Ristorante Attilio — Wilmington, DE

May 15, 2024

The Parm Boys Overall Score: 7.6 / 10

The Vibe

We took a little road trip out to Delaware for this one, and while the neighborhood felt a tiny bit sus, you can't blame them—these guys have been holding down this exact spot for 40 years. Best of all? Easy parking! Walking inside, you are hit with a vintage 80s bar vibe that is exceptionally well-kept and feels highly authentic. The dining room is on the smaller side, but they left plenty of breathing room between the tables. The service was simple and nothing flashy, but nice overall, and the price was way cheaper than other spots of the same caliber. The price was right, my friend, thank you!

The Parm

Let's get straight to the cutlet: thick meat, real thick! The chicken was incredibly juicy with an A1 texture. However, the kitchen could have left it in the fryer a bit longer because it really could have been crispier. The real battle on this plate was the red river—the sauce was pretty watery and lacked a deep, robust punch. But then came the pasta. It wasn't the prettiest plate of noodles we've ever seen, but boy was it lovely. The pasta is homemade, and it tasted absolutely godly. The quality of the chicken and that spectacular homemade pasta absolutely carried the meal.

The Highs and Lows

• The Positives:

  • Thick, incredibly juicy cutlet with an A1 texture.

  • Godly, homemade side pasta that absolutely steals the show.

  • Vintage, well-kept 80s bar aesthetic that feels incredibly authentic.

  • Unbeatable value—way cheaper than other spots of similar quality.

  • The poppers and snacking peppers were a wonderful highlight.

  • Very easy parking situation.

• The Negatives:

  • The sauce was pretty watery and lacked deep flavor.

  • The breading on the chicken could have used a lot more crispiness.

  • The appetizers outside of the pepper highlights were pretty basic.

  • The neighborhood has a slightly sus feel to it.

Closing Thoughts

Ristorante Attilio is a classic, no-nonsense time capsule that serves up real, homemade Italian comfort. The sauce was a bit of a letdown, but the thick, juicy cutlet and that heavenly side pasta completely salvaged the run. For a vintage vibe and a price that won't break the bank, this Delaware spot is a highly respectable stop on our quest.

Scoring

• Shizz's Score: 7.1/10

• Dave's Score: 7.5/10

• Matt's Score: 8.2/10