!! The pasta was overcooked, the meatballs were tough, tasteless and had bits of cartilage throughout and the sauce was watery and just as tasteless as the meatballs. I couldn't even eat it. I took one bite and had to spit it out. I promptly called to speak with the manager who, I was told, was too busy to take the call. I went back to return the poor excuse for meatballs and get my money back. There was barely anyone in the restaurant and the manager was waiting for me at the front- even though he was "too busy". I explained what was wrong with the meal and he asked if I wanted something else. Nope...I just want my $19 refunded. The bartender was quick to refund my credit card. What a let down!
(1)Denise T.
I have been to Scotto's several times and have never been disappointed. Seating has always been quick; reservation or not. The food is always fresh and delicious. I try something new every time because it all looks so good and always delvers on taste. I have been with family and friends there and no one has ever had a complaint. The staff is courteous, friendly, and efficient. We have never felt rushed through a meal even at lunch during the 'business rush.' I pass at least 10 other Italian restaurants to get there as it's a 20 minute drive from home but I know I will get a great meal in a quiet atmosphere. Yes, they have a bar and a tv but it has never interfered with my dining experience.
(5)Priscilla P.
Good food, a little pricy but if you share a salad and appetizer and entrée then you can save enough to enjoy a bottle of wine especially if you go on Mondays bottles are half off. The caprese is good as well as the gnocchi and they have a nice size wine list too. The bread Is my favorite as its classic sourdough with huge yummy air pockets served cold but doesn't matter since it chewy and crisp pure heaven for us bread lovers!
(4)Jake R.
Great food, great staff! A nice gem in a sea of strip malls.
(5)Dan E.
So i saw this restaurant on restaurants.com during one of their 80% off sales. I order a gift cert to try this place out. I was really surprised with the place. I was expecting a little more casual , as i was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt (the place is called a cafe and it is located in the Festival of Bel Air), so when i walked in and it was filled with people all dressed up, on dates, and having special celebrations I felt a little awkward. The staff didnt mind and didnt make me feel bad though. The food was good but not memorable. We had a salad, tortellini in a cream sauce with prosciutto ham and peas and chicken in a red sauce over capellini. We'll go back, better dressed and try some other things, but i think the jury is still out on Scotto's for me.
(3)Kate O.
Good food, but very expensive. The servers are young & the atmosphere is just alright, so the quality of the 'experience' devalues the quality of the food.
(4)Zachary Z.
Yes it's a cozy italian ristorante in a strip mall in the suburbs, but it's pretty decent italian. Just ate there with my wife and saved $15 with a groupon. Spicy shrimp marinara over linguine was excellent. Kind of pricey if you don't have a coupon (most entrees are ~$18-22), so it will start adding up quick if you have a big party. Complimentary bruschetta is good, but I'd skip the caesar salad, as it was nothing special for $5.
(4)Chris B.
Delicious italian food. Can be a bit pricey, but it is worth it if you value quality.
(4)J S.
One of our favorite restaurants for Italian food. They create their own homemade sauces and pasts and the freshness comes through in taste. Great place for special occasions or date night. Some of our favorite dishes include lasagna, Bolognese, Spaghetti & Meatballs (best around!) and some of their seafood pasta specials have been to die for! And make sure you save room for some dessert which is always sure to please! We always ask for John as our waiter - excellent service! The only disappointment we've had was the gnocchi which was very undercooked and gooey.
(4)Ray E.
Great food, great service. The restaurant is small and friendly and has a great menu with awesome Italian food!
(4)Pappa D.
This a consistently good restaurant .Service varies from new waiters to experienced servers.However the quality of the food and imagination of the chef make up for any service issues.
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