Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Vesuvio College Park – Orlando
Vesuvio College Park - Orlando
Photo from Vesuvio College Park
Vesuvio College Park at a glance
Orlando College Park
- 🍝 Italian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#114 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#5 Italian Restaurant out of 5 in Orlando
Good
6.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
685
Reviews
57.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Food
- Outdoor Seating
- Happy Hour
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Loud Indoors
- Pricing Issues
The restaurant Vesuvio College Park is an Italian Restaurant nestled in Orlando’s vibrant College Park neighborhood, celebrated for its great dessert selection. You’ll discover a welcoming atmosphere that is both romantic and cozy, yet casual and trendy, perfect for any dining occasion.
Offering a diverse menu with healthy options, late-night food, and an impressive wine list, it caters to various tastes and schedules. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or a relaxed brunch, this spot promises a delightful experience.
Overview: Introducting Vesuvio College Park
Vesuvio offers a generally pleasant dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful cuisine and inviting atmosphere. Many appreciate the moderate pricing and the happy hour pricing which adds to the overall appeal.
The setting and decor often receive praise, making it a good spot for a relaxed meal. However, some guests have encountered issues with the service, describing it as inconsistent or slow, and occasionally finding the indoor atmosphere too loud.
While the food generally satisfies, there are instances where dishes were found to be disappointing or missing ingredients, suggesting some variability.
Good
6.2
out of 10
685
Reviews
57.4%
Satisfaction
254
negative
38
neutral
393
positive
Overall, Vesuvio earns a respectable 6.2 out of 10, indicating an average performance, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 57.4%. This assessment comes from a considerable 685 customer remarks, with 393 positive and 254 negative observations.
It suggests a place with notable strengths but also areas that could use refinement. The Food (6.9) is a clear highlight, often praised for its quality and flavor, while the Ambience (7.3) also contributes positively to the dining experience.
However, Service (5.1) appears to be a more inconsistent aspect, and Value (4.7) receives a lower score, with some guests feeling the pricing, especially for certain items or automatic gratuities, doesn’t always align with their expectations.
What people like
- Flavorful, quality food
- Pleasant outdoor ambience
- Good happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Loud indoor dining
- Questionable pricing practices
Vesuvio holds a 6.4 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a place with potential, particularly if you prioritize good food and a pleasant setting. It could be a solid choice for those seeking a lively atmosphere and specific value offerings like happy hour.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and consider dining outdoors if you prefer a quieter experience. If these aspects align with your expectations, Vesuvio might be worth a visit, but it’s not without its quirks.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Vesuvio College Park
Food (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
The culinary experience here often hits the mark, with many of the 334 customer remarks praising the amazing and delicious Italian fare. Guests frequently highlight flavorful food, large portions, and high quality ingredients, with Eggplant Parmesan, Lobster Ravioli, and Chicken Marsala often singled out. The overall score for food stands at a solid 6.9, indicating a good performance.
However, a significant number of negative comments (93 out of 334) contribute to a customer satisfaction rating of 66.2%, placing it in the mixed category. Some diners encountered bland or mediocre dishes, citing missing ingredients, no seasoning, or dry chicken. Disappointment also arose from awful pizza and a perceived lack of gluten-free options.
Food
334
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
93
negative
20
neutral
221
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful, quality food
- Generous portion sizes
- Authentic Italian dishes
What people don't like
- Bland, unseasoned dishes
- Inconsistent food quality
- Removed favorite menu items
Often praised
- foodFrom the great service to the nice outdoors area, everything was excellent. The food is excellent and well priced, with flavors in abundance and quick service. They also have a good drink and wine selection.
- FoodI enjoyed every single thing
- Italian foodIf your palate is requesting Italian food Armando's is the place for you
- chicken marsalachicken marsala over mashed potatoes (we took half of it home)
- Chicken MarsalaMy Wife had the Chicken Marsala and said it was one of the best she has had!
- calamariThe food (calamari+pizzas) was solid, as usual.
- good foodI pointed out that her timing was really bad. Overall, it was good food marred by bad service from the server.
- pizzatry their pizza and salad, both of which were excellent
- portionsThe portions are a good
- ravioliBest ravioli I've ever had.. butternut squash with brown butter
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant for lunch was quite disappointing. While the server was great, the food was lazy. Both my sandwich and salad were missing ingredients, and the chicken tasted reheated and stale.
- Italian foodThe staff were also intrusive, listening to conversations over shoulders. I believe there are way better places in Orlando to get Italian food.
- saladWhile the server was great, the food was lazy. Both my sandwich and salad were missing ingredients, and the chicken tasted reheated and stale. It seems the lunch chef was not paying attention to detail at all.
- breadOur waiter was rarely at our table to check if we were good. We never received our bread, and when it came to our check, someone else brought it to us while our waiter was at the bar chatting with clients.
- drinksdrinks, which we found a bit lacking
- pizzaAwful pizza. Missing ingredients.
- chickenWhile the server was great, the food was lazy. Both my sandwich and salad were missing ingredients, and the chicken tasted reheated and stale. It seems the lunch chef was not paying attention to detail at all.
- lunchspent $125.00 on lunch and it was horrible
- mashed potatoespond of watery, mashed potatoes that tasted instant
- seafood risottoSO many fan favorite items removed from the menu. Gone are lobster ravioli, seafood risotto - all risotto actually, no more filet. No more taste of Napoli.
If youre seeking classic Italian dishes with generous portions and rich flavors, youll likely find a lot to love here. However, be aware that consistency can be an issue, with some experiences falling flat due to blandness or preparation mishaps. It's worth a try for the highlights, but manage your expectations.
Service (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems to be a bit of a mixed bag here, with an average score of 5.1 and customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 42.3%. Based on 234 opinions, with 99 positive remarks, many guests praised the staff and friendly service, highlighting attentive service from specific individuals like waiter, Justin. They often described the team as organized, patient, and going above and beyond for a wonderful dining experience.
However, with 125 negative comments, there are clear areas for improvement. Many experienced slow service and bad service, noting inattentive staff and issues with management. Complaints ranged from long waits for food and drinks to unprofessional behavior and a general lack of acknowledgment, indicating a need for more consistent customer care.
Service
234
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
125
negative
10
neutral
99
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Friendly servers
- Personalized care
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Inattentive staff
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceArmando's has been our favorite local restaurant, visited at least twice a month. The food has always been wonderful, though the service is a bit slow, it's very friendly. Unfortunately, I discovered last night that the menu has changed and they no longer offer the seafood risotto.
- Servicebrought some wonderful bread and olive oil on a regular basis
- staffstaff could not have been more accommodating and welcoming
- serverMy experience at this restaurant for lunch was quite disappointing. While the server was great, the food was lazy. Both my sandwich and salad were missing ingredients, and the chicken tasted reheated and stale.
- managementThe management had our table ready early
- wait staffthe wait staff seemed to be top notch
- waiterThe waiter was very polite and helpful
- waitressBut our waitress was 💯. She was the best as she can be
- A+Our server, Joriath, was a super duper server. Overall, it was an A+ experience.
- EmilyEmily was our server and she was the BEST!
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to inferior service and ordinary food. We visited on a Friday night without reservations around 5: 15 PM.
- managerLiterally the manager said this while walking by the table as fast as he could
- waiterThe food was good, but the service was not that good. Our waiter was rarely at our table to check if we were good. We never received our bread, and when it came to our check, someone else brought it to us while our waiter was at the bar chatting with clients.
- waiting timeMy boyfriend visited on 3/25/2025 around 5: 00 pm and sat at the bar for 17 minutes without anyone approaching him to offer a menu. He observed the bartender engaging with other patrons while he was left unattended.
- serverasked the server what food I could have. She said they could make several items completely gluten-free
- serversOther servers were walking by our table and kept saying she’ll be right with you.
- attentionwe were completely ignored.
- bartenderbartender was talking to people without a worry in the world
- complimentary breadother tables got complimentary bread, while we did not
- hostessThe hostess, however was less than helpful
So, is the service worth the gamble? While many rave about friendly and attentive servers, be prepared for potential inconsistencies. If you're not in a rush and hope for a great server, you might be pleasantly surprised, but if you expect seamless, quick service every time, you might face disappointment.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
Armandos College Park generally offers a delightful atmosphere, with many guests praising its good ambience, reflected in a score of 7.3. A solid 71.3% customer satisfaction further confirms this, with 62 positive remarks out of 87 total. Diners frequently highlight the great environment, lovely outdoor seating, and family atmosphere, creating a vibe that feels both quaint and lively, perfect for a night out or celebrations.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 19 negative observations pointing to some areas for improvement. Some guests found the atmosphere to be loud inside, describing it as noise chaos that made conversation difficult. There were also instances of feeling not welcomed or being seated in an uncomfortable corner, ' suggesting occasional inconsistencies in comfort and hospitality.
Ambience
87
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
19
negative
6
neutral
62
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting outdoor seating
- Lively, cozy atmosphere
- Pleasant decor
What people don't like
- Loud indoor environment
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereThe vibe on this Tuesday night was lively with a few large family groups.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceMy experience at this restaurant was initially fantastic, with superior food, a pleasant ambience, and great service. It's a great place to sit outside and people-watch.
- ambianceI really enjoyed the ambiance, the service, and the food here.
- decorLove the setting and decor as well.
- experienceAn awesome experience. They made our Mothers Day very special.
- Armando's College ParkArmando's College Park used to be one of my favorite restaurants
- Italian restaurantWe also ordered five different desserts to share, and every one was delicious! This is an excellent Italian restaurant that reminds me of the great ones in Manhattan!
- bar areaWe sat in the bar area
- bustlingI'm glad to see Armando's bustling.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereToo loud inside, but our server Joriath made us feel so welcome
- cornerput us all in a very tight and dirty corner.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- businessNot a great look for the business
- children insideappeared they didn't want children inside the restaurant
- glasseshow dirty and spotty all the glasses were
- loud insideit is very loud inside
- noise chaosIt was so loud that I couldn't even talk to anyone within 3 feet, making it unsuitable for large gatherings. I often wonder why noise chaos is so prevalent in today's restaurants. On a positive note, the server was wonderful, and I appreciate them taking this photo.
- parkingParking isn't the best
- restaurantthey only had 3 people in the restaurant
If youre looking for a restaurant with a generally pleasant and lively atmosphere, especially with its inviting outdoor seating, Armandos is often a great choice. However, be mindful that it can get loud inside, and seating comfort might vary, so consider requesting an outdoor spot if noise is a concern.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests find some real gems here. They often praise the reasonable prices and lunch choices below $20.00, noting the overall cost aligns well with quality. The happy hour pricing and happy hour wines are frequently highlighted as offering great value.
This contributes to an average score of 4.7 for this topic, based on 11 positive observations, though overall customer satisfaction sits at a rather poor 36.7%. However, the value proposition isnt always clear, with 17 negative comments out of 30 total. A significant concern revolves around an auto gratuity or automatic 20% tip that some felt was forced and not clearly communicated, leading to frustration.
Other issues include surprisingly high price for simple items like a bottle of beer, with some feeling the business was making an excessive profit'.
Value
30
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
17
negative
2
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good lunch deals
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable overall cost
What people don't like
- Hidden auto-gratuity
- Unexpected drink prices
- Poor quality for cost
Often praised
- pricesprices better than their competition
- Magical Dining menu3 course meal for $40
- Parking optionsParking options:Free street parking
- happy hour pricingHappy hour pricing from 4-7pm is really good
- happy hour wineshappy hour wines for $6 are great value
- lunch choices below $20.00Plenty of lunch choices below $20.00
- moderate pricingMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful! I loved the fine cuisine, which was offered at moderate pricing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone with tastebuds, lol!
- overall costEverything was excellent. The quality and quantity of food were definitely in line with the overall cost. I highly recommend this place!
- priceFrom the great service to the nice outdoors area, everything was excellent. The food is excellent and well priced, with flavors in abundance and quick service. They also have a good drink and wine selection.
- valueearns a real bang for your buck
Frequently criticized
- price60 dollars for a meal for 2 that was below average
- $131.00Spent $131.00
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- auto gratuityauto gratuity of 20% should have better service
- automatic 20% tipcharged me an automatic 20% tip
- bottle of beerWe ordered two beers, but were unaware of the price for a bottle of Miller Lite. Upon being told it was $7 each, which we felt was a 700 percent profit for the business, we decided to leave to avoid feeling ripped off.
- charge according to conveniencecharge according to the convenience of the server
- charged for itemscharged for stuff I didn't even buy or eat
- checkthere was a huge mistake.
- forced me to givethe 20% that they forced me to give
If youre looking for good deals, aim for their lunch specials or happy hour, as these offer genuine value. However, be wary of hidden charges like automatic gratuity and double-check drink prices to avoid feeling ripped off. Its a mixed bag, so go in with your eyes open.
How are the prices at Vesuvio College Park?
On average, you’ll spend around $40 per person – from 110 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For an Italian Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good mix! While many enjoy meals in the $21–$30 range, there are also quite a few who opt for more premium experiences, even above $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
Considering the variety of price points available, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Italian Restaurant. You can find options for a casual meal or splurge a bit for a special occasion, which is always a good sign!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Vesuvio College Park
Price per Person
- $101+
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Dinner Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The Margarita pizza was served cold and required reheating. The bruschetta tasted stale.
Despite spending $131. 00, the server was not very attentive. We will not be returning.
- Margarita pizza2
- bruschetta2
- server3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Unfriendly Staff and Better Options Available
My experience at this restaurant was marked by unfriendly and unprofessional staff. It felt like being bossed around by rude locals. The staff were also intrusive, listening to conversations over shoulders.
I believe there are way better places in Orlando to get Italian food.
- staff1
- staff conversations1
- Italian food2
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
2
Menu Changes Disappoint Long-Time Regulars
WTH? SO many fan favorite items removed from the menu. Gone are lobster ravioli, seafood risotto - all risotto actually, no more filet.
No more taste of Napoli. No mashed potatoes? Really?
Chicken Marsala without mashed potatoes? You have never been gluten free friendly but now you truly don’t offer anything a gf person can eat. There are plenty of pizza joints in college park.
We have been regulars for many years. Sadly we will not be back. I foresee a gone out of business sign.
- lobster ravioli2
- seafood risotto2
- risotto2
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Perfect Birthday Meal with Heavenly Food!
It was a beautiful Florida day, so we chose to eat outside. My experience was fantastic! The food was heavenly, and the drinks, while pricey, were beyond words.
I was particularly impressed with the tiramisu, which was the first in Florida that I'd say is very close to the real thing my grandmother made. The service was amazing. All together, it made for a perfect birthday meal!
💚
- food10
- drinks7
- tiramisu9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Mixed Bag: Tasty Salad, Chewy Calamari
I visited this restaurant for the first time with a friend. I ordered the Insalata Di Pollo, which had ample, favorable, and moist chicken breast. The croutons were surprisingly extremely tasty and not over hard, and the salad was finished with generous amounts of shaved Parmesan and Caesar dressing.
My friend participated in the "Magical Dining" menu, a 3-course meal for $40 that benefits charity. He started with calamari, which were small octopus pieces and unfortunately, MANY were overly chewy. For his entree, the Salmone Sofia was excellent, and his dessert, the tiramisu, was "to die for".
While the food choices were good overall, there were a few issues. I was also disappointed that the lunch menu lacked a pasta with meat sauce.
- chicken breast9
- croutons9
- Salmone Sofia9
- calamari3
- pasta with meat sauce3
What Vesuvio College Park offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Vesuvio College Park?
Vesuvio College Park offers a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable seating and table service. The atmosphere is designed to be romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences and occasions.
Does Vesuvio College Park offer accessibility features and convenient parking?
Yes, Vesuvio College Park is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. For your convenience, you’ll find both free street parking and a free parking lot, typically with plenty of space available for guests.
What is the overall rating for Vesuvio and what aspects contribute to it?
Vesuvio has an overall score of **6.2** out of 10. Its **Food** (6.9) and **Ambience** (7.3) are well-regarded, while **Service** (5.1) and **Value** (4.7) receive lower marks, indicating areas for improvement.
Is Vesuvio a good option for happy hour or lunch?
Yes, many customers appreciate Vesuvio’s happy hour pricing from 4-7pm, with good value wines. There are also plenty of lunch choices available below $20.00, making it a reasonable option for midday meals.
What are some common concerns about dining at Vesuvio?
Some guests have noted inconsistent service, with reports of slow attention or being ignored. The indoor atmosphere can also be quite loud, and there have been concerns regarding pricing practices, such as automatic gratuities or expensive drinks.