The Appetizer Menu at Vincenzo
A great Italian dinner starts with the right appetizers. At Vincenzo Cucina Italiana on International Drive, the appetizer menu is not an afterthought. It is a full lineup of Italian starters designed to share across the table and set the pace for a meal that builds course by course. Guests regularly order two or three appetizers for the table before moving into handmade pasta and USDA Prime steaks. Over 4,000 reviews mention the quality of the food at Vincenzo, and the appetizers are a consistent highlight.
Calamari
Calamari at Vincenzo is lightly coated and fried in the Italian style. It arrives crispy and golden, not rubbery or greasy. It is one of the most ordered starters on the menu, and it pairs well with a cocktail during happy hour or as the first course of a full dinner.
Bruschetta and Caprese
Classic Italian bruschetta made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and quality olive oil on properly toasted bread. Caprese brings together fresh mozzarella and tomatoes in the traditional style. Both are simple, bright, and exactly the kind of appetizers that should start an Italian meal. For guests who want something light before pasta or steak, these starters set the right tone without being heavy.
Burrata e Prosciutto
Creamy burrata paired with prosciutto. The texture of real burrata, where the outer shell gives way to the soft, creamy center, is one of the most satisfying things on any Italian menu. It is a popular choice for guests who want something rich but not heavy before their main course.
Sharing Style and Pre-Dinner Cocktails
The Italian tradition of starting a meal with shared plates is central to how Vincenzo approaches dinner. Order a few appetizers, pass them around the table, and let the meal build at a comfortable pace. Happy hour runs Monday all night, Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 7 PM. Martini Tuesday and Wine Down Wednesday add to the lineup. Espresso martinis, negronis, and Aperol spritzes from the cocktail list pair naturally with the starters. Many guests visit during happy hour just for appetizers and drinks without ordering a full dinner.
Menu Highlights
- ✦ Calamari
- ✦ Bruschetta
- ✦ Burrata e Prosciutto
- ✦ Caprese
- ✦ Lobster Ravioli
- ✦ USDA Prime Filet Mignon
- ✦ Chilean Sea Bass
- ✦ Espresso Martini
What Guests Are Saying
"The calamari was crispy, light, and perfectly seasoned. Not greasy at all. Such a great way to start dinner."
"We ordered several appetizers to share and every single one was fresh and delicious. The burrata was incredible. Then the pasta and steaks were even better."
"What a great surprise to find such a great restaurant in Orlando! Everything we had was top notch: calamari, meatballs, chicken Marsala. Generous portions."