Don Vincenzo - Rochester, Kent
Description
Modern restaurant set in a ground floor shop on the picturesque High Street, decor gives impression of light and space, with a hint of the Italian style.Style of food on offer: Fast Food, Pizza, Italian
Price Guide: £15.01 - £30.00
Accessibility for disabled: partially accessible - Disability access to the lower part of the restaurant only; not to higher level or bathrooms
Parking: Street Parking
Bar Facilities: Full bar
Smoking policy: Smoking permitted
Review Summary
Don Vincenzo has received 28 reviews, giving the following average ratings (out of 10 - higher is better):| Overall: | 7.82143 |
| Food: | 8.21429 |
| Service: | 8.25 |
| Ambiance: | 8.25 |
The reviews can be seen in full below these details.
Recommended dishes: English cooked breakfasts Salciccia picante pizza veal Salmon Italian style pizzas pizza veal, swordfish mussels on the specials menu pizza sea bass pizzas Veal Milanese
Address and Contact Details
|
108 High Street Rochester Kent England ME1 1JT |
Telephone: 01634 408373 |
Other Information
Accepted payment methods:Bank Debit Cards
Cheques
Visa
MasterCard/Eurocard
Dress code: Casual
Customer Reviews for Don Vincenzo - Rochester
Nice Food - Shame About the Staff - review added on Sat 12th Feb 2000
Don Vincenzo has a standard 'Italian' menu, with a range of pizza, pasta and meat dishes, with a reasonable list of Italian wines. A supplementary menu at lunch time offers a range of cooked snacks, including breakfasts.The food is attractively presented, beautifully cooked - but there it ends. The staff have been trained at the finest Schools of Waiting, to make you do just that. Eye contact is virtually unheard of, semaphore is a foreign language - and when I requested the chips I'd ordered as a side dish, I knew I'd signed my suicide note. Paying for the meal took 20 minutes.Jonathan (6) untroubled by such issues, ate his English breafast, placed his knife and fork on the plate and volunteered "I'll give them ten out of ten. Can I have an ice cream?"
Recommended Dishes: English cooked breakfasts
Nice Restaurant - review added on Tue 5th Feb 2002
I especially liked this restaurant; it was an extremely nice atmosphere. The food was delicious and of a high standard, however I found that the time difference between the first and the second course was very short and the service was very rushed. The music was good and overall I found this a very nice restaurant.
Good Staff and Pizza - review added on Mon 22nd Apr 2002
The pizzas are excellent - don't forget to ask for the chilli oil!As for the staff, all it takes is a winning smile, a little coversation and they look after you all night.
Recommended Dishes: Salciccia picante pizza
Possibly the Best Nid-range Restaurant This Side of the Medway - review added on Fri 14th Feb 2003
The main menu has a good variety of food in various styles, although all with some kind of Italian orientation.The quality is good to excellent, food is served hot, and tastes fresh (there are some dishes which appear to be pre-made and re-warmed).The service is good to excellent, especially once the staff get to know you, although of course on busy nights there is a wait.This is the lightest, cleanest restaurant in the Medway towns south/east of the river.Good place to entertain small parties. I wouldn't attempt groups larger than 20.
Recommended Dishes: veal
One of the Best - review added on Tue 8th Jul 2003
I recently visited this restaurant on reconmendation of a close friend, and I must say it was an hour drive but a journey worth while. The food was as good as any I have tasted on my trips to Italy and the staff and settings made it seem like a small part of Italy somehow ended up in Rochester.
Fabulous Restaurant - review added on Wed 8th Oct 2003
This is by far one of the best restaurants i have been to. I went with my family, and being Italian I have tried many pizzas and never found any to match those of Italy until I came to Don Vincenzo.
Well Worth Visiting this Restaurant. - review added on Mon 27th Oct 2003
The food is gorgeous although I think the menu is slightly limited. Most of the staff are Italian-much to my embarrassment as my dad is Italian and he chatted away happily with the staff as Italian men do! It's a really romantic restaurant especially at night, however generally you are sat next to the large window which takes up one wall of the restaurant and looks out onto the street where everyone can peer in on what you are eating.
Best? - review added on Wed 12th Nov 2003
This is by far the most exquisite restaurant I have visited in my long, experienced and troubled life.
Recommended Dishes: Salmon
Just Shame About the Staff - review added on Sun 8th Feb 2004
Having had Don Vincenzo in Rochester High Street recommended to me, I telephoned two months ahead to discuss arranging a group booking for approx 30 people on a Saturday night. They were told at the onset this was for a Hen night. I was told this would be no problem, and to get back to them with an exact number and come in to discuss the menu. I arranged a whole night around this information and well in advance of the date, phoned again to arrange to come in. On arrival we were unexpectedly told no way was this possible, basically because they would not make enough money out of our group. Originally we were told a booking fee of £5.00 per person would be required, but on meeting this was raised to £25.00 per head obviously because they no longer wanted our custom. We felt completely discriminated against.The member of staff was rude and completly back tracked on our conversation of not more than an hour ago on the phone. We were treated disgustingly. I would not recommend anyone to attempt organising a special night out here.
Can't Understand It Myself - review added on Tue 4th May 2004
As a regular at Don Vees I cannot recommend the pizza and potatoes highly enough.The customers who frequent the restaurant are not the loud, hooped earring, gold clown brigade and you could be mistaken for thinking they had a "no shell suits and trainers"dress code. Regulars are often treated to a free nightcap by the friendly owner.
Recommended Dishes: Italian style pizzas
Review added on Wed 7th Jul 2004
I hated it; it was the longest most boring half an hour of my life. I waited half an hour for a drink and then I waited another twenty minutes for my meal which was very bland.
The Best Anyone Can Get - review added on Tue 10th Aug 2004
This is by far the best restaurant I have been to in the longest while. The food was superbe and the staff very friendly. This restaurant brings a little class to Rochester.
Valentine's Night - review added on Wed 16th Feb 2005
We had a truly amazing evening, not only was the food the best I have had in a long life of visiting restaurants, but the night itself was great and my partner was extremely impressed.Thanks you, see you again soon.
Superb food and great staff - review added on Wed 23rd Feb 2005
What a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The generous, friendly and warm staff were on hand and provided great service. The pizza are superb.
Recommended Dishes: pizza
Great Place - review added on Mon 1st Aug 2005
Great selection of food, drinks, and staff are friendly, regulars are treated well.
Recommended Dishes: veal, swordfish
Fantastic - review added on Fri 30th Sep 2005
We had a superb meal in a great environment. The waiters were very friendly and I am very keen to return with my husband.
Fantastic - review added on Mon 31st Oct 2005
As a regular at Don V's I have to say that this is one of the best, most authentic Italians, I have been to!Although the menu is a lttle limited, what they do is absolutely fantastic.Their Pizza's are probably the best I've had outside Italy. And I highly recommend the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo red wine, its fantastic!
Recommended Dishes: mussels on the specials menu
Best Pizza Ever - review added on Thu 3rd Nov 2005
On a recent visit to the superb Don vincenzo restaurant I was amazed by just how fantastic the pizza were. They far exceeded anything I have tried before even on my many visits to Italy!
Recommended Dishes: pizza
Great Authentic Italian Cuisine. - review added on Fri 2nd Jun 2006
Great food, great staff and fantastic atmosphere. Brings a slice of Italy to Rochester and fair exceeds any of the other Italian restaurants in the area.
Recommended Dishes: sea bass
Amazing Night - review added on Fri 4th Aug 2006
I can not thank the staff at Don Vincenzo's enough for the magical evening I had. The food was great as was the service. I will definitely be returning.
Our Favourite Italian - review added on Wed 11th Oct 2006
We love this place; they are very friendly and always recommend us something new we haven't tried before. Service excellent and so is the food.
Best Italian Restaurant in Rochester! - review added on Mon 13th Nov 2006
I visited this restaurant for the first time on Saturday night and was very impressed! I have been to many of the Italian restaurants in Rochester and can truly say that this restaurant is by far the best! The food was excellent along with the service. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful especially the owners ... not to mention good looking too!! :-)
Very Disappointing - review added on Fri 6th Apr 2007
We had the ravioli and cannelloni. Both were not filling and seemed to have come out of a box - not authentic at all and we felt ripped off at the price. Pizza probably would have been a better choice. Pleasant atmosphere, but staff not very friendly and we felt we were being hurried to leave - at only 8.30pm. Will not be visiting again or recommending to anyone.
A bit of Italy in Rochester - review added on Mon 17th Dec 2007
The restaurant is quite a famous one in the High Street offering various dishes that are as delicious and original as the well-known Italian cuisine....The staff is very friendly, too, trying to do their best.....smiling and keeping eye-contact with customers all the time. Usually, it is busy, mainly at evenings, and the prices are high as well!
Recommended Dishes: pizzas
Great Restaurant! Best in Medway - review added on Fri 11th Jan 2008
Had a throughly enjoyable night in Don vincenzo recently. The food was fantastic and well priced. Although slighty more expensive than a few of the other restaurants it was certainly worth it. The owners are very handsome and charming to boot. will be returning soon
Recommended Dishes: Veal Milanese
Consistently excellent. - review added on Thu 20th Mar 2008
I thought it only right that I should find a forum in which to espouse the positive aspects of a restaurant experience. My wife and i have become regulars at Don Vincenzo since 2003, and have probably only ever had one bad meal there. This is a genuine Sicilian owned and run restaurant, and there is an etiquette and system in the service that is lacking in many restaurants nowadays (i.e. it will always be one of the owners that will take your food order, not a spotty teenage waiter with an attitude). All the staff are always extremely polite and friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is simple. It is never too much trouble to ask for simple Italian standards that may not be on the menu (e.g. Penne Arrabiata), and the pizzas are probably the best I have ever had. We've tried an awful lot of italian restaurants but none have ever matched the experience at Don Vincenzo.
Recommended Dishes: Rib-Eye Steak, Pizza Alla Zac, Bresoala, Osso Buco (when available), Maccheroncini Ala Normale, Lasagna
Amazing food and restuarant - review added on Mon 14th Apr 2008
had a fantastic nite and the food was great! Gorgeous staff!
BEST Italian - review added on Wed 9th Jul 2008
My family, friends and I fell in love with every aspect of Don Vincenzos. The staff, the food, the atmosphere everything has been spectacular since our first visit. Since then we have become regulars, and enjoy all aspects of the regular menu and look forward to the specials too. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I meet. Go along, sit back, relax and ENJOY!! :o)
Recommended Dishes: Penne pasta with chicken, chilli and brocolli
Don Vincenzo has a standard 'Italian' menu, with a range of pizza, pasta and meat dishes, with a reasonable list of Italian wines. A supplementary menu at lunch time offers a range of cooked snacks, including breakfasts.The food is attractively presented, beautifully cooked - but there it ends. The staff have been trained at the finest Schools of Waiting, to make you do just that. Eye contact is virtually unheard of, semaphore is a foreign language - and when I requested the chips I'd ordered as a side dish, I knew I'd signed my suicide note. Paying for the meal took 20 minutes.Jonathan (6) untroubled by such issues, ate his English breafast, placed his knife and fork on the plate and volunteered "I'll give them ten out of ten. Can I have an ice cream?"
| Overall: | 6 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 2 |
| Ambiance: | 6 |
Recommended Dishes: English cooked breakfasts
Nice Restaurant - review added on Tue 5th Feb 2002
I especially liked this restaurant; it was an extremely nice atmosphere. The food was delicious and of a high standard, however I found that the time difference between the first and the second course was very short and the service was very rushed. The music was good and overall I found this a very nice restaurant.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Good Staff and Pizza - review added on Mon 22nd Apr 2002
The pizzas are excellent - don't forget to ask for the chilli oil!As for the staff, all it takes is a winning smile, a little coversation and they look after you all night.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 6 |
| Ambiance: | 6 |
Recommended Dishes: Salciccia picante pizza
Possibly the Best Nid-range Restaurant This Side of the Medway - review added on Fri 14th Feb 2003
The main menu has a good variety of food in various styles, although all with some kind of Italian orientation.The quality is good to excellent, food is served hot, and tastes fresh (there are some dishes which appear to be pre-made and re-warmed).The service is good to excellent, especially once the staff get to know you, although of course on busy nights there is a wait.This is the lightest, cleanest restaurant in the Medway towns south/east of the river.Good place to entertain small parties. I wouldn't attempt groups larger than 20.
| Overall: | 6 |
| Food: | 8 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 6 |
Recommended Dishes: veal
One of the Best - review added on Tue 8th Jul 2003
I recently visited this restaurant on reconmendation of a close friend, and I must say it was an hour drive but a journey worth while. The food was as good as any I have tasted on my trips to Italy and the staff and settings made it seem like a small part of Italy somehow ended up in Rochester.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Fabulous Restaurant - review added on Wed 8th Oct 2003
This is by far one of the best restaurants i have been to. I went with my family, and being Italian I have tried many pizzas and never found any to match those of Italy until I came to Don Vincenzo.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Well Worth Visiting this Restaurant. - review added on Mon 27th Oct 2003
The food is gorgeous although I think the menu is slightly limited. Most of the staff are Italian-much to my embarrassment as my dad is Italian and he chatted away happily with the staff as Italian men do! It's a really romantic restaurant especially at night, however generally you are sat next to the large window which takes up one wall of the restaurant and looks out onto the street where everyone can peer in on what you are eating.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 6 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Best? - review added on Wed 12th Nov 2003
This is by far the most exquisite restaurant I have visited in my long, experienced and troubled life.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: Salmon
Just Shame About the Staff - review added on Sun 8th Feb 2004
Having had Don Vincenzo in Rochester High Street recommended to me, I telephoned two months ahead to discuss arranging a group booking for approx 30 people on a Saturday night. They were told at the onset this was for a Hen night. I was told this would be no problem, and to get back to them with an exact number and come in to discuss the menu. I arranged a whole night around this information and well in advance of the date, phoned again to arrange to come in. On arrival we were unexpectedly told no way was this possible, basically because they would not make enough money out of our group. Originally we were told a booking fee of £5.00 per person would be required, but on meeting this was raised to £25.00 per head obviously because they no longer wanted our custom. We felt completely discriminated against.The member of staff was rude and completly back tracked on our conversation of not more than an hour ago on the phone. We were treated disgustingly. I would not recommend anyone to attempt organising a special night out here.
| Overall: | 2 |
| Food: | 0 |
| Service: | 2 |
| Ambiance: | 2 |
Can't Understand It Myself - review added on Tue 4th May 2004
As a regular at Don Vees I cannot recommend the pizza and potatoes highly enough.The customers who frequent the restaurant are not the loud, hooped earring, gold clown brigade and you could be mistaken for thinking they had a "no shell suits and trainers"dress code. Regulars are often treated to a free nightcap by the friendly owner.
| Overall: | 8 |
| Food: | 8 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Recommended Dishes: Italian style pizzas
Review added on Wed 7th Jul 2004
I hated it; it was the longest most boring half an hour of my life. I waited half an hour for a drink and then I waited another twenty minutes for my meal which was very bland.
| Overall: | 2 |
| Food: | 0 |
| Service: | 2 |
| Ambiance: | 2 |
The Best Anyone Can Get - review added on Tue 10th Aug 2004
This is by far the best restaurant I have been to in the longest while. The food was superbe and the staff very friendly. This restaurant brings a little class to Rochester.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Valentine's Night - review added on Wed 16th Feb 2005
We had a truly amazing evening, not only was the food the best I have had in a long life of visiting restaurants, but the night itself was great and my partner was extremely impressed.Thanks you, see you again soon.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Superb food and great staff - review added on Wed 23rd Feb 2005
What a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The generous, friendly and warm staff were on hand and provided great service. The pizza are superb.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: pizza
Great Place - review added on Mon 1st Aug 2005
Great selection of food, drinks, and staff are friendly, regulars are treated well.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: veal, swordfish
Fantastic - review added on Fri 30th Sep 2005
We had a superb meal in a great environment. The waiters were very friendly and I am very keen to return with my husband.
| Overall: | 6 |
| Food: | 8 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Fantastic - review added on Mon 31st Oct 2005
As a regular at Don V's I have to say that this is one of the best, most authentic Italians, I have been to!Although the menu is a lttle limited, what they do is absolutely fantastic.Their Pizza's are probably the best I've had outside Italy. And I highly recommend the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo red wine, its fantastic!
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Recommended Dishes: mussels on the specials menu
Best Pizza Ever - review added on Thu 3rd Nov 2005
On a recent visit to the superb Don vincenzo restaurant I was amazed by just how fantastic the pizza were. They far exceeded anything I have tried before even on my many visits to Italy!
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: pizza
Great Authentic Italian Cuisine. - review added on Fri 2nd Jun 2006
Great food, great staff and fantastic atmosphere. Brings a slice of Italy to Rochester and fair exceeds any of the other Italian restaurants in the area.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: sea bass
Amazing Night - review added on Fri 4th Aug 2006
I can not thank the staff at Don Vincenzo's enough for the magical evening I had. The food was great as was the service. I will definitely be returning.
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Our Favourite Italian - review added on Wed 11th Oct 2006
We love this place; they are very friendly and always recommend us something new we haven't tried before. Service excellent and so is the food.
| Overall: | 6 |
| Food: | 8 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 8 |
Best Italian Restaurant in Rochester! - review added on Mon 13th Nov 2006
I visited this restaurant for the first time on Saturday night and was very impressed! I have been to many of the Italian restaurants in Rochester and can truly say that this restaurant is by far the best! The food was excellent along with the service. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful especially the owners ... not to mention good looking too!! :-)
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 0 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Very Disappointing - review added on Fri 6th Apr 2007
We had the ravioli and cannelloni. Both were not filling and seemed to have come out of a box - not authentic at all and we felt ripped off at the price. Pizza probably would have been a better choice. Pleasant atmosphere, but staff not very friendly and we felt we were being hurried to leave - at only 8.30pm. Will not be visiting again or recommending to anyone.
| Overall: | 2 |
| Food: | 2 |
| Service: | 6 |
| Ambiance: | 6 |
A bit of Italy in Rochester - review added on Mon 17th Dec 2007
The restaurant is quite a famous one in the High Street offering various dishes that are as delicious and original as the well-known Italian cuisine....The staff is very friendly, too, trying to do their best.....smiling and keeping eye-contact with customers all the time. Usually, it is busy, mainly at evenings, and the prices are high as well!
| Overall: | 2 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 8 |
| Ambiance: | 6 |
Recommended Dishes: pizzas
Great Restaurant! Best in Medway - review added on Fri 11th Jan 2008
Had a throughly enjoyable night in Don vincenzo recently. The food was fantastic and well priced. Although slighty more expensive than a few of the other restaurants it was certainly worth it. The owners are very handsome and charming to boot. will be returning soon
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: Veal Milanese
Consistently excellent. - review added on Thu 20th Mar 2008
I thought it only right that I should find a forum in which to espouse the positive aspects of a restaurant experience. My wife and i have become regulars at Don Vincenzo since 2003, and have probably only ever had one bad meal there. This is a genuine Sicilian owned and run restaurant, and there is an etiquette and system in the service that is lacking in many restaurants nowadays (i.e. it will always be one of the owners that will take your food order, not a spotty teenage waiter with an attitude). All the staff are always extremely polite and friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is simple. It is never too much trouble to ask for simple Italian standards that may not be on the menu (e.g. Penne Arrabiata), and the pizzas are probably the best I have ever had. We've tried an awful lot of italian restaurants but none have ever matched the experience at Don Vincenzo.
| Overall: | 9 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 9 |
| Ambiance: | 9 |
Recommended Dishes: Rib-Eye Steak, Pizza Alla Zac, Bresoala, Osso Buco (when available), Maccheroncini Ala Normale, Lasagna
Amazing food and restuarant - review added on Mon 14th Apr 2008
had a fantastic nite and the food was great! Gorgeous staff!
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
BEST Italian - review added on Wed 9th Jul 2008
My family, friends and I fell in love with every aspect of Don Vincenzos. The staff, the food, the atmosphere everything has been spectacular since our first visit. Since then we have become regulars, and enjoy all aspects of the regular menu and look forward to the specials too. I recommend this restaurant to everyone I meet. Go along, sit back, relax and ENJOY!! :o)
| Overall: | 10 |
| Food: | 10 |
| Service: | 10 |
| Ambiance: | 10 |
Recommended Dishes: Penne pasta with chicken, chilli and brocolli
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