Insider Pages Reviews for Sotto Voce Restaurant

5 Stars: Fun place to spend the evening (by Carl S.)

Carl S. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:25:00 GMT

Went here with a bunch of friends this past Friday.
The atmosphere is fun and lively. The Host was quick to seat us even though it was full. Producing a table from some distant store room, he and the waiters joined it with a vacant table to give us the 6 seats we needed. It was a scene right out of "Good Fellas" that impressed the ladies.
We shared a few appetizers - the fried calamari were crisp, hot and tender. I'm originally from Maryland so I know a good crab cake when i have one - and these were as good as any crab cake you could get along the the Chesapeake. Flakey with just the right amount of spice. The Spinach salad was crisp and fresh, and the poached pear that draped it was heaven.
The Fettuccine with chicken was tasty and very filling. The fish special - tilapi with seafood was brimming with mussels and shrimp. A wonderful dish that was very fulfilling and a great value considering how much was on the plate. The Penne with smoked salmon was really good. Al dente and the smokey salmon tasted great with the tomato and cream. I didn't taste the other dishes, but everyone enjoyed there meals.
Dessert consisted of there homemade apple pie - to die for, and the tiramisu - the lightest I've ever had.

It was a great experience, so much so that I booked a reservation for Valentines day.

3 Stars: Popular Italian (by Eleonor B.)

Eleonor B. — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:55:00 GMT

I think this place has been around for about 10 years - it still has the same orange walls and the same waiters, it seems. I have been about 4-5 times. Every meat or seafood dish has been a disappointment but the pastas are fine. Good value for the money and a good location keeps them going.

4 Stars: Warm and Cozy (by Elaine K.)

Elaine K. — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:22:00 GMT

This Italian neighborhood restaurant is one of our favorites. The menu is extensive, the atmosphere very cozy, with brick walls and nice art work. Food is pretty good as well with prices that don't break the bank. However, we bought our friends a gift certificate to the place and they said the service was terrible. Never our experience. It could have been a bad day. Only one negative: one bathroom.

2 Stars: It was o.k... (by smith609)

smith609 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

We went with a couple of friends for something different. There menu selection didn't really offer much. The service was great! however my soup and my entree was served cold. I went with four other people and there food was great but my chicken seemed to be cooked first and wan't hot when I got it. Everyone one else in my party liked there food so I think it was just a little mistake. They recommend it.

4 Stars: Great brunch! (by bouncingsoul66)

bouncingsoul66 — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Sotto Voce is a great spot for any meal, but their brunch is great food for a great price.

Unbeatable at $12.95- you get a brunch entree, bread and coffee cake, and unlimited mimosas and bloody marys. My only complaint is that the mimosas and bloody marys are made in advance and served out of pitchers, so they tend to get watered down by the time they get served.

Regardless- a great place to spend a weekend morning- try the Frittata Sotto Voce.

1 Stars: Not worth it despite good service (by shacked)

shacked — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I went here with my girlfriend this past Saturday evening to have a quite evening and a meal. We had read reviews saying that the service was good and it was tastey food. We arrived and were sat immediately. Great service while we were there. Decent prices on the wines as well. Unfortunately the food is not good. I ordered the Ravioli special with mushrooms and my GF ordered a rosemary rubbed chicken type dish. There was no flavor at all to either dish. I love food, I really do and this food should have been left back in the kitchem, not worth the effort to lift the fork and put in your mouth. Same deal with the chicken. Tasteless. We had a bottle of sparkling water, one glass of wine and two main courses and the bill came to about 60 bucks. Very over priced in my mind, especially considering the quality of the food. I would not reccomend anyone go to this place unless you are interested in bland food. Save your money, go to Al Di La, Mourtarde or any of the other great resturants in our hood.

5 Stars: warm accomodating staff, excellent dessert (by vanillalattegirl)

vanillalattegirl — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Have to say - as a person with food allergies - the staff and kitchen were accommodating and attentive. My pasta was cooked to al dente perfection. Evidence that someone in the kitchen knows what they are doing. Drinks were reasonably priced and when I peeked in the kitchen to thank the chef everything looked spotless. We enjoyed dinner and are looking forward to coming back for brunch I hear that the French toast is to die for!

5 Stars: I love this place (by scubadvr)

scubadvr — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:00:00 GMT

as a standard Italian Trattoria, Sotto Voce covers the bases. I've eaten here recently and was happy to see that it hasn't changed from the Old Sotto Voce that I used to frequent when I lived in the Slope. I enjoyed my light as air fried calmari with spicy tomato sauce and the mussels were full and briny in their white wine sauce. The spinach pesto pasta my friend and I shared was al dente and full of flavor. The ricotta cheese struck the right balance with the garlicy puree. The grilled salmon with honey glazed veggies was cooked medium exactly like I asked. My partners "branzino" (it does call it out as striped bass on the menu) was flakey and delicous - my partner only afforded me a little taste.
The espressos and capuccinos were good and the tiramisu was airy and light.
I liked the service - a lot of new faces of course, but it was attentive and friendly. I love the old family pictures on the walls and the waiter was happy to tell me the story behind each one. It was a fun distraction while we waited for our courses.

3 Stars: OEPS! Wrote about the wrong place (by bonvivante)

bonvivante — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 02:00:00 GMT

I was actually talking about Sette, which is one block further. Wrong Place - sorry!

Sette - awesome - Delice - great decor - super service!

3 Stars: something is wrong with the place (by catalyst76)

catalyst76 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

went for brunch two weeks ago there. We had to wait for everything - coffee, sugar and our dishes took way too long. The food was ok but bland. The food is not special enough to go back again

1 Stars: Please don't go here! (by eramoantonella)

eramoantonella — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Never again. I will sure remember the food and the place for the ?how can they stay in business" experience. The occasion was father's day and made a reservation for 8 PM. We waited 40 minutes for the appetizers: salad, caponata and crostini (too much bread for the topping). these were dished requiring minimum preparation. The parmesan cheese on my salad was a distant cousin of parmesan. It consisted of two thin slices of very well dry, oozing, edge-wrinkled cheese tasting like cardboard. We again waited well other 40 minutes for the main course. My husband's stuffed pork smelled and tasted funny. He cut it open and it looked raw so he sent it back to be cook ed more. By the time he got the meat back the smell was even more intense. Basically, the meat was spoiled and just sent it back for good. My "branzino alla livornese" was a very thick piece of unnamed fish ( no branzino for sure) that tasted just ok until I got to the middle and it was raw with bloody streaks. Throughout this experimentation, condensation water from the ceiling kept dripping on my daughter's head. We could not wait to leave. No complimentary anything could have made us stay any minute longer. However the couple next to our table sent back their dishes and got complimentary spinach. Hope they at least enjoyed the veggie. Who paid for the rating of this restaurant on Zagat?

1 Stars: Slow and bad service (by Sabyer)

Sabyer — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We went there for brunch last weekend and had to wait 40 minutes to get our coffees (asked 3 times). At that point we were already done with our first course and 2 watery mimosas. The all-you-can-drink mimosas are indeed a big rip-off, closer to fruit-punch in a carton, really. The waiters were clueless and not attentive at all. The food was ok (the salmon was good, but the yogurt was too watery), but the bad and slow service was a big downer and i could not wait to get out of there. The only thing that they brought promptly was the check.
Way overrated.

3 Stars: Okay food (by gianaughty)

gianaughty — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We ate here and were not blown away. The food was decent, it wasn't bad or anything, but it just wasn't A plus. I had the crostini sampler, and unfortunately, the crostini was under toasted, and the only one that i really enjoyed was the olive and anchovy tapenade. My pasta was fair, although it needed a good helping of pamesean to give it a little extra flavor. My partner had stuffed pork chops, which were a little tough, and he didn't like the sauce. It was definitely the weakest dish. If you go here, stick to some very basic dishes and you'll be okay.

5 Stars: Great pasta in the slope (by splatooey)

splatooey — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Sotto Voce is one of the nicest restaurants in the slope, its pasta is always al-dente and cooked to perfection, their sauces are always creamy and not too heavy. Their spinach pesto penne is to die for!
The first time i went to sotto voce, we had a great meal and the waitress came over and gave us free limoncello shots that was from italy, and she said they were homemade. I love their lunch special, its $8 and includes a salad/soup/caprese salad, and pasta or meat special, with coffee/tea. The brunch is $12 and includes unlimited pound cake (homemeade) and mimosas, and complimentary OJ.
I highly recommend this restaurant, its always packed but i never wait more than 5 minutes for a table, i love it!

5 Stars: Fave restaurant in the Slope (by dizzydi)

dizzydi — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I love this restaurant. I won't say I've loved every dish I've ever had there (I've had almost all of them) -- I thought the fettucine bolognese was a bit bland, and occasionally they neglect to put enough sauce on the pasta -- but overall, I just adore it. If you like chicken, the Pollo Portobello is amazing. Other great dishes: the eggplant and fresh mutz pasta, the fettuccine with chicken and artichokes, and for brunch, the french toast. Plus, I've never had a dessert there that didn't make me want to lick the plate. The atmosphere is warm and romantic, not stuffy, and the food is reasonably priced -- and much better than at a lot of the higher priced restaurants in the area. The service is also really good. Even when it's very crowded, the maitre d' tries to keep you informed of what's going on and when you'll be seated. The place is a gem.

5 Stars: Celebrity sightings and delicious food! (by lillibw)

lillibw — Sat, 03 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and it was delightful, delicious and fun. Plus - we were sta next to Steve Buscemi - a Park Slope local. GREAT night.

5 Stars: Hmm.....I kinda Liked my brunch... (by finicky)

finicky — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I enjoy the brunch at Sotto Voce. The partions are large - The salmon plate I sampled was covered from edge to edge with salmon. I love the unlimited pound cake - sweet, crumbley and buttery, obviously made in house. Being a s*cker for bloody mary's, I enjoy my Sundays at SV. Funny thing - I never noticed a chaulk board nor any vermin at Sotto Voce, maybe those bloody mary's were stronger than brooklynfoodie thought.

1 Stars: 9.5?? (by dancer1979)

dancer1979 — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Great outdoor space and great location but MEDIOCRE food. Brunch portions tiny....and my friends and I went twice, giving it a second chance. Don't be tempted by the unlimited mimosas/bloody mary's. They ran out of most of the specials one evening for dinner. There are so many fantastic restaurants in the neighborhood why bother? I'm surprised by the great revues.

5 Stars: Great Choice (by parkslopediner)

parkslopediner — Mon, 06 Mar 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I've been dining at Sotto Voce for a few years - always great Italian at a great price. For a tiny space they are big on hospitality and service. Overall they have a great selection of appetizers and creative entrees. You can't go wrong.

5 Stars: Nice Place (by jbennet67)

jbennet67 — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Tired of 5th ave, I walked up the slope with some friends to this little (almost cramped) trattoria on 7th. I have to say, it was worth the walk. I had a well executed Osso Buco served with soft polenta - a traditionalist dish at it's best. My friends had a fish special and a rolled pork roast in a puff pastry with a cream sauce that I thought was quite innovative. The wine list could use some help but at that price point...what do you expect. Desserts were yummy - a thick not too sweet apple pie and a lighter than air tiramisu and a perfect espresso - short & strong like it's supposed to be.

5 Stars: Great Little Place (by msprkslpr)

msprkslpr — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Like so many regulars at Sotto Voce, I love it!
The food is consistant as is the friendly and accommodatingwaite staff.
If you are new to parkslope, this is the best place for your dining needs. If you've been a parkslope resident for a while and have not been to Sotto Voce yet - What Are You Waiting For!! The Prices are low enough to eat there ever day. I'm ready to turn my kitchen in to a walk-in closet! Try the seafood pasta when even it's available - yum

3 Stars: 2 Words: Unlimited Mimosa (by Mercedes W.)

Mercedes W. — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 14:16:00 GMT

So the food isn't that great. But on Saturdays and Sundays between 11am-3pm the unlimited mimosas, champagne and/bloody marrys flow like water. If that isn't reason enough alone to check them out, I don't know what is. Plus there is out door seating.

5 Stars: EXCELLENT ... (by littlemike555)

littlemike555 — Thu, 16 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

sottovoce gets it.... from when you walk in till you leave you are pampered by the staff. The food was excellent, ask the waiter to ask the chef for his secret specials not listed. one thing i would improve is the wine list but other than that i loved it! def recommend.

4 Stars: A Pleasant Surprise! (by stenro)

stenro — Mon, 23 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I decided to try, without making reservations, on the last night of DINE IN BROOKLYN. The maitre d' informed us of a wait of less than 30 minutes which held true despite it being packed. He did acknowledge us every so often so as to let us know we were not forgotten about.
The place was very noisy and tables are very cramped.
However, we decided to order off of the Dine In Brooklyn special $19.55 menu and we were more than pleased. I had bruscetta appetizer, chicken francese and sauteed spinach. It was all above average and not skimpy considering the price. The warm chocolate cake for dessert was very good.
Of course, with this being New York, this is not the best Italian. I do think it is well above average and we will probably be returning there.

5 Stars: Still the best.. (by parksloper)

parksloper — Wed, 18 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

the slope has to offer. I've been going to SV for 4-5 years now and I can say that like a fine wine SV has just gotten better and better. Sure it's had it's off nights, but the staff more than makes up for it with their pleasant and freindly way. I was so happy that they now tha CC's Now I eat there 3 times a week.

5 Stars: Lunch Bargain (by joeparkslope)

joeparkslope — Mon, 16 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Sotto Voce's lunch menu is a real bargain. At $7.95 ( ok 8 bucks - I hate when they do that ) it sure beats Micky Dees! Where else can you sit down and have and appitizer, main course and coffee at that price. I like the Farfalla Salmone, nice and al'dente.

5 Stars: why go anywhere else? (by mezzogiorno)

mezzogiorno — Thu, 05 May 2005 02:00:00 GMT

First of all, my wife and I come to this simply authentic Italian retaurant whenever I do not cook; and boy do I cook! From the moment you walk in you are made to feel at home when greeted by Amed the maitre d'. He is one of a kind and does everything possible to make you feel at HOME. We love nothing more than to have him sit with us. Ditto that for Mario, ( an owner and chef) and all the waitstaff including the servers. How many "ristoranti" do you go to and get greeted by kisses on both cheeks!
The food is above all else consistant ( how many restaurants can boast that?) beautifully presented and never wanting.
Oh ..almost forgot, Sotto Voce is so simply good and the people so warm and sincere that guess who catered our wedding?!

5 Stars: Excellent date place (by islandrx)

islandrx — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I took my fiancee here on valentines day and we had an excellent restaurant experience. We were not rushed, the waiter's were friendly, it was romantic but yet social and inviting at the same time. The food was very good and the value was exceptional for a NY restaurant. Only down side was it was a little squished in there, but what do you expect on a big night for them (valentines day). Wine choices were good and reasonably priced. The fresh Tiramasu was exceptional!

1 Stars: Not worth it! (by aas4403)

aas4403 — Tue, 08 Jun 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I went to Sotto Voce this past weekend and it was really bad. I had the Penne alla Vodka and the pasta was really really underdone. The service was really bad at several points our waiter would just leave for a cigarette for like 10 minutes while we waited for him to get us another drink or even pay the bill. I was so fed up after waiting 15 minutes that finally I just walked the bill to the bar and paid. The service was really bad and so was the food. Don't waste your time.

5 Stars: Great Italian! (by slopephoto)

slopephoto — Thu, 29 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

I eat here all the time. The food is wonderful and so is the waitstaff. I've tried about half the menu over the past 3 years and there isn't anything I haven't loved! I highly recommend it!

5 Stars: Simply the Best (by pooshae)

pooshae — Fri, 23 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

Despite what other reviewers had to say, this restaurant is great. I visited it for the first time about 2 Summers ago and have been coming back since. I live on the UWS in Manhattan and without thinking twice take the hike to Park Slope.
HINT: Try their Sorbets.
Brunch, Dinner, whatever the occasion, just the place to eat in Park Slope.

5 Stars: diamond in the slope (by sony1)

sony1 — Mon, 19 Apr 2004 02:00:00 GMT

My friends and I had a wonderful evening last Saturday. Our waiter was friendly and helpful in making recommendations. The food was fabulous, the atmosphere very warm and inviting. Loved the lemon sorbet!

5 Stars: Love at first Bite (by brklnfoodie)

brklnfoodie — Mon, 22 Dec 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I've been to Sotto Voce several time, and I have to say this one place that hits the nail right on the head ever time! Between my guest and I, we sampled at least 80% of the menu, and they were all hits. An impromptue pole judge the Fettucini with mushrooms and chicken the best pasta and the Striped Bass the best entree.
The Deco and ambiance was really romantic.
And they take plastic!!

5 Stars: AMAZING - I'm a regular (by tweliky)

tweliky — Fri, 06 Jun 2003 02:00:00 GMT

This place has reliably delicious and afforable food with high end service. Even though it's near by me I would definitely travel for one of these meals and to be treated so well. I've tried almost everything on the dinner menu and enjoyed the bottomless mimosa brumches as well. Truly one of my favorite restaurants! The manager is very attentive and helpful for large parties or special events. I alsways bring out of town guests to this spot and they always leave full and happy!

5 Stars: now takes plastic! (by hopie)

hopie — Tue, 13 May 2003 02:00:00 GMT

i've been a fan of this place since it first opened, and was pleasantly surprised last night when i saw that they now accept credit cards. as a vegetarian, i have yet to exhaust all of the menu choices, and have never had a fish or pasta dish that i didn't like. personal faves are the sesame tuna, potato crusted salmon, and rigatoni with eggplant. the room does get noisy when full, but service is always attentive. a fun finish is the lemon sorbet, served in a large (where do they find them??) frozen lemon.

5 Stars: Beyond great! (by alstra1)

alstra1 — Tue, 24 Dec 2002 01:00:00 GMT

I'm a regular at this cozy, romantic Italian restaurant. I have never been disappointed by the food or the friendly service. The prices are very reasonable. An added bonus in the last year is the gorgeous lounge they just built two doors down 4th street by the same name. They even occasionally have live music and poetry readings. Just a great place to relax and enjoy an evening...

3 Stars: Unimpressive (by Cariad1)

Cariad1 — Mon, 09 Sep 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Despite a friendly staff and ideal location, the food at Sotto Voce is so uninspired that I would think twice about going back. I went on a date here, and although it's set up to be romantic, it was very loud because the decor has nothing to absorb sound. It's a good restaurant if you just want to go somewhere with no surprises. But there are other restaurants in the neighborhood that offer more for less.

5 Stars: Great Brunch (by shutterhound)

shutterhound — Sun, 04 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

This place offers a wonderful brunch menu at a reasonable price on the weekends. Service is Brooklyn-friendly!

4 Stars: Great! (by ivysnob)

ivysnob — Mon, 22 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Wonderful, fresh food and accomodating service. I can already tell that I will return here again and again.