I can only tell you about my experience at the bar because I've never sat at a table for dinner. Food is excellent. I had chicken Parm last night which was fantastic. The red sauce is delicious. Not too sweet like some places. Bartender is awesome. Very attentive. Good selection or top shelf bourbon and nice wines. On the downside, it's expensive, and during the week it's pretty dead. Most definitely go there for the food not the bar experience.
Tina Holmes
What a find. Extensive and excellent menu. Loved the "old Scranton building" atmosphere with the gorgeous ceilings and decor to enhance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scarlett Anderson
Excellent food, served in an amenable atmosphere. The restaurant tends to be very loud.Although the food is good, but would be nice to see the menu changed up with the seasons.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sole
Olivia Dalbo
I don’t usually do reviews, but I truly had a great time at AV on Thursday— I have never been here before and always wanted to try it. Our server was CJ who was very knowledgeable about the menu & helped us choose a wine. We had ordered their octopus & baked brie for apps and porcini cavatelli & duck for entrees. Both came out better than I could expect and it was very easy to tell the pasta was made fresh. Dinner was also extremely fairly priced for how much work the back of house puts into their food. Would absolutely recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amy Kennalley
I finally made it in here after passing it downtown a bunch of times. I decided to go here with my boyfriend for our birthday dinner. We got reservations at 6pm and I had to park about 2 blocks away down a dark street. Once inside the atmosphere was nice with real candles on the tables. We started with drinks. I was stuck between the Sauvignon blanc and the rose and the waitress let me taste them to decide which I really appreciated. I went with the rose which was very good. My boyfriend got a gin cocktail that he enjoyed. We started with the calamari which was nice. They also brought out bread but they come by with a basket and serve you one piece on your plate and fill the dish in the middle with plain olive oil. My boyfriend wanted some extra spice so we asked for balsamic vinegar to go with the bread. For dinner I got the scallops and he got the salmon. They were both super good, but there was something soaked in balsamic vinegar on the plate with the scallops and I thought that was too much punch for the plate. For dessert we got the crème brûlée. I personally prefer the custard part to be in a more shallow and wide dish. It seemed like a small caramelized crust on a thick bowl of custard here. We boxed up our leftovers and were absolutely bummed to find out we left them at the table after arriving home. All in all it was pretty good and I would go again!!
Tari Trowbridge
We liked it a lot. The food was progressive, tasty and came out timely. We didn't have reservations, so we sat at the bar. Was not upset with that choice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eileen Stevens
Absolutely grateful for the outstanding experience at AV Restaurant during my niece's New Year's Eve wedding. The staff, led by the remarkable service and events coordinator Lisa Lapinski, were beyond accommodating. Lisa's constant availability and dedication to perfecting the venue's decor made the planning process seamless. Owner Pat Quinn's presence ensured the evening ran smoothly, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail in the staff he hires. We were delighted with the exceptional service provided, making AV Restaurant the top choice for an ideal venue. Highly recommend!Edit: I was too busy enjoying the evening to take pictures, but you should visit this establishment to fully appreciate the ambiance!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jamie Bracciodieta
My boyfriend and I originally came to scranton for a birthday trip for myself.. we had dinner plans somewhere else where we have gone several times before.. we did NOT enjoy this time around so he wanted to save the night and find something to make up for it.. he looked on Google and came across AV Restaurant and from the minute we walked in we were greeted with smiling faces..The place was super busy so my boyfriend and I relaxed with a drink on their comfy couches while we waited for a table to open up.. not long after we were greeted by our waitress Kaidyn who was outstanding, she made our first time experience that much better.. she told us what we should pick out of choices we gave her and she did not disappoint as everything was so delicious.... we can't wait to come visit again soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
PHIL B
Tiny portions, over priced and pretentious atmosphere. Hated everything except our server who was kind and friendly.I see no reason to come back here.No parking eitherParking: No parking, some metered parking on the street but good luck getting a spot
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Brittney w
My husband and I came in for a meal this afternoon and we were immediately sat by the most pleasant of women. We got a private corner booth, extremely comfy and exclusive feeling. We were greeted shortly after by our lovely server Josephine, who explained the features on the offered menus, but also explained several features not listed on the menu that are offered as a special. She took our drink orders, promptly delivered them, and offered to put an appetizer in while we looked over the menu.My husband and I ordered a Ceasar salad to start; several minutes after putting our order in we received beautiful warm fresh baked bread and a side of olive oil which transitioned us perfectly into our starter. The lettuce was fresh and crisp, the croutons absolutely had to be made in house (so delicious!) and the dressing was the best part of the entire salad. So fresh and bright with the lemon but the salty hint of anchovy kept the dressing traditional and fantastic.For entrees we ordered a filet mignon, ordered medium rare and cooked to absolute buttery perfection. It was topped with a Gorgonzola sauce and while the sauce was a hint too salty for my taste, the filet was cooked exquisitely and the concept of the sauce was absolutely spot on as far as flavor. It was paired with a crisp and flavorful side asparagus and a creamy mashed potato.Our other entree was the bone in pork chop, which is offered medium/medium rare as per the chef’s recommendation. We ordered per recommendation and were presented a beautifully juicy and tender bone in chop topped with crispy onion straws. It was topped with a wonderfully sweet sauce that paired so well with the pork, which quite literally could be pulled off the bone with a fork. The pork included asparagus and a side of some sort of roasted potato which was such a complement to the sauce.Thank you so much to Josephine, our sever. She was sweet and attentive and was informed about the restaurant’s specials. She made sure we were taken care of without being an annoyance and offered us prompt service. We also would love to compliment the kitchen and whoever developed the concept of the menu. Absolutely beautiful and thoughtful pairings of flavors and ingredients and so well executed.The interior and atmosphere of the restaurant is lofty and classy. It’s pleasant to be a part of and while it feels slightly upper class, it offers the many comforts you would expect of a wonderful Italian restaurant. We will 10000% be back many times in the future and will happily recommend this restaurant to everyone we know!
Had dinner on a Thursday evening with another couple. No wait time, we were seated immediately. Menu items all looked delicious. Three of us had the salmon, which was fabulous. Chicken Parmesan was the fourth meal and must have also been very good because it was gone. Portions were large enough that we were glad we didn't get appetizers, and we didn't have room left for dessert. They did have a separate gluten-free menu with lots of options from the main menu. The prices are a little higher than the average, but the service was excellent and the food was delicious.Vegetarian options: Some items appeared to be vegetarian but I didn't study the menu to know how much could be vegetarian or veganDietary restrictions: Separate gluten-free menuParking: Street parking, no meters in the evenings. There is a lot nearby which we parked in, and appeared to be free, but not sure if it's just evenings or weekends.Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor entrance from the sidewalk
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah S.
Our team is in town for a visit, and the AV was recommended to us by our local company site. Since it is in downtown Scranton, parking can be interesting and mostly on street. Parking is free after five, which is nice. The restaurant is housed in an older downtown building with lovely brick walls. Upon entering, the atmosphere is warm and welcome even with the high, coppered tile type ceilings. There is an ample bar, comfortable couches with sofa tables, and lovely dining tables. Our group got various dishes including the beet salad, the Brussel sprouts salad, the Bibb salad, and the meatballs as appetizers. We got the filet mignon, porcini cavatappi, and tagliatelle. We also had a starter of a soft piece of Italian bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. All salads were very enjoyable. The meatballs were delicious, but the sauce seemed a little lacking. The main dishes were also delicious. The pasta is made fresh in house. There is a great offering of specialty cocktails and wine. They do offer it by the glass, but the menu we were given were only of bottles which was a little confusing. I would recommend this for a nice dinner out with family, friends, or a group of co-workers. If in the area for work again, I would consider returning.
Casey G.
Great place: food was delicious and so was the service. I definitely recommend getting the Brie appetizer.
I can only tell you about my experience at the bar because I've never sat at a table for dinner. Food is excellent. I had chicken Parm last night which was fantastic. The red sauce is delicious. Not too sweet like some places. Bartender is awesome. Very attentive. Good selection or top shelf bourbon and nice wines. On the downside, it's expensive, and during the week it's pretty dead. Most definitely go there for the food not the bar experience.
What a find. Extensive and excellent menu. Loved the "old Scranton building" atmosphere with the gorgeous ceilings and decor to enhance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent food, served in an amenable atmosphere. The restaurant tends to be very loud.Although the food is good, but would be nice to see the menu changed up with the seasons.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sole
I don’t usually do reviews, but I truly had a great time at AV on Thursday— I have never been here before and always wanted to try it. Our server was CJ who was very knowledgeable about the menu & helped us choose a wine. We had ordered their octopus & baked brie for apps and porcini cavatelli & duck for entrees. Both came out better than I could expect and it was very easy to tell the pasta was made fresh. Dinner was also extremely fairly priced for how much work the back of house puts into their food. Would absolutely recommend this place to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I finally made it in here after passing it downtown a bunch of times. I decided to go here with my boyfriend for our birthday dinner. We got reservations at 6pm and I had to park about 2 blocks away down a dark street. Once inside the atmosphere was nice with real candles on the tables. We started with drinks. I was stuck between the Sauvignon blanc and the rose and the waitress let me taste them to decide which I really appreciated. I went with the rose which was very good. My boyfriend got a gin cocktail that he enjoyed. We started with the calamari which was nice. They also brought out bread but they come by with a basket and serve you one piece on your plate and fill the dish in the middle with plain olive oil. My boyfriend wanted some extra spice so we asked for balsamic vinegar to go with the bread. For dinner I got the scallops and he got the salmon. They were both super good, but there was something soaked in balsamic vinegar on the plate with the scallops and I thought that was too much punch for the plate. For dessert we got the crème brûlée. I personally prefer the custard part to be in a more shallow and wide dish. It seemed like a small caramelized crust on a thick bowl of custard here. We boxed up our leftovers and were absolutely bummed to find out we left them at the table after arriving home. All in all it was pretty good and I would go again!!
We liked it a lot. The food was progressive, tasty and came out timely. We didn't have reservations, so we sat at the bar. Was not upset with that choice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely grateful for the outstanding experience at AV Restaurant during my niece's New Year's Eve wedding. The staff, led by the remarkable service and events coordinator Lisa Lapinski, were beyond accommodating. Lisa's constant availability and dedication to perfecting the venue's decor made the planning process seamless. Owner Pat Quinn's presence ensured the evening ran smoothly, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail in the staff he hires. We were delighted with the exceptional service provided, making AV Restaurant the top choice for an ideal venue. Highly recommend!Edit: I was too busy enjoying the evening to take pictures, but you should visit this establishment to fully appreciate the ambiance!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I originally came to scranton for a birthday trip for myself.. we had dinner plans somewhere else where we have gone several times before.. we did NOT enjoy this time around so he wanted to save the night and find something to make up for it.. he looked on Google and came across AV Restaurant and from the minute we walked in we were greeted with smiling faces..The place was super busy so my boyfriend and I relaxed with a drink on their comfy couches while we waited for a table to open up.. not long after we were greeted by our waitress Kaidyn who was outstanding, she made our first time experience that much better.. she told us what we should pick out of choices we gave her and she did not disappoint as everything was so delicious.... we can't wait to come visit again soon
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tiny portions, over priced and pretentious atmosphere. Hated everything except our server who was kind and friendly.I see no reason to come back here.No parking eitherParking: No parking, some metered parking on the street but good luck getting a spot
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
My husband and I came in for a meal this afternoon and we were immediately sat by the most pleasant of women. We got a private corner booth, extremely comfy and exclusive feeling. We were greeted shortly after by our lovely server Josephine, who explained the features on the offered menus, but also explained several features not listed on the menu that are offered as a special. She took our drink orders, promptly delivered them, and offered to put an appetizer in while we looked over the menu.My husband and I ordered a Ceasar salad to start; several minutes after putting our order in we received beautiful warm fresh baked bread and a side of olive oil which transitioned us perfectly into our starter. The lettuce was fresh and crisp, the croutons absolutely had to be made in house (so delicious!) and the dressing was the best part of the entire salad. So fresh and bright with the lemon but the salty hint of anchovy kept the dressing traditional and fantastic.For entrees we ordered a filet mignon, ordered medium rare and cooked to absolute buttery perfection. It was topped with a Gorgonzola sauce and while the sauce was a hint too salty for my taste, the filet was cooked exquisitely and the concept of the sauce was absolutely spot on as far as flavor. It was paired with a crisp and flavorful side asparagus and a creamy mashed potato.Our other entree was the bone in pork chop, which is offered medium/medium rare as per the chef’s recommendation. We ordered per recommendation and were presented a beautifully juicy and tender bone in chop topped with crispy onion straws. It was topped with a wonderfully sweet sauce that paired so well with the pork, which quite literally could be pulled off the bone with a fork. The pork included asparagus and a side of some sort of roasted potato which was such a complement to the sauce.Thank you so much to Josephine, our sever. She was sweet and attentive and was informed about the restaurant’s specials. She made sure we were taken care of without being an annoyance and offered us prompt service. We also would love to compliment the kitchen and whoever developed the concept of the menu. Absolutely beautiful and thoughtful pairings of flavors and ingredients and so well executed.The interior and atmosphere of the restaurant is lofty and classy. It’s pleasant to be a part of and while it feels slightly upper class, it offers the many comforts you would expect of a wonderful Italian restaurant. We will 10000% be back many times in the future and will happily recommend this restaurant to everyone we know!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ceasars Salad, Steak
Restaurantji Recommends
Service & staff was good but the food sucks!! Eggplant parmesan was frozen and stale !!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Eggplant Parmesan, Eggplant Parmigiana
Amazing food. If you're looking for a great date night with great Italian food, this is the spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs, Ceasars Salad, Steak, Eggplant Parmigiana
Had dinner on a Thursday evening with another couple. No wait time, we were seated immediately. Menu items all looked delicious. Three of us had the salmon, which was fabulous. Chicken Parmesan was the fourth meal and must have also been very good because it was gone. Portions were large enough that we were glad we didn't get appetizers, and we didn't have room left for dessert. They did have a separate gluten-free menu with lots of options from the main menu. The prices are a little higher than the average, but the service was excellent and the food was delicious.Vegetarian options: Some items appeared to be vegetarian but I didn't study the menu to know how much could be vegetarian or veganDietary restrictions: Separate gluten-free menuParking: Street parking, no meters in the evenings. There is a lot nearby which we parked in, and appeared to be free, but not sure if it's just evenings or weekends.Wheelchair accessibility: Ground floor entrance from the sidewalk
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our team is in town for a visit, and the AV was recommended to us by our local company site. Since it is in downtown Scranton, parking can be interesting and mostly on street. Parking is free after five, which is nice. The restaurant is housed in an older downtown building with lovely brick walls. Upon entering, the atmosphere is warm and welcome even with the high, coppered tile type ceilings. There is an ample bar, comfortable couches with sofa tables, and lovely dining tables. Our group got various dishes including the beet salad, the Brussel sprouts salad, the Bibb salad, and the meatballs as appetizers. We got the filet mignon, porcini cavatappi, and tagliatelle. We also had a starter of a soft piece of Italian bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping. All salads were very enjoyable. The meatballs were delicious, but the sauce seemed a little lacking. The main dishes were also delicious. The pasta is made fresh in house. There is a great offering of specialty cocktails and wine. They do offer it by the glass, but the menu we were given were only of bottles which was a little confusing. I would recommend this for a nice dinner out with family, friends, or a group of co-workers. If in the area for work again, I would consider returning.
Great place: food was delicious and so was the service. I definitely recommend getting the Brie appetizer.