Not sure why the other review got filtered but both of the above reviews sums up the Vincente's "experience" to a t. If you go you must: - bring an appetite - get the walking menu (Vincent) - let him figure out what you want (you might not even know you want what you want!) - get a Caesar - get an appetizer (let him help you) - pick your main and get a side of pasta (or vice versa); the twice baked is perfection, or ask for Hay and Straw if you want pasta - my favorite - get the Cafe Diablo at least once The veal is the best I've had in the world - he's a master of this dish. Chop, scallopini, or otherwise - it's simply the most creative and delicious ways I've seen. Beef is also prepared great every time - his au poivre is the best. You can't go wrong with any of his ultra-fresh fish dishes. If you're in the mood for pasta, don't feel like you're settling. Or if you can't decide, tell him that and he'll make a combination that will rock your world. I've been going to Vincente's since I was 6 years old, and I'm 35 now. I have been through every incarnation from Lincoln St. to this latest at Kirkwood Highway. The location may change, but the experience does not. It's 5 stars every time. He's a crown jewel of the culinary scene in Delaware and beyond. Hidden gem: grab a drink at the bar post-dinner and get a dessert. Thomas will entertain with great drinks and conversation.
(5)
Maghady B.
This place is the best in the tri-state area. It's full of love, laughter, and very romantic. The bar is always stocked with the best beer and wine accompanied by a great happy hour! If you want real food and service with a smile and down to earth people in a fine dining restaurant. I love this place
(5)
David H.
I went to Vincentes on Valentines Day with my girlfriend. What came to my surprise was they had a prefix menu for that day, basically you pay $60 a person they choose your appetizer, soup and salad for you and then you had about 5 options to choose from as an entree. I felt obligated to stay although I wanted to leave because the choices were not what I wanted. A couple next to us sat down had a beer and left, as I should have. The beer cheese with bread was decent. Nothing to get excited about. The bisque was the best part of the meal, it was creamy yet not too thick, not enough meat in it tho. The guy who made the salad was really friendly and the wait staff was excellent but I grade this experience on taste. They make a home made table side Ceasar salad for you and tell you a whole story on how they have the original recipe and all that. Said it was going to be the best salad I ever had, it was good, but again... Nothing to get over-excited about. I chose the veal with lump crab meat and shrimp. The food was luke warm and bland. Had little flavor to it. My girlfriend and I asked for a box and said we were full just to be polite. That box hit the dog bowl at home. Trust me when I say I'm not a tough critic, I don't have some taste palate that can never be satisfied and I'm not some stuck up a-hole but I was really just unhappy with the experience. Will not be doing Vincentes again. Maybe it's better when you can choose from the full menu but it was really expensive for what you get. I decided to bump it up one star only because the guy who prepared my salad made us laugh and he seemed like a nice person, and the soup was good.
(2)
CrabCake W.
Only getting 2 stars....here is why... While the food was good (not great- but good) the service was terrible, it was really lacking. The server brought out the wrong main course for me and I had to wait 20 mins while my dinner mates at their meals and the kitchen re cooked my order. Also failed to refill our drinks, forgot both of our side dishes. And let me tell you about the infamous "walking menu"... It is a tired old tradition that needs to be retired. Maybe it was cute for the old man to do it but his son (grandson?) does it and it, and frankly....he sucks. He keeps firing different options at you and you don't even have time to think about and compare the different dinner possibilities. He needs to back the EFF OFF. The paper menu is just fine and offers plenty of options. Besides, the walking menu is just an excuse to charge you more money. Also, same thing goes for making the Caesar salad tableside. Make it in the kitchen and be done with it. No one likes having their dinner experience interrupted by some clown tossing parmesan cheese across the dining room (and he missed terribly about 9 times out of 10) or making stupid jokes. It really was a distraction and completely unnecessary. Again, maybe it was cute for the old man to do it, but he long gone and time to retire this worn out tradition. Besides the Caesar salad had far too much garlic anyway. All in all, we will not return, it is too much like a circus side show than a restaurant, far too much money for just average food, bad service and a circus sideshow atmosphere. Retire the walking menu and the clownish Caesar salad performance and focus on the FOOD AND THE SERVICE. You'll draw in more customers.
(2)
Mary F.
Customized menu, Chef will make it how you want it. Great ceaser salad and entertaining presentation. We loved it and will be back!
(4)
Geoff S.
The food is good but small portions for what you pay. The owner is very accommodating and offers suggestions based on what you feel like. Caesar Salad is signature and very good even for someone who is not a big salad person. The only things that I have negative to say is the one waiter who was accommodating seemed a bit full of himself or snooty. The whiskey I ordered was extremely watered-down. As someone who drinks whiskey I can tell when whiskey is watered-down by either water backing it over ice or loading the bottle with water either way they lost my trust and pretty much made me question quality of the restaurant. If you need to water down the alcohol perhaps they are cutting corners in other areas as well. The walking menu is good but over priced as well...
(4)
Karen C.
Food is great! Danny is hot!
(5)
Jaime S.
This is a restaurant who truly understands customer service. Owner comes to every table and not only customizes menu but gives you a vivid tour of it. Everyone cares that you have a Wonderful experience. While I have ordered a couple items that I was not too keen on the majority of dishes hit the spot. If you like your pasta homemade and hearty get the italian flag.... Feel free to customize the sauces and add a protein or two.
(5)
J B.
Got takeout. Service was great and the time suggested on the phone was spot on. Good stuff. Caesar salad A+, thanks for the recommendations to all the previous reviewers. Fettuccine alfredo was delicious (ricotta base instead of or in addition to cream) but it did need some salt. Penne bolognese was tasty, and adequately seasoned, but it was pretty two dimensional---missing some other flavor, like from wine or the fat of one of the three meats used in the dish. Pasta was cooked to the right doneness. Tiramisu appeared to have been made in-restaurant. It replaced espresso with chocolate, and it worked, but there was some crunchy texture due to the cake having been frozen.
(4)
Davis T.
The family went here for a special meal for a special occasion. Wait staff was phenomenal and accommodating. I highly suggest listening to the walking menu from the owner for daily specials. It is very important to him that each customer receives a meal they want rather then settle for just what's on the menu. Ask questions and let him create a meal for you. Can't wait to return
(5)
Matt Y.
My wife and I were visiting from out of town and hungry for Italian. The hotel staff recommended Vincente's. Walking in it looked like a comfortable place, but nothing too special. Well my first impression was wrong. This place was great in every way. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. They have a written and spoken menu. If they have the ingredients they will make it. The Cesar salad is a must. (Made table side) The food and the price were outstanding. I will be eating here again.
(5)
CA S.
Love Vincente's, atmosphere is great. The Chef was very knowledgeable and did an excellent job explaining meal options. The food was outstanding and the presentation was perfect. The Cesar salad was one of the best I've ever had. Will definitely be returning. Highly recommend it!
(5)
Jackie B.
Ok. So I am so disappointed in my DE yelpers! I am giving this place an extra star than it deserves because of effort and some of it was ok. Where to start... Oddly enough instead of getting bread right away you get whatever their feature app is and a piece of garlic bread with beer cheese. Strange but it was good. Next. We all ordered apps. Crabcake, moz. Wedge, seafood crepe, and some hay pasta thing. I really liked the crab cake but for 12 it was the size of a silver dollar. U get one moz. Wedge for 10 bucks and for 13 the crepe was a joke. They were not bad but the prices were ludicrous. We're in the middle of de not times square! We got the tableside Caesar which was 9 a person. 27 bucks for 3 small plates and not that great. The best part of it was Mr. Vincette's show of it all. I would eat it again but not at this price. Dinner was a joke. 26 for veal and you get 2 small slivers cut into 8 pieces. I can cut my own food thank you! And there was barely any sauce on anything except the spaghetti, which my friend told me was like a paste. Server was so friendly and attentive I felt bad she had to work here. It was fri night 7 pm and there were maybe 5 tables in the place. Now I know why. No one that hates it writes a review! I do believe the owner has heart and he is a sweet old man but for the prices and portions you have to be kidding me! 2 of the members of our party are at Denny's right now. Seriously!?! Let's not even mention the fact of how scary the outside of the place was. I should've run when I had the chance. Delaware you did me dirty!
(2)
Lynn S.
I had a great experience! Definately get the walking menu, just as the other reviewers stated, he will come up with exactly what you want even if you didn't know you wanted it. The caesar salad is something you can not pass up. It is an authentic caesar and you can't beat the show that comes along with it. For dinner, I had an eggplant dish that was layered with seafood and ricotta cheese with a diablo sauce. It was one of the best eggplant dishes I've ever had. My husband got the Osco Busco, which was good. And for dessert we had the cannoli - yummy!! Ignore the reviewer, Jackie B, I was there the night she was....Not the class of people that belonged there. She is absolutely right about going to Denny's because that's more her speed. If you have not tried Vicente's you should. You will not be disappointed. Be aware it is a little pricey but to someone who loves food, it is worth it.
(4)
Courtney D.
I'm from Los Angeles and my sister is from Asheville, NC and we recently visited Vincente's for a luncheon after attending a dear aunt's funeral in Wilmington. There was a big group of us, and the lunch was served buffet-style. My sister is vegetarian and I don't eat meat, dairy or gluten, and we are used to going hungry in situations where we can't order for ourselves. The relative who'd booked the restaurant for our event apparently had told the owner, Vincent (yes, he actually exists--an adorable older man who couldn't have been warmer or more welcoming) that we ate a limited diet, because his son, Danny, who is the chef, came out to talk to us. He asked us about various ingredients we might like (eggplant, etc.), asked if we'd like them prepared this way or that, etc., then he went back into the kitchen and made us a fantastic vegan, gluten-free meal. We were psyched not just to be able to eat alongside everyone else, but to have a fantastic meal besides. He visited us after the meal was served, to make sure we liked it, and was incredibly nice and attentive. The waitress was great, as well--warm and friendly--and the entire experience made everyone want to return for dinner at a later date. If I lived in Wilmington, I have no doubt Vincente's would be one of my regular, beloved destinations.
(5)
Milton G.
We were visiting friends in Newark, DE and asked them to pick a local restaurant that was their favorite. After driving through Newark which appeared to be a culinary desert they brought us to Vincente's which appeared to be fairly unimpressive from the exterior. However, when you walked in you knew you were in for a treat. The ceasar salad was spectacular and Vincente's tableside preparation was a wonderful part of it. The menu is incredible including the execution. Somehow we were have to get ourselves back there is take in these delights. If you live in or near Newark you cannot miss this experience.
(5)
Mike C.
The food here is top notch. Just ask and they will make anything you wish to eat. There is a walking menu, he is the best ever. Tommy is behind the bar. He is on time every time. The wait staff is fantastic. I can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)
Thomas M.
I was at the table next to Linda L and she seemed like she had an axe to grind , complaining all night . I love vincentes , never had a bad meal ever n I go at least once a week . My feelings are that after the amazing free appetizer , flounder vincentes n garlic bread with beer cheese, and the best Caesar salad in the country plus dinner rolls she n her friend were full . Could tell not real customers as were really under dressed , below upscale casual which is what it is there. As you can see by other reviews , this is an excellent establishment . By the way our waitress told us they left without paying for the full mean , of which is a serious charge n can be arrested for . False claims in a public setting are just ignorant n the wrong thing to do
(5)
Jill K.
Can't say enough fabulous things about Vincente's. They used to be located in Wilmington, in Independence Mall, but he moved to Glen Mills for a little while, and now he's down on Kirkwood Highway. Yay! The restaurant is owned by Vincente, who is this adorable old Italian guy who has been running this restaurant for almost 50 years, I bet. He is AWESOME. I go to this restaurant just to see him, he is simply that cool. The dude is a freakin' institution. Anyway, when you first walk in, you'll be asked if you want a paper menu or "the walking menu." For the love of God and all that is holy, get the walking menu! The walking menu is simply this: Vincente himself comes to your table and asks you what you're in the mood for. Steak? Pasta? Seafood? Chicken? (I picked steak.) Then he asks what kind of steak you like. Prime rib? Filet? Something spicy? (I picked something spicy.) He asked me if I liked bleu cheese, and I said, "Amen, brother." So he said, "One steak au poivre!" and the waitress next to him jotted it down. The guy has this schtick down to a science. It is a script he's been reciting for 50 years. Listen to this man, he is a pro. He asks if you want some soup. He tells you the soups. We go for the minestrone, and we are very very happy. Then he asks if you're in the mood for salad. You are an idiot if you say no. You must get the Caesar salad, even if you hate Caesar salad. Trust me. I normally don't care about a Caesar salad either way, but dude, you will lick the plate and beg for more. What makes this Caesar salad special is the fact that he makes it tableside, in a wooden bowl he's been using for 50 years. Yes, he uses raw eggs; just suck it up and live on the edge, fer cryin' out loud! Then... he takes a little bowl of grated parmesan cheese and picks out a cheese wad that invariably forms... and then he flicks the cheese wad into the wooden bowl with a teeny spoon. Yeah, OK, no big deal. Then he takes 10 steps back and flings again. He shoots! He scores! Then he walks *clear across the room* and this 75-year-old guy whips a cheese wad right into the bowl. It is amazing. And if he misses you don't even care, because he is just so awesome and warm and terrific. And yes, the salad is absolutely, unspeakably delicious. Fresh, crisp, amazing. The steak au poivre arrives and it is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. That is all you need to know about that. One friend gets gnocchi and is sent to heaven. My boyfriend gets a chicken thing and he is doing the happy-food-dance. To finish off the night (because you haven't eaten quite enough yet), they'll present you with a dessert menu. We opted against dessert (we were full); however, we chose the "Cafe Diavolo: Coffee of the Devil!" Which is basically a ton of booze set on fire with a splash of coffee in it. Again, he makes this elaborate concoction table-side, and it is a delight to watch, as this schtick too is well-practiced over 50 years. It tastes great, and it will get you snockered. So be sure to linger a bit so you're OK to drive home. I guarantee you'll be saying "Cafe Diavolo: Coffee of the Devil!" for a month after you leave this place. Please go there before Vincente is no longer there. I'm telling you, you will not regret it. It is .0001% cheesy, and it is .00002% campy. Go with it. Feel the love. Bask in the history and greatness of this man. He will flirt with the ladies in that grandpa way, and you will LOVE it. If you've got any Italian in your lineage, you will be convinced you're related to him. When you're there, you're family. Please be aware that it ain't cheap, but then again, you are spending a good chunk of time there (think 2.5 - 3 hours). For two people, it was just over $115, I think. But it is worth every penny. This is my mom talking: Don't be a slob when you go there. Look nice, be respectful, and remember your manners.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Ed M.
Not sure why the other review got filtered but both of the above reviews sums up the Vincente's "experience" to a t. If you go you must: - bring an appetite - get the walking menu (Vincent) - let him figure out what you want (you might not even know you want what you want!) - get a Caesar - get an appetizer (let him help you) - pick your main and get a side of pasta (or vice versa); the twice baked is perfection, or ask for Hay and Straw if you want pasta - my favorite - get the Cafe Diablo at least once The veal is the best I've had in the world - he's a master of this dish. Chop, scallopini, or otherwise - it's simply the most creative and delicious ways I've seen. Beef is also prepared great every time - his au poivre is the best. You can't go wrong with any of his ultra-fresh fish dishes. If you're in the mood for pasta, don't feel like you're settling. Or if you can't decide, tell him that and he'll make a combination that will rock your world. I've been going to Vincente's since I was 6 years old, and I'm 35 now. I have been through every incarnation from Lincoln St. to this latest at Kirkwood Highway. The location may change, but the experience does not. It's 5 stars every time. He's a crown jewel of the culinary scene in Delaware and beyond. Hidden gem: grab a drink at the bar post-dinner and get a dessert. Thomas will entertain with great drinks and conversation.
(5)Maghady B.
This place is the best in the tri-state area. It's full of love, laughter, and very romantic. The bar is always stocked with the best beer and wine accompanied by a great happy hour! If you want real food and service with a smile and down to earth people in a fine dining restaurant. I love this place
(5)David H.
I went to Vincentes on Valentines Day with my girlfriend. What came to my surprise was they had a prefix menu for that day, basically you pay $60 a person they choose your appetizer, soup and salad for you and then you had about 5 options to choose from as an entree. I felt obligated to stay although I wanted to leave because the choices were not what I wanted. A couple next to us sat down had a beer and left, as I should have. The beer cheese with bread was decent. Nothing to get excited about. The bisque was the best part of the meal, it was creamy yet not too thick, not enough meat in it tho. The guy who made the salad was really friendly and the wait staff was excellent but I grade this experience on taste. They make a home made table side Ceasar salad for you and tell you a whole story on how they have the original recipe and all that. Said it was going to be the best salad I ever had, it was good, but again... Nothing to get over-excited about. I chose the veal with lump crab meat and shrimp. The food was luke warm and bland. Had little flavor to it. My girlfriend and I asked for a box and said we were full just to be polite. That box hit the dog bowl at home. Trust me when I say I'm not a tough critic, I don't have some taste palate that can never be satisfied and I'm not some stuck up a-hole but I was really just unhappy with the experience. Will not be doing Vincentes again. Maybe it's better when you can choose from the full menu but it was really expensive for what you get. I decided to bump it up one star only because the guy who prepared my salad made us laugh and he seemed like a nice person, and the soup was good.
(2)CrabCake W.
Only getting 2 stars....here is why... While the food was good (not great- but good) the service was terrible, it was really lacking. The server brought out the wrong main course for me and I had to wait 20 mins while my dinner mates at their meals and the kitchen re cooked my order. Also failed to refill our drinks, forgot both of our side dishes. And let me tell you about the infamous "walking menu"... It is a tired old tradition that needs to be retired. Maybe it was cute for the old man to do it but his son (grandson?) does it and it, and frankly....he sucks. He keeps firing different options at you and you don't even have time to think about and compare the different dinner possibilities. He needs to back the EFF OFF. The paper menu is just fine and offers plenty of options. Besides, the walking menu is just an excuse to charge you more money. Also, same thing goes for making the Caesar salad tableside. Make it in the kitchen and be done with it. No one likes having their dinner experience interrupted by some clown tossing parmesan cheese across the dining room (and he missed terribly about 9 times out of 10) or making stupid jokes. It really was a distraction and completely unnecessary. Again, maybe it was cute for the old man to do it, but he long gone and time to retire this worn out tradition. Besides the Caesar salad had far too much garlic anyway. All in all, we will not return, it is too much like a circus side show than a restaurant, far too much money for just average food, bad service and a circus sideshow atmosphere. Retire the walking menu and the clownish Caesar salad performance and focus on the FOOD AND THE SERVICE. You'll draw in more customers.
(2)Mary F.
Customized menu, Chef will make it how you want it. Great ceaser salad and entertaining presentation. We loved it and will be back!
(4)Geoff S.
The food is good but small portions for what you pay. The owner is very accommodating and offers suggestions based on what you feel like. Caesar Salad is signature and very good even for someone who is not a big salad person. The only things that I have negative to say is the one waiter who was accommodating seemed a bit full of himself or snooty. The whiskey I ordered was extremely watered-down. As someone who drinks whiskey I can tell when whiskey is watered-down by either water backing it over ice or loading the bottle with water either way they lost my trust and pretty much made me question quality of the restaurant. If you need to water down the alcohol perhaps they are cutting corners in other areas as well. The walking menu is good but over priced as well...
(4)Karen C.
Food is great! Danny is hot!
(5)Jaime S.
This is a restaurant who truly understands customer service. Owner comes to every table and not only customizes menu but gives you a vivid tour of it. Everyone cares that you have a Wonderful experience. While I have ordered a couple items that I was not too keen on the majority of dishes hit the spot. If you like your pasta homemade and hearty get the italian flag.... Feel free to customize the sauces and add a protein or two.
(5)J B.
Got takeout. Service was great and the time suggested on the phone was spot on. Good stuff. Caesar salad A+, thanks for the recommendations to all the previous reviewers. Fettuccine alfredo was delicious (ricotta base instead of or in addition to cream) but it did need some salt. Penne bolognese was tasty, and adequately seasoned, but it was pretty two dimensional---missing some other flavor, like from wine or the fat of one of the three meats used in the dish. Pasta was cooked to the right doneness. Tiramisu appeared to have been made in-restaurant. It replaced espresso with chocolate, and it worked, but there was some crunchy texture due to the cake having been frozen.
(4)Davis T.
The family went here for a special meal for a special occasion. Wait staff was phenomenal and accommodating. I highly suggest listening to the walking menu from the owner for daily specials. It is very important to him that each customer receives a meal they want rather then settle for just what's on the menu. Ask questions and let him create a meal for you. Can't wait to return
(5)Matt Y.
My wife and I were visiting from out of town and hungry for Italian. The hotel staff recommended Vincente's. Walking in it looked like a comfortable place, but nothing too special. Well my first impression was wrong. This place was great in every way. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. They have a written and spoken menu. If they have the ingredients they will make it. The Cesar salad is a must. (Made table side) The food and the price were outstanding. I will be eating here again.
(5)CA S.
Love Vincente's, atmosphere is great. The Chef was very knowledgeable and did an excellent job explaining meal options. The food was outstanding and the presentation was perfect. The Cesar salad was one of the best I've ever had. Will definitely be returning. Highly recommend it!
(5)Jackie B.
Ok. So I am so disappointed in my DE yelpers! I am giving this place an extra star than it deserves because of effort and some of it was ok. Where to start... Oddly enough instead of getting bread right away you get whatever their feature app is and a piece of garlic bread with beer cheese. Strange but it was good. Next. We all ordered apps. Crabcake, moz. Wedge, seafood crepe, and some hay pasta thing. I really liked the crab cake but for 12 it was the size of a silver dollar. U get one moz. Wedge for 10 bucks and for 13 the crepe was a joke. They were not bad but the prices were ludicrous. We're in the middle of de not times square! We got the tableside Caesar which was 9 a person. 27 bucks for 3 small plates and not that great. The best part of it was Mr. Vincette's show of it all. I would eat it again but not at this price. Dinner was a joke. 26 for veal and you get 2 small slivers cut into 8 pieces. I can cut my own food thank you! And there was barely any sauce on anything except the spaghetti, which my friend told me was like a paste. Server was so friendly and attentive I felt bad she had to work here. It was fri night 7 pm and there were maybe 5 tables in the place. Now I know why. No one that hates it writes a review! I do believe the owner has heart and he is a sweet old man but for the prices and portions you have to be kidding me! 2 of the members of our party are at Denny's right now. Seriously!?! Let's not even mention the fact of how scary the outside of the place was. I should've run when I had the chance. Delaware you did me dirty!
(2)Lynn S.
I had a great experience! Definately get the walking menu, just as the other reviewers stated, he will come up with exactly what you want even if you didn't know you wanted it. The caesar salad is something you can not pass up. It is an authentic caesar and you can't beat the show that comes along with it. For dinner, I had an eggplant dish that was layered with seafood and ricotta cheese with a diablo sauce. It was one of the best eggplant dishes I've ever had. My husband got the Osco Busco, which was good. And for dessert we had the cannoli - yummy!! Ignore the reviewer, Jackie B, I was there the night she was....Not the class of people that belonged there. She is absolutely right about going to Denny's because that's more her speed. If you have not tried Vicente's you should. You will not be disappointed. Be aware it is a little pricey but to someone who loves food, it is worth it.
(4)Courtney D.
I'm from Los Angeles and my sister is from Asheville, NC and we recently visited Vincente's for a luncheon after attending a dear aunt's funeral in Wilmington. There was a big group of us, and the lunch was served buffet-style. My sister is vegetarian and I don't eat meat, dairy or gluten, and we are used to going hungry in situations where we can't order for ourselves. The relative who'd booked the restaurant for our event apparently had told the owner, Vincent (yes, he actually exists--an adorable older man who couldn't have been warmer or more welcoming) that we ate a limited diet, because his son, Danny, who is the chef, came out to talk to us. He asked us about various ingredients we might like (eggplant, etc.), asked if we'd like them prepared this way or that, etc., then he went back into the kitchen and made us a fantastic vegan, gluten-free meal. We were psyched not just to be able to eat alongside everyone else, but to have a fantastic meal besides. He visited us after the meal was served, to make sure we liked it, and was incredibly nice and attentive. The waitress was great, as well--warm and friendly--and the entire experience made everyone want to return for dinner at a later date. If I lived in Wilmington, I have no doubt Vincente's would be one of my regular, beloved destinations.
(5)Milton G.
We were visiting friends in Newark, DE and asked them to pick a local restaurant that was their favorite. After driving through Newark which appeared to be a culinary desert they brought us to Vincente's which appeared to be fairly unimpressive from the exterior. However, when you walked in you knew you were in for a treat. The ceasar salad was spectacular and Vincente's tableside preparation was a wonderful part of it. The menu is incredible including the execution. Somehow we were have to get ourselves back there is take in these delights. If you live in or near Newark you cannot miss this experience.
(5)Mike C.
The food here is top notch. Just ask and they will make anything you wish to eat. There is a walking menu, he is the best ever. Tommy is behind the bar. He is on time every time. The wait staff is fantastic. I can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)Thomas M.
I was at the table next to Linda L and she seemed like she had an axe to grind , complaining all night . I love vincentes , never had a bad meal ever n I go at least once a week . My feelings are that after the amazing free appetizer , flounder vincentes n garlic bread with beer cheese, and the best Caesar salad in the country plus dinner rolls she n her friend were full . Could tell not real customers as were really under dressed , below upscale casual which is what it is there. As you can see by other reviews , this is an excellent establishment . By the way our waitress told us they left without paying for the full mean , of which is a serious charge n can be arrested for . False claims in a public setting are just ignorant n the wrong thing to do
(5)Jill K.
Can't say enough fabulous things about Vincente's. They used to be located in Wilmington, in Independence Mall, but he moved to Glen Mills for a little while, and now he's down on Kirkwood Highway. Yay! The restaurant is owned by Vincente, who is this adorable old Italian guy who has been running this restaurant for almost 50 years, I bet. He is AWESOME. I go to this restaurant just to see him, he is simply that cool. The dude is a freakin' institution. Anyway, when you first walk in, you'll be asked if you want a paper menu or "the walking menu." For the love of God and all that is holy, get the walking menu! The walking menu is simply this: Vincente himself comes to your table and asks you what you're in the mood for. Steak? Pasta? Seafood? Chicken? (I picked steak.) Then he asks what kind of steak you like. Prime rib? Filet? Something spicy? (I picked something spicy.) He asked me if I liked bleu cheese, and I said, "Amen, brother." So he said, "One steak au poivre!" and the waitress next to him jotted it down. The guy has this schtick down to a science. It is a script he's been reciting for 50 years. Listen to this man, he is a pro. He asks if you want some soup. He tells you the soups. We go for the minestrone, and we are very very happy. Then he asks if you're in the mood for salad. You are an idiot if you say no. You must get the Caesar salad, even if you hate Caesar salad. Trust me. I normally don't care about a Caesar salad either way, but dude, you will lick the plate and beg for more. What makes this Caesar salad special is the fact that he makes it tableside, in a wooden bowl he's been using for 50 years. Yes, he uses raw eggs; just suck it up and live on the edge, fer cryin' out loud! Then... he takes a little bowl of grated parmesan cheese and picks out a cheese wad that invariably forms... and then he flicks the cheese wad into the wooden bowl with a teeny spoon. Yeah, OK, no big deal. Then he takes 10 steps back and flings again. He shoots! He scores! Then he walks *clear across the room* and this 75-year-old guy whips a cheese wad right into the bowl. It is amazing. And if he misses you don't even care, because he is just so awesome and warm and terrific. And yes, the salad is absolutely, unspeakably delicious. Fresh, crisp, amazing. The steak au poivre arrives and it is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. That is all you need to know about that. One friend gets gnocchi and is sent to heaven. My boyfriend gets a chicken thing and he is doing the happy-food-dance. To finish off the night (because you haven't eaten quite enough yet), they'll present you with a dessert menu. We opted against dessert (we were full); however, we chose the "Cafe Diavolo: Coffee of the Devil!" Which is basically a ton of booze set on fire with a splash of coffee in it. Again, he makes this elaborate concoction table-side, and it is a delight to watch, as this schtick too is well-practiced over 50 years. It tastes great, and it will get you snockered. So be sure to linger a bit so you're OK to drive home. I guarantee you'll be saying "Cafe Diavolo: Coffee of the Devil!" for a month after you leave this place. Please go there before Vincente is no longer there. I'm telling you, you will not regret it. It is .0001% cheesy, and it is .00002% campy. Go with it. Feel the love. Bask in the history and greatness of this man. He will flirt with the ladies in that grandpa way, and you will LOVE it. If you've got any Italian in your lineage, you will be convinced you're related to him. When you're there, you're family. Please be aware that it ain't cheap, but then again, you are spending a good chunk of time there (think 2.5 - 3 hours). For two people, it was just over $115, I think. But it is worth every penny. This is my mom talking: Don't be a slob when you go there. Look nice, be respectful, and remember your manners.
(5)