Cancel

Open app

Search

Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant

4.2 (77 reviews)
ModerateItalian
Closed Closed

Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant Photos

Business Info

LUIGI VITRONE'S PASTABILITIES RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Good for kids
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

You might also consider

More like Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant

Recommended Reviews - Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Veal spezzato and broccoli rabe in the front. Ravioli and tortellini in the back
Katarina S.

I had very high expectations but wasn't very impressed. I had arancini for an appetizer that were good but the blue cheese didn't make sense for me to be in the dish. It was very overpowering. For the main dish I ordered veal spezzato with broccoli rabe on the side and both dishes were very oily. My friends had ravioli, tortellini, and gnocchi that were decent and I wish I ordered gnocchi. For dessert I had cannoli and that was really good.

Veal Scallopini Rollatini
Bruce S.

I was jealous of Luigi's operation as soon as I saw it. A whimsical building inside and out is very welcoming. Luigi has a sidewalk window for ordering pizzas for lunch as he preps for dinner, an homage to his Brooklyn upbringing. Then a quick nap and he's ready for dinner service. Chatting with the waitress over a decent house red I learned all kinds of local gossip including what Joe Jam is (Joe Biden goes home nearly every weekend causing shutdowns on 95 and local roads during Friday night rush hours and Monday morning rush hours). I mentioned to the waitress I was hoping for something not on the menu, a special dish I saw on DDD, and Luigi was happy to make it, Veal Scalloini Rollatini. This was very nice, great milk fed veal stuffed with prociutto & mozz, served with superb mushrooms in a rich Marsala sauce. Handmade Pistachio Ice Cream topped a great experience, not to be missed. Put this place on your must visit list. Taste ***** Quality/Freshness ***** Presentation/Uniqueness ***** Service ****** Atmosphere ***** Bar **** Cleanliness **** Value *****

Calamari
Michaelangelo R.

Mr. Vitrone is a unique individual with excellent cooking skills, a fourth generation butcher. He loves what he does cooking authentic Italian food. He is a hands-on guy and even answers the phone when you call the restaurant. You can tell in his eyes that he's very passionate about what he does, food preparation. There are only a few individuals on the planet with his passion. I had the honor of meeting him a few weeks back. You got to admire a guy who hasn't given into corporate interests and does his wonderful own thing. Isn't that what living and life is about? His love of food preparation and Italian cuisine is evident in what he serves to his guests. And his name is Maestro

Chicken Parmigiana
Kevin K.

The best Italian restaurant in the area! It's small and you may think you are not at a restaurant when you walk in the door but once you sit down and the food starts coming out you will thank me for recommending The place. The pasta and many other foods are homemade and the server is helpful and very friendly. Make sure you call and make a reservation as this place is small.

slice of pizza (brought to the table instead of bread)
Susan H.

**** 4 1/2 Stars **** --------------------------- I have to say that this was one of most---if not the most---unique dining experience we've ever had. Before going to Wilmington, I looked at a map and saw that they had a "Little Italy". Some googling lead me to a website for the neighborhood. There I learned about this restaurant. In a travel forum, I asked which restaurant we should try in Little Italy and the majority said Luigi Vitrone's. They also recommended making a reservation. We called the restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and got their voice mail. My husband left a message asking if we could come in at 5 p.m. Within minutes, our phone rang and Luigi himself called. He asked if we could come in at 5:15. We agreed. We got there early, explored the neighborhood a bit, then sat in a bench outside the restaurant. When we entered, right off you notice the quirky decor. The best way to describe it is Cracker Barrel on steroids! No surprise that right next door, Luigi also has an antiques store. We also noticed that the kitchen is in the front of the restaurant and no one was there. We entered a second room, again no one. In the third room was a lady who worked there. This is where the small bar is. We were sat at a table that had for a centerpiece, an old fashioned black dial phone, which reminded me of the phone my grandmother had. Luigi makes just about everything from scratch, except for the whole wheat pasta and the gluten-free pasta---and it shows in his cooking. We had the place to ourselves and the lady's undivided attention. She was very friendly and knew the menu quite well. To drink, I had an Italian almond soda which was garnished with whipped cream, some almonds and a cherry. It was so tasty that I had to restrain myself from drinking it all at once. My husband had some Chianti. We started with an appetizer, Fresh Bufalo Mozzarella, which consists of: "lightly breaded, sauteed, served with marinara sauce". This was very tasty---the cheese was creamy and the marinara sauce was full-bodied. After we ate the appetizer, we were brought a slice of cheese pizza, which puzzled us. We were told that some days Luigi serves bread, other days, a slice of pizza. The pizza had thin, crispy crust with the sauce and cheeses being well-balanced. For my main course, I had gnocchi, which comes with a tomato sauce that has ground beef. Just note, that the menu doesn't mention the beef so if you don't want any, let them know. For the most part, the gnocchi was pillowy soft, almost melt in your mouth. However, there was the occasional one that was underdone. My husband had eggplant rollatini which is "rolled around seasoned ricotta, pomodoro sauce". While he liked it, he thought that there was just too much cheese. This dish also comes with a side of risotto, which my husband said was properly prepared. He also got a side of meatballs, which consists of 2 of them. These meatballs were wonderful! They were moist and laced with fresh basil which gave them a unique and unforgettable flavoring. We were too full for dessert so we asked if we could get the dessert to go. The lady showed us the dessert tray and I picked Italian cheesecake which was amaretto flavored. My husband picked apple pie. I asked if they had any plastic forks or spoons. They were able to scrounge up a couple of spoons. I liked the cheesecake as it had great amaretto flavor. My husband was disappointed with the apple pie because the skin was left on the apples. Eating here was like having dinner at someone's house. We had a nice chat with the lady. She was surprised that we were from VA and knew about Luigi's. She then went to tell Luigi where we were from LOL! Before the tip, dinner cost $61. When we left, we called a cab and sat outside. The lady came out and asked us if we wanted to wait inside since it was so hot. We declined as we knew the cab would be there soon. Next time we're in town, we'll be back. The food and the hospitality were excellent!

This place has been on my list ever since the DDD episode aired last year. Unfortunately, our lord and savior Guy Fieri was way off on this one. Amongst our entire table, not a single dish was worth writing home about- and that includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts. We ordered rice balls and buffalo mozzarella to start, and were surprised to see each $12 appetizer only consisted of two portions (that's $6 per ball!). The rice balls were mediocre, and the mozzarella was cold- you would think fried mozzarella at an Italian joint would be a gimme, but we were sadly mistaken. Much to our surprise, the pasta dishes would have been best described as soggy and blah. But not to worry! Us simpletons only thought that because we're "not accustomed to homemade pasta", as the owner Luigi tried to condescendingly explain after receiving our feedback. Ah, of course! Despite the mediocrities up to that point, we decided to order some desserts to go- because hey, maybe that will be their saving grace and make up for the disappointing entrees and apps. After paying the (overpriced) bill and arriving home, I opened the takeout box to try out my cannoli. You can imagine my disappointment when I discovered it was 37% filled. But again, not to worry! Luigi ever so kindly educated us on the intricacies of cannoli filling, and how "sometimes the whey is skinny or less firm".. subpar food, subpar excuses. My personal favorite part of this bizarre experience was when Luigi ended an email with "if you were so unsatisfied.. why did you order another pasta dish to go??" Said pasta dish was ordered ahead of time along with the rest of our food, before we had the chance to consume letdown after letdown. Come on, man.. if you're going to act like a defensive little schoolboy, at least do your homework. In conclusion, if you're looking for Italian and are considering trying this place out.. don't. You're much better off warming up a bag of frozen mozzarella sticks and a can of Chef Boyardee.

Doug D.

I've now been getting take out for lunch at this fantastic place on and off for the better part of the year thanks to the recommendation of a coworker. The menu is updated daily on the Facebook page. Every meal is $8 and it includes a small salad and water. Cash only. The food is consistently excellent and pick up is always easy in and out. You really should give it a try.

See all

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Food was very disappointing. And although I love cats, it was strange to have one walking around the dining area. I will not be back.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1
Photo of Sandra T.
106
28
0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

One of our favorite restaurants. It's like eating in Luigi's kitchen Unique place with personality and food

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 5

6 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1
Photo of Bruce S.
64
139
936

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 2

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 1

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

5 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Susan H.
613
1007
2638

10 years ago

Helpful 21
Thanks 0
Love this 22
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 2
Photo of Doug D.
7
97
118

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

All of the food is Simply Delicious delicious service everything's good thereTortellinigreàt

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 4
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Bijen P.
11
80
170

13 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Italian 4,896 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

Verify this business

The Quoin Restaurant

The Quoin Restaurant

4.0
(86 reviews)
1.2 mi

My wife and I found this restaurant highly rated on Yelp. We were going to the Kansas concert at…read morethe Grand Opera house. It was an easy walk to the Grand and highly rated so we were game. It's on the first floor of a hotel. We were greeted then shown to the restaurant. We had reservations at 6pm and sat down immediately. The vibe in the restaurant was great. We were greeted immediately by our server and a trainee. I ordered an old fashioned and my wife ordered a specialty cocktail. Both tasted great however, wait for the drink was excessive. The bar had an afterwork crowd and it appeared a bit understaffed. For my meal I ordered grilled octopus for a starter and I think it was one of the best I've ever had. Tender, savory with a really flavorful sauce. My wife had the Ricotta focaccia. Loved it. For dinner I had the pasta with mushroom and truffle. It was amazing. Temperature was perfect. It was hot, creamy and amazingly flavorful. My wife had the bream fish dish. She enjoyed that as well. For dessert we had the almond/chocolate tort. Very nicely warmed with a rich chocolate flavor to end the meal. I'll be back for sure.

I have wanted to try this restaurant for a while. We go out weekly with our friends and people in…read moremy building on the riverfront. We tend to be more casual however my niece wanted to celebrate her birthday. Our server Eileen was very pleasant. We were also brought to the table by Mia who was so personable and explained the menu. First, is the constant yelling to the men who were preparing meals by I think was the chef. He was overseeing that meals were prepared but I kept thinking he was arguing with someone. My easy peasy drink was great. I had the lobster linguini, I think there were 4 nickel size lobster pieces in the linguini , linguini was not Al dente, overcooked, and the flavor was non descriptive. If I served it , even on a weeknight at home I'd be apologizing. My husband had the durado , he said it was so so, my sister thought her meal average and named several other places we had eaten that she would prefer, my niece had the pork , no rave review. The flourless chocolate cake was good. I was told cheesecake ok. The price was moderate, but I have paid a lot less for a lot better. When I read how the meals were prepared and ingredients I thought we were headed into a very special dinner. I hate writing negative reviews but I did teach cooking when I was younger and have certain expectations when I am going to a now celebrated restaurant.

Photos
Downstairs "Simmer Down" Bar/Lounge
Downstairs "Simmer Down" Bar/Lounge
Papperdelle & Wagyu Flank Steak
Papperdelle & Wagyu Flank Steak
The Quoin Sundae (light & refreshing)!!!

See all

The Quoin Sundae (light & refreshing)!!!
Mrs. Robino's Restaurant

Mrs. Robino's Restaurant

3.6
(307 reviews)
0.1 mi
$$

Tonight was my second time eating here while on a work trip and it was as good as I remembered. I…read morelove going places that are local when I travel and this place feels like having dinner at a family member's. The house chianti and Pinot noir are both decent for house selections. On Wednesday it's only $6 a glass. I tend to go for a ravioli. The first time there I had the mushroom ravioli, which was absolute perfection tonight I had the lobster ravioli, which was still very good. The bread they bring out at the beginning is absolutely delicious with the infused oil on the table, although I do wish they had cracked pepper. It is a very loud place to eat, but it feels festive and not annoying. The desserts are also very good. If you want to eat somewhere that focuses on quality and not pretentious nonsense , this is the place for you

We drove an hour and 20 minutes specifically for this restaurant from Pennsylvania. This is one of…read moremy FAVORITE restaurants. I am a big believer in Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. This place was featured on it! The home feeling to this place is awesome! They treat you like one of their own family members. It is decorated with family photos throughout and tons of awards for the Delaware/Wilmington area! It feels like a true italian family setting. Now for the food..... They bring you out what feels like a loaf of italian bread! I go here specifically to purchase the Guy Fieri Favorite ...and let me tell you, he's not wrong. Beef Braciole, homemade meatballs, sausage, meat ravioli, cheese ravioli, and spaghetti. Homemade traditional red sauce. The pasta is made every morning. I can't rave about this dish enough! The Chicken Alfredo comes with 2 cutlets. The homemade Alfredo sauce is also fantastic. You will definitely need a to go box! Now lets talk about the soup. Simple, but such a great item. This soup has to be the cure to the common cold. It takes you back to grandma's house as a kid eating chicken broth with noodles. The difference is the homemade pasta pearls. Of your traveling near Wilmington, just trust us stop here!

Photos
Plenty of seating
Plenty of seating
Veal parmigiana.
Veal parmigiana.
Bar area

See all

Bar area
Casa Nonna

Casa Nonna

3.3
(15 reviews)
1.2 mi

Great experience in Wilmington…read more When we were visiting Wilmington we were looking for somewhere good to eat, and social media recommended we tried out casa nonna. The ambiance is super fun as it's hidden to the side of a food hall, but tucked away so it feels very intimate. The food was phenomenal. I got the chicken Parmesan (although it's an appetizer it filled me up), my husband got the sausage pizza and my friend got eggplant parm. While the food was amazing, the one complaint I had was the service. I felt bad I feel like the server was handling every single table, and while the server was super nice and helpful, our food took forever and getting water and the check took a while as well. Overall good experience and will be back when I again to try new food here.

I had been looking forward to trying this place--the menu is creative and genuinely intriguing…read more That said, I'd noticed on previous visits (while dining elsewhere in the same location) that it never seemed very busy, rarely more than a couple of occupied tables, which gave me some pause to try this place. During my visit, I ordered a salad and the ricotta gnocchi. I had originally planned to try the chicken parmesan, but unfortunately, they were out. The salad and drink were both fine, but the main course was a letdown. The portion was surprisingly small. At $24, I expected something more substantial, not what felt like an appetizer-sized dish. In total, I spent nearly $60 and left still hungry and underwhelmed.

Photos
Casa Nonna
Bolognese
Bolognese
Lychee martini

See all

Lychee martini
Piccolina Toscana

Piccolina Toscana

3.4
(132 reviews)
0.7 mi
$$

Haven't been here in years. We were there around 6 on a Tuesday. Some folks in the Bar but only two…read moretables in the dining room were being used. The service was relaxed as we were catching up. Small wine list but we found a red and white. We split a delicious Caesar salad. I ordered crispy salmon. So perfectly cooked. Nice size with a side of orzo and veggies!

I don't love italian food so just bear with me lol. Last time I got the scampi and I felt it wasn't…read morehearty enough i'll put it like that. Decided against pasta this time. I started with the Calamari which was great. I think they breaded and fried the peppadews? Never had that but they were good and tasted fresh. Eating the whole cluster of seeds was kind of weird tho lol. But the calamari was tender, not drenched in the aioli, and definitely better than I was expecting. By the time I got my eggplant I wasn't really hungry anymore but it tasted decent. Was a bit oily but if I were hungry I woul Our reservation was set for right before close but the kitchen and our waitress handled us exceptionally. Food, drinks and service were all as expected or better. If I had to complain, I wouldn't. everything was good today

Photos
Braised Lamb Shank with fig and port wine infused demi-glace over butternut squash risotto
Braised Lamb Shank with fig and port wine infused demi-glace over butternut squash risotto
Tortellini: Fresh pasta rolled with finely ground mortadella ham and ricotta tossed in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce
Tortellini: Fresh pasta rolled with finely ground mortadella ham and ricotta tossed in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce
Filet from the restaurant week menu

See all

Filet from the restaurant week menu

Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities Restaurant - italian - Updated June 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...