Vito's New York Trattoria

02/24/09

Valentine's Dinner: Ambience is nice, owner seems nice ... but everything else were disappointment.

by culinaryfan at Citysearch

The ambience in this restaurant was nice. The single red rose I received was a nice gesture. The owner seems to be a nice man. However, I was so disappointed on how things went. We understand and expect an expensive dinner where ever you go on this special evening. I felt that it was the most undesirable valentine dinner we have ever been to. The quality for the price just doesn't justify $150.07. We have been to ... many medium to high end restaurants with good quality food. An hour wait for a 4 small piece of Sea Scallops that is not quite warm when served was really a disappointment. Not to mention the "pear salad" that has missing gorgonzola cheese. I can barely taste the dressing but a tiny plate size of a $7.00 side salad; I expected to see the gorgonzola cheese in it ... according to the menu. The waiter came back the second time asked us if "all we are going to drink is water?" We found this question inappropriate. I then asked if we can have a wine list. The worst of that evening was the reduction for the (dry) scallops was extremely bitter. I was starving and didn't want to complain that's why I forced myself to eat the scallops. The duck my husband ordered on the other hand was very chewy (& hard) but I figured that's how it should be? I am skeptical in recommending this restaurant to my clients, friends or relatives and feel that perhaps it should be my first and last. Lastly, I addressed my experience to them, but they didn't seem to care or they don?t mind losing a couple of more regular visitors.

10/28/08

The Best Place for your Money

by passionvixensf at Citysearch

I love love love this place. I end up visiting once a week...the reason i say visit is because it is like seeing a group of friends for a meal. The staff and the owner (George) are all so friendly and always greet you with a smile from ear to ear. The food is absolutly amazing for the price....and I have had most of whats on the menu. In these times I am careful where I spend my money and this place is definatly worth every penny. My favorite dish is the "osso buco". Hope you stop by there and try it. The wine list is not bad either..although it is Coppala heavy there is a lot to choose from.

• Pros: everything
• Cons: get way too full

02/08/08

Some of the best Italian food in Silicon Valley!

by stockstradr at Citysearch

My wife and I visited Vito's (the upscale dining side of this place) based on reading excellent online reviews. We are very picky eaters and after our visit we are also very impressed with this Trattoria. You can expect classy decor, excellent service, and fantastic Italian cuisine. Most "Italian" restaurants in Silicon Valley can't even get Bruschetta right, but Vito's served this starter in style: garlic-rubbed bread slices grilled just right and topped with fresh diced tomato, basil, with just a touch of olive oil, and a touch of salt. For her entree my wife chose the "Seafood Picatta" which she found heavenly, as did I, since I couldn't help snatching spoonfuls off her plate. Imagine jumbo shrimp, huge scallops, and tasty mussels smothered in the best picatta sauce we've ever tasted (creamy, just the right touch of lemon). I had the "Linguini Diavolo" and it was excellent, and surprisingly authentic to same named dish I had last summer on the coast in Cinqua Terra, Italy. We are talking tender calamari, shrimp, and clams mixed into Linguini with a lovely red sauce (fresh, light and not to heavy). Yes, this is a very positive review. This was our first visit and we have zero relationship to this restaurant. We have good things to write because we LOVED this place on our first visit. NOTE: the reason I didn't rate Vito's FIVE stars because I award that level with the same discretion that the New York Times uses in awarding its highest rare four-star "extraordinary" rating. UPDATE: since originally posting this review, I've gone six more times to this place, and every time they lived up to our first impression: great food!

• Pros: Great good, classy atmostphere, reasonable prices
• Cons: Popular, may require reservations during lunch, dinner rush.

11/16/07

Great Food, Great Serve & Treated Like Family!

by phantomangelpurr at Citysearch

Awesome food, awesome service..George makes you feel like family! Treat yourself to some great Italian food the next time your in San Jose. I suggest the veal, the sampler appetizer plate, the chocolate mousse and Donna's cheese cake. I always have extra food to take home and enjoy the next day. New full service bar so you can have a good stiff drink to enjoy with your dinner. Waiters are always friendly. The owner(George) always greets you with a friendly wave and big smile. Close to the San Jose Shark tank too!

Victoria

11/10/07

The BEST customer service we've had in a REALLY long time!

by dewer421 at Citysearch

We ate at Vito's tonight because of the family-friendly reviews on Citysearch. When we first got there, I was worried because of white tablecloths, candles, etc and no kids' menu. However, not only were my kids treated like they were part of the owner's family, but when my son accidentally broke his bread plate and started crying, both the owner and our waiter came over to tell him that it was okay and calm him down.

Our children's pasta was brought out almost immediately (with the appetizer!) so that they didn't have to wait. When my daughter ran out of pasta, George (the owner) brought her more. Anytime that there was even the slightest probability that us or our children could need (or want) something, George already had it ready!

The owner treats ALL his customers like that, even on a Saturday night!

The food was spectacular! Every single item that we had was flavored well, cooked to perfection, and wonderfully decadent. The chocolate mousse (handmade at the restaurant) was so good that everyone was fighting over it (even though we were all already full!)

I cannot speak highly enough of Vito's, their menu, and especially the owner! We felt like we were having the best dinner ever at a friend's house.

Go and enjoy yourself! (But save a little room for dessert!)