Really nice Italian Cafe only a couple miles from my house. On my early afternoon visit (230-330p 3/20/2018) Everyone there (a group of men, a guy behind me, the owner and the waiter) was speaking Italian other than me and a couple on the table next to me. So you get the ambiance of actually being in Italy.
The TV behind the counter was playing music (looked like a cable station). I think it was italian.
I ordered the dish of the day which had small chubby pasta (the owner described as a sort of gnocchi), chicken and some sort of cheese/cream sauce (definitely not mac and cheese), a small balsamic vinegar dressing salad, a small cannoli for dessert, and a cafe mocha to finish. I should have gotten a plain cappuchino or an Americano (black) instead to not overwhelm the flavor of the cannoli. I'll likely swing by here for breakfast to try that out.
The main dish was quite good. If I find out what it was, I'll update the review. It did not have a heavy, overly seasoned or greasy flavor like you would find at a "chain Italian" restaurant. It had a distinct Mediterranean flavor to it. I liked it a lot since it did not taste common/familiar probably the type of cheese/cream. Smooth creamy flavor. Chicken was tender (small chunks perhaps only 2-3oz in the dish).
Portion size was good for my late lunch. Not monsterously large as you may find at a chain restaurant and not too small like at a gourmet restaurant. You won't be bringing home leftovers though.
The cannoli was good, but I'll have to try it again with a more neutral beverage.
The cafe mocha was ok, I'll try something plain next time to actually taste the favor of the coffee.
Like one of the other reviewers, I try to avoid the chain fast food joints and try to support my local small business owner.
Delicious paninis with fresh ingredients, home made cannolis, fantastic espresso shots and rice balls are to die for! Truly one of the best little Italian spots in VB! The owner is from Italy and is as sweet as can be. Highly recommend stopping in!
Had an absolute beautiful first time experience for my husband's birthday . We're from the north and have been missing a good Italian deli and cup of coffee. Marchese did not disappoint. I love the family atmosphere and local atmosphere. From the first cup to the sauce we were catapulted back home and enjoyed every sip and bite. Instantly a favorite and will be returning regularly.
it is always an experience coming here.
ive been to Italy before and this place captures the vibe, food, and flavor compared to others in the area.
they have chef specials, menu orders, desserts, and italian market goodies.
the owner anna is always upbeat and has wonderful customer service. as many times as ive been here, she has many loyal regulars that love her.
there are also wine tastings here and she has a generous range to choose from.
if youre in Virginia Beach or in Hampton Roads definitely check this place out.
Fantastic experience, taste like italy! Service is very good!!
At the market you can buy also a lot of differents foods made in italy!
I have been here 3 times and the food is amazing every time! I recommend getting any of the specials they have that day. The pesto gnocchi was one of the best Italian dishes I have had. The variety of authentic wines they have available is unlike any other restaurant in the Virginia Beach area. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic Italian food and wine!
Made a decision to try Marchese while some family was in town. Small facility with huge taste! Everything we had was fantastic, from the soup to dessert, it was all spot on. Will be coming back now that I know how great this tucked-away diamond is.
This was my first time dining at Marchese's and it wont be the last. The food is amazing and accompanied with outstanding service. We had stuffed shells, lasagna, jalapeño poppers, and a lot of deserts! The owner, Annamaria, was a pleasure to be around. She made it feel like we were guests at her own home back in Italy. You just can't find an experience like this anywhere else!
If I could give this 10 stars I would! This place is absolutely amazing! I got the rigatoni with meatballs and tomato sauce. Delicious! I also had the pistachio ricotta cake.
Fresh, delicious and quick. I have both dined in and I’ve placed a pick up order - both times were fantastic experiences and worth every penny spent. In addition to these pictures, I’ve tried the Naples & Bologna panini - both phenomenal. Everything is wonderful; food, service, atmosphere, drinks, etc. I wish I could give more than 5 stars!
Passed by many times and finally stopped in. Although I didn't have any food (I had previously eaten lunch) the coffee and cannoli were delicious. I loved the atmosphere and they had a nice wine selection and small market to choose items from. I actually really enjoyed the Italian conversation that was going on, even though I had no idea what they were saying, it was still beautiful to listen to in addition to the Frank Sinatra playing in the back ground.
The most authentic Italian cuisine you can get here in Virginia. The owner is from Naples and makes one mean espresso. ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. 10/10 couldn't recommend more. Felt like home.
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes