The Humble Italian Restaurant In Delaware That’s Been Owned By The Same Family For Over 80 Years

There's something special about handing down recipes through generations -- keeping traditions alive, sharing food with your ancestors across space and time through the simple act of following a humble, handwritten recipe. This Wilmington, Delaware Italian restaurant is built on that kind of legacy, having been owned by the same family since 1940, when Mrs. Tresilla Robino opened her restaurant. It was called simply Mrs. Robino's, and it still is today, now run by Andrea Minuti Wakefield and Robin Robino Mabrey, Mrs. Tresilla Robino's great-granddaughters.

Mrs. Robino's is in the heart of Wilmington's Little Italy, its humble exterior having long since been established as a Wilmington landmark. In 1939, Mrs. Tresilla Robino gained community fame for her delicious fresh pasta, sauces, and other Italian specialties, to the extent that people would wait outside of her home on Howland Street to be served. Mrs. Robino went from serving Italian-American immigrants in her own kitchen in 1939 to opening a whole restaurant in 1940.

Step inside and you'll be greeted with a homey, convivial atmosphere. Some diners have been coming here for decades with their families.

This is a traditional, red-sauce Italian-American eatery, with classic pasta dishes like spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, and much more.

Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes combine with basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze for a delicious caprese salad starter.

There are all kinds of pizza to try, from the "World's Greatest Pizza" (Roman-style, with a thin crust), to the classic margherita pizza, to the "Ciao Bella" (alfredo sauce with chicken and spinach).

The cheese ravioli, made fresh each day, makes for another satisfying classic -- it even includes a meatball. But vegans, don't worry -- there's a pretty extensive vegan menu too! It even includes plant-based meatballs and plant-based cheeses for your lasagna and pizza.

And don't forget about the drinks menu. Fun seasonal drinks like the Pumpkin Spice White Russian add a little extra something to your meal, or you can stick with the classic glass of wine.

For dessert, indulge in some delicious cannoli to wrap up a wonderful meal.

Hopefully, Mrs. Robino's will continue to serve hungry diners for years to come! Visit Mrs. Robino's online to check out the menu.

For more to do in Wilmington, why not try this Wilmington scavenger hunt?