Food - so very good! Everything was hot and fresh and house-made. The gnocchi were little dumplings of pasta numminess. Yes, nummy. The chicken picatta was so, so good- just the right amount of lemony goodness. The Marsala was my husband's favorite- he's said it's some of the best he's had. My daughter said her veal was delicious. Get the cannoli- even if you don't normally like cannolis. My daughter loved her gooey snickerdoodle butter cake topped with ice cream. The decor and staff are everything you want in a family-owned Italian restaurant. There was Sinatra music playing and My Cousin Vinny on the TV - it was great. There is indoor and outdoor seating. It is a small restaurant with limited seating. If you are pressed, make a reservation. Don't go here, if you want quick, impersonal service. Street parking, just a heads up. read more

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I know this may be an unpopular opinion but honestly I thought this was just average Italian food. I'd go again because there wasn't anything wrong with it but I wasn't wow'd. I tried the meatball appetizer - it was decent but not really anything special. For dinner I had the chicken parm in a blush sauce which came with a side of gnocchi and my dining partner had grandmas Sunday gravy, again both decent. We skipped dessert because it was a decent amount of food. The other thing I'll mention is you're going to want to make reservations if you go. The entire restaurant seats what seems like 30 people. read more

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Absolutely excellent! My Delaware-living family member was right on track when she recommended Scalessa's! When she compared it to our all time favorite Italian South Jersey (Fieni's) - we were in! Scalessa's is quaint, warm, and boasts a decent sized menu. The gnocchi was tender and pillowy with a great sauce. The seafood was delicious and fresh! Everyone loved his/her dishes! We met the owner, which I always like. The huge portions allowed us to take home leftovers (not a typical thing for me!). Our dessert of (shared) choice was butter cake - wow! Super yummy just like my grandmother turned us on to many moons ago! Since I'll be spending more time in Delaware - we'll be stopping again!!! :) A DEFINITE MUST TRY !!! Thanks Jules ! read more

Scalessa's - leftovers!!! (Feb '26) - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Food was amazing!! We ordered the calamari as an appetizer, they had a sweet pepper sauce on it , delicious. Then for dinner my husband had the Lasagna, I have to say it tasted like my Nonna made it . Highly recommend. I had the shrimp La Scalessa . The shrimp was sauté on places on pillowy gnocchi with a rose' sauce . The best gnocchi I have ever had . My daughter had the old reliable spaghetti and meatball. Wow the meatball was so delicious and moist. We never get meatballs out because my family says that I make the best meatballs!! I ell this place had me questioning my meatball recipe. Dessert was also delicious, we had a cannoli made with a pizzelle instead of a hard cannoli shell very tasty the cream was smooth and tasty. I had a lemon ricotta cookie warmed up also so good . My daughter has something called a chocolate and raspberry butter cake , that was also so yummy. This was our first time here and it won't be the last highly recommend !!! read more

This restaurant was absolutely outstanding! It is a tiny place with not a lot of seating, but with tons of decorations on the walls mostly of Al Capone. The servers are super friendly and helpful, and you feel right at home right away. The menu offers many classic Italian options as well as some more unique ones, and that made it so difficult to make a decision! We got garlic bread to start, which was perfectly buttered and had a ton of garlic on it! I then ordered the chicken scalessa, which has their delicious creamy tomato sauce and is loaded up with crab meat. The best part of that dish though was definitely the chicken cutlet, it was cooked to perfection! It also came with a side house salad, which was perfectly dressed, as well as some gnocchi with the blush sauce. It's a little pricey but you definitely get plenty of food for the price! For dessert, we split the snickerdoodle buttercake and it was insanely good. We got it warm with ice cream on top (because why not) and it was just amazing. I will definitely be back to try more items!! read more

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Kindest service ever!! Came here with a friend and they were very accommodating w/ vegetarian options. I loved the corner storefront. Cute, cozy interior. My friend and I really enjoyed the brussel sprouts and pasta dishes. They were out of eggplant when we went but I would go back to try their variety of eggplant dishes. read more

Cute little old school Italian restaurant! This location is BYOB. Staff is friendly. We stopped here before car shopping. Shared the calamari and chicken Marsala. The BEST chicken Marsala ever. So so good. Flavorful and the gnocchi was fluffy and homemade. Highly recommend! read more

Scalessa's - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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There food is awesome, meatball salad is outstanding! I haven't had a bad meal from there yet. Small dine in area and take out are both available. read more

Found Scalessa's by chance and LOVED it. The atmosphere, the servers, the vibe and most of all the meatballs. I'll be back when I'm in town!

Went to Scalessa's for cheese steak to split with my 6 year old grandson after his lacrosse practice. As we ordered the cheese steak and fries a very friendly manager asked me if he could give him a cookie. It was chocolate chip and huge. I tried it after dinner and it was fresh , chewy and delicious. I'd recommend them for dinner as well as dessert! read more

We stumbled upon this gem when we had a flight delay back to Boston. We weren't disappointed! We got garlic bread, lasagna and spaghetti & meatballs. Everything was delicious and Erin was a wonderful waitress. She even gave us a piece of butter cake for the road. We'll be back! read more

This place lived up to the yelp hype and then some. Superb meal. Girlfriend got the Chicken Francese and I got the Chicken Marsala. Both were amazing. Chicken was tender and moist. The sauces and seasonings were incredible. Our server Rich was pleasant and helpful. This place is a gem. Small, cozy, friendly place with exceptional food. The chef really knows what he's doing. Some of the best Italian food we've ever had. Rich gave us a slice of butter cake to take with us. It was heavenly. We'll definitely be back read more

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Scalessa's "My Way" Old School Italian Kitchen - Then & Now 1836 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, DE 19806 Visits: January 25, 2024 & September 25, 2025 Scalessa's is one of those neighborhood Italian kitchens that wins you over with warm service, hearty classics, and portions so big you're guaranteed to leave with a box. If you are visiting and can't take leftovers with you, highly recommend sharing a meal. Comparing my two visits--first in January 2024 and again today in September 2025--the consistency is impressive, with new highlights that make a return worth while. An additional note, you can walk to Scalessa's easily from the Brandywine walkway along the river from downtown. About a 2 mile walk from downtown along the scenic trail. ________________________________________ Atmosphere * 2024: Cozy, family-style feel with limited seating inside. A perfect "hidden gem" vibe for locals. Love the pictures and tributes to Sinatra and The Rat Pack. * 2025: Same intimate space, but busier and livelier tonight. Outdoor tables and a fire pit added a nice touch, though the rainy weather kept most people inside. Would like to be able to hear the music be a little louder to enjoy it. The walls had just been painted and new flooring installed, so all the pictures and memorabilia will be going back up shortly. ________________________________________ Starters * 2024: No appetizer--straight to the main course. Lunchtime and we were walking w miles back so we did not want to overstuff ourselves. * 2025: Began with the risotto balls, a special. Absolutely massive, golden on the outside, creamy inside, served with ricotta and marinara. Easily sharable. ________________________________________ Salad * 2024: Crisp romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian vinaigrette. Simple and refreshing alongside the heavy entrée. * 2025: Nearly identical. ________________________________________ Main Entrées * 2024: Chicken Parmesan with gnocchi--a giant breaded cutlet covered in marinara and mozzarella, served with a hearty side of gnocchi. Comfort food at its best. * 2025: Ordered the Chicken Parmesan with gnocchi again. The chicken was just as tender and cheesy, but the gnocchi seemed lighter and more delicate this time. A subtle refinement that elevated the dish. ________________________________________ Dessert * 2024: No dessert. * 2025: Treated myself to the Chocolate Butter Cake--a decadent mix of cake and brownie textures, gooey but not overpowering, with whipped cream on the side. A must-try finish to the meal. Easily can be shared. ________________________________________ Service & Experience Both visits featured attentive, friendly servers who paced the meal well. In 2025, I appreciated being asked whether to hold the entrée until I finished the appetizer--thoughtful touches that show they care about the diner's experience. The owner stopped over multiple times to check to see how the meal was. ________________________________________ Final Thoughts Scalessa's remains consistently excellent between visits. 2024 introduced me to their unforgettable Chicken Parm and gnocchi, and 2025 added the risotto balls appetizer and chocolate butter cake, making the meal even more indulgent. Next visit I am going to venture out and try something different. Not sure what yet, but looking forward to it. Rating: 5/5 (both visits) - Dependable, hearty, and delicious every time. If you're in Wilmington or passing through on I-95, Scalessa's should be on your list. #Review #Resatuarants #Wilmington #Delaware #Italian #Food read more

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Food was excellent. Our server was attentive and friendly. We sat outside which was nice to people watch in this part of the neighborhood.

Never disappoints! Great food and great staff! Everything is fresh and delicious, it's hard to choose what to order!

A local favorite of mine! Fresh made pasta is incredible. I usually rave about their Brussels sprouts but mixed it up today with the Broccoli Rabe and it did not disappoint! Chicken Scalessa with gnocchi in Blush sauce was amazing. Already dreaming of having my left overs (helloooooo portion size!!!). Service is always great. Cute outdoor seating! read more

Scalessa's - Chicken Scalessa - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

We stopped in on our way to Newark from KOP. Angela our server, was kind, friendly and very helpful. Suggestions were spot on. Food was outstanding, super hot and really fresh. Ambiance is great. Portions are hearty. Will definitely stop in again when on travel for business. Looking forward to it. Jeff & Donna from Pittsburgh read more

Scalessa's - Sausage, greens & beans...kids gnocchi with marinara.....Italian wedding soup. Also got the meatball salad and it was very tasty. - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Great neighborhood restaurant! Small, comfortable, make reservations, Service was fast, friendly, warm. Food was amazing. I had the eggplant Parmesan... Among the best, if not THE best egg eggplant Parmesan I've ever been served in a restaurant. Meatball and gnocchi were exceptional. Sauce on Parmesan and meatball fantastic... Gnocchi sauce was a little too thin. My dinner partner had ravioli special with the eggplant meatball... She loved them both. Highly recommend! read more

Here we go again at Scalessa's. My girlfriend and I were here back in January. Our 3rd time here and we love it. I ordered the Meatball Salad and Chicken Scalessa for us again. It is so delicious. Taste is flavorful and fresh. Meatballs taste like real Italian style making. I love the Chicken Scalessa with lots of Alfredo sauces added on mine. They have fresh beverages and wines too. Maria was a good server too. Good servers here. We will hopefully be back here in the summer. read more

One of the best Italian restaurants in Wilmington. Rich waited on us , very attentive and nice . He makes the best deserts . We had the chicken parm and broccoli rabe with cheese ravioli. All homemade all outstanding! We sat outside for which the weather was beautiful. Love the way they have beautiful flower pots and bird houses . We definitely recommend coming here ! read more

The staff at this restaurant was very friendly and attentive. It was much smaller than I expected and the music and interior were both Sinatra themed, which I really enjoyed. I had the Eggplant Parmesan and it was really tasty especially the marinara sauce. I can see why this place has been in business so long. We really enjoyed our meal. read more

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Excellent authentic Italian food. We always bring it home because food this good deserves a nice glass of red

Food was very good (I had Veal Parmigiana) and service was excellent. Nice selection to pick from on the menu and prices were great. Restaurant is casual and has a nice vibe to it. read more

Scalessa's - Veal Parmigiana with Ricotta Gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Scalesa's has earned a coveted 5***** s from this gal! Wow. The food here is authentic, drool worthy,and far superior to that "other infamous" overly hyped Delaware Italian row home establishment. We over ordered and don't regret it one bit. Sampling the meatball appetizer with ricotta. The sauce was superb. The balls easily broke down with just a fork and melt in your mouth delicious. Chicken parm crispy, moist and topped with the freshest of mozzarella. My only disappointment was no bread served with the meal but the entrees themselves were some of the best Italian dishes we've had. The restaurant was small and had dining outdoors as well. Three TVs had classic DiNero movie playing. Our server was through and explained the menu and specials. A definite treat. One that will have us going to DE just for the meal. read more

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The food is incredible and the service is amazing. This place is phenomenal. It'll change your life! read more

Had to satisfy my craving. Grandma's Sunday Gravy will have you coming back. Wifey got the veal parm and she loves it. Great friendly service and atmosphere. A must try. read more

Scalessa's - Grandma's Sunday Gravy and Rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Food is amazing, not too salty not too greasy, great flavor, feels like it was made with love hahaha. The service is also amazing, so friendly and helpful. They really want to make sure you have a great dining experience. It's very busy in there all the time but it's good vibes and it's just a good time every time we go. read more

Food is amazing. The wait staff is entertaining The seating is small so make a reservation

Wonderful food and service! The staff was really understanding as they accommodated our large party and made us feel at home. We really appreciated it as we had a couple of kids and elderly guests in our party. Everything we ordered came out very hot and delicious. I didn't get a picture of the gnocchi as that dish disappeared almost immediately. If we didn't have so much food already, I'm sure we would've ordered more. My personal favorites were the veal parm and Philly cheesesteak. So full of melty cheese and super tender! For dessert we had cannoli -- a must have. TBH Scalessa's one of the best Italian restaurants I've personally been to. It's so cozy and old school at the same time, that I'd love to bring a friend with me back here. 10/10 would recommend for date night! Quick tip: the restroom wasn't working when we visited, so in case that's an issue, there's a gas station and cafe nearby that has facilities. read more

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We completely enjoyed dining at Scalessa's. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and Host Rich is incomparable. The Broccoli Rabe was indeed the best, and the Eggplant Parmesan was delicious! You must go! read more

Meatballs wheeler to die for and I don't typically like meatballs! Sauce was the perfect balance Between sweet and savory. We booked a second time coming feom South Carolina and it did not disappoint! read more

We have to hit this place every time we're in Delaware. The food and service are fantastic! I cannot get past the Porkette with Broccoli Rabe, long hots & sharp provolone, it's is absolutely delicious. My husband got the chicken parm sandwich this time and it was fantastic. If we lived nearby this would be a staple for us. Highly recommend!! read more

Scalessa's - Chicken Cutlet Parm Sub - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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A friend recommended Scalessas to us, and they did not disappoint. Our server Rich was amazing. There is a homey, family feel to this little Italian restaurant. The food is absolutely delicious, fresh, and all homemade. We ended dinner with their lemon butter cake and continued to be impressed. We can't wait to go back and try more things on their menu. read more

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I'm usually a skeptic when places have such a high rating, but this place did not let down. From the moment I walked in the hostess was super friendly and attentive. The ambience is that of a small town Italian restaurant . The food was delicious. No complaints. read more

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What a find! Lovely neighborhood gem, we stopped in coming home from a road trip for lunch. We will return for sure! Yelpers, I found this place while we were driving and your reviews where exactly on point. Your reviews are what made me choose this place, and I ordered everything I saw appearing on yelp multiple times: meatball salad, chicken Scalessa w/gnocchi in blush sauce, butter cake. Holy. Moly! My wife & I split everything, still took the entree home. So much food. The meatball salad was devoured, I forgot to take a pic. But the pics on here are accurate. I had to twist her arm because she did not understand meatballs with salad. I did not either, but everyone said you had to have it so I followed along. I am glad I did. Not gonna try to explain it, just get the meatball salad. You must! I don't know why the most delicious garlic bread ever is a special, but if they happen to have it while you're there, get that too. The chicken was amazing. With that crab cream sauce. I think the gnocchi was the biggest surprise, it's not traditional potato. It's made with some kind of cheese. These pillows melt in your mouth. It's completely insane. Everything was just delicious. Then the butter cake, that is homemade and comes out warm. I put myself in a food coma, lol. Totally worth it! Our server was fabulous, I didn't catch his name. The ambience is really cute, they had the Godfather on the TV and an homage to Frank Sinatra all over the walls, which suited me well because I am a fan. read more

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We live in N Wilmington but come here for lunch your amazing cheesesteaks, subs and to die for porkette w broccoli rabe. Tonight we came for dinner take out and tried your eggplant parm. What a surprise that your side pasta was gnocchi!!! Delicious, non-heavy pillows. Wonderful red sauce. What a delight!! Also got a side of your broccoli rabe - which is the best; perfectly cooked with sliced perfectly cooked garlic!! Friendly staff too. read more

Scalessa's - Broccoli Rabe and eggplant parm - Italian Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

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Do not sleep on this place! Amazing food and a great family atmosphere. The food was outstanding!!! The owners brother was a gem! Thanks for a great dinner. ~ Tulsa read more

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I had the Eggplant parm with gnocchi...outstanding. The sauce was bright and fragrant the Gnocchi's were like pillows.

Meatballs, gnocchi, lasagna, chicken parm...everything on this menu is amazingly delicious!!! Will definitely come again!

Found this place while passing through town, and so glad we did! Chicken piccata with gnocchi, meatball salad, and rigatoni with Sunday sauce were all out of this world. Our server, Angela, was just as wonderful. She is so kind and really made it a special meal. We will definitely be back. read more