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Fresco by Scotto
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Fresco by Scotto
8.5
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A Midtown power-lunch institution since 1993, this Scotto family-run establishment blends celebrity appeal with genuine Italian-American comfort. The rigatoni bolognese and Mama Scotto's meatballs have earned cult status among NBC executives and Wall Street dealmakers who fill the dining room daily.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mama Scotto's Meatballs, Rigatoni Bolognese, Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Scotto family hospitality since 1993 with genuine celebrity clientele and NBC commissary reputation
Who should go: Business professionals and special occasion celebrators
When to visit: Weekday power lunch or Saturday night celebrations
What to order: Mama's meatballs, rigatoni bolognese, carrot cake
Insider tip: Friday and Saturday nights feature a DJ and more festive atmosphere
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available after 6pm. Private parking lot on 52nd St between Park and Lexington for earlier arrivals. Subway: E/M at 5th Ave, 6 train at 51st St, or B/D/F at 47-50 Rockefeller
Dress code: Casual dressy - khakis and collared shirts for men, dresses or dressy pants for women. Jeans acceptable but you'll feel more comfortable dressed up. No shorts or t-shirts
Noise level: Energetic and loud, especially Friday/Saturday nights with DJ and birthday celebrations. Weekday lunch is more subdued for business conversations. Staff can help find quieter seating if requested
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Saturday. Reservations strongly recommended - this is celebration central
Weekday lunch: Reservations recommended for power lunch crowd (12-2pm prime). Usually accommodating for walk-ins after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid selection including pasta dishes, salads, and vegetable-forward antipasti. Kitchen accommodates modifications
Vegan options: Limited but available - chickpea alla Fresco, salads, and vegetable sides. Staff well-versed in allergen awareness and customization
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available and GF desserts (Mama Scotto insists no one feels left out). Staff trained on allergen protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established relationships than first dates. Weekday dinner works for a dressy date night, but Friday/Saturday gets loud with DJ, dancing, and birthday sparklers - more party than intimate. For first dates, stick to quieter weeknight reservations around 6pm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky, especially for weekend dinner and weekday power lunch (12-2pm). The Scotto family tries to accommodate everyone, but this 30+ year institution stays packed. Call ahead or book via Resy. Bar seating may be available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for well-behaved kids who can handle an upscale environment. No dedicated kids menu, but pasta and chicken dishes work well. Weekend nights with DJ and celebrations can be overwhelming for young children - weekday lunch or early dinner better for families.
Best For
Better for: Business power lunches where you might spot NBC executives, milestone birthday celebrations with sparklers and conga lines, groups who want Italian-American classics with genuine family hospitality. The celebrity-watching and festive Saturday night energy are unmatched in Midtown
Skip if: You want quiet intimate dining, cutting-edge contemporary Italian, or are on a tight budget. Also skip Saturday nights if you're noise-sensitive - the DJ and party atmosphere are the main attraction, not a quiet meal
Fresco by Scotto
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
A longtime Midtown East Italian-American landmark, Fresco by Scotto mixes wood-fired pastas and chops with a lively, see-and-be-seen dining room. It’s a destination for celebratory date nights where strong cocktails, big flavors, and crowd-pleasing plates drive the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato and zucchini chips with warm gorgonzola, Fresco chopped salad, Linguine alle vongole
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A decades-strong power Italian with a party-ready dining room and wood-fired favorites.
Who should go: Couples who like buzzy rooms and classic red-sauce comfort
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9pm for peak buzz without weekend crush
What to order: Gorgonzola chips, chopped salad, linguine alle vongole
Insider tip: Book the patio or front room when weather allows for a slightly quieter experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby garages on 52nd–54th St typically $25–$40. Street parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge—dark denim or slacks, stylish tops, and jackets fit the room.
Noise level: Lively and energetic; conversational but expect a steady buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; light-to-moderate traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options—pastas, salads, vegetable sides, and a few mains can be adapted.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 naturally vegan dishes; some pastas/sides can be modified with advance notice.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation—GF pasta available and several entrées are naturally GF; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want an upbeat, celebratory room with strong energy. It’s less ideal for intimate whisper-level conversation, but great for a fun, memorable first date with personality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Early evenings (before 6:30pm) or later seatings (after 9pm) have the best shot. On weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait and limited table choice.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (8+) who can handle a busy, high-energy dining room. No dedicated kids’ menu, and peak hours may feel too rowdy for younger children.
Best For
Better for: High-energy celebrations, classic Italian-American comfort, and a buzzy Midtown scene with reliable crowd-pleasers.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal; need extensive vegan options; or prefer modern, minimalist Italian over red-sauce classics.