Fresco by Scotto Introduce
Welcome to Fresco by Scotto, a celebrated Italian restaurant in the heart of Midtown East, New York. For decades, this family-run establishment has been a beloved destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike, known for its warm ambiance, exceptional Tuscan-inspired cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere. Far from just a meal, dining at Fresco by Scotto is an experience. It’s a place where tradition meets modernity, where fresh, high-quality ingredients are transformed into delectable dishes, and where every guest is treated like family. As a women-owned business, Fresco by Scotto exudes a unique charm and dedication to hospitality that sets it apart in the city's competitive culinary scene. The restaurant's reputation for exceptional food and service has made it a favorite among celebrities, business leaders, and families celebrating special occasions.
The menu at Fresco by Scotto is a testament to authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist. The culinary team, led by a family with deep roots in Italian cooking, masterfully prepares a wide range of dishes that cater to every palate. From savory homemade pastas to perfectly seared meats and fresh seafood, each dish tells a story of passion and culinary expertise. The restaurant is particularly known for its signature items like the Grilled Flatbread, Mama Scotto's Meatball, and a variety of delicious pasta dishes, including the Rigatoni Bolognese and Linguine alle Vongole. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch, a romantic dinner, or a large group celebration, you’ll find that the food at Fresco by Scotto is both comforting and sophisticated.
The ambiance of the restaurant is another key part of its appeal. The space is elegantly decorated, combining a cozy, romantic feel with a trendy, upscale vibe. The famous giant tree in the middle of the dining room adds a touch of whimsical elegance, while live music often fills the air, creating a lively and unforgettable dining environment. It’s a place where you can relax and enjoy good company, great food, and a fantastic selection of cocktails and fine wines.
---Fresco by Scotto is conveniently located at 34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime location in Midtown East places it within walking distance of many of Manhattan's most famous landmarks, including Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Fifth Avenue's world-class shopping. Its central position makes it an ideal spot for a pre-theater dinner or a business lunch.
The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest subway stations are the Lexington Avenue/51st-53rd Street station (E and M trains) and the 5th Avenue-53rd Street station (E and M trains). Numerous bus lines also service the area, and for those arriving by car, street parking can be found, though it is often limited in this busy part of the city. The restaurant itself is designed to be welcoming to all guests, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating available, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for everyone.
For out-of-towners and New Yorkers seeking a great dining option in the heart of the city, Fresco by Scotto’s location is hard to beat. Its proximity to major business districts and tourist attractions makes it a perfect meeting point for groups of all sizes, from solo diners and couples to large families and corporate gatherings. The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, with reservations highly recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak hours.
The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, which is a fantastic option during the warmer months, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in the bustling atmosphere of Midtown East. This blend of accessibility and a desirable location makes Fresco by Scotto a top choice for anyone looking for an authentic and convenient Italian dining experience in New York City.
---Fresco by Scotto offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for all guests. The restaurant is well-equipped to handle various needs and preferences, ensuring that whether you're dining in, ordering out, or hosting an event, your experience is nothing short of excellent.
- Dine-In: The classic dining experience is at the heart of what Fresco by Scotto offers. With options for both lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy a full menu of appetizers, homemade pastas, entrées, and desserts. The atmosphere is cozy, romantic, and upscale, perfect for a special night out or a casual meal with friends. The attentive table service and warm hospitality ensure every visit is memorable.
- Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home or in the office, Fresco by Scotto provides convenient takeout and delivery services. This allows you to savor their delicious Tuscan-inspired dishes wherever you are, bringing a taste of their kitchen directly to you.
- Reservations: To ensure you get a table, especially during peak dining times, the restaurant highly recommends making a reservation. They are well-prepared to accommodate parties of various sizes and their reservation system makes planning your visit easy and stress-free.
- Private Dining: Fresco by Scotto is a great venue for private events, from intimate family celebrations to corporate dinners. Their team can work with you to create a personalized menu and atmosphere that fits your specific needs, making any event special and memorable.
- Catering: While not explicitly listed, many fine-dining establishments in NYC also offer catering services for larger events. Given their focus on groups and hospitality, it's a service worth inquiring about if you're planning a larger gathering.
- High Chairs for Children: The restaurant is family-friendly, providing high chairs for younger guests, making it a comfortable option for families dining with small children.
Fresco by Scotto is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a top-tier Italian restaurant in New York City. These aspects are what make the dining experience truly unique and why the restaurant has such a loyal following.
- Great Cocktails and Wine List: The bar at Fresco by Scotto is a highlight, offering a great selection of expertly crafted cocktails, beer, and hard liquor. Their extensive and well-curated wine list is another major draw, featuring both Italian and international labels that perfectly complement the menu.
- Live Music: Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Fresco by Scotto frequently features live music. This enhances the dining experience, making it feel even more special and celebratory.
- Excellent Dessert and Coffee: No Italian meal is complete without dessert and coffee. The restaurant is praised for its great desserts, including the Homemade Tiramisu and Ricotta Cheesecake, and for serving high-quality Illy coffee selections.
- Fast and Attentive Service: Despite being a busy and popular spot, Fresco by Scotto is known for its fast and attentive service. The staff is professional, friendly, and dedicated to ensuring every guest has a pleasant dining experience.
- Diverse Crowd and Atmosphere: The restaurant attracts a diverse crowd, including groups, families, tourists, and solo diners. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly space, welcoming to all. The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, and trendy, suitable for a variety of occasions.
- Dietary Options: Fresco by Scotto is accommodating to various dietary needs, offering a range of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that all guests can find something delicious to enjoy.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach Fresco by Scotto using the information below:
Address: 34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 935-3434
When you're deciding where to dine in New York, Fresco by Scotto offers a compelling list of reasons why it should be at the top of your list.
First and foremost, the food is exceptional. The quality of the ingredients and the authenticity of the preparations are evident in every dish. The Homemade Pasta section, in particular, is a highlight, with options like the Rigatoni Bolognese receiving rave reviews for its rich and flavorful sauce. The Salmon Tartare is also a standout, often described as a must-try appetizer. For entrées, the Pan-Seared Branzino and Filet Mignon al Marsala are consistently popular choices that showcase the kitchen's skill with both seafood and meat.
Beyond the a la carte menu, Fresco by Scotto’s Prix Fixe menu is an incredible value. It offers a curated selection of some of their best dishes at a set price, making it an excellent way to experience a full three-course meal without the guesswork. This is especially popular during New York's Restaurant Week, but the quality of the options, including the Eggplant & Zucchini Parmigiana and the Chitarra Cacio e Pepe, makes it a great choice anytime.
The atmosphere is another major reason to choose Fresco by Scotto. The combination of an elegant setting with a lively, welcoming vibe creates a dining experience that feels both luxurious and comfortable. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to celebrate with a group, the restaurant’s ambiance, often enhanced by live music, makes it the perfect setting. The service is fast, friendly, and professional, ensuring that you feel well cared for throughout your visit.
The combination of a stellar menu, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent service makes Fresco by Scotto more than just a restaurant; it’s a New York institution. It's a place where you can count on a delicious meal and a memorable experience, whether it's your first time or your fiftieth.
Fresco by Scotto Menu
FOR THE TABLE
- Grilled Flatbread with Dips $32.00
chickpea hummus
- Fresco's Signature Chips $22.00
potato & zucchini chips, gorgonzola cheese
- Mama Scotto's Meatball $33.00
provolone, tomato basil sauce, whipped ricotta
- Fritto Misto $36.00
shrimp, calamari, baby octopus, zucchini, marinara
- Seasonal Vegetable Platter $39.00
eggplant, zucchini, Roma tomatoes, fennel, asparagus
- Mama's Misti Antipasto $47.00
selection of imported cured meats & aged cheeses
- Grilled Pizza Margherita $32.00
tomato sauce, bel paese, pecorino romano
- Truffle Arancini $33.00
four cheese, roasted garlic-parmigiano aioli
APPETIZERS
- Eggplant & Zucchini Parmigiana $31.00
ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce
- Caesar Salad $27.00
Boquerones, Calabrian breadcrumbs
- Whole Milk Burrata $28.00
ratatouille, pesto, crostini
- Faroe Island Salmon Tartare $27.00
Calabrian chili, cucumber, avocado, olive oil crisp
- Artichoke Salad $29.00
arugula, celery, cremini, parmigiano, citrus dressing
- Clams Oreganata $23.00
lemon-garlic butter, parsley breadcrumbs
- Heirloom Beet Carpaccio $27.00
goat cheese, pistachio pesto, citrus, mache
- Grilled Octopus $31.00
fingerling potatoes, fennel, cherry tomatoes, romesco
HOMEMADE PASTA
- Rigatoni Bolognese $42.00
veal and chicken ragù, parmigiano
- Tagliolini Fra Diavolo $45.00
shrimp, light spicy seafood tomato sauce
- Linguine alle Vongole $39.00
Manila clams, roasted tomato, white wine, garlic
- Larry's Capellini Primavera $39.00
zucchini, preserved lemon, toasted breadcrumbs
- Chitarra Cacio e Pepe $38.00
three pepper blend, pecorino
- Duo Cavatelli $44.00
pork fennel sausage ragù, broccoli rabe, breadcrumbs
ENTRÉES
- Pan-Seared Branzino $46.00
arugula, quinoa, roasted Roma tomato
- Filet Mignon al Marsala $72.00
10 oz filet, spinach, mushroom marsala reduction
- Veal Chop $79.00
broccoli rabe
- Seared Sea Scallops $56.00
fregola, pancetta, beech mushroom, peas, parsnip purée
- Dover Sole Francese $66.00
lemon caper parsley sauce, sautéed spinach
- Chicken Scarpariello $45.00
peppers, onions, spicy chicken sausage
- Faroe Island Salmon $44.00
rainbow cauliflower, tomato, spinach, cauliflower purée
- Fresco Prime Ribeye $81.00
16 oz, mushrooms
SIDES
- Charred Broccoli with Shaved Parmigiano $16.00
- Sautéed Spinach $16.00
- Asparagus $16.00
- Sautéed Broccoli Rabe $16.00
- Roasted Cauliflower $16.00
- Parmesan Mashed Potatoes $16.00
PRIX FIXE APPETIZER
- Soup of the Day
- Eggplant & Zucchini Parmigiana
ricotta, mozzarella, tomato sauce
- Caesar Salad
Boquerones, Calabrian breadcrumbs
- Mama Scotto's Meatball alla Toscana
provolone, tomato basil sauce, whipped ricotta
- Whole Milk Burrata
ratatouille, pesto, crostini
PRIX FIXE ENTRÉE
- Rigatoni Bolognese
veal and chicken ragù, parmigiano
- Chicken Scarpariello
peppers, onions, spicy chicken sausage
- Chitarra Cacio e Pepe
three pepper blend, pecorino
- Pan-Seared Branzino
arugula, quinoa, roasted Roma tomato
- Dover Sole
lemon caper parsley sauce, sautéed spinach
- Linguine alle Vongole
Manila clams, roasted tomato, white wine, garlic
- Filet Mignon al Marsala
10 oz, spinach, mushroom marsala reduction
PRIX FIXE DESSERT
- Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake
a featherlight ricotta torta with a cloud of fresh whipped cream
- Banana Pudding
layers of banana slices, silky custard, caramel, & fresh whipped cream
- Homemade Tiramisu
espresso-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone cream, & cocoa dusting
DOLCI
- Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake $19.00
a featherlight ricotta torta with a cloud of fresh whipped cream
- Meringue Ice-Cream Sandwich $22.00
gluten-free meringue cookies embrace velvet mascarpone ice cream
- Homemade Tiramisu $18.00
espresso-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone cream, & cocoa
- Banana Pudding $21.00
layers of banana slices, silky custard, caramel, & fresh whipped cream
- Soft Serve al Fresco $19.00
house-made soft serve in Pistachio or Dubai chocolate swirl
- Bomboloni (Dinner Only) $24.00
gluten-free, sugar-dusted Italian donuts served warm with caramel & vanilla bean dipping sauces
- Seasonal Berry Tart $20.00
baked and simply served to let the fruits' natural sweetness shine
- Artisanal Gelato & Sorbetto $19.00
Italy's finest frozen creations-ask about our seasonal flavors
FINE TEAS BY TEA FORTÉ
- Green Jasmine
- Earl Grey
- English Breakfast & Decaf
- Moroccan Mint
- Chamomile
ILLY COFFEE SELECTIONS
- Coffee
- Cappuccino
- Espresso
- Latte
Fresco by Scotto Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Fresco by Scotto Photos










Fresco by Scotto Location
Fresco by Scotto
34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Fresco by Scotto Reviews
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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We noticed some nice blue flowers and decided to drop in for a meal. The decor inside was nice, especially the giant tree in the middle. The spacing is very limited, so the staff had to pull out the tables every time we needed to move in/ out.The olives were quite hard and sour. The breadsticks were a bit tough. The tartare was a tad spicy, but well done. The mussels were more sour than I like. The risotto was plentiful with no unique flavors. The salmon was a bit small. The lemon sorbet was surprisingly not sweet and light. The tiramisu was decent.
August 27 · Andrew LamCame here tonight with my bestie for restaurant week and we had a great experience. The service was very good, I didn’t vet the waiter’s name but he was nice and attentive. The atmosphere in the restaurant was very calm and elegant and overall just felt nice. Also an intimate setting and great for having dinner with loved ones. I got the salmon tartare as my app, and the rigatoni bolognese along with the tiramisu for dinner. Everything was delicioussss. The salmon tartare was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever tasted lol. And the pasta was a nice big portion and very well made as well. My aperol spritz was also very good. Definitely a great restaurant. It is a little expensive but I would say just come prepared to spend lol. The quality of the food is worth it.
August 14 · Danielle DThe tomato soup, margherita pizza, and burrata cheese salad were all excellent. The place itself was also very nice
August 24 · Mr. EtiketAbsolutely phenomenal. The owners (Rosanna, LJ, Jenna and family) are wonderful hosts. We felt as if in a high end Tuscan trattoria. The food is simply incredible. Well served, beautifully presented and flavorful without being overbearing. There are hundreds of Italian options in NYC but Fresco is now our favorite! Must trys; Duo Cavatelle, Canneloni and the Ice cream sandwich.
March 27 · Eduardo JanyI was so glad to take my cousin and her husband to this restaurant. The festive decorations and the positive attitude by the staff made us feel so welcome. The food and service did not disappoint. We started we the large meatball and fried calamari/shrimp/octopus combo. We then moved onto to the gnocchi with sausage, clams with spaghetti and the veal chop. The meal was finished with the cheesecake and banana pudding. I can assert that we were all very happy with our meal. The outstanding standouts were the meatball, clams, fried combo and the cheesecake. We also enjoyed the house wines by the glass. The chianti was especially tasty.
December 12 · Anthony Spicola
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