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Vita Nova - University of DelawareReservations
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Vita Nova - University of Delaware Reviews List
Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Vita Nova is the signature student operated restaurant which is part of the Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management program at the University of Delaware. It features a "Best of Delaware" award winning buffet for lunch, fine dining for dinner, the Darden Bistro featuring light fare, & the Copeland Vinotek, a state-of-the-art, redwood-paneled wine cellar. The award winning lunch buffet is $14.95 (includes 12% gratuity). The five-course dinner price ranges from $26 to $39, which includes your choice of appetizer, choice of salad, intermezzo, entree selection, and dessert. The Darden Bistro features various wines by the glass and a small plates menu, for a light fare dining experience. This is the ideal spot for an impromptu gathering, as reservations are not required.
See more Vita Nova - University of Delaware details
33 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 33 reviews
5 stars
(21)
4 stars
(9)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(21)
- special occasion(20)
- neighborhood gem(12)
- great for lunch(10)
- good for groups(9)
- notable wine list(9)
Vita Nova - University of Delaware Reviews List
Review 1 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always a pleasure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have never been disappointed at Vita Nova. The food is always outstanding and unique. The dining area intimate and unhurried. But it is the pleasure given by the wait staff that sets Vita Nova apart from any other place we have dined. The enthusiasm, dedication to service, focus, and communication skills of the students puts Vita Nova on a 5-star level. We always leave not only well-fed but having spent a very pleasurable evening. Worth the planning it takes to get a reservation."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always, the food at Vita
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, the food at Vita Nova is outstanding. However, the service was a bit off during this visit. Mr. Mayer does an excellent job instructing the students in all areas of the hospitality industry. We will be back."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very formal service and imaginative
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very formal service and imaginative and delicious food. The appetizer and dessert trios were especially attractive and novel. The wait staff were friendly and engaging. Will go there again."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 4 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My fiancee' and I enjoyed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My fiancee' and I enjoyed our dinner as always. It's always fun speaking with the students who wait on us as well as enjoying the atmosphere and food. Thanks."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
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Review 5 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vita Nova continues to be
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Vita Nova continues to be a Delaware best-kept secret. Food is outstanding and service is unlike any anywhere. Foo d preparaton and presentaton is unlike most, if not all, in Delaware. The food choice are always different and interesting and excellently prepared"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An excellent dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"An excellent dining experience. The food was wonderful. the student staff was professional and knowledgeable. Can't say enough. Have already recommeded Vita Nova to friends and family."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 7 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great experience!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was our 1st time@lunch & was a great treat! The food & food choices were wonderful! Our waiter was friendly & very attentive. Overall a very pleasant experience ."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 8 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vita Nova is my FAVORITE restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Vita Nova is my FAVORITE restaurant in Delaware. Heck - my favorite restaurant of the past decade. We are a repeat customer and will continue to enjoy the sumptuous cuisine that the students provide. Seriously - this is a DIVINE gem; why more people do not know about it is beyond me."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 9 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
First time at Vita Nova and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time at Vita Nova and will definitely return. Food and service were excellent and enjoyed the opportunity to engage in conversation with all the students and learn of their experience. This was a 21st birthday celebration for our daughter(student at UD) and they made it a very special event. This was certainly a nice change from all the loud restaurants we have experienced on a Friday night."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Dinner was just delightful.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dinner was just delightful. We found the Students to be extremely professional, pleasant and well trained. The entire experience was first class."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 11 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything was great! The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everything was great! The only criticism was that the person with the wine had a cold and I noticed she touched the top of the wine bottle with her hands."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a great special occasion
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a great special occasion place where the food and service are wonderful. The students are wonderful, this is a great opportunity for them as well as for average people!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
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Review 13 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The enthusiasm of the students
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The enthusiasm of the students and their desire to please is refreshing. The food was delicious. We are pleased to have a culinary school in Newark."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 14 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We return to Vit Nova as often
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We return to Vit Nova as often as we can when visiting Delaware. Though we live nearer to the CIA, Vita Nova we find is a more relaxing coxy environment. The students always do their best and the food is always exceptional."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent Service, excellent
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent Service, excellent food, and an overall wonderful dining experience.
Exceeded all expections! Kudos to Vita Nova staff."
Exceeded all expections! Kudos to Vita Nova staff."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2013
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Review 16 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vita Nova is a relaxed food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Vita Nova is a relaxed food experience. Come with time to spare, this is an opportunity to unwind and please your palate with a variety of tastes, especially with the appetizer and dessert trios. Interaction with the students adds to the dining experience. The students are well-prepared in both cooking and serving aspects. Affordable, yet high standards prevail."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2006
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Review 17 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was superb especially
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was superb especially the desert . Service was not quite attentive enough and was a little slow."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2004
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 18 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great. Servers were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was great. Servers were adorably nervous, but still provided great service. Would recommend and will go back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2012
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Review 19 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Date night destination
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Simply fantastic! The food was exceptional. However, the food was upstaged by the student staff! Our two servers were exceptional. A wonderful, leisurely 2 hour dinner extravaganza. You could easily spend twice as much for less at another fine restaurant. Great experience.....thank you U of D !"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Such a pleasure to interact
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Such a pleasure to interact with the students who all strive to please the customers. And the food is outstanding!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food is always great at
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is always great at Vita Nova!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Based on the average of (12) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate