I went with a few friends to this cute establishment which boasted little of its offerings to the passersby. Only with a head-pop and a read of reviews would one know what goodness this small... More

I went with a few friends to this cute establishment which boasted little of its offerings to the passersby. Only with a head-pop and a read of reviews would one know what goodness this small package holds inside--both in ambiance and quality ecclectic dining. I found this Italian restaurant to be far cry from the mediocrity plaguing many Italian restaurants today -- pasta/pesto/pizza. On the contrary, the menu was fraught with savory dishes with a twist -- clearly the chef dabbles in art -- the art of pleasing the palate that is! Great appetizers, main courses, desserts, and wines. Oh, do try the rasberry mojito and the marinated skirt steak. My friend had the scallops -- they were to die for as well. Do make reservations. Do dress sassy. Definitely worth the $$! Pros: food, garden dining, music Cons: nada!
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manager really knows his stuff at this heighborhood favorite boit'. food is always consistant and the staff always friendly well air conditioned restaurant. My wife is "high matainance" and these... More

manager really knows his stuff at this heighborhood favorite boit'. food is always consistant and the staff always friendly well air conditioned restaurant. My wife is "high matainance" and these guys really do well with it. I love the fun eclectic wine list. good job. Pros: cool outdoor cafe Cons: short wait
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WHEN I CAME HOME FROM MY ITALIAN HOLIDAY, WHERE I HAD SOME OF THE BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD, VESPA WAS MY ITALY AWAY FROM ITALY!!! THEY SERVE FRESH AND INOVATIVE DISHES, BUT WITH A FEEL OF HOME... More

WHEN I CAME HOME FROM MY ITALIAN HOLIDAY, WHERE I HAD SOME OF THE BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD, VESPA WAS MY ITALY AWAY FROM ITALY!!! THEY SERVE FRESH AND INOVATIVE DISHES, BUT WITH A FEEL OF HOME COOKING, JUST LIKE IT SHOULD BE!! THE STAFF IS FRIENDLY AND ATTENTIVE AND THE RESTAURANT IS VERY INVITING!! IT'S MY FAVORITE RECOMMENDATION, ESPECIALLY ON A BEAUTIFUL EVENING, YOU CAN SIT IN THE GARDEN !!! GRACIE VESPA FOR GIVING ME A LITTLE OF ITALY IN NEW YORK!!! Pros: GARDEN AMBIENCE
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I went to Vespa on Friday Night (after researching on citysearch), on an important date for our 1 year anniversary. As promised by the gentelman at the door a wonderful and amazing table in their... More

I went to Vespa on Friday Night (after researching on citysearch), on an important date for our 1 year anniversary. As promised by the gentelman at the door a wonderful and amazing table in their beautiful garden was delivered. I can't say enough about the garden, not to mention how attentitive and professional the staff was, which complimented the food as well. Unbeleivable squash blossoms, and pork chop with salad. Great music good food, good wine, the best of the upper east side by far, if not NYC! We Will Be BACK! Pros: Music, garden, service
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The outdoor dining area at Vespa is to die for. Its romantic and cozy, and yet brimming with a vibrant and fun crowd. Most places are either romantic but dull or crowded and loud....Vespa is a... More

The outdoor dining area at Vespa is to die for. Its romantic and cozy, and yet brimming with a vibrant and fun crowd. Most places are either romantic but dull or crowded and loud....Vespa is a perfect blend. I love it. And the food is fabulous. For my appetizer I ordered their pan roasted clams. They were delicious - tangy with that right touch of spice. My entree was an old favorite - their Cavatelli - I am still unable to cheat on it and get something new. Its very heavy and you will feel stuffed after the meal, but its one of those things that are bad for you but you just cant say no! I highly recommend a bottle of their 'Barbera d'Asti'. The first sip will wake you up. It's rich, flavorful, and not easy to forget. Great meal! Will keep going back for more!
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Have been here a few times. The ingredients are super fresh, the menu is inventive and the outdoor garden is a piece of Italian heaven. Plus there is good music and a gorgeous... More

Have been here a few times. The ingredients are super fresh, the menu is inventive and the outdoor garden is a piece of Italian heaven. Plus there is good music and a gorgeous bartender. GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL. Pros: Food/Atmosphere/Value Cons: Gets crowded
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Any outdoor dining space in New York is a gift, but the garden at Vespa is truly an oasis. Along with the experienced staff the intoxicating food and extensive wine list make this culinary... More

Any outdoor dining space in New York is a gift, but the garden at Vespa is truly an oasis. Along with the experienced staff the intoxicating food and extensive wine list make this culinary experience near-religious.
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Went with my wife on Sat nite 5/20/06 at 8. Made a res. that morning. Don't try this if you're arriving after 8 because it gets packed. "Garden" seating on a nice night is the way to go, nothing... More

Went with my wife on Sat nite 5/20/06 at 8. Made a res. that morning. Don't try this if you're arriving after 8 because it gets packed. "Garden" seating on a nice night is the way to go, nothing wrong with inside though. Food was very good. I wouldn't say superb. We ordered two appetizers, the mozz. with beefsteak tomato and seared scallops. Scallops were perfect. Mozz/tomato was ok. Needs nicer mozzarella cheese and sliced for us instead of being served in 3 balls. For dinner, we had striped bass and rack of lamb. Both we're very good. Nothing jaw-dropping, but certainly worth the money. Our food/drinks (two beers for me, two pinot grigio's for my wife) came to $103.00. I wouldn't run back and make this a "regular" place for us, but it's worth trying. The unisex bathroom "behind the red door" was a little wierd for my wife. Pros: atomosphere, service, value Cons: unisex bathroom, food not "to die for", not for groups over 4
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Vespa in an unlikely place in the Upper East Side and you can't miss it with the Vespa permanently parked out front, natch. Primarily a restaurant, they serve Italian fare, including pastas, meats... More

Vespa in an unlikely place in the Upper East Side and you can't miss it with the Vespa permanently parked out front, natch. Primarily a restaurant, they serve Italian fare, including pastas, meats and fish. They have a sweet little bar up front for drinks prior to dining, making it possible to wait for a friend in comfort while sitting at one of the little tables up front or at the bar. But once the warm weather hits, you'll want to hang out in the back garden, whether you're eating or dancing. Yes, dancing. On Friday nights, this place turns into an al fresco lounge with their house DJ spinning music into the wee hours, from Thursday through Sunday. ON the weekends, it's disco, while on Thursday and Friday, it's a clubbier mix that lifts people up off their feet to dance.
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I have enjoyed the food, atmosphere and staff at vespa for some time now but just recently I hired them to cater a private party off site. It was amazing! The food was incredible and everyone said... More

I have enjoyed the food, atmosphere and staff at vespa for some time now but just recently I hired them to cater a private party off site. It was amazing! The food was incredible and everyone said so! They were the hit of the party (70 people). The service and food were not compromised by preparing off site and the staff just as accommodating and friendly as ever- of course the garden at the restaurant is perfect for beautiful nights and great food, wine and dessert! Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Garden
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