I went to Vespa last Friday, fully expecting an outstanding experience. Once we got there, the server was very busy and inattentive. It was at least 10 minutes before anyone stopped by our table. ... More

I went to Vespa last Friday, fully expecting an outstanding experience. Once we got there, the server was very busy and inattentive. It was at least 10 minutes before anyone stopped by our table. When she finally stopped by, she told us they were out of lasagna (it was only 7:30!) which is what I wanted because the menu options are ridiculous. It may be creative, but there really wasn't anything on the menu that I wanted. I was expecting normal, great Italian food. I finally chose something that looked rather odd, and then it came out and it was. There are so many great Italian places in the city and the UES. This certainly doesn't deserve to be # 2 for Best of Citysearch. Cons: menu choices, service
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I'd walked by Vespa several times and finally went in for dinner the other night. It was great. The outside garden is perfect and the food was delicious. The atmosphere is a much needed change for... More

I'd walked by Vespa several times and finally went in for dinner the other night. It was great. The outside garden is perfect and the food was delicious. The atmosphere is a much needed change for the upper east side! Pros: garden, great wine selection Cons: small bar
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You wouldn't expect a place like this on the upper east side....we went on a friends recommendation and we were very happy. A seasonal menu that was perfect for what we were looking for. We waited a... More

You wouldn't expect a place like this on the upper east side....we went on a friends recommendation and we were very happy. A seasonal menu that was perfect for what we were looking for. We waited a little to catch a seat in the garden and were shocked to see how big it was once we were taken to our table. The service staff and management were extremely nice and took good care of us. We wish we lived closer, but it was definately worth the trip. WE WILL BE BACK! Pros: Pasta, Cocktail List, Garden Cons: none
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i found vespa on this site and decided that the reviews were enough for me. the place was packed when we arrived, always a great sign in my opinion. a very very small bar in the back caught my... More

i found vespa on this site and decided that the reviews were enough for me. the place was packed when we arrived, always a great sign in my opinion. a very very small bar in the back caught my eye, and we sat there. it was the perfect spot, you could see nearly all of the small restaurant, and the prep kitchen was right in front of us. vespa has a great vibe. our server was outstanding, constantly giving us great suggestions for both food and wine. the beautiful girl i was so lucky to be with and i love to share things, we enjoy the small plates. vespa has a great assortment of appetizers at a fantastic value. the wines by the glass were quite reasonable. if you like the smaller places that have a lot of character and charm and outstanding food and selection, you'll really enjoy vespa. Pros: atmosphere, food, wines by the glass Cons: none at all!
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Vespa has great food, great interior and great staff. Friendly waiters serve consistently fresh dishes and are knowledgable aout their wines. The music is always cool and never the same. Menu... More

Vespa has great food, great interior and great staff. Friendly waiters serve consistently fresh dishes and are knowledgable aout their wines. The music is always cool and never the same. Menu additions range from italian classics to unique fish preparations. And the pasta!!! It's made fresh on the premesis and it is gooooood. Try the cavatelli. Enough said. Pros: fresh, delicious, unique
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vespa has become my defaul;t restaurant. 7 out of 10 time i dine out is there. was in last night to find new menu changes the duck is now served with a yogurt suace with is non typical for duck... More

vespa has become my defaul;t restaurant. 7 out of 10 time i dine out is there. was in last night to find new menu changes the duck is now served with a yogurt suace with is non typical for duck but gave it anice mediteranian feel served with beets and apples and some suateed spicach. cant go wrong. the steak is now a rib steak bursting with flavor it was cooked to perfection and the season made for a delicous crust, really great job with teh steak and certainly large enough for a filling meal. also had 2 bottles of and argentinian syrah that was tastey and ligjht and went great with the food and was cheap too. will def be back soon cant wait for the garden to be open. and cant wiat for teh new place in the summer. Pros: comfortable, great food and wine, reasonable prices
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After trying almost every Italian restaurant worth trying in the East Village, I decided to venture uptown. I had heard many things about Vespa and it was worth the trip. The place is very nice... More

After trying almost every Italian restaurant worth trying in the East Village, I decided to venture uptown. I had heard many things about Vespa and it was worth the trip. The place is very nice inside, cozy and warm. good atmosphere, good music. The food was great. I would like to go back in the spring/summer and dine in the garden. Pros: nice, cozy
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Love the place! Great Food, Funky Decor and a great service staff. Has a very comfortable feel. Tried some great dessert wines with our cheese course. We'll definatley be back! Pros: Food, Wine,... More

Love the place! Great Food, Funky Decor and a great service staff. Has a very comfortable feel. Tried some great dessert wines with our cheese course. We'll definatley be back! Pros: Food, Wine, Service Cons: crowded
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I cannot say enough about the excellent time I had at Vespa. Once my date and I entered the restaurant (on our first date), I was greeted by the bartender and owner in the friendliest of ways. As i... More

I cannot say enough about the excellent time I had at Vespa. Once my date and I entered the restaurant (on our first date), I was greeted by the bartender and owner in the friendliest of ways. As i was escorted to my table the ambiance was simply perfect. For starters we enjoyed a wonderful tasting platter that went perfectly with the wine the owner suggested. For entrees we enjoyed a delicious gnocchi pasta and exquisite duck entree. The desert was the perfect ending to a perfect evening. We enjoyed a warm pear tart which was complemented perfectly with some moscoto dolce vino. Besides the phenomenal food, the service was excellent. P.S. the entire wait staff is extremely attractive.
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One word...YUCK! The atmosphere isn't bad, but the food was awful. I got a seafood pasta, which was my first mistake. The pasta was overcooked and the seafood didn't taste fresh. On the plus... More

One word...YUCK! The atmosphere isn't bad, but the food was awful. I got a seafood pasta, which was my first mistake. The pasta was overcooked and the seafood didn't taste fresh. On the plus side, it wasn't very expensive so I didn't feel to guilty leaving most of it on the table.
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