Scottiās Salumeria is a love letter to the palate, serenading guests with flavors that make you want to declare, āI do!ā to each dish. Nestled in the heart of Rhode Island, this hidden gem somehow manages to outdo even the most authentic trattorias in Italyāyes, Iām looking at you, Milan! š
The evening started with a bit of improvisation. My wife, currently glowing with that beautiful pregnancy radiance, had her heart set on something refreshing, but since the mocktail menu was MIA, our waitress (who was nothing short of delightful) worked her magic. With a quick chat with the bartender, she whipped up a custom mocktail that danced on my wifeās taste budsāa zesty, minty concoction that was both refreshing and vibrant. Talk about a āliquidā symphony š¶āan unsung hero that deserves a spot on the menu, stat!
As for me, I stayed true to my usualāMakerās Mark and Diet Coke, a match made in heaven that perfectly prepped my taste buds for the feast to come.
We kicked off our meal with āGina's Polpette,ā Mrs. Scottiās famous meatballs that could make even the toughest Nonna weep with pride. These meatballs were something out of an Italian dreamājuicy, tender, and swimming in a marinara sauce so rich, youāll want to swim in it yourself. The fresh ricotta and basil pesto added a creamy, aromatic balance that was nothing short of spectacular. š„°
For the main course, my wife indulged in Nonna Carmela's secret recipe Lasagna. Let me tell you, this dish could probably bring about world peace if served at the UN. Layers of perfectly al dente pasta, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and a sauce thatās probably been passed down through generationsāthis lasagna is the real deal. My wife, who has a flair for hyperbole, declared it the best in Rhode Island. But you know what? Sheās not exaggerating. Itās even better than the one I had in Milan just last month! (And I thought Italian cuisine couldn't get any better. š)
I, on the other hand, went for the Ribeye, medium rare as all steaks should be. It arrived sizzling and caramelized to perfection, each bite a tender, juicy morsel that practically dissolved in my mouth. The accompanying mushroom broccoli rabe was the perfect sidekick, with an earthy flavor that cut through the richness of the steakācomplementing rather than competing. This dish was less of a meal and more of an experience, one that Iām eager to relive!
Adding to the magic of the night was the live musicāan impromptu concert of 80s romantic ballads delivered by a singer with a voice as smooth as velvet. His deep, soulful notes wrapped around the intimate setting, elevating the ambiance to something truly extraordinary. š¤
The decor of Scottiās is a tribute to timeless eleganceāblack-and-white photos adorning the walls, each telling a story of the past. Itās like dining in a living scrapbook, where every frame adds a layer of nostalgia to the experience.
Service? Oh, it was beyond stellar. Friendly, fast, and with that personal touch that makes you feel more like family than just another reservation. The entire evening flowed effortlessly, from the first sip of that mocktail to the last bite of lasagna, all thanks to a team that clearly loves what they do.
Needless to say, Scottiās Salumeria has earned a spot on our āmust-returnā list. Whether itās for a date night or just an excuse to indulge in some of the best Italian cuisine this side of the Atlantic, weāll be backāand probably sooner...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreāļøāļøāļøāļøāļø A true gem in East Greenwichāwish we had discovered it sooner! š®š¹šøš
We had a fantastic evening at Scottiās Salumeriaāa spot that effortlessly blends the charm of an authentic Italian salumeria with the energy of a modern, cozy bistro. Whether you're popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a full dinner and drinks like we did, this place hits all the right notes.
We started with a round of tapas, including the Tavolo Mista, a beautifully arranged board of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and other Italian delicacies. It was the perfect way to kick off the nightāfresh, well-balanced, and generously portioned. We also tried the Margherita pizza, which had a perfectly crisp crust, bright tomato flavor, and creamy mozzarellaāsimple but outstanding.
For the main course, we shared the Linguini with crushed clams, which was an absolute standout. The pasta was cooked al dente and the sauce was briny, garlicky, and rich with flavorāelegantly rustic and incredibly satisfying.
The drinks were just as impressive. The martinis were crisp and well-crafted, but the Negroni stole the showābold, perfectly balanced, and one of the best Iāve had outside of Italy. Itās clear that attention is paid not just to food, but to every detail of the guest experience.
The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, making it perfect for both casual nights out and intimate dinners. The staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food and drink they were serving. You can feel the heart behind this place.
Scottiās Salumeria is the kind of place you instantly want to return to. Whether it's for a glass of wine, a full dinner, or just to grab a panini to-go, it's a must-visit in East Greenwich.
Highly recommendedāalready looking forward to...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI would leave 0 stars if I could. It's taken me a few weeks to post this because I couldn't bear to look at the picture, but this is raw chicken that was served to us.
At the recommendation of our waitress (who was extremely friendly), my husband ordered chicken parmesan over gnocchi. The first chicken cutlet that came out was burnt to a point that it was inedible. My husband, a person who never complains or sends back food, couldn't take more than two bites so he politely asked for a new cutlet. That new cutlet came out in about 5 minutes and was completely raw. When we brought this to the attention of the chef, rather than being apologetic or accommodating, we were met with an argumentative attitude. I believe his exact words were "I made the first one but you didn't like it and I didn't want to overcook this one", as if it was something that could normally be served under cooked. They promptly took the plate away, as not to make a scene, but I was thankful to have gotten this picture first. The General Manager removed the raw dish off our bill, but no other items. It should be noted that the other dishes we ordered also weren't good and we still ended up spending $250.
Our friends and I have been frequenting Main St for years and we understand mistakes can happen, as we have all worked in restaurants. In this instance, however, the complete lack of professionalism was enough to never come back and share our thoughts with others. This was our first and last time visiting due to a complete lack of ownership for this horrendous meal and experience. Thankfully, my husband didn't get sick. Please treat your patrons with more respect as they are the ones that keep you...
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