Little Italy Fine Foods / Vespa Wine Bar

We live close-by and decided to give it a try after walking past numerous times. What a pleasant surprise! The wait staff were outstanding (pleasant and efficient), the food was really good (we had the fungi pizza and rose ricotta) the atmosphere was relaxing and cozy. We will be back!

Great spot for pizza. Stopped with a group returning from a bike ride. They were out of almost all their beer selections that evening, so hopefully, that was a one-off.

Great food and super friendly staff! The pizzas were really authentic and delicious. Removed stars as owner not super polite.

Lovely meal. Good gluten free options, both pasta and pizza. Staff knowledgeable about gluten risks. Pleasant atmosphere but it was very busy so a bit loud for us.

Love the location and the idea of this restaurant. The wine was good.
If you’re looking for a cocktail, which we were initially, I do not suggest going here. I would suggest the Belmont or Thr33 Snack Co if you’re looking for a better cocktail flavour range. The cocktail list at Vespa is VERY sweet and there isn’t much ingredient variety between the various cocktails listed.
The pizza was okay. The crust was a little bit too salty, but I didn’t mind that. It did look and have the texture of being frozen. Also to note - our pizza did NOT look like some of the photos of the pizza other reviewers have had. May have been an off night.
Overall I’m happy that there is an eat in restaurant in the neighbourhood, but it’s not a place I will be returning to unless changes are made. I do miss the tasty sandwiches that we used to be able to get when this was the italian grocery.

Excellent local osteria with authentic Italian dishes. The pasta carbonara was just as good as what I experienced in Italy wth an egg sauce and pecorino cheese. The Vespa pizza with goats cheese and pear was unique and delicious. It’s also in my neighbourhood. I’ll be back!

We had a great anniversary meal at Vespa. Service was great, the chef was friendly. Somehow it quickly added up to over $200 for the two of us, so be ready for a heavy cheque!

Amazing experience, beautiful little spot with incredible food and outstanding service. The pizza is easily the best in Ottawa, authentic Italian style thin crust with delicious and high quality toppings. Engaging and helpful service, our waitress was attentive and had some useful suggestions for food and wine. And all at a very reasonable price, higher quality and way better value than any Italian on Preston

First time in last evening and it was delicious. Staff were kind and the atmosphere is lovely. Will be back again.

My wife and I called ahead in case of a requirement to make a reservation. We were told it wasnt required on this particular evening but they did mention the kitchen was closing at 9pm. We arrived at 8: 30ish and asked if the kitchen was still open, which they replied yes.

Our main complaint of the wine bar was the inexperienced wait staff. For a wine bar, your servers should have some real experience before serving guests. This location is in a great spot and it should be packed, but its not. I feel this is due to the lack of professional level wait staff. I would love to see this great spot take off. The food was good considering half the menu was not avaliable. I am not sure if this was due to lack of ingredients or lack of motivation by the kitchen staff. We could also hear the cook blowing his nose quite loudly. We can only hope he washed his hands before continuing to prepare food. I always want spots like this to do well I would go again to confirm my initial thoughts before striking this spot of our list.

Enjoyable food and ambiance, I would have given it a five except they were short staffed and the waiters were stressed.

What a great little find. Had an amazing custom pizza. Fantastic variety of Italian goods.

Update: visited now that it is Vespa wine bar. Jonathan our server was excellent. Matt in the kitchen is a Wiz. Loved our pizzas - boscaiola and prosciutto rucola - but it was the desserts that blew our minds. The limoncello curd and tiramisu were both phenomenal. The prices are very reasonable for the generous portions. Thank you for a great experience. We will be back.

What kind of place is this? I tried to order take out 1 HOUR before their listed closing time and they said the kitchen is closed.ok will try again tomorrow night.

The next evening we called to get take out 4 hours before closing. On the phone, the person said "we are not taking take out orders at this time", note that this is on a Wednesday night.sorry I'm done with you guys for good.

Edit: after feedback from the business, I understand and appreciate your situation. I will give you guys another try next time I'm in Ottawa.

Met friends for drinks at open concept restaurant. Tables inside with others spilling out to the patio area.

Five stars all the way. Great food, nice wine list, fantastic atmosphere. We have been 5 times and all 5 times we had a great time. Highly recommended.

Great atmosphere, this is the first and only bistro on Main St that offers a place to unwind and hang out after working hours. Will definitely be back!

One of the better gluten-free pizzas I've had in Ottawa. A bit crispy on the ends, but the thicker areas of it were delicious. The wine was fantastic, as was the service. Will be back again for sure!

We’ve just picked up two pizzas (diavolo & capricciosa). I walked in to order take-out and the manager told me they don’t do take-out on weekends because of the rush and it’s too busy for the chef (makes sense). He offered me a spot available at the bar but I mentioned I’ve got a dog outside and can’t dine in. He was so nice and took my takeout order anyway to accommodate us. I’m so glad because I’m pregnant and had a serious craving so I would have been devastated if I didn’t get it!

The pizzas were delicious too so that was great!

All around lovely staff and great food! Would highly recommend!

I rarely do reviews, however, I feel I absolutely HAVE to do a review on Vespa Wine Bar!
After a very stressful week, my partner and I decided to get out and try some place new, we chose the Vespa Wine Bar.
We walked in and was immediately greeted by the owner…. And seated. I’ve been in the food and beverage industry for 20+ years and I know it can get crazy busy, you just hope that craziness does not affect the service.
The restaurant was full, yet we felt as though we were the only ones there! Our server, Elenor, knew the menu inside out and any questions we had were answered.
Her recommendations were PERFECT,
The caesar salad, was by far the best I’ve ever had. The pizza, dessert and specialty coffee was delicious too!
I’m sure you are all thinking (as maybe I would) that I’ve exaggerated my experience there…. I can assure you, I’ve never been there before, and only met the owner when we arrived there, for the first time, last night.
Great service, food and feeling pampered, is hard to find, they have exceeded in fulfilling all of those categories.
Thank you Vesta, for the amazing time we had!

Very nice place. Great pizza. Loved the espresso. Staff is very helpful, polite, and nice.
Thanks

I discovered this little gem during the pandemic as even before the patios were reopen it was possible to get pizza for takeout! They have lots of toppings, my fave is a combination of their house made bruschetta with sweet/spicy meat and a balsamic glaze on top. Ready in 15 minutes and delicious!

Really nice Italian sandwiches. Missed the ones downtown, so I'm so glad that I can get his in biking distance. Nice cheeses too.

Great selection of Italian products you can't find at the local grocery stores. Celiac friendly products. Great homemade subs and oven fired pizzas.

The sandwiches are the best sandwiches I've ever had. And the baci chocolates are really good too

Great sandwiches! Fresh ciabatta and italian cold cuts. Excellent cappuccino and very tasty lasagna from the cooler was enjoyed the next day at dinner.
Will definitely be back for more and to try other items

Great coffee, biscotti, and croissants. Staff was extremely friendly as well. Fresh made pasta looked delicious but I did not try. Will be going back when in the area.

"Best ever noodles" was my five year old's comment after one bite of their fresh pasta & sauce - and I felt the same! It was our first visit and the selection is awesome. We got the best capicola I've found in Ottawa and pecorino cheese! Prices are very reasonable too! Can't wait to sample everything else - life in Old Ottawa East just got that much better ️

Best focaccia I ve ever tried since my last trip to Italy 2 years ago! This guy Vito knows what he is doing. Beautiful store!

Cute little store, authenticity owned. I am not Italian, but I’m sure the residents here in Ottawa who are would appreciate it. Got some great imported biscotti, their sandwiches were quite good as well. It’s a brand new place, so with a bit more time I think they would stack up to a place like Nicastro’s.