Vespa may look inviting from the outside, but once you're trying to enjoy your drink and some food, forget about having a conversation with people in your group b/c of the annoyingly LOUD music. ... More

Vespa may look inviting from the outside, but once you're trying to enjoy your drink and some food, forget about having a conversation with people in your group b/c of the annoyingly LOUD music. We walked by earlier in the evening and liked the vibe of the place, but we didn't know that they cranked up the music at night when we returned with our friends. They need to turn down that music because it RUINS the ambience of the place. I could barely hear my boyfriend who was sitting right next to me, and I got a headache from the music. Apparently, management doesn't care about truly making the place comfortable for its customers. Pros: Decent food and drinks Cons: Terrible ambience b/c of the music
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I have to agree with the reviews posted for this restaurant....the atmosphere was cozy and romantic...the servers were accomodating and friendly....we ate in the outside garden area and it began to... More

I have to agree with the reviews posted for this restaurant....the atmosphere was cozy and romantic...the servers were accomodating and friendly....we ate in the outside garden area and it began to rain...the servers made sure that we were covered by the awning and offered several times to move us inside...however, we were content with the ambience of candle light in the garden...The atmosphere was relaxed....they allow smoking at the tables in the garden...so that is always a plus...the only odd thing about this place was that there were caterpillars crawling all over ...but once you got over the inital shock of something crawling on your arm it was fine lol ...the food was delicious and prepared exactly as we ordered it...we will definitely go back..... Pros: Romantic, good food, and smoker friendly
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The vintage Vespa in front and the replica made of Christmas lights and wire over the garden suggest the charm and character of this cozy restaurant. In particular, the interior garden cafe is a... More

The vintage Vespa in front and the replica made of Christmas lights and wire over the garden suggest the charm and character of this cozy restaurant. In particular, the interior garden cafe is a wonderful place to get away from it all and enjoy the somewhat limited menu (but quality over quantity, right?). My only negative about the place is the music: you'll be eating, talking, and drinking at a very loud 120 beats per minute. If only they turned down the bass...
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Despite its size, Vespa manages to do what few NYC restaurants do: offer good food/drinks in a wonderful setting with outstanding service without attitude.Went here on a rainy Saturday night we... More

Despite its size, Vespa manages to do what few NYC restaurants do: offer good food/drinks in a wonderful setting with outstanding service without attitude.Went here on a rainy Saturday night we had made a reservation but due to the size of the restaurant/capacity had to wait 45 minutes. At least 4 different managers/hosts came over and apologized for the delay (we didnt even complain). When we got seated they had complimentary appetizers already on the table for us and bought us a round of drinks. The food was decent for its value (pasta dishes were superb) however wine was overpriced. Vespa is a great neighborhood find and I cant wait to go back when its not raining to sit in the outdoor garden. Note: do not go with a party larger than 4 as there are only 2 tables that can accomodate larger parties. Great date spot!
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I went to Vespa Thurs. night and it was my second time. It was better than the first, so I felt I needed to share my great time at Vespa with everyone else. The DJ was playing good music, the... More

I went to Vespa Thurs. night and it was my second time. It was better than the first, so I felt I needed to share my great time at Vespa with everyone else. The DJ was playing good music, the company I was with all loved it. Not to mention the fresh striped bass. simple and delicious. Service was just right, warm and friendly. We tried several Vespa cocktails, like the pineapple basil margarita, which we drank all night. Good music, fresh food, awesome staff, and great ambiance. Thanks Vespa, I'll be Back! Pros: Great place to go with friends, or on a date!
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Last Saturday, after recommedations from several of my girlfriends, i had my first night at this italian eatery. The atmosphere was inviting and the garden was exceptional -- like a secret that... More

Last Saturday, after recommedations from several of my girlfriends, i had my first night at this italian eatery. The atmosphere was inviting and the garden was exceptional -- like a secret that only you want to know about! The raestaurant was packed, but you wouldnt know by the service. From the moment we walked in, we were taken care of - the host, besides from being tall, dark, and handsome, was very accomodating. Although i didnt make a reservation, he had me and my friends a table in less time than it took to finish my rasberry mojito at the bar! Our waiter, was very attentive and helpful also. He made awesome recommendations about the food and wine -- oh and the gnocchi with artichokes and tomatoes is a must try!! The only thing that took away from the relaxing atmosphere of the garden was the hyper active guy -- maybe a manager?? -- who deemd it appropriate to show my girlfriend his abs at least twice in 10 minutes -- amusing but a little much... All in all, good time had by all, food was fresh and service was above average. Will be back soon. Bravo.
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My husband and I first visited Vespa this past Sat., 4/21/07... although we had to wait a bit for a table, as they were packed with people, believe me, it was absolutely worth the wait! I'd wait... More

My husband and I first visited Vespa this past Sat., 4/21/07... although we had to wait a bit for a table, as they were packed with people, believe me, it was absolutely worth the wait! I'd wait twice as long just to experience that night all over again! Our server, Fernando, was unbelievably attentive, and although he had plently of customers to take care of, he made us feel as if we were his most important patrons. The cuisine is definately a fresh twist on Italian- Mediterranean fare... total sensory overload! Our server also suggested excellent wines that complimented our dinners beautifully. The atmosphere is so relaxed, cozy, and inviting. Unlike most busy restaurants at no point did we ever feel rushed. With the beautiful weather just begining, I can say without a doubt we will be returning very frequently, especially to sit in the garden! Pros: Extraordinary Service, Cuisine & Atmosphere Cons: none
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I have been to VESPA many times and everytime it keeps on getting better and better. This restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite and a place that I frequently bring friends visiting from out... More

I have been to VESPA many times and everytime it keeps on getting better and better. This restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite and a place that I frequently bring friends visiting from out of town. From my experience at Vespa the staff (including the owner, manager and dining staff) has greeted me with smiles, wanting to please and ensure a statisfying dining expereience. I feel at home at Vespa, maybe other restaurants on the UES should take note...VESPA DOES IT RIGHT! Pros: ambiance, service, food
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I was looking forward to having a nice sunday dinner with my boyfriend but that got ruined the minute we entered VESPA. The hostess stood at her station more or less clueless. When she finally... More

I was looking forward to having a nice sunday dinner with my boyfriend but that got ruined the minute we entered VESPA. The hostess stood at her station more or less clueless. When she finally decided to acknowledge that we were standing there she had no idea what tables were available until she consulted with her manager. We were seated at decent table , good atmosphere but the mood again was ruined with a terrible waitress who forgot to place part of our order, charged for a TINY plate of olives and 2 pieces of bread and was less than attentive. The food was decent. The best part of the service were the busboys who continually refilled the water glasses..... i would never go back and never recommend this place. Go next door to Elios !!!!
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I just moved to the UES from 33 and 8th ave. Was walking the neighborhood with my girlfriend over the weekend. Seen Vespa's front doors open heard good music and saw a cool vespa. Decided to go... More

I just moved to the UES from 33 and 8th ave. Was walking the neighborhood with my girlfriend over the weekend. Seen Vespa's front doors open heard good music and saw a cool vespa. Decided to go in, we first just wanted to drink at the bar, after starting our drinks we were offered to sit in their unbelievable garden. They said we can just drink if we want we don't have to eat ( on a busy night very hard to find a restaurant that allows you to do that). And so we did but decided to try their tasting menu, which is little apps. they were delicious. we stayed 4 unexpected hours. were never rushed, tried a couple of Italian after dinner drinks that were recommended by the manager. Great service, food, ambiance, music, and people. Thank You Vespa for welcoming me to the neighborhood, A new regular.... Pros: Warm feeling, great experince. Cons: Gets busy.
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