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Vito's By the Park Reviews List
Vito's By the Park
Nestled in the heart of Hartford, overlooking Bushnell Park, Vito's provides a unique casual yet upscale dining experience. Come enjoy from our full bar selection, our fresh raw bar, or our classic Italian cuisine.
See more Vito's By the Park details
84 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 84 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(11)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(24)
- romantic(23)
- neighborhood gem(19)
- fit for foodies(18)
- good for groups(17)
- great for lunch(14)
Vito's By the Park Reviews List
Review 1 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Perfect for Pre Concert Dining
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Location is great for dining before concert at Bushnell. Last Sunday was beautiful so walking through the park to arrive at your restauant was a pleasure. The restaurant is clean and bright but the food was not memorable. The dining experience should more closely match the ambiance."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: scenic view, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Server was excellent -Igglie
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The pork chop (dry), salmon and beef barley soup was bland. But the pear ravioli and broccoli rabe is worth a trip back. Flavorful and fresh.
Our server was very attentive, sweet, kind and present."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Third time at Vito's and it
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Third time at Vito's and it will be our last. Each time there things seemed to be going down hill. Food was ok, server was very nice and kept saying how sorry he was that service was slow, "very busy" he kept saying. We got seated right away for our 4:45 reservation. Walked out at 6:15 and just managed to get to the Bushnell for our 6:30 performance. Didn't have time for desert/coffee nor did we even order and appetizer.
Very disappointed."
Very disappointed."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2009
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Review 4 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
My companion and I thought
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My companion and I thought the prices for their lunch offerings were rather expensive. We ended up sharing a pizza."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 5 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Their interpretation of a
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Their interpretation of a medium rare Vitelo proved to be grilled until dead gristle. I won't go back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2005
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Review 6 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Decent Italian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Decent Italian in a region loaded with just decent Italian."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2006
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Review 7 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It was just lovely, from when we entered til when we left. the staff was so attentive and the food was very good!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yum Yum in a Rush
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was incredible....and the food was delicious. The place was packed - there was a lot going on in Hartford that night - but we were in and out on time. Brent did a great job."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 9 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
All was very good . The flounder
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"All was very good . The flounder special was great....."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 10 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The menu selections were pedantic
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The menu selections were pedantic and the actual execution was mediocre. I had the veal ossp bouco with risotto. The veal was very tender, but the sauce was equivalent to jarred tomato sauces. The risotto tasted like rice pilaf rather than risotto. My companion had the the chicken parm and opined that it tasted like a frozen cutlet.
This was my first experience at Vito's and is likely my last."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
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Review 11 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Sunday,3/10/12.Reservations
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sunday,3/10/12.Reservations at 4:45.Arrived at 4:30.Restaurant had about 25 patrons.
Had to wait about 20 minuets to be seated at a table that was vacant when we arrived.
in the meantime a party of 10 arrived -no reservation-and was seated in 10 min.
Service was Bad!!20 more min.for drinks to come.Then out of some appetizers.
Food was OK.Will NOT be returning soon!"
Had to wait about 20 minuets to be seated at a table that was vacant when we arrived.
in the meantime a party of 10 arrived -no reservation-and was seated in 10 min.
Service was Bad!!20 more min.for drinks to come.Then out of some appetizers.
Food was OK.Will NOT be returning soon!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2010
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Review 12 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Even though it was a very
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Even though it was a very busy day in downtown Hartford ( St Pat's Day Parade, Women's Basketball Tourney and The Health Expo ) Vito's was very attentive to the people that were there. Service and Food were very good as usual ..
Will probably return soon"
Will probably return soon"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2005
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 13 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
one of the best meals had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"one of the best meals had out in a long time cant wait to go back"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had reservations on a Friday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had reservations on a Friday night for 6:00, we arrived 15 minutes early, our table was ready for us. Waiter was attentive but gave us plenty of time to pick our selections. Did not feel rushed even though the restaurant was packed. Menu was just the right size with plenty of selections to choose from plus additional specials. We had our meals all picked out and changed at the last minute when we saw the food being served at the next table."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
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Review 15 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Good food. Awful service.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good food. Awful service. We won't be back."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
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Review 16 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always the best
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great all around I can go here for a business lunch and when I am just in the mood for good food and service vitos is my go to restaurant"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 17 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My girlfriend and I were looking
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My girlfriend and I were looking to have a nice Valentine's Day night out, so we planned to head over to the Bushnell for a concert they were holding for the holiday. We wanted to have dinner somewhere that was close to the Bushnell Park so we could have a nice walk to the concert together. While looking around, I was noticed Vito's, and it sounded like it fit the bill perfectly- good sounding food, close to the Park, and local! The restaurant met all these expectations, and even exceeded them, offering amazing service, a great pizza to share, friendly staff, and an overall wonderful and even romantic atmosphere. I was incredibly pleased with Vito's, and plan to return again the next time I attend the Bushnell."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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Review 18 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Even though we had made a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Even though we had made a reservation, we were seated way in back, in a corner of the restaurant...and we kinda let them know it...nicely of course...they offered us free round of drinks which was nice of them. Our food was served very quickly and it was hot! and delicious. abosolutely no complaints on that end!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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Review 19 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy in my tummy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Delicious dinner - loved the winter primavera. Definitely my go-to spot in Hartford."
Dined on 02/22/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband and I found this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My husband and I found this hotspot recommeded as close to the XL Center as we were going there for the George Strait concert. Decided to give it a shot and WOW were we pleased we did!
Coming from Providence, RI in bad weather....we were late to arrive for our reservation, which they were very accomodating to hold for us. We were VERY pressed for time and opted to grab something at the bar. Ali the bartender was pleasant, prompt and VERY friendly. Ordered appetizers that were fantastic and a quick drink they had us out the door and on our way in 25mins....perfect timing to get to the concert. Quick 2 block walk to the XL Center and we had a great night. I would definately highly recommend this place to anyone.
Country Girl, Rhode Isla"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view
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Review 21 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very good food. We had the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good food. We had the chicken pesto pizza, it was excellent. Everyone was very nice and friendly. Would go back again, no question."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Entree was extremely salty.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Entree was extremely salty. Cappuccino was cold. Overbilled for wine. Service slow. Overall not good at all"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2013
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Review 23 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We definitely recommend Vito's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We definitely recommend Vito's - they really know what they are doing !"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 24 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great setting for a romantic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great setting for a romantic Valentine's dinner. We were seated near the fireplace, but not close enough to be too warm. The staff was excellent, as was the food. Definitelyh worth a return trip!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We arrived early (5:20) for
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We arrived early (5:20) for a 5:30 reservation, and they really wanted to sit us by the door (on a VERY cold and blustry day). We requested an interior table (as there were only 2 other occupied tables at the time) and were given a runaround. After close to 10 minutes, we were shown to a table only 2 tables away from the one we denied. We just gave in and accepted it. We had to ask twice for a bread basket, as we saw other tables receiving bread, and not us. Also, had a runaround with the wine list, as they were advertising specials for that night, and when we ordered a bottle off the advertisement, we were told that advertisement was for Sundays and Mondays only. (We were there on a Saturday.) Then why advertise?"
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
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Review 26 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
For the Taste of Hartford
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"For the Taste of Hartford we tried this place. The Waldorf salad was very good and the cannoli was super fresh. The pasta tasted as if made fresh daily. A really good dining experience."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 27 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
We've been here before and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been here before and remember enjoying our meal. This meal was problematic from start to finish. We waited for service, then waited too long for our drinks. Three meals arrived barely warmed and had to be sent back. Although the food was ok, not sure we'd risk a return."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 28 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
So so food...poor service.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chose this for my daughter's birthday based on the top ten list. Waiter was very inattentive. Food was ok, but the pasta was decidedly NOT al dente. Would not return to this restaurant next time we are in town."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2004
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Review 29 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The place has changed.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Something has changed and not in a good way. We've eaten here for years but the last 2 visits were felt quite different. Tho it was quiet when we came in, no one greeted us. 2 people at the desk talked together for a while and finally 1 picked up 2 menus & motioned to us to follow him - all without ever looking at us or speaking to us. I had to tell one of them our name & that we booked it through Open Table so we would get credit. The waitress was pleasant & attentive but when we asked about the drink special, she had no idea - read it off the board in the bar and guessed at what might be in it. We ordered from the Taste of Hartford men. The meal was nice but nothing special at all. Looking for a new place for a pre-basketball dinners."
Dined on 01/29/2013
2006
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Review 30 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had a most enjoyable evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had a most enjoyable evening before going to the Bushnell Theater. We selected from the special menu ... good choices and priced very reasonably. I'd recommend Vito's by the Park."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 31 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great service, good food,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great service, good food, good time. What more could you want?"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 32 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Food. Good Wine Values.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good Food. Good Wine Values. AWESOME DESERTS"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 33 for Vito's By the Park
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We ate appetizers cheeses
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We ate appetizers cheeses & salami plate, beet orange salad, mussels, bread and complimentary bruschetta. The desserts were good a chocolate truffle and pistashio gelato. We also ordered fried calamari it was right on along with the rest of the food with one exception, the menu said it came with a cocktail sauce we experienced a plastic container of catsup no resemblance to cocktail sauce no horseradish. We found being called "hi guys" rather than sir or or madam a slight, waitresses yelling to the bar from the dining room a bad distraction and a very noisy busboy a poor example of a well trained staff. We might return for the food not the staff or the poor condition of the mens room. FYI I am a retired chef."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vito's By the Park
Based on the average of (51) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic