by Rob Clay

The sign says Vita D’ Italia but the location is in Manhattan…View, just off 176th and 1st Avenue S. in that small shopping district on the east side of the street.

        For starters, it is definitely Italian. There is an old adage that the Italians taught the French how to cook. We’re not sure about that but if you go you will learn a lot about customer service. 

We were greeted at the door and politely escorted to a waiting table in mere minutes. The black table cloths give the interior an elegant feel. 

Irma or the bar manager, Brie, go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Juve and Vego do much of the work behind the bar in the kitchen. 

With many years of experience working at Grazie’s in Southcenter, this group of restaurateurs is very anxious to please. 

The menu does not disappoint. More than 40 items are on the dinner menu alone but Juve says he can “make anything you want,” if he has the ingredients. 

After several visits we are ready to reveal our delight. The Filetto Vita Gorgonzola is tender, cooked just right and sprinkled with onion frizzle. The Prawn scampi has a delectable buttery, garlic lemon sauce over very properly steamed, large pieces. 

     You may not find a better Caesar salad. Vita D’Italia uses the true hearts of romaine with parmesan cheese, anchovies if you desire and crunchy croutons. You can’t miss the very tasty Italian toasted bread brought to your table with a very nice garlic butter topping.

    If pasta is your choice, the Lasagna is very hot, very layered and enough to share. The Pollo (chicken) Diavola at $19 is very fresh; has a mildly spicy stuffing, also a generous serving. Like the Pollo Diavola, the Veal Marsala, Veal Piccata and Pollo Limone are offered with pasta and vegetables. 

    The lunch menu is smaller but still includes a number of the same dishes only smaller pricing and smaller portions. 

    It is rare when a restaurant can achieve a perfect score and Vita D’ Italia is not perfect. On one occasion the Halibut was a bit “seafoody” and rubbery. The solution is in how to handle a faux pas like this. Have the guest try something else. Juve was very quick to resolve the problem and make the diner appreciate the attentiveness. 

Vita D’ Italia gets high marks for the menu, the preparation and even higher marks for the customer service. You’ll be treated like you were in New York City’s famed Italian district but you won’t be far from home. You will feel welcome right inside the door. Don’t miss the special full bar tucked in back. 

Vita D’ Italia is open 7 days a week. Lunch 11- 4 and dinner 4-9 p.m. They are located at 17642 1st Ave. S., Burien. Phone 206-246-5533 for reservations.