Vitale's Italian Bistro — Restaurant in Gloucester City

We were really excited to try this establishment for my daughters 18th birthday party however we left highly dissatisfied and most likely will not return . We had a party of five or take 22 , at first we thought this is great we are upstairs but the service soon made us all look at each other like is the server serious. There were 5 tables that sat 7 I believe and some folks had toddlers and babies so we evenly spread out . The server advised we Couldn’t sit at certain tables as they didn’t want the linens dirty . Service was very slow and some weren’t at the table when drink orders were taken . When one individual attempted to order he was told no and that he should have remained in his seat. We honestly looked puzzled as we weren’t sure if this was a joke or not . It took about 30 minutes to receive our drinks . We then asked to order some appetizers as we were all starving at this point . Drinks finally came , soda was flat and we had one server We finally ordered some appetizers and dinner since it is now 6:30 HUNGRY LOL. We asked for an additional server as the one provided was just very monotone , seemed , rude , no smile and looked angry to be helping us . With 4 tables we asked to split checks whether per table or per party we were told no . They eventually sent up another server with green streaked hair who was a breath of fresh air, smiled, accommodating, nice , pleasant etc. our food came out in different times some people didn’t get there food until after some were already finished there’s , the bill was a mess and although some requested soup with there dinners they never did the up charge but charged separate for an increased price. There is food and drinks we didn’t order on the bill . The bill was 880 dollars with gratuity included which is fine but with 22 people it b came quite confusing trying to determine who pays what . We entered at 5:30 and never left until 8:00pm and not because we had a blast but because it took that amount of time to get food and drinks . The food was not very tasty including bland chicken parm, chicken Alfredo sauce that wasn’t very tasty , French onion soup that tasted like soap along with very flat soda and other items. Some individuals did not receive their salads to their entree. Just a very bad experience all around . I wouldn’t recommend for large...

EDIT 10/22/22: Took my Mom there tonight, and very happy to report they have updated the lighting. The food was still beyond excellent and the atmosphere is so much warmer than it was the last time I was there. SO happy to give them that 5th star they deserve. The rest of this is my original review when they re-opened three years ago after a fire.

My wife and I have been awaiting the re-opening of this authentic home of delicious Italian food.

The food, the folks and the service were all as great as they have ever been. We were grateful to see so many familiar faces among the staff. We had a couple of wonderful appetizers -- the ravioli with sauteed shrimp and the Caprese salad, both were excellent. Our salads were crisp and fresh, and prepared well.

My wife really enjoys my chicken parm, and never orders it out. However, I've had a brutal work schedule for the last year, and haven't made it, so she ordered Vitale's. She was blown away by how good it was (it's better than mine, but she won't come out and say it outright). I had the veal parm, which was amazing. Huge portions, easily makes a second leftover meal at home.

The only thing that held me back from 5 stars was the new decor and atmosphere. Not surprisingly, renovating after a fire, they re-decorated completely. We don't have any complaints about the new bar, tables, chairs, etc. - it's all a little more sleek and contemporary, but not bad. However, the ceiling fluorescent lights ruin everything. Especially with the contemporary white acrylic tables that reflects it, it's just harsh. My wife characterized it perfectly by describing it as having gone from "date night to diner". It's not a club in center city Philadelphia, it's a homey restaurant in the Jersey burbs. PLEASE fix the lighting! Even with that, still the best Italian restaurant around,...

We are regular Vitale's customers. Went there late this afternoon for an early dinner. Was told upon arrival (4:45pm) the dining room was closed until 5pm for private party. Perhaps a notice should have been put on the entrance door? But probably not -- then waiting patrons would be at the bar drinking. Waiter told us we could have a booth when dining room was free. Sat at the bar to wait. Since other diners were coming in, bartender started a waitlist. Some 30 minutes later, still at the bar waiting. Next thing we knew, some other patrons, who had come in later than we did AND WERE NOT ON THE WAITING LIST, were escorted to the dining room, leaving us to sit at the bar!!!! When we said we'd arrived there BEFORE these patrons and WERE on the waitlist, it didn't matter one bit. Bartender just shrugged his shoulders and said "sorry folks." Assuming that our regular patronage obviously meant nothing to Vitale's, we immediately left the restaurant for another restaurant (Hollywood Diner in Woodbury Heights) where we are ALWAYS TREATED WITH RESPECT!

We would not recommend Vitale's to anyone after the way we were treated today. Loyalty and regular patronage obviously...