Cotto Modern Italian — Restaurant in Gainesville

I was watching the press about Cotto since before they opened and I finally ate there for a late Sunday lunch. It's a beautiful restaurant, with a great looking bar. The menu is very authentic Italian, with a few exceptions. The wine list offers a great selection of Italian wines, along with wines from California, New Zealand, Argentina, and more.

The food was tasty and well executed, with a couple of missteps. The service was friendly and attentive, but also had a glitch.

We started with the fried calamari, a glass of Soave, and a glass of Vermentino. The calamari was perfectly cooked and served with a spicy marinara and a creamy aoli.

Next I ordered a speziato pizza and my friends ordered spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna. The pizza crust was nicely done and the toppings were tasty. Despite the name and description, there was no hint of spice. I'm a fan of spicy food, but my friend can't take heat and she agreed that there wasn't any heat. It was still tasty. Next time I'll ask for a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil, which they have on the menu elsewhere.

The meatballs and sauce were very good, but the pasta was well beyond al dente. It was closer to Wednesday night spaghetti at church than to Italy.

The lasagna is traditional Italian with béchamel and Bolognese sauce. It was very tasty but the pasta was even more overcooked than the spaghetti. It was really mushy.

The service issue came when the food was dropped. Someone other than the server dropped the food and split. My buddy wanted some parm and I wanted a glass of red wine. We tried to get the attention of our server. And then any server. And then anyone. There were a lot of employees. We were gently signaling, trying to make eye contact, etc. At one point another server walked by our table and my friend said "excuse me" a couple time. I did the same and she continued to walk past us. I finally caught the eye of someone standing by the bar and put my hand up a little so she knew we needed something. She came over and my friend asked for Parmesan. She said ok and quickly turned and started to walk away. I called her back and told her I needed a glass of wine. I was the one who called her over and she apparently didn't think I had anything to add. I was pretty frustrated at this point, and it showed. She was nice and promptly took care of everything. The rest of the experience was good. I'll definitely try them again. It's a great addition to Gainesville. I just hope they get better at cooking al dente pasta. And the staff starts paying more attention.

Update: We went back and had an great experience without any...

Absolutely, let's delve into a review:

Embarking on an experience at this establishment is unequivocally a must for anyone seeking an exquisite dining affair. The ambiance exudes modernity, enveloping patrons in an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly blends style with a comforting allure. The subtle notes of music wafting through the air enhance the overall ambiance, contributing to an enjoyable and relaxed setting.

One cannot overlook the exemplary customer service that elevates the dining experience to new heights. The staff demonstrates not only professionalism but also a remarkable sense of urgency, ensuring that every need is met promptly and with genuine enthusiasm. Their attentiveness adds an extra layer of satisfaction, making diners feel truly valued and attended to throughout the meal.

The culinary journey offered here is nothing short of extraordinary. The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds, each a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. The food is not merely sustenance but a symphony of flavors, leaving an indelible mark on the palate. The portion sizes are perfectly calibrated, striking an ideal balance that satisfies without overwhelming.

Save room for dessert, as it is an absolute highlight of the dining experience. The sweet creations are a fitting finale to the meal, showcasing a dedication to culinary excellence that extends even to the final course. From decadent chocolate delights to delicate pastries, the dessert menu is a testament to the establishment's commitment to providing a comprehensive and unforgettable dining experience.

While the popularity of this culinary gem necessitates advance reservations, the staff is accommodating and managed to squeeze us in with minimal wait, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction. This flexibility adds a touch of convenience to the overall experience, ensuring that even those who may not have planned ahead can still partake in the culinary delights offered by this establishment.

In summation, this venue is a culinary haven where modern aesthetics, impeccable service, and delectable cuisine converge. It is an absolute recommendation for those who appreciate a dining experience that transcends the ordinary, leaving a lasting impression that beckons patrons to...

We made reservations for our anniversary because I had I heard such amazing things about this restaurant and I was so excited to try it. Our reservation time was 8:30pm and we arrived about ten minutes early. They told us our table was not ready and they would text us as soon as it was. It was a nice evening so we sat on one of the benches in the square. We waited about 15 minutes and then got the text that our table was ready. The hostess who greeted us was super friendly and we were sat at the table right in the front window. The hostess gave us our menus and the wine list and said our server would be with us shortly. We looked over the drink menu, picked our drinks and then began looking over the food menu. We picked out our appetizer and then started looking over the entrees. The menu sounds amazing and at this point I was super excited to be able to order and get my meal. By this time 15 minutes had passed and we still had not been greeted by a server. It was a Saturday night so we decided to give grace figuring that they were probably busy with their other tables. We ended up sitting there for another 15 minutes before we finally got up and left. To give some more context, all the tables around us, were wrapping up their meals and paying their bills. I will say that in that whole thirty minutes, we saw one server bring a bill to and from a table next to us, but we never got an acknowledgment from them. I also say this because it was not like we could even ask someone where our server was. Yes, we could have gone to the hostess desk, but when you are at an upscale restaurant, where you are going to spend upwards of $100 on a meal, you should not have to. I will add that when we walked out there was a gentleman in a suit at the desk and we mentioned that we had been waiting 30 minutes and had not been greeted, he offered to send us a server right away, but at that point, we were over it. And, honestly, at that point, I didn’t want to give...