Editor's Note: This article is part of a new online series launched in July 2023 by the City of Gainesville intended to highlight and promote must-try businesses in the area of the historic square in downtown Gainesville, Georgia. As the community continues to flourish and welcome new restaurants, retailers and service providers – especially within the downtown corridor – leadership wishes to introduce available offerings to residents and visitors alike ahead of their next trip to the City of Gainesville. Must-Try Monday features will be released weekly via gainesville.org and the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment (City of Gainesville, Georgia) Facebook page. Be sure to "Like" and follow us on social media so you don't miss the latest and greatest about the Hospitality Capital of the World!
Cotto Modern Italian | 106 Spring St. SE, Suite 100 | Open 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday + noon-9 p.m. Sunday
GAINESVILLE, Ga. (Oct. 16, 2023) – Newer to the City of Gainesville's downtown dining scene, Cotto Modern Italian offers an upscale dining experience with traditional dishes, wine and cocktails.
From sophisticated libations, to scrumptious starters, to pizzas and pastas that'll make you think you've died and gone to heaven, we're confident you'll look forward to your next visit before taking your last bite.
"Absolutely the best Italian restaurant I’ve ever eaten at," raves one reviewer.
"I couldn't recommend this restaurant any more than I am," exclaims another. "This is what real, classical, romantic dining is supposed to be. I cannot believe that this is in Gainesville. ... The flavors are direct from Europe, the aesthetic is as romantic as it is remarkable. A true, romantic experience."
Learn the ins and outs of Cotto Modern Italian, what makes it a Must-Try Monday-worthy stop and why you should make it a destination the next time you're in downtown Gainesville by reviewing additional information below.
WHO
Cotto Modern Italian, the City of Gainesville's first upscale Italian restaurant, opened its doors to the public in April 2023. Since then, guests have raved about their intimate atmosphere, libations and authentic Italian dishes, as well as the outstanding service and the restaurant's proximity to other downtown destinations.
WHAT
If there's any downside to dining at Cotto Modern Italian, it's that every single dish is spectacular, meaning you might have a hard time deciding on what to order! Among a selection of beer and wine, popular libations include the "Fly Me to the Moon," a concoction of Beluga Noble Vodka, lemon, Italicus, apricot and Amaro; and the "Across the Pond," crafted from Convite Mezcal, lime, pineapple, honey, ginger and Amaro. Guests rave about the Fritto Misto starter, lightly fried TURNER New Zealand calamari; and burrata; but we have yet to miss with any of the offerings. Craving a deliciously perfect pasta dish? Cotto's got you covered. Try the Gnocchi con Gamberi if you're in the mood for a decadently rich cream sauce or the Pappardelle Ragu if you're in the mood for a tangy red one. Cotto also offers a selection of land and sea dishes crafted with chicken, veal and Italian sausage, plus shrimp, mussels, sea bass and more. Leaning toward pizza? The "Monterosso" boasts flavors of ripe San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, arugula and olive oil; while the "Cotto" features San Marzano tomatoes, sausage, soppressata, pepperoni, fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Of course, Cotto Modern Italian also has a selection of side dishes and desserts, like cannoli, panna cotta and tiramisu. And from noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, experience the newly unveiled brunch/lunch menu, featuring dishes like the Italian Frittata with eggs, sausage, peppers and onions paired with potato hash; the il Mattino pizza with ricotta, mozzarella, sausage, egg, basil, sundried tomatoes and truffle oil; or the Parma Panini with sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, balsamic and arugula house salad on Ciabatta; among other dishes. Discover Cotto's entire menu online.
WHEN
Get your Cotto Modern Italian fix every day of the week, from 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Make your weekend or holiday reservations here.
WHERE
Find Cotto Modern Italian at 106 Spring St. SE, suite 100, at the corner of Spring and Bradford streets in the Gainesville Renaissance development. Look for them diagonally across from Downtown Drafts and next to Monkee's of Gainesville Square.
WHY
Eat at Cotto Modern Italian just once and you'll have your answer!
HOW
Dining at Cotto Modern Italian is by reservation or walk in. As reservations fill up fast, we suggest you secure your table(s) well in advance – it's quite the popular spot! That said, Cotto proves itself to be extremely accommodating for walk-in guests and those with takeout orders. Cotto has also recently adjusted its weekend hours to offer brunch/lunch for those who can't wait until the evening to satisfy their cravings. For more information, find @CottoItalian on Facebook and/or Instagram or visit https://www.cottoitalian.com/.
PHOTO CUTLINE | The "Monterosso" pizza boasts flavors of ripe San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, prosciutto crudo, arugula and olive oil. Cotto Modern Italian is located at 106 Spring St. SE, suite 100, on the historic square in downtown Gainesville. Find additional photos shared via the @GainesvilleGeorgiaGovernment Facebook page. (Images shared from Cotto Modern Italian's official Facebook page.)