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    Scalessa's

    4.8 (440 reviews)
    ModerateItalian
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Scalessa's Photos

    Business Info

    SCALESSA'S ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Scalessa's

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    Reviews With Photos

    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

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    1 year ago

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    Donald S.

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    9 months ago

    Great experience - owners that really care and are hands on. Truly family style Italian food with plenty of special hand made dishes.

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    Donald S.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Good food. Service is good. Know what you want ahead of time to make your ordering a breeze

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    Donald S.

    We strive for perfection we are so sorry for the disappointment.

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    4 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    Donald S.

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    Donald S.

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    9 months ago

    Great takeout but it's so cute wish we could've eaten outside. Service was fast and friendly.

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    Donald S.

    Hope to see you back soon to eat outside :)

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

    Dinner was fantastic. Portions were huge. Staff was friendly. I'm definitely going back. Love it. Oh and parking is very manageable.

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    Donald S.

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    9 months ago

    Just went for the first time tonight. We WILL be back!! excellent food, service, Hugh, homemade portion's. Angela was a fantastic server.

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    Donald S.

    Tish so glad you enjoyed. We hope to see you back soon :)

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    1 year ago

    Great food, friendly people, good prices , good hrs , authentic food ,good service , small but homey atmosphere

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    Donald S.

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

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    1 year ago

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    Donald S.

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

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    11 months ago

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    Donald S.

    We are so glad you enjoyed and we hope to see you back soon.

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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

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    11 months ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you so much for the kind words. We hope to see you back soon :)

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

    Thank you so much. We appreciate the continued support

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    2 years ago

    Great, unassuming, little corner joint with good food and nice people. Bummer it is closed on Sundays.

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    Donald S.

    Thanks for the kind words.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Donald S.

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

    We appreciate your kind words. We hope to see you soon.

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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

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    1 year ago

    I bought a sub yesterday it was not my favorite not what I expected. It was disappointing expecting more .

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    Donald S.

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    2 years ago

    Going there for our Italian family monthly family luncheon early December. I'll let you know. My cousins are excited about the venue!!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    First time trying Scalessa's and will not be my last! Had the Italian Hoagie, it was packed with premium meat and was huge!

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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

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    2 years ago

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    Donald S.

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    4 years ago

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    Page 2 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 have wanted to try this restaurant for a while. We go out weekly with our friends and people in…read moremy building on the riverfront. We tend to be more casual however my niece wanted to celebrate her birthday. Our server Eileen was very pleasant. We were also brought to the table by Mia who was so personable and explained the menu. First, is the constant yelling to the men who were preparing meals by I think was the chef. He was overseeing that meals were prepared but I kept thinking he was arguing with someone. My easy peasy drink was great. I had the lobster linguini, I think there were 4 nickel size lobster pieces in the linguini , linguini was not Al dente, overcooked, and the flavor was non descriptive. If I served it , even on a weeknight at home I'd be apologizing. My husband had the durado , he said it was so so, my sister thought her meal average and named several other places we had eaten that she would prefer, my niece had the pork , no rave review. The flourless chocolate cake was good. I was told cheesecake ok. The price was moderate, but I have paid a lot less for a lot better. When I read how the meals were prepared and ingredients I thought we were headed into a very special dinner. I hate writing negative reviews but I did teach cooking when I was younger and have certain expectations when I am going to a now celebrated restaurant.

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