Little Italy Leicester Square — Restaurant in London

They often say that Italian restaurants make-a the dishes like-a mama used to make in Italy. Well Vespa, a cheeky-looking eaterie, tucked in a quiet, but visible corner of Piccadilly Circus, makes them even better. After a night out with the wife visiting an art gallery, I was in a situation where I was more interested in feasting my eyes on a good Italian than on a watercolour or tired looking oil. So when I spotted Vespa and its charming manager Davida standing outside, I couldn’t resist but venture in. In some places they say ‘make love, not war’, but Vespa’s motto, emblazoned on its wall is ‘make pizza, not war’. I guess if you’re busy demolishing a Diavola, then your hands are literally tied up. But pizza was not my choice that evening. Instead, I opted for a Penne All’ Arrabiata. It was made with tomato sauce, chilli, parsley and olive oil. Being a meat eater, my host said that was not an issue, and meat was added with a brush of a stroke. When it arrived, this masterpiece from the culinary world was quickly cleaned off the plate, and washed down with a pint of my favourite chilled Peroni beer. My wife, who loves a good gnocchi - usually gets disappointed when she orders it in restaurants. It just doesn’t match up to her own fine home cooking. So we offered Vespa a challenge – make a gnocchi that my Anna will like to eat. So when her gnocchi – which is a potato pasta dumpling dish arrived with mushrooms and sausage in a cream sauce, it felt like a Masterchef moment, when she took her first morsel. And the verdict was a massive thumbs up! I don’t usually go for a dessert, but you can’t argue with a Sicilian, so the compromise was to share a Cannolo, deep-fried pastry tubes filled with sweet Ricotta cheese. It was the best choice of the night. Mid-week in Vespa is not too busy, but that suited me. My only disappointment was my trip home. The Metropolitan line had a signal failure at Baker Street, so we suffered an hour’s delay. If only I had taken that Vespa home with me. It was perched above our table and would have ended a perfect Roman...

Title: A Delightful Italian Oasis in London

My recent experience at VESPA Italian Restaurant was nothing short of delightful. From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere of the building enveloped me in a warm embrace of authentic Italian charm. The strategic placement of lush plants and the artistic display of Vespa bikes on the walls created an ambiance that truly transported me to the heart of Italy.

What truly set this establishment apart, however, was the staff. Their approach was not just professional; it was familial. The team's welcoming demeanor made me feel like more than just a customer – I felt like part of an extended family. Their genuine hospitality added a personal touch to my dining experience, leaving a lasting positive impression.

Moving on to the culinary aspect, the food was nothing short of impeccable. Every dish reflected a commitment to authenticity and was a testament to true Italian cooking. The attention to detail in the preparation of each meal was evident, and the flavors resonated with the true essence of Italian cuisine. It's rare to find such dedication to authenticity, and it truly elevated the dining experience.

In conclusion, my visit to VESPA Italian Restaurant was a culinary journey through the heart of Italy, complemented by an atmosphere that embraced the authentic Italian feeling. The welcoming and attentive staff, combined with the impeccable food, makes this establishment a must-visit in London. Whether you're a connoisseur of Italian cuisine or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, VESPA Italian Restaurant has earned my personal recommendation for your next...

This was a pre theatre booking visit on Friday 30th July, but I have to say the experience wasn't what I expected having seen some previous reviews. Our starter was tomato garlic bread , which arrived after a considerable wait badly burnt around the edge and almost totally black underneath. When we commented to the waiter he examined it and reluctantly took it away without any comment. Aftrr a considerable delay he eventually brought another one which this time was undercooked and almost inedible with a sickly tomato sauce For mains we ordered lasagne and gnocchi in mushroom sauce. The gnocchi was at best average, although compared to the lasagne it was delicious. The lasagne arrivwd like warm and smothered in our old friend the cloyingly sweet tomato sauce with little evidence of any mince as described on the menu. The pasta was chewy and under cooked making it inedible. When we asked for our bill and explained to the waiter that we were going to be late for our theatre show there was again no rush to help us. When the bill did arrive I could see it contained my pet hate, the service charge, which again caused waves of indignation from the water when we asked for it to be removed. I dont like to give negative reviews but I would be lying if I gave this place anything else. The food was very disappointing , there were very few people in the restaurant which after eating there didn't come as a surprise, so the atmosphere wasn't great, and the service left a great deal...