The spouse and I were disappointed last night. Café Vico used to be one of our favorite haunts when we vacationed in FLL. We moved here four years ago, and there have been so many new options, we fell out of touch with this traditional Italian restaurant. We decided to revisit. There have been some changes since our last many meals there. Food was just okay. It felt like Italian food with no heart, which really should be an oxymoron. Basic red sauce was too sweet. Bolognese was over the edge with nutmeg (a little is authentic; a lot is just...too much.) Hot side dishes were served almost cold. It's possible that the kitchen was just having a bad night... On the plus side, the Chicken Milanese was something I'd consider ordering again if we were ever to return. Perfunctory, rushed service. Not bad, just not very good. The staff were well-dressed and professional-looking. We're light eaters, so we ordered accordingly. At around $160 it included an entry level bottle of wine, one appetizer which the two of us split, one Caesar salad split two ways and two entrees (rigatoni Bolognese and Chicken Milanese.) No extra drinks and no dessert. Even still, we had enough chicken left over that we took it home with us. The $160 also included a 20% tip - low for us, but commensurate with the service we received. The total bill felt a little high given the overall experience, but we didn't feel that the cost was out of the ordinary for FLL. It's sad that Café Vico has fallen from the status of "looking forward to our next visit" to "oh, there are just so many other Italian restaurants we'd like to experience." P.S. Photo is the portion of Chicken Milanese that we took home, and that wasn't even half of it. The cherry tomato will give you a sense of scale. If you like big portions, this is a place you'll appreciate.
Charlotte W.
This is a gem. Tucked in the corner of a shopping center and the food is DELICIOUS. Happy Hour is awesome. Love it
Jon Paul L.
Recently moved to the area from Kentucky, and this has been one of the best places. One of the people from work asked me to join them here, we had great time great food, and honestly people are very friendly. Being Italian born in the Tuscany region, the food was right down my alley. The staff was super friendly and when I returned the bar tender remembered my name which is always impressive. Happy hour like it used to be. The staff will introduce you to other singles.
Nancy K.
First time here, as we saw it on check please this weekend. Did not disappoint at all! It was quiet at 5pm, we had great drinks at the large bar with a friendly young bartender. Very romantic cozy bar area but no music on Sundays. Had mini meatballs that were very tasty. On we went to our nice table, restaurant was filling up. We shared the best grilled octopus and les had lasagna and I had the seafood ravioli, we both took home half our dinners for tomorrow so we could share a delicious tiramisu with coffee and my cappuccino. Everything fairly priced and we had excellent service. Loved it so, we made a reservation for Christmas eve!
Colton K.
Terrible service. Food was subpar. First thing the hostess says to my girls friend when we walk in: "you're a little sun burnt "
Lauren K.
Cafe Vico has been a favorite of mine for over a decade unfortunately tonight we went there as a couple just for great taste of Italian unfortunately the pasta servings were small the sauce had changed the Caesar salad was bagged at best because it was tiny little pieces you couldn't incorporate with the dressing and the bread or the croutons so order the same things we usually do and everything was under the standard I don't think I'll be going back I'm sorry café Vico but you're not what you used to be
W9135HAjasonb
This is the place locals go to and you’ll see why. The food the service the ambiance. To me it’s the whole pkg. The owner Marco made a point to meet with and shake hands with everyone. Called me by my name every time. It Reminds me of a place we have at home where the owner did the same. Also, The White Cream Lasagna was Awesome!! Voted Best in Broward. Absolutely worth visiting. Marco & The entire staff were great. Thank You, Jay & Mary From TX
Wayne B.
Best Lasagna Ever! Service great and a fabulous environment Happy hour for 4 to 7 Monday to Friday with half price appetisers
Briana J.
Everything was amazing! We went on a Thursday and They had live music in the evening which was a real treat. He even sung me happy birthday! The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. All his recommendations were spot on! We got the super Tuscan wine which paired perfectly with the Lamb Chops. I would go back 100 times for those lamb chops!! I would recommend any meal here
Anisha W.
The food was so fresh! I had the chicken ravioli with cherries and red wine sauce and my mouth still salivates thinking about that dish to this day! My BF had the seafood ravioli and loved it too! The wine selection was amazing and for dessert we got a tiramisu and that also tasted fresh and delicious! Definitely recommend this place for a nice meal with friends, family or even a date night!
Easy parking, beautiful place. Very helpful staff. They said best Lasagna in Broward County, they were right. The portion looked small but it was not, plenty to bring home for lunch. The bread and garlic is to die for, too good!
rachel n.
I've been coming to cafe vico for years and i am always blown away. The staff makes you feel like you're at home and the service is always on point. My favorite dish is the penne alla vodka!! Definitely a Fort Lauderdale local's staple for authentic Italian
Kurt P.
Not sure why this place is only rated 4 stars, because it's fantastic. I would recommend going on a weekend and dining in the restaurant, and then getting a drink and dessert at the bar afterwards. They always have phenomenal live music, but if you're there on a date it can be a bit much when trying to have a conversation with someone. The food is incredible. Love every single Veal entree they have, and their made to order pasta is fantastic. Can't go wrong with a great cut of steak or pork chop either though. Pair that with their super tuscan, and you've got yourself a meal! Just literally order and you'll be beyond satisfied. My girlfriend and I frequent this place once every two weeks. Dined at both locations and were never disappointed.
Amber D.
Almost didn't want to leave a review because i don't want anyone to know about my new favorite spot. Went here Saturday with my boyfriend, the live musician that was there was amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful. The food is so yummy and the service was fast and personable. Me and my boyfriend talked about the experience the whole way home. Will be back soon!
Rose W.
Food is excellent, Mr Vico is so accommodating you'll be happy you choose this restaurant. Authentic Italian
The spouse and I were disappointed last night. Café Vico used to be one of our favorite haunts when we vacationed in FLL. We moved here four years ago, and there have been so many new options, we fell out of touch with this traditional Italian restaurant. We decided to revisit. There have been some changes since our last many meals there. Food was just okay. It felt like Italian food with no heart, which really should be an oxymoron. Basic red sauce was too sweet. Bolognese was over the edge with nutmeg (a little is authentic; a lot is just...too much.) Hot side dishes were served almost cold. It's possible that the kitchen was just having a bad night... On the plus side, the Chicken Milanese was something I'd consider ordering again if we were ever to return. Perfunctory, rushed service. Not bad, just not very good. The staff were well-dressed and professional-looking. We're light eaters, so we ordered accordingly. At around $160 it included an entry level bottle of wine, one appetizer which the two of us split, one Caesar salad split two ways and two entrees (rigatoni Bolognese and Chicken Milanese.) No extra drinks and no dessert. Even still, we had enough chicken left over that we took it home with us. The $160 also included a 20% tip - low for us, but commensurate with the service we received. The total bill felt a little high given the overall experience, but we didn't feel that the cost was out of the ordinary for FLL. It's sad that Café Vico has fallen from the status of "looking forward to our next visit" to "oh, there are just so many other Italian restaurants we'd like to experience." P.S. Photo is the portion of Chicken Milanese that we took home, and that wasn't even half of it. The cherry tomato will give you a sense of scale. If you like big portions, this is a place you'll appreciate.
This is a gem. Tucked in the corner of a shopping center and the food is DELICIOUS. Happy Hour is awesome. Love it
Recently moved to the area from Kentucky, and this has been one of the best places. One of the people from work asked me to join them here, we had great time great food, and honestly people are very friendly. Being Italian born in the Tuscany region, the food was right down my alley. The staff was super friendly and when I returned the bar tender remembered my name which is always impressive. Happy hour like it used to be. The staff will introduce you to other singles.
First time here, as we saw it on check please this weekend. Did not disappoint at all! It was quiet at 5pm, we had great drinks at the large bar with a friendly young bartender. Very romantic cozy bar area but no music on Sundays. Had mini meatballs that were very tasty. On we went to our nice table, restaurant was filling up. We shared the best grilled octopus and les had lasagna and I had the seafood ravioli, we both took home half our dinners for tomorrow so we could share a delicious tiramisu with coffee and my cappuccino. Everything fairly priced and we had excellent service. Loved it so, we made a reservation for Christmas eve!
Terrible service. Food was subpar. First thing the hostess says to my girls friend when we walk in: "you're a little sun burnt "
Cafe Vico has been a favorite of mine for over a decade unfortunately tonight we went there as a couple just for great taste of Italian unfortunately the pasta servings were small the sauce had changed the Caesar salad was bagged at best because it was tiny little pieces you couldn't incorporate with the dressing and the bread or the croutons so order the same things we usually do and everything was under the standard I don't think I'll be going back I'm sorry café Vico but you're not what you used to be
This is the place locals go to and you’ll see why. The food the service the ambiance. To me it’s the whole pkg. The owner Marco made a point to meet with and shake hands with everyone. Called me by my name every time. It Reminds me of a place we have at home where the owner did the same. Also, The White Cream Lasagna was Awesome!! Voted Best in Broward. Absolutely worth visiting. Marco & The entire staff were great. Thank You, Jay & Mary From TX
Best Lasagna Ever! Service great and a fabulous environment Happy hour for 4 to 7 Monday to Friday with half price appetisers
Everything was amazing! We went on a Thursday and They had live music in the evening which was a real treat. He even sung me happy birthday! The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. All his recommendations were spot on! We got the super Tuscan wine which paired perfectly with the Lamb Chops. I would go back 100 times for those lamb chops!! I would recommend any meal here
The food was so fresh! I had the chicken ravioli with cherries and red wine sauce and my mouth still salivates thinking about that dish to this day! My BF had the seafood ravioli and loved it too! The wine selection was amazing and for dessert we got a tiramisu and that also tasted fresh and delicious! Definitely recommend this place for a nice meal with friends, family or even a date night!
Restaurantji Recommends
Easy parking, beautiful place. Very helpful staff. They said best Lasagna in Broward County, they were right. The portion looked small but it was not, plenty to bring home for lunch. The bread and garlic is to die for, too good!
I've been coming to cafe vico for years and i am always blown away. The staff makes you feel like you're at home and the service is always on point. My favorite dish is the penne alla vodka!! Definitely a Fort Lauderdale local's staple for authentic Italian
Not sure why this place is only rated 4 stars, because it's fantastic. I would recommend going on a weekend and dining in the restaurant, and then getting a drink and dessert at the bar afterwards. They always have phenomenal live music, but if you're there on a date it can be a bit much when trying to have a conversation with someone. The food is incredible. Love every single Veal entree they have, and their made to order pasta is fantastic. Can't go wrong with a great cut of steak or pork chop either though. Pair that with their super tuscan, and you've got yourself a meal! Just literally order and you'll be beyond satisfied. My girlfriend and I frequent this place once every two weeks. Dined at both locations and were never disappointed.
Almost didn't want to leave a review because i don't want anyone to know about my new favorite spot. Went here Saturday with my boyfriend, the live musician that was there was amazing. The atmosphere is wonderful. The food is so yummy and the service was fast and personable. Me and my boyfriend talked about the experience the whole way home. Will be back soon!
Food is excellent, Mr Vico is so accommodating you'll be happy you choose this restaurant. Authentic Italian