Vespa Cibobuono

I am a student at the University of North Carolina and I have visited Vespa Restaurant on multiple occassions, never having left wanting. The atmosphere is one of a kind, and the staff makes you feel truly welcome. In my most recent visit, my waitress was extremely po...lite and knowledgable of their wines and menu. Not only is the food fresh and beautifully presented, the courses themselves are innovative spins on traditional Italian dishes. The chefs mix Mediterrean and Middle Eastern entrees into their menu, making for an even more exciting and pleasant experience. On a previous visit, I was a member of a group of 25 adults and students that utilized Vespa's back room, and ordered off of a fixed menu of the chef's design. It was a perfect evening, with perfect service, and I fully recommend Vespa Restaurant to anyone seeking an impeccable dining experience. Read More

If you're a student looking for somewhere nice for your parents to take you, or just want some fine Italian cuisine, don't go here. The food is surprisingly disappointing. I don't understand how the place stays open, much less how some give it stellar review (maybe the ...quality has declined over the years?). I tried the gnocchi as well as the penne with salmon. The gnocchi was mushy and light, like raw bread dough boiled in water. The sauce was soupy and flavorless. As for the penne... there was hardly any salmon, the pasta was once again overcooked, and the sauce was more water than anything. To say there is room for improvement in the food quality is woefully understated. Please save your money, or go somewhere worth the price tag. Read More

We purchased a promotional certificate to dine here, and I've never tried it. The meal was average and the service was slow. We attempted to give the staff our promotional certificate after dinner (for $20 off food--which again, we purchased for $15), they were extremel...y rude and said they would make no money on us if they accepted it. They said to come back when we wanted to spend more money. He said we can't use the certificate during lunch, before 6 on evenings, or brunch because the menu is cheaper and he expects for his customers to spend more money when they are getting a discount. It did not matter to him that we were first-time customers, purchased the certificate and really were only getting a $5 discount, or did not wish to return. It also did not matter to him that the fine print on the certificate did not state any of this (I checked first to be sure). He was rude and I will not return. Read More

I used to frequent this restaurant when I first moved here in 2002, as the food was creative and delicious, and the ambiance was enjoyable. In 2005 I moved further east, so I haven't been back until recently. I was surprised to read the other reviews on here because ...we felt that our visit was just as enjoyable as it was years ago. The waitstaff was exceptionally enthusiastic and friendly (we left saying "wow that guy loves his job!"), and the food was terrific. My favorite dish was the polenta funghi appetizer. The polenta was incredibly creamy and fluffy, the red wine sauce was almost plate-licking worthy, and the mushrooms and the sweet peppers complemented the dish well. I think the size of the dishes could be toned down a bit, although we had enough food for lunch the next day. The waiter told us how their current head chef is from Turkey, so he likes to shake up the traditional Italian with his Turkish influences, which is an interesting twist, even to someone like me who is of Italian heritage. My only negative comment is that their bathrooms are in dire need of a renovation; they had a funky mold-like smell. I would definitely visit this restaurant again if I'm ever in the area! Read More

This is the only reasonably-priced restaurant in the area where I can find the pasta cooked just right at
al dente!! A friend of my recommended this restaurant as one of her Italian friends' favorites.
However, their outdoor dining space is not the best as it's almost on the sidewalk or in the parking lot.

The absolute strongpoint, and reason that I go back to this restaurant again and again, is the ease with which you can make it your own. At Vespa you won?t find the large sterile environment of a mega service restaurant; it?s much more romantic. The ambience is beau...tifully Italian, with Mediterranean colors, classic movie posters, a brilliant copper bar and a gorgeous garden for outside dining. The lighting gives the place an intimate feel, which is great for sharing a bottle of wine. With respect to the staff, I consider it a pleasure to know them all by name (I admit I come here a lot). The manager is a great guy who is very quick to show his appreciation with a glass of moscato and a smile, and the small group of servers is always courteous. The owner Marlo is a true Italian who can be very charming and an interesting addition to the meal if you?re lucky enough to catch him. I also suggest eating at the bar, the bartender is a very magnetic guy. They really treat their regulars well. To top it off, the food is wonderful. While their menu doesn?t change, the specials always do, and they can include some excellent homemade pasta. The gnocchi, by the way, is second to none, as are the calamari and mussel appetizers. To conclude, I think this is a very special place. With respect to the rancorously bad reviews, I can only think that it reflects the quality of the customer rather than the quality of the restaurant. Read More