I've lived in Chapel Hill for over 20 years so I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about the local restaurant scene. My recent experience at Vespa confirmed what I have always felt about the restaurant, and what I have heard others mention as well; that the staff seem somewhat pushy to get you in and then get you out, and that the food itself was not very good.
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Let me preface by saying that my date and I were one of three groups of people seated in the restaurant at about 6:15. Our waiter was great, but when we were given the wine list another manager-type person came over and offered to help us out on our wine selection. He repeatedly told us that they were ""out"" of many of the items on the per-glass menu and I felt he was a little pushy trying to get us to purchase a bottle. They only had two types of wine from italy by the glass, in an italian restaurant?
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The bread arrived and it was cold, dry, and not tasty whatsoever. Not a big deal, I suppose.
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Then the food arrived; I got the Gnocchi and my date got the Fetuccini Primavera. Mine was almost cold, heavy, and almost tasteless. My date's meal was better (she said she liked it) but I personally thought she was being polite (I thought it was average at best). I didn't think it was worth the price we paid by any means.
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I recommend Vespa for the atmosphere (romantic) but definitely NOT the service (pushy) or the food (below average).
Pros: Atmosphere, parking
Cons: Pushy and rude service, tasteless food
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