We have visited here twice now, and the first experience was incredible. Stellar food, service, drinks loved it all, and have consistently told people how much we enjoyed it. Went our second time this evening for our second anniversary, and have to say was very disappointed overall. Started off well, we arrived a bit early for our reservation so we had a drink at the bar while we waited, and the bartender brought us glasses of prosecco for our anniversary which was a thoughtful touch. Once we were seated things went downhill. I had to ask twice for bread for our table which ended up coming the same time as my husband's meal. MY meal was twenty minutes AFTER his. (and I did check my clock on my phone to time it) He finally had to sit and eat without me so it wouldn't go cold. Waiter finally came by and said he inadvertently put mine in as a second course which honestly sounds like an excuse for he simply forgot. I ordered the veal chop special of the night which was $75. It was supposed to be cooked medium, but was much closer medium rare or almost rare, which I assume iscbecause they were rushing it after forgetting to put it in for twenty minutes. Also, I understand it's a fattier cut of meat; however, it seemed to have more than it's share of fat,and was disappointed in the dish itself. The waiter did offer us a free lemoncello they make in house (which we declined) but considering my meal was $75, it really isn't much of an apology offering. He did bring us a few biscotti cookies after and did apologize again, but the sincerity in the tone quite simply wasn't there; it felt artificial and by that point I was just ready to leave. Was our experience terrible? No, but it was certainly not up to the standards we expect from a higher end restaurant we are dropping a couple hundred dollars on between drinks and meals. I really hope perhaps it was simply an off night. Compliments to the bartenders they were very pleasant and the higher point of the evening.Our first experience was five stars, second was three, at best, so am being generous and splitting the difference at four stars. We couldn't wait to go back, but now we may stop and think before we do so again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Scalloppine Al Gorgonzola, Paccatelli
Lana Hayes
This place is by far the best restaurant in Arizona. We went here for my boyfriend’s birthday and every part of the experience was exceptional. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, and the atmosphere was amazing. Every single item we ordered tasted better than any food we ever had. Cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron McCree
CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH. Trenton with Marcellino's was out of this world when it came to service. I've been around the country and to other countries as well, and this was genuinely the best service I've ever had. When paired with phenomenal food, drink and dessert, Marcellino's is a must visit in Old town Scottsdale.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese Salad, Truffle
mbkfoodie
Pasta dishes are excellent. Great wine menu. Overall wonderful experience. Negatives: website gives a number to call for personalized service when making a reservation. Did that and was told there were no tables available for the evening. Then got on OpenTable and was able to easily make a reservation. Shortly after delivering our dessert, our waiter brought our bill to the table. The restaurant was not full, and we don't expect this kind of get you out the door treatment at a restaurant that has high aspirations.
Jai Bitsoih
HORRIBLE SERVICE AND MEDIOCRE FOOD - we made a reservation for 8 pm and when we arrived there weren’t any tables available because someone “paid but hadn’t left yet.” We said it was no problem, politely waited at the bar and ordered a few drinks. We were finally seated at a table around 8:20. After initially being given menus and water, we were COMPLETELY ignored until almost 9pm.Nobody ever apologized for the terrible service and when we finally received our meals at 9:30, the food was mediocre at best. It lacked spice and flavor, and the bread tasted burnt. Biggest waste of money and 2 hours of my life.I don’t like to play the discrimination card, but I can’t help but wonder if my husband and I received such bad service because we’re a young, mixed race couple (I’m black and Navajo, he’s white). We were both very polite and kind, and neither of us made a scene despite the horrible service. The least they could’ve done was apologize for acting like we didn’t exist after already making us wait for a table, but apparently even that was too much to ask for.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
MarkJ
As always excellent food, service and professional hospitality folks. Bartender was outstanding and the owners are always willing to work hard and make sure that everything is done right!
Horrible loud music for entire evening. Singer was awful and volume was way too loud for small intimate place with lower ceilings. Ruined our meal. I even asked to be seated outside so we could visit with our guests as we were celebrating a birthday. Was told no tables available yet there were empty ones out there. Will never go back. Food average at best and waiter had an attitude because I was trying to ask for quieter table.
Maggi M.
Would have loved to try their food but service was so bad we left. Not busy and sat at table for 15 minutes w no service and a waiter that was not happy- I see a response was made. Thank you. The bottom line w the exception of the lovely girl who brought water- I have never felt between the waiter and comments by owner- less welcome at a restaurant
Krissy
The owner is so friendly and hospitable, and the food is top notch. We had filet mignon tortelloni which was phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been here at least a dozen times over the last few years and I have never had a bad experience. Quick service, amazing food, and a good atmosphere without too much noise. Recommend for anyone looking for some good food on any occasion.
Each time I visit, I love it more. We are incredibly picky when it comes to Italian, and this is by far our favorite place in Scottsdale. Hands down would be top recommendation to others.
J P
This is difficult.The server, David, was amazing-professional, attentive, knowledgeable.The place is beautiful.Food was very good. Mussels, pasta, bread, dessert (cheesecake was dry) but all was delicious.My issue is with the bill and the cost.We looked at the menu and most pasta dishes were in the $27-$35 range. I decided on the zupa de pesce which was clams, mussels, scallops, calamari in a red pasta sauce. It was $39.The server came out with a "pasta tray" of special home-made pastas. There were eight options. My wife chose the cheese tortellini (half order) and the parpadelle in meat sauce (half order).The cacio de pepe looked good and since my zupa did not come with pasta (first time I have ever seen that at a restaurant) I ordered that as well.We eat, we drink, order dessert, and then the bill comes...The prices for the "pasta tray" pasta were not on the menu- this was "special" pasta, off menu. I did not know pricing but didn't think I needed to ask, as its pasta.*****Half order (2) tortellini - $39Half order parpadelle- $29Order of cacio de pepe pasta - $45So, the pasta was $113 for two tortellini, three fork turns of parpadelle, and one order of spaghetti.With two glasses wine ($40) and two desserts ($40), 2 soda waters $15, plus an appetizer of mussels $22, the bill with tip was $325.A full order of tortellini (4) would have been $80!!I have never been charged so excessively for homemade pasta at any establishment I have ever been to.Yes, I know, it is on me to ask for pricing on specials, but, its pasta.. It cost more than a steak?We were pretty upset.Again, food was good- service good, but I felt I should put this out there.. Ask them, here, before you order off the menu..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cacio E Pepe, Cioppino
StevenY
Food was good, but on the pricey side. Salads were tasty but mushroom polenta was underwhelming. Home-made pastas were enjoyable. Hostess tried to insist seating us right next to the only other couple in the entire restaurant, claiming the other tables were “reserved” (we also had reservations). She was argumentative and unprofessional, but finally did accommodate us in a different room (with six empty tables). Bad start but good finish to the meal. Can't say enough about our server, Trenton. Professional, courteous, and very knowledgable.
Bailey
Can not rave more about this restaurant! From the staff, to the atmosphere, to the absolutely amazing food, this was such a wonderful dining experience. Thank you, and we will be returning from South Dakota!
oscar lopez
Came here with a very big crowd for an event. Food was alright but probably would've been better if not for the crowd. Service was excellent.
We have visited here twice now, and the first experience was incredible. Stellar food, service, drinks loved it all, and have consistently told people how much we enjoyed it. Went our second time this evening for our second anniversary, and have to say was very disappointed overall. Started off well, we arrived a bit early for our reservation so we had a drink at the bar while we waited, and the bartender brought us glasses of prosecco for our anniversary which was a thoughtful touch. Once we were seated things went downhill. I had to ask twice for bread for our table which ended up coming the same time as my husband's meal. MY meal was twenty minutes AFTER his. (and I did check my clock on my phone to time it) He finally had to sit and eat without me so it wouldn't go cold. Waiter finally came by and said he inadvertently put mine in as a second course which honestly sounds like an excuse for he simply forgot. I ordered the veal chop special of the night which was $75. It was supposed to be cooked medium, but was much closer medium rare or almost rare, which I assume iscbecause they were rushing it after forgetting to put it in for twenty minutes. Also, I understand it's a fattier cut of meat; however, it seemed to have more than it's share of fat,and was disappointed in the dish itself. The waiter did offer us a free lemoncello they make in house (which we declined) but considering my meal was $75, it really isn't much of an apology offering. He did bring us a few biscotti cookies after and did apologize again, but the sincerity in the tone quite simply wasn't there; it felt artificial and by that point I was just ready to leave. Was our experience terrible? No, but it was certainly not up to the standards we expect from a higher end restaurant we are dropping a couple hundred dollars on between drinks and meals. I really hope perhaps it was simply an off night. Compliments to the bartenders they were very pleasant and the higher point of the evening.Our first experience was five stars, second was three, at best, so am being generous and splitting the difference at four stars. We couldn't wait to go back, but now we may stop and think before we do so again soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Scalloppine Al Gorgonzola, Paccatelli
This place is by far the best restaurant in Arizona. We went here for my boyfriend’s birthday and every part of the experience was exceptional. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, and the atmosphere was amazing. Every single item we ordered tasted better than any food we ever had. Cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to go back!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CANNOT RECOMMEND ENOUGH. Trenton with Marcellino's was out of this world when it came to service. I've been around the country and to other countries as well, and this was genuinely the best service I've ever had. When paired with phenomenal food, drink and dessert, Marcellino's is a must visit in Old town Scottsdale.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caprese Salad, Truffle
Pasta dishes are excellent. Great wine menu. Overall wonderful experience. Negatives: website gives a number to call for personalized service when making a reservation. Did that and was told there were no tables available for the evening. Then got on OpenTable and was able to easily make a reservation. Shortly after delivering our dessert, our waiter brought our bill to the table. The restaurant was not full, and we don't expect this kind of get you out the door treatment at a restaurant that has high aspirations.
HORRIBLE SERVICE AND MEDIOCRE FOOD - we made a reservation for 8 pm and when we arrived there weren’t any tables available because someone “paid but hadn’t left yet.” We said it was no problem, politely waited at the bar and ordered a few drinks. We were finally seated at a table around 8:20. After initially being given menus and water, we were COMPLETELY ignored until almost 9pm.Nobody ever apologized for the terrible service and when we finally received our meals at 9:30, the food was mediocre at best. It lacked spice and flavor, and the bread tasted burnt. Biggest waste of money and 2 hours of my life.I don’t like to play the discrimination card, but I can’t help but wonder if my husband and I received such bad service because we’re a young, mixed race couple (I’m black and Navajo, he’s white). We were both very polite and kind, and neither of us made a scene despite the horrible service. The least they could’ve done was apologize for acting like we didn’t exist after already making us wait for a table, but apparently even that was too much to ask for.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
As always excellent food, service and professional hospitality folks. Bartender was outstanding and the owners are always willing to work hard and make sure that everything is done right!
Horrible loud music for entire evening. Singer was awful and volume was way too loud for small intimate place with lower ceilings. Ruined our meal. I even asked to be seated outside so we could visit with our guests as we were celebrating a birthday. Was told no tables available yet there were empty ones out there. Will never go back. Food average at best and waiter had an attitude because I was trying to ask for quieter table.
Would have loved to try their food but service was so bad we left. Not busy and sat at table for 15 minutes w no service and a waiter that was not happy- I see a response was made. Thank you. The bottom line w the exception of the lovely girl who brought water- I have never felt between the waiter and comments by owner- less welcome at a restaurant
The owner is so friendly and hospitable, and the food is top notch. We had filet mignon tortelloni which was phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been here at least a dozen times over the last few years and I have never had a bad experience. Quick service, amazing food, and a good atmosphere without too much noise. Recommend for anyone looking for some good food on any occasion.
Restaurantji Recommends
Each time I visit, I love it more. We are incredibly picky when it comes to Italian, and this is by far our favorite place in Scottsdale. Hands down would be top recommendation to others.
This is difficult.The server, David, was amazing-professional, attentive, knowledgeable.The place is beautiful.Food was very good. Mussels, pasta, bread, dessert (cheesecake was dry) but all was delicious.My issue is with the bill and the cost.We looked at the menu and most pasta dishes were in the $27-$35 range. I decided on the zupa de pesce which was clams, mussels, scallops, calamari in a red pasta sauce. It was $39.The server came out with a "pasta tray" of special home-made pastas. There were eight options. My wife chose the cheese tortellini (half order) and the parpadelle in meat sauce (half order).The cacio de pepe looked good and since my zupa did not come with pasta (first time I have ever seen that at a restaurant) I ordered that as well.We eat, we drink, order dessert, and then the bill comes...The prices for the "pasta tray" pasta were not on the menu- this was "special" pasta, off menu. I did not know pricing but didn't think I needed to ask, as its pasta.*****Half order (2) tortellini - $39Half order parpadelle- $29Order of cacio de pepe pasta - $45So, the pasta was $113 for two tortellini, three fork turns of parpadelle, and one order of spaghetti.With two glasses wine ($40) and two desserts ($40), 2 soda waters $15, plus an appetizer of mussels $22, the bill with tip was $325.A full order of tortellini (4) would have been $80!!I have never been charged so excessively for homemade pasta at any establishment I have ever been to.Yes, I know, it is on me to ask for pricing on specials, but, its pasta.. It cost more than a steak?We were pretty upset.Again, food was good- service good, but I felt I should put this out there.. Ask them, here, before you order off the menu..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cacio E Pepe, Cioppino
Food was good, but on the pricey side. Salads were tasty but mushroom polenta was underwhelming. Home-made pastas were enjoyable. Hostess tried to insist seating us right next to the only other couple in the entire restaurant, claiming the other tables were “reserved” (we also had reservations). She was argumentative and unprofessional, but finally did accommodate us in a different room (with six empty tables). Bad start but good finish to the meal. Can't say enough about our server, Trenton. Professional, courteous, and very knowledgable.
Can not rave more about this restaurant! From the staff, to the atmosphere, to the absolutely amazing food, this was such a wonderful dining experience. Thank you, and we will be returning from South Dakota!
Came here with a very big crowd for an event. Food was alright but probably would've been better if not for the crowd. Service was excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisù