Hi Fodorites, DH and I plan a trip to Wilmington Delaware over Thanksgiving hols. Assuming they are actually open on T-day, can I get feedback about Pastabilities and Mrs. Robino's? We want to eat in that area, so unless you know an Italian so special it warrants someplace else, I'd appreciate places in Lil Italy. Thanks as always.

topping as this dropped below #50. Please don't break my heart!

I lived in Wilmington twice, but the last tour was in the early '80s. Regardless, I always went by a rule on eating Italian food in Wilmington: if it's in the district, it's always good.

Look at Lincoln, Lancaster and Union Streets, in the Italian community, and there are several excellent restaurants, including the two you mention. The point is, the locals have high standards, and if the restaurant doesn't cut it, it does not survive.

Pick any one that's open, and can take you on Thanksgiving. You can't miss.

Have a feast!

Jim

Thanks Jim-good to hear! We live in Annapolis area and visit the duPont stuff alot. As teen, our drama class (Chestertown area) visited the theatre in the duPont Hotel often-great place. Finally going to spend some more time in Wilmington proper.

FYI neither is open on Thanksgiving. Anyone have any ideas other than Hotel duPont and Sheriden, please.

Not sure if you only want Italian - or even if these will be open on Thanksgiving - but other well reviewed restuarants in/near Little Italy include Eclipse Bistro (modern american), Moro (upscale modern american ) Walter's Steak House and Union City Grill. Of the these I prefer Eclipse and save Moro for "occasions". Also nearby in Trolley Square is Toscana - which has fine Italian.

Other places to consider, outside of little Itlaly that I think would likely to be open and have good food- Harry's Seafood, Harry's Savoy Grill, Krazy Kat's.

PS - as for your original question - hands down I would go to Pastablilites - the best broccoli rabe ever. Mrs. Robino's is very traditional family style Italian - the food I had there was not for my taste, but plenty of people love to go for the big portions and inexpensive prices.

Many thanks Rumrita (great name btw)-just what I wanted to know.

We ended up at Mrs. Robino's and for $46 we had the following:
Carafe of Chianti
Starter: fried mushrooms* and mini antipasto
Entree: Spinach jo* and ravioli with meat/spinach in light tomato sauce
dessert: 2 coffees and split a cannoli
*these were the specials and they were very good and, as Rumrita says, large portions. The other items were acceptable but possibly not as fresh tasting. The chianti was not terribly robust. The antipasto was served on a huge bed of lettuce-more lettuce than anything else!
We also ate at a diner on the Brandywine parkway and at Longwood Gardens-I'll do a trip report about those separately asap. Thanks again for everyone's help.