Vito's Trattoria — Restaurant in Albany

We have always enjoyed Gamberetti’s but haven’t had dinner here since the change in ownership. We had dinner here for our anniversary yesterday and while it wasn’t bad it just wasn’t great either. I’ve thought hard about what exactly it was that was different this time. We were seated quickly by a young man who looked bored - no smile, no real greeting. He was focused more on his hair than anything else. Our server was Stephanie and she was friendly and attentive to us. Drinks: Our cocktails were ok, but nothing special about them. Food: We had calamari as an appetizer, the breading was light, the pesto good but the calamari was just warm. My entree was a clam dish - great flavor but again the pasta was just warm, not hot. My husband had Bake Sausage - the sauce was great but as he ate he realized there didn’t appear to have any meat in it. We were able to get Stephanie’s attention and she initially offered to get him more, he declined since he’d already eaten at least half of it. She did check with the kitchen staff and they indeed had forgotten to put any sausage in it. Stephanie did take the the charge off for his entree which was appreciated and was the right thing to do when the main ingredient is missing. Atmosphere: So-so. For the price and what I think of a “nicer” restaurant I’d suggest not having a TV on. If you want to use the TV then video reel of Italy and quiet music would more appropriate, in my view. I really didn’t want the distraction of a Hockey game on and in my face. Stephanie had a smile but she was the person we ever saw smiling. The restaurant was clean, the waitstaff neat and tidy but almost sullen looking .All in all, it was a bit disappointing and I’m not certain we’ll return. We’ve had meals of equal quality and atmosphere at chain restaurants. If we’re going to go out for dinner, at a nice restaurant I...

I had called before my birthday a few weeks ago to ask about Gambarettis gift certificates because I was gifted one for Christmas and hadn't used it yet. I was told they accepted them, no problem. I wasn't told when I called (first week of June) that June 21 was the last day! That's kind of on me for not double checking before going, but why was there no announcement? Very frustrating.

As for the meal itself... It was... fine. We went for our midweek anniversary. We were seated quickly and ordered drinks, app, and entrees all at once after waiting a bit. App came and less than 2 minutes later, our entrees were brought. We never got bread although our server mentioned it twice. I really enjoyed the salad trio that we ordered as an app and the pork in my dish was super flavorful. The pasta itself was rather lackluster, though. Cocktails were also fine, but nothing super exciting. I'm reminded why it took me so long to go - I can make just as tasty Italian food at home. I guess now I get to make a trip to Salem to compare Vitos to...

VITO'S If you haven’t had the pleasure of dining at this incredible restaurant, let me tell you—run, don’t walk! Their lasagna is nothing short of a masterpiece. Rich, savory layers of perfectly seasoned meat, creamy cheese, and tangy tomato sauce come together in a harmonious explosion of flavor. Every bite feels like a warm, comforting embrace.

The avocado beet salad is a perfect complement. Creamy avocado paired with the earthy sweetness of beets creates a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the hearty lasagna. It’s a dish that feels both healthy and indulgent.

And don’t miss out on their elite wine collection! With a copious selection of fine wines, expertly curated to complement every dish, the knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect pairing. Whether it’s a bold red for the lasagna or a crisp white for the salad, the wine elevates the entire experience.

Do yourself a favor—order the lasagna and avocado beet salad combo, and explore the wines. You’ll be thanking...