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Salvatore's La Spaghetteria
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Salvatore's La Spaghetteria
Review Highlights
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"4) Do expect very reasonable prices." In 3 reviews -
"They make all their pasta and bread fresh." In 10 reviews -
"...in-house, accompanied with olive oil and balsamic vinegar." In 3 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from Ed S.
New Westminster, BC
10/12/2011
Atmosphere: charming in its own way but it is a heated outdoor patio after all so don't expect to be wowed.
Food: I ordered the homemade spaghetti and meatballs which is one of my perennial favourites in terms of pasta. It was great! and the portion size was huge. It was a bit pricey (extra large size for 16.95) but when you factor in the portion size it's an above average value for the quality of the pasta. The menu IS huge and I am honestly not sure I'd order anything but pasta here, but the pasta was worth it.
Service: here is where it gets tricky. the service was good. I was there by myself and mainly wanted to eat and listen to music. the server left me alone until I was done immediately took care of packing up my meal. That was the good.
The bad - first charging $1 for bread that I didn't order is just tacky, but it was tasty and I did eat it - fair enough. Second, I had a GroupOn. I advised them of this up front as required. The GroupOn was for $15 and my bill came out to about $25 after tax and tip. I was charged $15 and change. I called them on this after paying with my credit card and they gave me $5 in cash back claiming they "should have used a calculator".
I have a REALLY hard time believing any server or business owner gets $25 - $15 wrong. Furthermore, other people have reported having issues using their GroupOn here. I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt and I could well be wrong about this, but my gut was definitely screaming "just tried to scam me and almost got away with it".
Overall: I really liked the food, portion size was good, value was above average and I don't mind the outdoor patio experience. I also live a half block away and thought I'd found my new regular pasta place. Now, I'm not so sure and it seems like the establishment is totally missing the point of taking part in GroupOn. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
5/22/2012
"Time for Pasta"? Time for an update. Your portal to the dated dining room is through what looks like a service closet in the doorway. We're seated and given menus that are a mishmash of coloured sheets in protectors, with a festival of fonts and a plethora of typos. The server isn't much help navigating the menu, and actually an annoyance, putting on a heavy Italian accent every time he pronounces a menu item or wine name. And then, despite the name, the spaghetti is terrible, a pile of overcooked strands in a bland tomato sauce, a couple of bone-in, skin on chicken breasts perched on top for awkward eating.
Did I order the wrong thing? I'm sort of curious to see if there's any truth in some of my friends' reviews of La Spaghetteria - i.e., the great homemade food - but I just can't bring myself to go sit in that dingy atmosphere and look at those terrible menus again. Time for style. -
Review from Michelle W.
Delta, BC
5/18/2012
Went here for my bday. As soon as I saw jarred Parma on the table, I thought "oh oh"!! Decor is old and menus looked like pricing was changed a few times. I has lasagna which was alright and escargot without shells and in mushroom caps. Family weren't impressed with their pastas. For 4 pastas, 2 appys, 1 beer and 2 ice teas, cost about $110...ouch!
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Review from Michele D.
New Westminster, BC
5/11/2012
Where do I begin with this place?! I recently visited with my sister, courtesy of Groupon, and even with the discount we both felt completely ripped off.
Let's start with the atmospere - none. We were seated on the "patio" which was cold and looked at a big sheet of plywood from the construction site next door. That wasn't really their fault but then, at least put up an interesting mediterranean or italian poster here and there to detract from it. Nope, just plastic sheets and plywood.
The waiter - disinterested. We identified ourselves as Groupon clients and he seemed to be completely bored with the idea and just blurted out that we couldn't have the specials. I did not feel he was at all keen on serving us and did not make any attempt to be warm or welcoming. Service was very slow, took what seemed like an extra long time to get him to take our order and then even longer to get our beverages. Each time we had to interact with him I felt I was intruding somehow.
The food - way below expectations although we were pleased with the balsamic and bread that was provided. We ordered an appetizer (Mozzarella cheese sticks) to share and we each ordered our own entree. The appetizer was disgustingly greasy and did not resemble anything I had ever ordered before. The flavour was extremely bland. My sister attempted to order a pesto pasta dish that in the menu said contained pine-nuts but the older gentleman manning the barbeque yelled out to us that they had no pine-nuts and our waiter quickly followed up with a "too many people are allergic so they removed them". What the heck?!! People are allergic to all sorts of things but that doesn't mean you remove a key ingredient, you just provide an allergy allert (note, I am allergic to nuts so I am used to enquiring as to ingredients). I ordered a stuffed tortellini dish. The pasta dish my sister ordered was deplorable, NO FLAVOUR ... obviously the pine-nuts would have been the only thing with flavour in that dish - if they had them! My stuffed tortellini was also very bad ... texture was very strange and the flavour, I think they forgot to add that!
Anyhow, I would strongly recommendNOT going here, even with a discount as we left knowing without any doubt, that we would NEVER be back. -
Review from Melissa L.
Burnaby, BC
4/16/2012
Had a birthday celebration for my husband here. Service friendly but not prompt. Food was below average. Will not be going back.
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Review from Tina S.
Surrey, BC
4/17/2012
Terrible service! The waiter messed up both of our orders and was no where to be found to fix it so we started to eat after 10mins. The stuffed chicken was hard and taste like rubber, as if they cooked it in the microwave. My pasta was sour, at least 2 hand full of capers. The waiter never apologized nor did he suggest ordering something else. We paid in full and left unhappy. I will never eat here again!!!! Disgusting!
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Review from Nikki N.
Vancouver, BC
10/30/2011
My friend goes to school near by and has been wanting to try a new place for dinner.. We had an entertainment coupon and decided to eat here.
From the very beginning our specific server was terrible. As we were placing our order he walked away and finished a bill with another customer and we then had to repeat our order. We presented the coupon right away as advised by the hostess so our server was aware we would be using it.
After waiting over 30-45minutes for our food and watching 2 tables that were right next to us get their food first even if they both ordered 30min after us, we eventually got our food.
Not only that, our server never checked on us and the bus girl was the only person to refill our water and check on us and the restaurant was not even that busy. Not only was our server TERRIBLE he was disrespectful and was demanding to the bus girl asking her to do all his work. We ended up giving a good tip but told her to keep it for herself.
Last but not least our coupon stated very clearly that we would get one entree free if one other entree was purchased, so we also ordered an appy to make up for it and in the end the server only gave us $10 off when the entrees were $15 each. We were so appalled by the service we just wanted to get out of there.
Now the only reason I am giving them 2 stars is because the food was pretty good. Pasta servings are pretty large so I had quite a bit to take home. Their calamari was pretty good as well, but be forewarned that they do not serve tziki sauce so it was a little bland, but cooked very well.
To the server we had - I have never ever experienced such terrible service. And my friend and I understand how the restaurant business works... We know you can forget things and get frazzled but his service was terrible enough that I want to share it and suggest you take out rather than stay in if you want to try the food here. -
Review from Doug G.
8/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A taste of Italy in New Westminster
When I am looking for consistently good, Salvatore's comes to mind. Yes, the menu is a bit overwhelming, and maybe they focus more on quality food than on spell checking the menu, but reasonably priced, home made, always fresh and delicious is better than average in my books. -
Review from Darcy D.
3/27/2011
This is good homemade Italian food served in a pleasant 25-year old atmosphere. The owner greeted us as the door, which was actually a zippered entry into their skirted patio.
We had a fried calamari appetizer that was lightly battered and nicely cooked. The gnocchi with meat sauce was freshly made and a lighter texture than most gnocchis in the city, very nice again. Home made salsiccie was tasty but very dense because it was very lean. I prefer a fattier salsiccie but, this one caters to a modern taste for very lean meats.
Very reasonable prices for the quality and quantity, I need to say it again, this is very good homemade Italian food. -
Review from maverik s.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2011
I went there with a groupon of $15. Although it's not written anywhere, the waitress told me that I have to order 2 entrees in order to use it, saying it's 'their rule'. After requested to see a manager, she came back after a few minutes saying they'll accept it this one time only.
Despite the hassle, I liked the patio seating, with summer festive atmospher.
I had scallops in saffron cream sauce on linguine. It's $15, which is not cheap in my opinion, but they only had processed Parmesan cheese (cheep one from Kraft), not real hard cheese. The linguine itself was fine, but scallops were so tiny, sauce tasted kinda strange, so I ended up sprinkling balsamic vinegar on it....
Then the bill arrive, they charge me $2 for foccacia-like, dinner roll-like bread, which they gave me as I got seated and without me ordering it. I've seen this kind of business practice in Latin America, but I've never seen anywhere do this in N. America! At least my water, balsamic vinegar, and processed Parmesan cheese were free. I got a dropping jaw, I didn't have any more enthusiasm to dispute it. I simply deducted that $2 from tip amount.
I simply don't understand why this place survives so many years. Maybe there's little competition in New West? Stay far far away. -
Review from Andrew S.
Langley, BC
11/21/2010
Solid meal.
Recently was in New West desperately looking for food. Didn't get to consult Yelp as the place I thought we were going to closed unexpectedly early. Ended up here. Actually, took a good look at the menu at La Rustica next door but decided the price point for my guests was a bit more than they would appreciate, so next door we went.
Its kind of tacky/cheesy with the laminated menus and old posters of regions of Italy on the wall: But I felt all the people that worked there were interested and happy in being there, and that was a good sign.
The bread was decent, and the olive oil/balsamic that came with it was nice, though slightly stingy. Good though. I had the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio and while it was good, I don't see why it was the same price as the other pasta dishes. After all its just garlic, pepper flakes and a bit of olive oil and parmesan. I'm not cheap, honest! Just asking.
Everyone at the table was happy with their dishes, and we had the sangria as well. We left full and reasonably happy. :) -
Review from Marc D.
Vancouver, BC
1/8/2010
* Brings back memories *
Ok, this place reminds me of some places I used to go in New York as a kid. I don't know how long it has been around, but quite possibly it is the same vintage.
Some rules to enjoy it here:
1) Don't expect fancy modern Italian dining.
2) Don't expect fancy decor.
3) Do expect "classic" (aka 1960's/70's) mid-range vibe (including the plastic coated menu, paper napkins formed into a "flower" inside your glass, padded rubber mats on the stairs, random kitsch on the walls, etc.).
4) Do expect very reasonable prices.
5) Do expect typical North America East Coast Southern Italian cuisine prepared solidly.
I had the veal parmigiana. The meat was a bit tougher and much thicker than I would prefer, but it brought back memories with its thick cheese baked on top of a rich tomato sauce. I'd give the veal dish 2.5 stars though.
The side rigatoni was the star of the show. The pasta is made in-house (apparently all of their pasta is), was just slightly overcooked (but not terribly so), and had a nice rich basil tomato sauce. This was 3.5 stars.
They also served a nice focaccia that is also baked fresh in-house, accompanied with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Also 3.5 stars.
Tip: Free parking in the back as well (if you can find your way to it!).Listed in: Vancouver European Food, Vanoodle, Thanks, Yelp!
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Review from Debby D.
Burnaby, BC
6/13/2010 ROTD 5/6/2011
Thank you to Mark H. for recommending this place.
Went there tonight with my sis and an important guest/friend :) The staff was so eager to make us happy. Moments after we were seated, one waiter asked if everything was fine and we barely even had time to open our menus.
The food was superb. I had a seafood linguine (on the menu, it came with red sauce but I requested a white wine sauce and they honored it). My sister had a veal and my guest had a pizza. I ordered the Chilean Chardonnay with my order and it came in a teeny glass (sigh). Considering I get tipsy easily, maybe it was a good thing.
Waitstaff continued to check up on us. There was LOTS of pasta on my bowl (approx. three grain servings considering one cup pasta is one serving) and I enjoyed EVERY bite. The ambiance was romantic and relaxed; I felt like I was in Greece! I definitely recommend it. The waitstaff exuded pride in their work and in the quality of the food for very good reasons. -
Review from Morgan W.
Vancouver, BC
7/7/2010
The ultra-personable owner is unmistakable; you'll probably run into him in the first 2 minutes. Your wait staff will find you within 3. I don't know what prompts the staff into such fierce loyalty, but there it is.
Pasta dishes run $10-20, and will feed an hearty appetite. -
Review from Catherine W.
New Westminster, BC
4/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have never had a bad dinner here! NEVER! The fresh bread, the amazing food (fresh pasta) and wonderful wait staff complete this establishment.
If you love Italian food this is the place to be. It's not fancy or anything but you will never feel left out in the cold here! In the summer there is a great little patio where some of the meat is cooked. You will find the owner and a few of his old croonies partaking in a few bevvies here.Listed in: The 5 Spot, Food, food & more food!
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Review from Mark H.
I've been here a few times and it is amazing every time. They make all their pasta and bread fresh. You can actually watch them make it inside. Prices are very reasonable for the freshness and large portions. Their couples seafood platter is amazing as is almost everything on the menu.
If you want great, authentic Italian food without paying a fortune, check this place out.Listed in: Unique Places, Fresh Pasta
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Review from S R.
Vancouver, BC
7/13/2010
I have mixed reviews about the place, the person I was with loved it while I really didn't. I don't like "american- italian" resturants, I will say that from the start. I wanted authentic italian food so that was my mistake.
It has a very 1970/80's feel, my pasta was gluey and overcooked, the prawns were over cooked so was the steak my guest ordered. The wine was listed as one price on the menu, when I got the bill it was $2 more expensive. The bread we recieved was tasteless and cold. My cutlery was dirty.
The service was friendly so that got them an extra star. My white wine and garlic sauce was also extremely tastey if a little heavy.
All very little things that normally wouldn't bother me on there own, but added together and for the price they charged, there are much better places out there.
As I said, my guest raved about how wonderful it was but he likes homey, kitschy places. I really don't like giving bad reviews but I have to be honest and if I'm honest I wouldn't go again. -
Review from Tara B.
Vancouver, BC
5/16/2011
Don't bother ordering the antipasti platter: nothing to it. The gnocchi was mushy. My seafood pasta barely had any seafood. The decor is brutal . Go anywhere else
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Review from Lois L.
Burnaby, BC
Not the best pasta I've tasted. However, it's pretty good service and good value (must order calamari)!
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Review from Patrick M.
Surrey, BC
4/4/2011
We were a small group out for a colleagues birthday lunch today. As usual the service and food was great. Perhaps we have visited 7-8 times and it's always a pleasure to return. The meals are reasonably priced and the restuarant has a nice feel. As is our custom they brought out a nice slice of birthday desert for teh birthday girl and even sang a song...
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Review from John W.
New Westminster, BC
4/25/2010
This is one of the finest Italian dining experiences you can have. The food is authentic, superbly prepared and served, plentiful, and priced so the average person can afford to go. Salvatore is the consummate host, managing to greet nearly every guest as they arrive, and thank them for coming as they leave.
