  It is shown that, contrary to previous claims, a scalar tensor theory of
Brans-Dicke type provides a relativistic generalization of Newtonian gravity in
2+1 dimensions. The theory is metric and test particles follow the space-time
geodesics. The static isotropic solution is studied in vacuum and in regions
filled with an incompressible perfect fluid. It is shown that the solutions can
be consistently matched at the matter vacuum interface, and that the Newtonian
behavior is recovered in the weak field regime.
