Don't spend your day in the kitchen for your guests. Let Chef Luigi cater your event. Whether it's a party, gathering, business meeting, or any kind of celebration, we've got you covered at your place or ours! Learn more about our event catering and leave the cooking to Chef Luigi!. The Renaissance began in Italy.
Since opening in 1988, Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities has been cited as "The Little Jewel of Little Italy." One can savor the authentic regional Italian cuisine, that the name sake chef has made famous and available for all. Chef Luigi Vitrone presents a menu featuring homemade Italian favorites that you, your friends, and family will savor and enjoy!
Since opening in 1988, Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities has been cited as "The Little Jewel of Little Italy." One can savor the authentic regional Italian cuisine, that the name sake chef has made famous and available for all. Chef Luigi Vitrone presents a menu featuring homemade Italian favorites that you, your friends, and family will savor and enjoy!
Services
We spend hours making sauces, pasta dough and desserts. There are no shortcuts. We cook our own stock. We make our own pesto. Our house dressing is all made here from the freshest ingredients. Our food does not come from a can or a frozen block. It is not pre-made and delivered like the chain restaurants and larger independents.
Whether it is a wedding rehearsal dinner, a wedding reception, a corporate style luncheon, an office party, or even just a holiday party in your home, Luigi Vitrone's Pastabilities can customize our menu to make your event one to remember. Luigi is able to format anything you may not see on the "in house menu" to fit your needs!
Before you head to Pastabilities for a delicious meal and a wonderful time, stop by Luigi Vitrone's Old Skool Antiques, located right next door to Pastabilities!. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or a unique accent for your home, you're sure to find it here.
Please stop by our cozy little row home and take a nostalgic browse through three floors chock full or antiques from all eras, hand crafted, hard-to-find uniques, and different kinds of collectibles.When you visit, you'll see familiar things from the past and perhaps you'll get that feeling of dj vu and yet, we can promise that you've never seen another shop like this.
Please stop by our cozy little row home and take a nostalgic browse through three floors chock full or antiques from all eras, hand crafted, hard-to-find uniques, and different kinds of collectibles.When you visit, you'll see familiar things from the past and perhaps you'll get that feeling of dj vu and yet, we can promise that you've never seen another shop like this.
Reviews (28)
Randy Hammond
Jan 14, 2022
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Make sure nothing happens to you on your way to your reservation. I made reservations and just so happens I had an emergency on my way there and couldn’t make it. And obviously couldn’t call to cancel. Later I get this lovely text and then as you see since I didn’t answer the harassing text I got another lovely childish text 3 hours later from the establishment. Sad part is we ALWAYS support small businesses since we have family and friends that own them and completely understand that they need the business to stay alive. Well this one sure won’t ever be getting my business!!!
Linda Woody
Jan 11, 2022
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Portions were generous but the food just wasn’t good. We ordered 2 apps and 2 entrees and had a couple bites of each and threw the rest away. The meats in the antipasto weren’t fresh, the arancini had bleu cheese (what?!!), the sauce had large pieces of onion, and while he may season it himself, it’s absolutely from a jar or can. If you call that homemade, then ok, but it’s not truly homemade if it comes from a jar or can…even if it’s a jar of whole tomatoes.
Penny Hagerty
Jan 04, 2022
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Aaron Cheney balls were all they were supposed to be! Sauce is amazing! Service on the other hand, left much to be desired. And the attitude of the chef/ owner really leaves a lot to be desired. Could have been a much more enjoyable experience if the attitudes of the staff were improved. I was there for my birthday and expected a much better experience.
Betty Pont
Dec 18, 2021
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Veronica S.
Oct 09, 2021
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Dorene R.
Oct 05, 2021
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Eccentric & Eclectic with regional Italian excellence on top. Luigi is a "one man band" as he makes his pasta & dishes from scratch in a tiny kitchen big enough for one. He has one sweet, efficient waitress that has easily been with him for a decade plus. This place is like walking into a collectors home. The walls and ledges are covered with personal memento's & memorabilia. Although kitschy I am not a fan of this. My dinner companions liked it. The place was clean given all of that. I ordered the veal parmigiana and my husband ordered the T bone special. Very
Jade Sutton
Aug 25, 2021
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This place just feels like home! The first time I came I dined alone and immediately told Doris I have to bring my mother here. This passed Saturday I was able to bring her and my uncle who was visiting and man did they LOVE it. Uncle Luigi and Doris are so friendly and you taste the love in the food and the service. My home away from home!
Kim A.
Aug 09, 2021
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The best homemade Italian food in Delaware! I drive from PA all the time for Luigi's Pastabilities. Everything is amazing on the menu & the specials are off the charts. The ambiance is quirky and fun. Doris serves up the Chef's creations and makes you feel like family. The meals are plentiful and I always take home enough to enjoy the next day. Try the cannolis as you can't go wrong!
Katarina S.
Jun 15, 2021
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I had very high expectations but wasn't very impressed. I had arancini for an appetizer that were good but the blue cheese didn't make sense for me to be in the dish. It was very overpowering. For the main dish I ordered veal spezzato with broccoli rabe on the side and both dishes were very oily. My friends had ravioli, tortellini, and gnocchi that were decent and I wish I ordered gnocchi. For dessert I had cannoli and that was really good.
Ian Wilt
May 22, 2021
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This is a small restaurant, but it's got a great atmosphere and great food! The decorations around the place give it a lot of character, plus it's been around for about 100 years! My family and I had to come here after seeing it featured on a rerun of Guy Fieri's show. Had the veal marsala and also calamari as an appetizer, super delicious. Luigi and Doris are a pleasure, it's not often you get to go to a restaurant where you're able to talk to the chef and owner! Ditch your average crummy pizzeria and come here for some real, authentic Italian food!
Kevin K.
May 02, 2021
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The best Italian restaurant in the area! It's small and you may think you are not at a restaurant when you walk in the door but once you sit down and the food starts coming out you will thank me for recommending The place. The pasta and many other foods are homemade and the server is helpful and very friendly. Make sure you call and make a reservation as this place is small.
Reed F.
Apr 17, 2021
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Joseph R.
Dec 21, 2020
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A wonderful experience. First off the place is so cool. A very old and vintage style. With odd but endearing feelings when you walk in. The waiter was very nice and told us about the restaurants history. The food was very authentic and had a homemade charm to it. Also the owner Luigi Vitrone was very cool.
John H.
Sep 29, 2020
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Don't go by the previous ratings. Best Italian restaurant we've been at in the tri state area. We all (4 ) had different meals and everyone agreed, the best. We've been to Italy several times and this little restaurant is the closest we found to be authentic. The bruschetta was awesome, as well as the antipasto, and the flat bread for appetizer For dessert we had Bananas foster over funnel cake and it was very good too. As for the price it was reasonable and worth every penny.
Steve A.
Jun 10, 2020
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Finally, I have found the best italian food in Delaware. Came across this place and was amazed by the accolades it had received through the years. Ranked top 1000 italian places worldwide, appeared on DDD. Owner/Chef also attended Culinary institute or America. I ordered the chicken fontina but received the chicken parm. Cant even be mad, that chicken was incredible with the panko seasoning. The noodles, sauce and bread were also great. All homemade here got to respect that, truly a incredible meal and it's a honor to have a meal by someone who's got incredible experience like this. Definitely
Maxton W.
Feb 14, 2020
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This place has been on my list ever since the DDD episode aired last year. Unfortunately, our lord and savior Guy Fieri was way off on this one. Amongst our entire table, not a single dish was worth writing home about- and that includes appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
We ordered rice balls and buffalo mozzarella to start, and were surprised to see each $12 appetizer only consisted of two portions (that's $6 per ball!). The rice balls were mediocre, and the mozzarella was cold- you would think fried mozzarella at an Italian joint would be a gimme, but we were sadly mistaken.
Much to our
We ordered rice balls and buffalo mozzarella to start, and were surprised to see each $12 appetizer only consisted of two portions (that's $6 per ball!). The rice balls were mediocre, and the mozzarella was cold- you would think fried mozzarella at an Italian joint would be a gimme, but we were sadly mistaken.
Much to our
Diane H.
Jan 06, 2020
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Second time we have been there and the food was just as fantastic as the first time. The veal parmasean was so tender you could cut it with the fork..Delicious... The appetizers were so good. Go hungry. I don't know how he gets the food flying out of his kitchen. It is a tiny eclectic place which just makes it that much more fun. The waitress was wonderful and patient. One member of our group didn't like what he ordered and they replaced his order. We are looking forward to the next time we can go back. We are making up excuses to celebrate just to go again. If it wasn&apos
James R.
Nov 08, 2019
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Saw on Triple D's
Take recommendations, don't just order the food from show. Everything was excellent.
Came in when it first opened for the day and we had the place to ourselves for the most part. Got to chat with the waitress, who was very sweet.
AMAZING FOOD!!!
Quirky, interesting place. I highly recommend!
Talked to owner some too. He is a nice guy.
Check it out. You will enjoy.
To top off we went to a Lantern Light Festival afterwards, which made the evening even better.
Take recommendations, don't just order the food from show. Everything was excellent.
Came in when it first opened for the day and we had the place to ourselves for the most part. Got to chat with the waitress, who was very sweet.
AMAZING FOOD!!!
Quirky, interesting place. I highly recommend!
Talked to owner some too. He is a nice guy.
Check it out. You will enjoy.
To top off we went to a Lantern Light Festival afterwards, which made the evening even better.
Jeremy Webb
Aug 27, 2019
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Bobby O.
Jul 15, 2019
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After reading the reviews, I was encouraged in giving this place a try. We had reservations at 8:30p, and were seated right away. There is only 2 employees, the chef/owner and the waitress. It took a while before she was able to get our drink order. She brought out cheesy garlic bread, which tasted stale, so not a good start. I ordered spaghetti and meatballs and my partner order the gnocchi. My spaghetti was a little over done, but tasted good, the meatballs were very dry, but flavorful. The gnocchi was delicious. The chef decorated the plates with little bunches of salad ingredients
Em Coffin
Jun 25, 2019
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It was ok. The best thing was cannellini soup and the marinara sauce. Calamari was overdone and the pasta was mediocre. They do give you a piece of bread with tomato sauce on top as a free snack which is nice. I wanted to give it a try because I heard so many things about it but its not all its cracked up to be.
Scott B.
May 14, 2019
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Liz V.
Feb 08, 2019
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Ahh, where do I even start? This is one of Wilmington's best kept Italian secrets. Super unique, charming, and you would easily miss it driving through Wilmington's (very) Little Italy. Luigi cooks, bakes, and all his Italian magic is done in the front of the house where you can observe him in the kitchen. You actually have to walk through his kitchen to get seated--like I mentioned, super unique. My husband and I love this place and his homemade raviolini (highly recommend!) and tortellini and pasta remind us of all the authentic good eats on our last trip to Italy. Luigi mans the kitchen
Andres H.
Dec 15, 2018
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Absolutely unique experience. Quaint and romantic atmosphere, beautiful decor. The food was some of the best I've ever had. Calamari & lobster bisque was top notch. Ravioli and tortellini as entres were out of the world. Cannoli and truffles were rich and flavorful.
I could stare at the walls in this hidden gem for hours and find something unique. The Italian music really brought it together. The chef prepares everything himself (trust me you have to taste it to believe it) and the waitress (Doris) is so kind & polite. Wonderful people overall - will definitely be visiting again.
I could stare at the walls in this hidden gem for hours and find something unique. The Italian music really brought it together. The chef prepares everything himself (trust me you have to taste it to believe it) and the waitress (Doris) is so kind & polite. Wonderful people overall - will definitely be visiting again.
Fidhammer
Oct 10, 2018
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This restaurant is absolutely amazing. The food was dynamite, all homemade deliciousness. The chef and the waitress were fantastic. I had the Dover sole with tomato sauce with capers, olives and crab on top. And it came with a side of homemade spaghetti and red sauce which was the best spaghetti and red sauce I ever had.
If you love great food and quirky little restaurants with the best service and the most amazing food then you don't wanna miss this place. Go, eat and be extremely happy with your choice.
It's stellar!
If you love great food and quirky little restaurants with the best service and the most amazing food then you don't wanna miss this place. Go, eat and be extremely happy with your choice.
It's stellar!
Doug D.
Aug 13, 2018
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I've now been getting take out for lunch at this fantastic place on and off for the better part of the year thanks to the recommendation of a coworker.
The menu is updated daily on the Facebook page. Every meal is $8 and it includes a small salad and water. Cash only. The food is consistently excellent and pick up is always easy in and out. You really should give it a try.
The menu is updated daily on the Facebook page. Every meal is $8 and it includes a small salad and water. Cash only. The food is consistently excellent and pick up is always easy in and out. You really should give it a try.
Neha P.
Apr 01, 2018
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Delicious food, great service. I stopped by on my way home from work and the chef was people watching since it was beautiful out. He greeted me and told me to help myself to any seat in the house. I found a seat at the bar, very quaint inside, a homely feeling. The menu definitely was custom to what the chef makes, so loved that it's not the typical Italian restaurant. I got the arronicini ball, and that tasted interesting-- a little sweet for my liking but the size and crispness were on on point. For dinner I ordered the gnocchi and man was it delish! Definitely do not judge this book
Susan H.
Aug 22, 2016
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**** 4 1/2 Stars ****
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I have to say that this was one of most---if not the most---unique dining experience we've ever had.
Before going to Wilmington, I looked at a map and saw that they had a "Little Italy". Some googling lead me to a website for the neighborhood. There I learned about this restaurant. In a travel forum, I asked which restaurant we should try in Little Italy and the majority said Luigi Vitrone's. They also recommended making a reservation.
We called the restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and got their voice mail. My husband
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I have to say that this was one of most---if not the most---unique dining experience we've ever had.
Before going to Wilmington, I looked at a map and saw that they had a "Little Italy". Some googling lead me to a website for the neighborhood. There I learned about this restaurant. In a travel forum, I asked which restaurant we should try in Little Italy and the majority said Luigi Vitrone's. They also recommended making a reservation.
We called the restaurant on a Saturday afternoon and got their voice mail. My husband
