
Sotto
A clandestine basement trattoria serving inventive rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and exceptional service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Sotto

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clandestine basement trattoria serving inventive rustic Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and exceptional service.
"This is the hardest restaurant to get into, with reservations being two to three months out!"
Book Reservations Early
High demand means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Lunch Visits
Enjoy flavorful options during lunch to avoid the dinner rush.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rustic Italian Elegance
Experience inventive rustic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate, candle-lit basement setting with brick and wood interiors.

House-Made Pasta Perfection
Savor fresh, house-made pasta dishes with vibrant flavors, especially the short rib-filled cappellacci.

Delectable Ricotta Donuts
Indulge in airy ricotta donuts, a must-try dessert served with three delicious dipping sauces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Reservations Early
High demand means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Lunch Visits
Enjoy flavorful options during lunch to avoid the dinner rush.
Ask for Server Recs
Servers like Ariana and Heather are knowledgeable and can provide excellent recommendations.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't miss the signature ricotta donuts with various dipping sauces.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Reservations Early
High demand means reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.
Consider Lunch Visits
Enjoy flavorful options during lunch to avoid the dinner rush.
Ask for Server Recs
Servers like Ariana and Heather are knowledgeable and can provide excellent recommendations.
Save Room for Dessert
Don't miss the signature ricotta donuts with various dipping sauces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners consistently praise Sotto for its inventive rustic Italian cuisine, particularly the house-made pastas and delightful ricotta donuts. The cozy, intimate ambiance and exceptional service from knowledgeable staff like Ariana and Heather are frequently highlighted as key to a memorable experience. While some reviews mention occasional service hiccups during busy periods or a perceived snobbiness from the hostess, the overall consensus is that the food quality and atmosphere make it a worthwhile splurge for special occasions and romantic evenings.
"I absolutely CANNOT say enough wonderful words about this restaurant! Ariana was our bartender & server tonight. Every time we are here the experience is beyond amazing, but thanks to her, tonight was next level! My husband had the tagliatelle w/ boar & red sauce. I had the Gnocchi at her recommendation - both were absolutely phenomenal!!!! Incredible food, outstanding service & impeccable atmosphere…. We will be back every time we come to Cincinnati!"
Rebecca Boser
"Soto – Food’s a Hit, Service Just Missed the Beat
Came for a birthday lunch with a reservation. They took a few minutes to prep our table, and service felt rushed—like they were closing the lunch shift. Two servers came at once, crossed wires a bit. Ordered a beer they were promoting—didn’t have it, and they took a while to tell me. Never got a replacement.
But the food? Incredible.
• Prosciutto salad: fresh and balanced.
• Goat cheese + honey + warm bread: comfort and finesse.
• Vodka pasta: creamy, rich.
• Short rib pasta: next level—crispy pork + fried egg?
• Salmon: solid, just overshadowed by the rest.
Even the bathrooms are worth a mention—clean, stylish, on point.
Verdict:
Come for the food. It’s worth it.
Just don’t come in the middle of a shift change.
4.5/5. Will be back—with my beer order ready"
Mario Gonzalez
"After hearing some really good things about this place from locals I made reservations to stop in for dinner and give it a try. I didn’t know what to expect, thus didn’t know it was underground (Sotto means “Under” in Italian). It’s incredibly cozy, intimate, and dark down there with all tables having long candle sticks on them and various tea lights and candles all over to provide ambient lighting.
The menu is filled with shareable items, especially a nice list of starters. Their pastas are all made fresh, in-house and have vibrant flavors, with their short rib filled pasta being incredible.
Their fire roasted quail was seasoned nicely and cooker perfectly. Branzino is a nice, shareable size and done well too. Save room for dessert, their ricotta donuts were tender and came with some tasty sauces to dip them in.
Service was decent, but could be a little more attentive and friendly. I get the feeling they are very popular and busy and know it, so you get what service they deliver. Would I come back? Definitely!"
F'burg Foodie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Sotto is extremely popular, and reservations are often booked months in advance. It is recommended to book as early as possible.
Standout dishes include the Gnocchi, Cappellacci with short rib, and the Goat Cheese appetizer. Don't miss the Ricotta Doughnuts for dessert.
Sotto has a cozy, intimate, and romantic ambiance, described as a 'clandestine basement trattoria' with candle-lit tables and brick-and-wood interiors. [^M6]
Yes, Sotto serves lunch on weekdays, and it's a great option to enjoy their flavorful dishes without the dinner rush. Reservations are recommended.
Absolutely. Sotto is frequently recommended for special occasions, anniversaries, and romantic evenings due to its intimate atmosphere and high-quality dining experience.
Service is generally praised for being knowledgeable and attentive, with staff like Edison, Heather, and Ariana often highlighted. However, some guests have noted that service can feel rushed or inattentive during peak times.
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Featured in these publications
Cincinnati's Sotto, Pepp & Dolores listed on OpenTable's top 100 restaurants in America for 2021
Two Italian restaurants in Cincinnati are being recognized nationally for their cuisine.Sotto and Pepp & Dolores, both located in downtown Cincinnati, have been listed on OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2021 list. OpenTable determined the list by analyzing more than 10.5 million reviews from restaurants across the country that have all been submitted by verified OpenTable diners."The result is a selection of spots across the country that constantly serve up creative dishes, unparalleled hospitality, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences for all occasions," OpenTable said.In addition to being listed on the top 100 restaurant list, Pepp & Dolores also was named "best overall in Cincinnati/Dayton."Pepp & Dolores sits in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and features homemade pastas, a wide selection of wines and family recipes.Thunderdome Restaurant Group opened Pepp & Dolores in December 2019. The Italian restaurant is located at the corner of Vine and West 15th streets."We’ve always wanted to open an Italian restaurant and we got the opportunity here. We thought it was a great space," said Joe Lanni, who is co-owner of Pepp & Delores, alongside his brothers, John, and Alex Blust.The Lanni brothers are Italian and said the inspiration for the restaurant came from their Italian heritage.
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Year after year, Sotto can be counted on to deliver an exemplary dining experience thanks to a winning trifecta of great food, thoughtful service, and elegant atmosphere. The well-edited menu of rustic Italian cuisine takes on a sophisticated hue thanks to high-quality ingredients treated and presented with the utmost respect, and the savvy servers are quick to suggest the best wines to pair with your piatti. Whatever you do, save room for dessert, namely the airy ricotta donuts served with three nearly drinkable sauces for dipping.
Best dinner date places? : cincinnati
I''ll +1 for most all of what's been mentioned: Sotto, Nicola's (which I prefer over Sotto but both are great), Jean Robert's Table (which I'd also add French Crust, their head chef was the head chef at Table and whips up excellent specials), Salazar (though I dislike Mita's), Alfio, and Zula. I'll also add: Red Feather Kitchen and Abigail Street for top meals. Abigail Street is the best meal I've had in the city, and RFK has had my single favorite dish (truffle gnocchi, which is currently on the menu) .
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Sixth St., DowntownLocated under Boca restaurant, the Tuscan-inspired Sotto offers a more approachable atmosphere and price point than its upstairs neighbor. With multiple dining rooms, the kitchen is open to view, including the custom-made wood-fire grill in front and a fresh-pasta room in the back hallway. Menu items include handmade pasta, house-cured salami and big-ticket items like Bistecca Fiorentina, a grilled creekstone porterhouse steak with daily sides.
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Located in Downtown Cincinnati, Sotto is a basement restaurant with an austere brick-&-wood interior that serves some of the best Italian dishes that you can find anywhere in the city. Known especially for their pasta, large selection of wines, rich ingredients, and top-notch service, Sotto is a particularly popular spot to visit when you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion with some excellent Italian cuisine. Location: 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Located underground on 6th Street downtown, descend the steps into Sotto and be transported far away from Cincinnati. Whether at a romantic table lit with ambient candlelight or at the bar staffed by friendly faces, the experience at Sotto is delightful with a partner, a group, or dining solo. Smaller bites such as goat cheese and hazelnut honey allow the carefully sourced ingredients to shine, and mains are hearty and shareable.
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Boca-based wine director and consultant Kevin Hart trains staff to steer Boca Group guests toward stunning small production bottles, especially at the grotto-gorgeous Sotto. Falanghina, a lesser-known white grape, is prized for its clean flavor and balanced acidity. Or embrace the chocolate-cherry ancient Basilicata (located in the instep of Italy’s “boot”) varietal aglianico with a glass of Grifalco aglianico del vulture.
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Sotto is Cincinnati’s clandestine basement trattoria — a below-street-level Italian eatery, nestled underneath sister restaurant Boca on Sixth Street downtown. It’s a hot spot for diners celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for some excellent pasta. With multiple dining rooms, the kitchen is open to view, including the custom-made woodfire grill in front and a fresh-pasta room in the back hallway.
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Located in the basement underneath Boca, it is grotto-like, with an artfully battered romantic look. The menu is simple but perfect Italian food: Bagna cauda, bruschetta, house-made pasta such as bombolloti d'amatriciana, just a few entrees such as whole branzino and a sublime Bistecca Fiorentina, a lavishly-marbled porterhouse sliced and served with sides like white beans or escarole, to share.
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Sotto is the prime example of how Cincinnati gets fine dining right with incredible food by the renowned executive chef Danny Combs, served by a staff that exudes Midwestern friendliness. There are more on-trend places to try in the city, but Sotto manages to deliver on the promise of an unforgettable meal in a fabulous space, all without an ounce of pretense. Tip: Save room for dessert.
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Sotto, located in Downtown Cincinnati, is an underground restaurant with a simple brick-and-wood décor that serves some of the best Italian cuisines in the city. They’re known for their pasta, massive range of wines, rich ingredients, and top-notch service. Sotto is a great destination to visit to celebrate a special occasion with some fantastic Italian cuisine.
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If you’re craving downright delicious and authentic Italian food, then Sotto in downtown Cincinnati might be the spot for you!. This unique restaurant is located in a rustic, intimately-lit, and well decorated basement. Known for serving creatively crafted Italian cuisine in their “underground hideaway,” they provide a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.
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Descend into a rustic, candlelit haven of Italian culinary excellence at Sottoin downtown Cincinnati. This acclaimed subterranean restaurant offers an incredibly intimate and atmospheric dining experience, with a focus on authentic, rustic Italian cuisine and exceptional house-made pastas. The aroma of simmering sauces and baking bread is simply divine.
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Sotto brings a taste of Italy to the heart of Cincinnati with its rustic, underground setting and authentic Italian cuisine. This charming restaurant is known for its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable desserts. The dimly lit, intimate atmosphere makes Sotto an ideal choice for a cozy dinner date or a gathering with friends.
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Cincinnati has a rich history of brewing alcohol during Prohibition. This is evidenced by the 10,000 square feet of tunnels that were built in 1855 for Linck Brewery. The company stored their lager inside the tunnels because they maintained cooler temperatures than could be achieved without refrigeration (via Cincinnati Magazine).
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Deemed one of the most romantic places in the city, this below the street trattoria is serving up delicious rustic Italian dishes. Step into the candlelit basement dawned with red velvet curtains, wooden tables, and their signature scratch-made pasta. Make your reservations as Sotto is one spot that books up weeks in advance.
Long Weekend in Cincinnati
For dinner, across the street from the 21C is Sotto, an underground trattoria that serves simple, yet refined Italian food. After dinner, head over to Japp’s for classic, organic cocktails. If you still have it in you after a few cocktails at Japp’s, stay for the late-night dancing that takes place in the space next door.
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Indulge in a romantic rustic Italian-inspired culinary adventure at Sotto, a cozy and intimate restaurant in Cincinnati. Savor delicious dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the charming atmosphere. Sotto offers a memorable and elegant dining experience perfect for a special date night.
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Billed as “traditional Italian cuisine with modern twists and fresh seasonal ingredients”, Sotto always rises to the top of “must eat” lists in Cincinnati. As I started to do research for my trip, Sotto came up several times and got multiple recos from my friends as well. And they weren’t lying, Sotto is the BOMB.
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The tantalizing aroma of Sotto's Italian dishes entices diners down the staircase and below Sixth Street in downtown Cincinnati where a world of deliciousness awaits. Nosh on Cacio e Pepe or fusilli con ragu in this rustic and romantic underground hideaway. End on a sweet note with the ricotta doughnuts or gelati.
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Sotto, an Italian-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, is a must-visit for lovers of classic Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s dimly lit, cozy atmosphere and handmade pasta dishes make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. 114 East Sixth Street,Cincinnati, OH 45202513.542.2022
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (786 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Italian, European- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 114 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3202- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like:How much travel nurses earn in Cincinnati, Ohio
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Sotto is known for its cozy and intimate ambiance, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner. Their menu features traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist, and their homemade pasta is a standout. The attentive service and extensive wine list add to the overall exceptional dining experience.
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It would be helpful if you visited this place to dine in an ambiance distant from Cincinnati’s hustle and bustle. The dim lighting and cozy atmosphere complement any occasion for dining. Apart from the great vibe, Sotto also delivers far beyond what you’d expect from Cincinnati famous restaurants.
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Sotto: Downtown – Sotto describes itself as being ‘simple, honest Italian food with heart,’ and it shows. You’ll find all of your Italian favorites on the menu, alongside a few surprises, which are sure to become new favorites. You might also consider Sotto’s sister restaurants – Nada and Boca.
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Arguably the most romantic restaurant in Cincinnati, Sotto's ambiance is unforgettable, as is the Italian menu. The dimly lit space, impeccable service and innovative dishes will mesmerize you from start to finish and truly give you one of the most unique dining experiences in the city.
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This downtown favorite designed a special carryout menu so you can enjoy your favorite dishes at home. Sotto’s menu features elevated Italian classics, like goat cheese bruschetta, tortellini, and pork loin. More adventurous eaters will love their grilled octopus and quail.
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If you’re looking for a more romantic, intimate dining spot, Sotto may be the right choice for you. Sotto provides a romantic, rustic atmosphere with a brick and wood interior and dim lighting. This quaint hideaway restaurant excels at distinguished Italian cuisine.
Still need a Valentine's Day dinner reservation?
Sotto: It's Italian as well, but the polar opposite of Scotti's. It's dark with round booths perfect for hushed conversations with your significant other and an array of modern Italian dishes sure to please anyone. Honey and goat cheese bruschetta is a sweet start.
Highest-rated restaurants for special occasions in Cincinnati, according to Tripadvisor
– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (796 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)– Type of cuisine: Italian, European– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 114 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-3202– Read more on Tripadvisor
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Cuisine: Italian Location: 118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Sotto brings a slice of Italy to Cincinnati, featuring a menu filled with traditional Italian dishes. The dimly lit space creates an intimate atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner.
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I hang with the girls (and/or my guy friends) for a weekend recap or just to hang out and talk at Righteous Room (Happy Hour), Lou Vino, Sotto, UnWind Bar, E & O Kitchen, Taste of Belgium, Fridays at the bar (especially for drinks).
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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," their bio says.
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Main St. in Tipp City, was spotlighted alongside nine Cincinnati-area restaurants including Nolia Kitchen, Sotto, Pepp & Dolores, BOCA, Oriental Wok - Cincinnati, Salazar, Alfio’s buon cibo, Carlo & Johnny and Wodka Bar.
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Italian for below, this casual basement restaurant should not be considered below Boca, even though that’s its location. Place this causal David Falk trattoria at the top of your list if Boca is out of your price range.
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Sotto, Bauer and Restaurant L are all getting recognition not only around town, but nationally as well. They are all great choices, but Cincinnati has a little bit of everything as far as food is concerned.
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As I walk down the dimly lit stairs, it feels as if I am going into a speakeasy. However, this underground restaurant is no secret, Sotto is routinely listed as one of the best restaurants in Cincinnati.
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118 E 6th StreetCincinnati, OH 45202(513) 977-6886 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Sotto is a casual underground eatery serving innovative rustic Italian fare in a romantic setting.
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118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202Phone: 513-977-6886 Visit Website. A post shared by Sotto (@sottocincy). Sotto Cincinnati is a restaurant dining with a classic yet straightforward interior.
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Sixth St. in Central Business District, the Italian spot is the highest-rated high-end Italian restaurant in Cincinnati, boasting 4.5 stars out of 933 reviews on Yelp.
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This Cincinnati restaurant doesn’t open until 5 pm for dinner, but it’s well worth the wait!. Sotto is as authentic and passionate as Italian food gets in Cincinnati.
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Sotto in Cincinnati, OH. This Italian restaurant may be expensive but its food is amazing and the service is exceptional. Not to mention the atmosphere is incredible!
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Sotto (118 E 6th St, Cincinnati) – one of the best Italian restaurants in Cincinnati!. Enjoy homemade pasta over candlelight, followed by a scrumptious dessert menu.
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I have eaten out in Rome, Florence, Torino and Milan in restaurants with the exact same rustic appeal as this one. 'A' for effort Sotto!. Straight away you...
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