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    Scalessa's

    4.8 (439 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:30 pm

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    SCALESSA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Scalessa's

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    Nancy N.

    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!

    Chicken Marsala
    Joe B.

    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

    Veal Parmigiana with Ricotta Gnocchi

    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.

    2025 Menu
    Julia P.

    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

    Chicken Scalessa
    Emma S.

    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!

    Sausage, greens & beans...kids gnocchi with marinara.....Italian wedding soup. Also got the meatball salad and it was very tasty.
    Donna D.

    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

    Menu
    Rob G.

    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.

    Heather K.

    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.

    Grandma's Sunday Gravy and Rigatoni
    AJ L.

    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.

    Chicken Cutlet Parm Sub
    Ivy H.

    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!!

    Cheesesteak

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    3 months ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you for the kind words. We hope to see you back soon

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you for your review. We hope to see you back soon.

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    3 months ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you for the kind words Elizabeth our team works hard.

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    10 months ago

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    5 months ago

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

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    Donald S.

    Thank you for the kind words Todd. We hope to see you back.

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    4 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    We are so glad you enjoyed and we look forward to you coming back :)

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    3 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    We are so glad you enjoyed. Thanks for

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    10 months ago

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

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    Donald S.

    So glad you enjoyed ! We hope to see you back soon

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    1 year ago

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

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    Donald S.

    Thanks for the review & kind words. We hope to see you back soon.

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    3 years ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you for the kind words :)

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    6 months ago

    Great food. Great intimate, Italian ambiance. Awesome spot. Nice people/service. My aunt always bring me here when in Wilmington.

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    Donald S.

    Thank you so much for the kind words. See you back soon :)

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    6 months ago

    We loved everything we had! The sauce, meatballs, gnocchi, etc.... We will definitely be going back.

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    Donald S.

    Thank you so much for the kind words. See you soon

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    Page 1 of 11

    Scalessa's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Scalessa's

    Does the new sacalessa's location in Wilmington have a liquor license?

    Nancy H................They do not have a liquor license and is not a B.Y.O.B. You won't need it as the delicious food is the STAR of the night.

    Do they still have the Sinatra/Godfather films vibe when dining in?

    Yes, they do.

    Assuming the parking is limited residential street side... is it difficult to find a spot on a weekday evening for an early dinner? Thanks!

    We just bought the garages across the street from the restaurant so you can pull into those for parking as well.

    Is it BYOB?

    No, not unless this changed recently.

    Do they still have butter cake for dessert?

    Yes they do. It is fantastic.

    View All 6 Questions

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    I don't love italian food so just bear with me lol. Last time I got the scampi and I felt it wasn't…read morehearty enough i'll put it like that. Decided against pasta this time. I started with the Calamari which was great. I think they breaded and fried the peppadews? Never had that but they were good and tasted fresh. Eating the whole cluster of seeds was kind of weird tho lol. But the calamari was tender, not drenched in the aioli, and definitely better than I was expecting. By the time I got my eggplant I wasn't really hungry anymore but it tasted decent. Was a bit oily but if I were hungry I woul Our reservation was set for right before close but the kitchen and our waitress handled us exceptionally. Food, drinks and service were all as expected or better. If I had to complain, I wouldn't. everything was good today

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