Otto By Polpo

52 N Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr
(610) 880-0001

Recent Reviews

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Harry

We had a great dining experience at Otto! The chicken Parmesan was absolutely delicious—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The side of pasta with oil and garlic was simple yet outstanding, with just the right balance of flavors. Our server, Hillary, was friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The portions were very generous—definitely enough to take home and enjoy for lunch the next day.

Cara

I had noted in the reservation that one of the diners has a garlic, onion, and scallion allergy. The server seemed unaware of this. Even though the food is "made from scratch", we were told that they couldn't do pasta without sauce and the only thing she could have was a grilled Branzino. For $38, she received a plain piece of fish with a lemon and greens. I would have thought something else (like the peas in my meal or the beets that were in my salad could have been added). It makes me think that meals are all pre-done and there isn't much "scratch" taking place. While my food was good, the experience was disappointing and we will not be returning. The lack of ability to make what seemed like a simple accommodation, and the seemingly lack of caring about it did not make for an enjoyable evening.

Kathleen

This was our third visit; food was excellent and so was Hillary our server; we definitely plan to return!

mike

Easy parking. Always a pleasant experience. Friendly greeting at the reception desk. Seated readily. Our pleasant and efficient server Kapo greeted us with menus and a drink order. Sat for a short while. After a beautiful description of the specials, our order was in. Enjoyed a fine meal with the appetizer of sausage and broccoli rabe, in addition to Mozzarella Caprese actually served with avocado. The chicken Milanese was excellent. No time for dessert but a decent value. 

Mark

Best burrata I've ever had and the food was great as always. Great service from Kapo in the main dining room.

Alice

Highly recommend the Bronzino on the menu. Prepared simply, the way fish should be, with lovely broccolini. I added a side of capellini in olive oil and garlic. Outstanding. Our wait person was delightful, available, but not intrusive. The only comment, our table of 4 was seated next to a noisy kitchen entrance in an almost empty room. (I should have asked to be moved, but didn't). We were also delighted with a roasted shrimp first course served on a bed of white beans and burst tomatoes. My husband delighted in the octopus first course, his favorite.

Mark

A good experience with great food! It's a beautiful restaurant with great music as well. Will come back for sure.

China Coleman

We came to OTTO By POLPO looking forward to a special night out, something rare and well-earned. I paid for parking, arranged a dog sitter, and cleared my evening to enjoy what I hoped would be a beautiful dinner. Instead, what we got was a masterclass in being completely disregarded. After being seated, it took ten full minutes just to get water. Not a single offer of drinks, appetizers, or even bread. Our waiter passed by once to say he’d be with us soon, then vanished. We sat there for another twenty minutes, smiling through the growing discomfort, assuming someone would come back. No one did. Every other table around us was getting full attention. The restaurant wasn’t even that busy. The only interaction we had was when someone came to quietly take our untouched wine glasses. When we finally stood up to leave, the waiter glanced over and said, “Oh, you guys are leaving?” No apology. No accountability. Not even a half-hearted attempt to pretend it wasn’t as bad as it was. We were the only visible minorities in the room, and the only table completely ignored. I don’t want that to matter, but it did. Everyone else was treated like a guest. We were treated like we didn’t belong. I didn’t just lose an evening. I lost the energy I spent trying to give this place the benefit of the doubt. I paid to be dismissed. I paid to sit in silence and feel unwelcome. It was humiliating and isolating, and it still stings.

Harry

Otto by Polpo is the kind of place that makes you understand why locals rave about it—a true neighborhood gem. The fettuccine with shrimp, calamari, and white wine garlic sauce was an absolute highlight, with perfectly cooked seafood and a sauce that hit all the right notes of savory and bright. The ravioli con salvia was equally delightful, with delicate pasta and a fragrant, buttery sage sauce that was excellent. Our server, Caplan, was a consummate host—charming, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our evening special. The entire staff was just as attentive, ensuring our glasses were filled and plates cleared without ever feeling rushed. It's easy to see why this spot has such a loyal following. The cozy vibe and stellar food make it a must-visit. 5/5 stars

Bob

Very good meal and experience at this restaurant. Delicious food, great attentive service. Lively vibe inside. Will def go back.

Lisa Chalmers

Such a shame because we had such a great experience the last time we dined at this restaurant. Unfortunately, this round, the waiter rushed us through dinner which included appetizers, dinner and dessert. We were seated at 6:20 and received a check at 7:22. Incredibly disappointed with tonight’s service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Layza Puccinelli

It was amazing!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

lydia tuno

Everything was delicious! Nice atmosphere and great service. Would definitely return.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Quinn H

Incredibly rude and racist waiter. Disappointed that this restaurant hired this individual and has done nothing to address the ongoing issue

jane doey

Going to dinner with a friend after a long week and being given the once over and essentially scoffed at, the server was racist and condescending, it's disgusting that they are still employed considering how many other reviews mention this. Do better.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

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