Vita Nova - University of Delaware

Name: Vita Nova - University of Delaware
Address: Trabant University Center-2nd floor 17 West Main Street 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE, United States, 19716
Telephone: (302) 831-0500
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

572 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary French / American

Top Tags:

Vita Nova is the signature student-operated restaurant which is part of the Hospitality Business Management program at the University of Delaware. We thank all of our customers for supporting our students and look forward to seeing you again to dine in person!

Vita Nova features a "Best of Delaware" award winning lunch buffet Mon-Fri and elegant fine dining Wed-Fri during the fall and spring semesters. For lunch, the students offer fresh, local dishes including gourmet salads, soups, pastas, entrees, fire-roasted flatbreads, cheese board and mini sweets. The five-course dinner begins with a fusion-inspired appetizer trio and choice of salad, followed by intermezzo and your choice of entrée. The evening ends on a sweet note with a decadent dessert.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary French / American
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–12:30 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Phone number
(302) 831-0500
Website
http://www.lerner.udel.edu/departments/hrim/vita-nova-restaurant
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Alison Rainis
Private party facilities
Vita Nova offers private dining throughout the year. The Bistro Room is also available for rent for business meetings, retreats and private events. For more information, please e-mail us at vitanova@udel.edu.
Private party contact
Venka Pyle, vitanova@udel.edu : (302) 831-0500

Location
Trabant University Center-2nd floor 17 West Main Street, 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19716
Neighborhood
Newark
Cross street
South College
Parking details
Effective 9/1/18, the Trabant parking garage changed to a license plate based system. The system uses an app called PassportParking that you can use to add time from your phone should this be necessary. For more information please visit www.ppprk.com. We recommend estimating 3 hours for dinner & 2 hours for the lunch buffet and the bistro.
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 572 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.6Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

572 Reviews

L
Larry
New York Area
10 reviews
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
appetizer and dessert were excellent but I had mixed feelings about the entree and side dishes. The appetizer was a trio that was very good. Also traffic and parking were challenging. We won't be going to Vita Nova again.
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LD
LanaDebH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience! The food was excellent as was our server.
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f
foodie28
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love coming here, students are professionals. Amazing variety of food.
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l
labgirl
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite special occasion restaurant. Calm and unhurried fine dining. Extensive wine list.
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KB
KarenB
Indiana
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great time, attentive staff and food was exceptional!
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SK
SamK
Cincinnati
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a lovely place to experience fine dining without the fine dining price. The students, instructors, and managers make your experience top notch. The space is comfortable and private, despite being in a student union that is full of activity.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent meal and service, especially at the price. Students are very polite and professionally trained - can’t wait for the next one!!
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MM
MicheleM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, hot and fresh! The ambiance was relaxing and pleasant. The service was impeccable. A must try!!
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W
Wendy
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We have been to Vita Nova many times. It is one of our favorite restaurants. The restaurant is at University of Delaware and is operated by students, under the direction of the professor/Chef. The food and service is excellent. Nick, the Maitre D, is a super nice guy and always has a smile and a hello. I give this restaurant a A+++
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KJ
KristineJ
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 25, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
It was OK. It was a Buffet style and there was selection, but the food was not that great. The server did not come to my table to refresh our water as often as I think she should have.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on May 8, 2023
Thank you for your feedback and letting us know where we can improve.
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JW
JanetW
Richmond
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Go every semester. Always a very enjoyable experience.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 28, 2023
Thank you very much!
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L
Larry
New York Area
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Best experience ever at Vita Nova. Told the manager.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 24, 2023
This means a lot coming from someone who has visited over several years. Thank you for your continued support!
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C
Conan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service were outstanding AS USUAL!!!
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 17, 2023
Thank you!
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c
catanddog
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lunch buffet was great and the services were excellent. Need to make reservations way in advance like at least 1-2 months. Highly recommended.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 17, 2023
Yes, reservations do book fast! We keep a waitlist, so we will work to get everyone in as best we can!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dining experience. Food quality and presentation excellent. Can’t wait to return for dinner in the fall.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 17, 2023
Thank you so much! We'll look forward to having you for dinner.
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EG
EdwardG
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vita Nova is a lab class for UD students in the hotel management school. The dinner time slot (Wed - Fri) is a fine dining experience with student waiters, student assistants to the chef, etc. The chef is a member of the UD faculty -- and her food is absolutely top notch -- the absolute best anywhere near Newark, DE. The wine list is phenomenal. If you attend knowing you are helping students master the art you will be very happy with the experience. I recommend the restaurant highly (my wife and I dine there 1-2 times per semester), and it is a greatly anticipated event each time.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 12, 2023
We are fortunate to have wonderful instructors and guests! We're grateful for your continued support!
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f
foodie28
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, great service, great value. This was our first time at Vita Nova. We went for the lunch buffet. Such a great spread of choices. Nice to see a carving station for lunch. We went on a Friday, crab cakes were excellent. We tried a little of everything. Definitely coming back to try the dinner service. This is a hidden gem.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 12, 2023
We're so pleased you enjoyed your first visit. We hope it's the first of many to come!
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JN
JNTenor
Philadelphia
145 reviews
vip
5.0
145 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food Incredible professional service Wheelchair accessible We will be back.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 12, 2023
Thank you, it is our pleasure to host you!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vita Nova never disappoints. As a UD alum, it feels great to visit the campus and dine at Vita Nova
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on April 12, 2023
We love Alumni visits! Thank you!
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s
sandyc
Baltimore
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always fantastic food amazing highly recommended it is a great dining experience
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F
Fantastic
Philadelphia
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrating the successful defense of the dissertation, my student was thrilled with the Vita Nova experience. Thank you!
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 21, 2023
What an achievement! Thank you for celebrating here!
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DA
DanielA
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a pleasant experience. I enjoyed the lunch and the ambient.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 17, 2023
Thank you very much for your visit!
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LA
LeslieA
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a lovely lunch with excellent food and service, thank you!
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 17, 2023
Thank you for the kind words!
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TP
TammyP
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and staff were very friendly as always. Will definitely come back.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 3, 2023
Thank you very much!
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G
Genie
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
It was our first time, and we knew it would be good - which it was. But as the website did not have the prices listed, we had no clue what it would cost. Just that we had to do it at least once. It was more then reasonable, and we will be back.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 3, 2023
We're so glad you visited and we look forward to serving you again!
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CW
ClarkW
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Vita Nova is an upscale dining experience
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 3, 2023
Thank you!
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r
richard
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We just love it here.You are treated so well.The food and prices are wonderful.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on March 3, 2023
Thank you very much! Our loyal guests are what makes each day wonderful!
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p
painter216
Philadelphia
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
We dined on the first night of service for the Spring semester and even though the four course meal was delicious, it took a great deal of time for the courses to arrive to our table. Since the restaurant had only 4 tables occupied, I am going to chalk that up to the inexperienced staff in the kitchen. Our servers were not busy and came over and apologized for the delays. I am sure this crop of trainees at Vita Nova will improve as the semester progresses and they get a bit more experience. The menu had many nice choices and we enjoyed all of it including our entrees of Beef Wellington and the Duck Breast. The wine list is ample and genius pours of wine by the glass. The length of the meal was quite long ( 2.5 hours) so if you go get 3 hours of parking at the adjacent parking garage.
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AB
ArmBarbP
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
As always the food and service was excellent. Highly recommend for special occasions.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on December 8, 2022
Thank you very much!
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HW
HarryW
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food, great service, great prices...what else can you say???
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on December 8, 2022
Thank you for sharing!
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D
Dave
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had trouble getting a reservation for dinner even going a head months didn't help. I wish I could have a dinner, but we did get lunch it was great. Our server was good
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 15, 2022
We will open reservations for the spring semester in January and we will do our best to get you in for a dinner then!
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T
Tbr7
Philadelphia
27 reviews
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Very unique dining experience! Top notch service. Food was a little off this time....but sometimes it happens. Would recommend everyone to try at least once.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 14, 2022
Thank you for your review. We're sorry we didn't meet your expectations this visit, but we thank you for holding us to a high standard and we will continue to strive for that in our instruction and performance.
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PR
PamR
Atlantic City
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were there to celebrate my friends 70th birthday! Our entire evening was fabulous! The entire staff was so professional and the meal was perfect! Thanks to all!
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 14, 2022
Wonderful to hear. Thank you for spending your special celebration at Vita Nova!
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DD
DelawareDan
Philadelphia
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
The setting, service and overall atmosphere is impeccable. We have thoroughly enjoyed dining at VitaNova over the years with friends. However, both times we have dined at VitaNova this Fall have been a little disappointing in terms of the food. We have always felt that the food quality to be 5 star and very imaginative. This Fall however the dinners overall did not seem as “special” as before. At our Sept dinner, 3 of our party of 4 ordered Short ribs in a port- wine ssuce.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 1, 2022
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate hearing from our returning guests and hope to have the chance to impress once again with our menu offerings.
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ES
EmilyS
Philadelphia
95 reviews
vip
5.0
95 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous meal and service! What a great and unique restaurant. The servers (all UD students) were so enthusiastic!
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 1, 2022
Thank you for your visit!
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l
labgirl
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The student servers are polite and attentive. Friendly too.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on November 1, 2022
We're glad to hear you enjoyed your visit. Thank you for sharing!
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t
tutter2
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great experience. Menu had a nice selection of entrees to choose from. Food was delicious. Service was well paced and attention was paid to all the details. Truly a delightful experience.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on October 14, 2022
Thank you for your kind words!
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M
Monkey
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
It is always a wonderful experience dining at Vita Nova.
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DN
DavidN
Greater Boston
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lots of fun. Wing a patron of Vita Nova. A service was excellent; everyone was friendly and enthusiastic. Had a terrific meal and experience.
Vita Nova - University of DelawareResponded on October 7, 2022
Thank you very much!
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l
larryl
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience3
Nearly everything was stellar - the food was out of this world. Likely the best meal of sea bass I have ever had and my wife's duck was marvelous in texture and flavor. The salad was a high point certainly and we ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the appetizer trio. The pancetta crisp was an explosion of unexpected flavor. And the wait staff were all throughly and delightfully on point. The only thing that was negative about the experience is that the temperature of the room was nearly stiflingly warm. Fortunately, the food and service excellence overwhelmed our discomfort to a tolerable level.
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FAQs

Vita Nova - University of Delaware is rated 4.8 stars by 572 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 22, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Google Map for Vita Nova - University of Delaware

Trabant University Center-2nd floor 17 West Main Street, 17 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19716

Additional information

Cross street
South College
Neighborhood
Newark
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–12:30 pm Dinner Wed–Fri 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary French / American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Effective 9/1/18, the Trabant parking garage changed to a license plate based system. The system uses an app called PassportParking that you can use to add time from your phone should this be necessary. For more information please visit www.ppprk.com. We recommend estimating 3 hours for dinner & 2 hours for the lunch buffet and the bistro.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Alison Rainis
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Non-Smoking, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lerner.udel.edu/departments/hrim/vita-nova-restaurant
Phone number
(302) 831-0500
Private party facilities
Vita Nova offers private dining throughout the year. The Bistro Room is also available for rent for business meetings, retreats and private events. For more information, please e-mail us at vitanova@udel.edu.
Private party contact
Venka Pyle, vitanova@udel.edu : (302) 831-0500

Vita Nova - University of Delaware

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

What 572 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is Vita Nova - University of Delaware restaurant rated?

Is Vita Nova - University of Delaware currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information