Fresco by Scotto Introduce
For more than two decades, Fresco by Scotto has been a cornerstone of the New York City dining scene, a place where celebrity glamour meets heartfelt Italian hospitality. Located in the heart of Midtown, this women-owned restaurant is a true family affair, where a member of the Scotto clan is almost always on hand to greet you with warmth and charm. The restaurant's success is rooted in its dedication to serving traditional Tuscan cuisine with a modern flair, all within an elegant and inviting setting. It's a place that has become synonymous with the "power lunch" and a top destination for a sophisticated dinner, earning a reputation for incredible food and impeccable service.
The moment you step inside, you are transported to a place of refined elegance. The decor is beautiful, with a large tree in the center of the dining room creating a unique and memorable ambiance. The atmosphere is described by customers as both "calm and elegant," and also "cozy" and "intimate," making it an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a special occasion with loved ones. While the space can be a bit tight, the attentive staff, who are noted for being "nice and attentive," are skilled at navigating the room to ensure a seamless dining experience.
Fresco by Scotto is a restaurant that appeals to all the senses. It's not just about the delicious food; it's about the entire experience. From the beautiful interior to the great wine list and live music, every detail is carefully considered. As a premier Italian restaurant, it offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, including vegetarian options. While it is on the pricier side, customers agree that the quality of the food and the overall experience are well "worth it."
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Fresco by Scotto is conveniently located at 34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA, placing it in a prime spot in Midtown East. This central location makes it easily accessible for business professionals from the surrounding offices, tourists exploring the city, and New Yorkers seeking a high-quality Italian meal. It is a short walk from major subway lines, including the E and M trains at Lexington Avenue/53rd Street, and the 6 train at 51st Street, making it a very convenient destination. The restaurant is also known for having outdoor seating, which is a popular feature in the warmer months.
The restaurant is committed to being accessible to all guests. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a meal in its elegant setting. With a staff that is ready to accommodate, the dining experience is designed to be comfortable and welcoming for all patrons. The restaurant also has a bar onsite and provides restrooms, adding to the overall convenience and comfort of the space.
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Fresco by Scotto provides a full suite of services that cater to its upscale clientele and the demands of the New York dining scene.
Dine-in and Table Service: The primary service is dine-in with professional table service. This allows guests to relax and enjoy the elegant atmosphere while a dedicated staff attends to their every need. The restaurant is well-suited for everything from a quick lunch to a leisurely, multi-course dinner.
Outdoor Seating: In addition to its beautiful indoor space, the restaurant offers outdoor seating. This is a highly sought-after amenity in the city, providing a lovely option for enjoying a meal in the open air during the warmer seasons.
Delivery and Takeout: For those who want to enjoy Fresco's cuisine from the comfort of their home or office, the restaurant offers both delivery and takeout services. This is a convenient option for a high-quality meal when you can't dine in.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them for both lunch and dinner, a testament to its popularity. This is a crucial service for patrons who want to ensure a table, especially during peak hours.
Catering and Private Events: Fresco by Scotto also offers catering and private dining options, making it a perfect choice for corporate events, family celebrations, or large gatherings. They have private spaces that can accommodate groups of various sizes.
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Fresco by Scotto is a beloved institution because of its many impressive features and offerings.
Exceptional Food and Menu: The menu features an impressive selection of Italian and Tuscan dishes, with an emphasis on homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats. Customers rave about the food, with specific praise for the Rigatoni Bolognese, which is described as a "nice big portion and very well made," and the Homemade Tiramisu, which is a "decent" and popular dessert choice. The Salmon Tartare was even called "one of the best things I've ever tasted."
Great Cocktails and Wine List: The bar onsite offers an excellent selection of drinks. Guests praise the "great cocktails," and the restaurant also has a "great wine list," providing the perfect pairing for any meal. The Aperol Spritz was specifically mentioned as being "very good."
Live Music: A highlight of the dining experience is the live music, which adds to the romantic and celebratory atmosphere. This feature elevates the dining experience from a simple meal to a truly memorable event.
Great Dessert and Coffee: The desserts are a standout. The Homemade Ricotta Cheesecake and Tiramisu are popular, and a customer noted that the lemon sorbet was "surprisingly not sweet and light." They also offer a full range of Illy coffee selections, from espresso to cappuccino, providing a perfect end to the meal.
Family-Owned and Women-Owned: The restaurant proudly identifies as a women-owned business and is a family affair, which contributes to the warm and personal atmosphere. The presence of the Scotto family ensures a consistent level of hospitality and attention to detail.
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To make a reservation or for any other inquiries, you can reach Fresco by Scotto at the following contact information:
Address: 34 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (212) 935-3434
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Given the menu's excellence, a first-time visitor to Fresco by Scotto has several fantastic choices. For an appetizer, the Salmon Tartare comes highly recommended, with one reviewer calling it "one of the best things I've ever tasted." For a classic and comforting main course, the Rigatoni Bolognese is a great choice, praised for its generous portion and quality. For those looking for a flavorful seafood option, the Linguine alle Vongole or the Pan-Seared Branzino are excellent choices. The Filet Mignon al Marsala and Veal Chop are also top-tier selections for meat lovers.
For a dessert, the Homemade Tiramisu is a popular option. However, if you want something lighter, the lemon sorbet or the Artisanal Gelato are great choices. The restaurant also has a prix-fixe menu, which offers a great way to experience a full meal at a set price, including a selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. No matter what you choose, be sure to pair it with a selection from their extensive wine list and end with a perfectly made Illy coffee. Every dish is a testament to the restaurant's quality, making it a great destination for a memorable Italian meal.
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. EtiketNot one bad thing to say. Food and service, fantastic from start to finish. Great DJ and atmosphere!
September 06 · Kim HornWhat a wonderful experience. We went to Fresco for a birthday and it is wonderful place to celebrate milestones.It is a very family friendly restaurant for up scale dining and it is festive and energetic. I had the fish and it was amazing.We were there Saturday night and there was live music from 8-9We’re not New Yorkers so all the attention and intensity was a bit overwhelming but it was certainly a good time.
February 16 · Jaime Vogt
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