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What to order
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🥇
Short Rib Pasta
One of the most frequently praised dishes, described as incredible, beyond delicious, and a standout meal with rich flavor and great texture.
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🥈
Wood Fired Branzino
Repeatedly recommended as awesome and fantastic, with reviewers especially liking the flavor and the crisp skin.
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🥉
Ricotta Doughnuts
Frequently mentioned as a must-order dessert, with reviewers raving about the doughnuts and the dipping sauces, especially salted caramel.
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4
Goat Cheese Appetizer
Recommended multiple times as a perfect starter or appetizer, praised for its flavor and as a great complement to the meal.
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5
Cacio E Pepe
Highlighted as insanely impressive and a dish that did not need meat to be satisfying, with reviewers loving its balance and flavor.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 4 to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 4 to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 4 to 9 PM |
About Sotto
Basement dining spot with an austere brick-&-wood interior serving inventive rustic Italian cuisine.
Amenities
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Valet parking
Frequently asked
What is Sotto known for?
Sotto is best known for cappellacci, especially the short rib cappellacci that multiple reviewers call outstanding, along with ricotta doughnuts and cacio e pepe. People also praise the branzino, goat cheese bread, and cocktails like the Italian Stallion and Amalfi, which makes it a standout for inventive Italian food in Cincinnati.
What dishes are most recommended at Sotto?
The most recommended dishes include short rib cappellacci, cacio e pepe, wood-fired branzino, and ricotta doughnuts. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the goat cheese bread, black kale Caesar salad, tartare, and wild boar pasta, with the cappellacci and branzino getting especially strong praise for flavor and texture.
What is the atmosphere like at Sotto?
Sotto has a dark, candlelit, basement setting with exposed stone walls and a cozy, upscale feel. Reviewers describe it as romantic and interesting, but also loud at times, so it seems to suit date nights and groups that do not mind a lively dining room.
Is Sotto good value, and what is the price range?
Sotto is in the $50 to $100 price range, and reviewers often call it pricey but worth it for the food, drinks, and service. One review noted about $153 for two pastas, a meat dish, sides, desserts, and a drink before tip and valet, which suggests a full dinner can climb higher than the menu range alone.
Do you need a reservation at Sotto, and is there usually a wait?
Yes, reservations are recommended and often required, especially for dinner, because reviewers and the listing both note that there is usually a wait. Several diners mentioned booking well in advance or arriving early and still seeing the restaurant stay busy, which fits its high-demand reputation in Cincinnati.
Is parking available at Sotto?
Yes. Paid parking garage, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space, Valet parking is available.
Does Sotto have vegetarian options?
Yes, Sotto offers vegan options.
