Vesuvio

Image Credit: bentpage.net

Although restaurants typically cater to a certain clientele or price range, restaurants like Vesuvio is more versatile. Vesuvio is located in the historically Italian southwestern Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge in what has now become an area of diverse Third Avenue commonly known as Restaurant Row.

Accessibility
Firstly, Vesuvio is easy to get to from the 77th Street R train. The front of the restaurant has a ramp, so it is wheelchair accessible.
Atmosphere
Once you enter the restaurant, there is a takeout counter with such Italian delights as calzones and pizza slices in the window. To the right and left are two sections of the dining room, and you will be seated by a friendly staff that immediately makes their customers feel like family.
Once you get seated, the order is placed and brought out quick. Throughout the meal, the staff is walking around checking on their tables, while still not being forceful or aggressive.

Food
Vesuvio has been popular with the locals since the 1950's. There is one word explaining why, and that's the pasta. But when in Rome, do as the Romans, or in this case the Neapolitans, since that's this restaurant's regional influence. Eat a lot!

Start with the mozzarella di casa, which is a plate of homemade mozzarella balls with roasted peppers and tomatoes cooked in olive oil, great for mozzarella fanatics everywhere. For the entree, their gooey lasagna with homemade noodles and red sauce will make you feel like you are in the kitchen of an Italian grandmother back in the old country. For dessert, go with the authentic Italian cheesecake, which is made from ricotta cheese instead of the usual American style made from cream cheese.

Private rooms
For larger parties, such as corporate events, parties, or a formal family dinner, Vesuvio has private rooms available for booking. In order to reserve the private room, the restaurant requires a three hundred dollar deposit. It is well worth it though because your party will enjoy a full three course meal, unlimited soda and American coffee, and a cake for the occasion. Each entree includes roasted vegetables and potatoes, both served family style. The packages include standard, traditional, deluxe, and kids parties.

Each package comes with its own food selections as the starter, pasta, and entree portions. The difference between the standard and traditional packages is the appetizers. The standard comes with a family style starter of calamari Fritti, salad, or zucchini sticks. The traditional package comes with individual plates of mozzarella di casa, cold Antipasto, or salad. Both come with Penne Al Filetto di Pomodoro or Vodka Sauce as the pasta, and broiled salmon filets, chicken Francese, Veal Parmigiana, or veal Marsala.

The deluxe would be a good choice for a wedding party or a formal occasion because it even comes with a champagne toast. Fill up on appetizers because not only is there a selection of three family style appetizers, but each person chooses an individual plate of either mozzarella di casa, salad, or cold Antipasto. Choose two pastas from rigatoni caprese, Linguini Vongole, and Rigatoni Broccoli Rabe. Get really full when it comes time for the appetizers with four choices from the following; broiled salmon filet, shrimp Francese, chicken Vesuvio, Chicken Scarpariello, Limone, Beef Braciola, or broiled shell steak.

The kids will have a great time at their birthday parties at Vesuvio making their own pizza and chef hat. There is a fifteen person minimum to hold a pizza making party.

If you find yourself in Bay Ridge, have a casual dinner at Vesuvio. Even better, no matter the occasion, book a room at Vesuvio where everyone eats like a king and is treated like family.

​Author: Jai Schmidt