Vinny's At Night

12/13/10

Best Italian food in the entire boston area!!

by rboersner

FABULOUS!!! I have worked down the street for 2 years and never knew it was there. A friend recommended it and my husband and I went for lunch on a Wednesday. What a pleasant surprise! I grew up visiting my grandparents in the North End and this place brought back so many great memories. Everyone seemed to know each other, there was a group of old men sitting at a table drinking beers and having a lively conversation. We ordered the Antipasto table and the homemeade Fusili and sauce. (gravy) Nonna couldnt have made it any better!! Loved it so much we have been back foe dinner twice and I just made a reservation to take my entire staff for our Holiday Lunch. Give it a try, you WILL NOT be disappointed!

06/13/08

worth the trip, bring an empty stomach

by icemft76

This place seemed like a bit of a risk. I thought it might be overhyped or unfriendly to non-regulars - we were wrong on both accounts. Even with the Phantom Gourmet

We had a party of four on a friday night, they asked us if we had a reservation - then sat us immediately (I guess they were just checking to make sure they didn't save too many tables..as space is limited).

The wait staff was quick and attentive, but not intrusive. We had menus drinks and a basket of great fresh bread in under five minutes. The menu was impressive for the size of the place, it had 4 pages packed with authentic selections - featuring fish, veal/lamb and beef (no shortage of choices for meatlovers).

The regular antipasti was perfect for 4 - good mix of greens, prosciutto.cheese, tomatoes, peppers, olives, etc. The Arroncini were a perfect compliment to start (if a bit extravagant, given the size of the entrees to come) . Osso Bucco was tender, flavorful and huge. Pasta al forno was a hearty but well balanced mix - ingredients were fresh, which is essential because it's such a huge portion it would be gross if they weren't (think vinny testas). Eggplant Parm was - eggplant parm....but the cheese was real parma and the eggplant wasn't swimming in oil like so many places.

I don't know what other reviewers were expecting for ambiance, it's not some high end restaurant but it's clean, cosy and lively. Perfect place for dinner for two or even four - any more and you're asking for trouble.

I wasn't expecting much and am glad we went. We have great homemade pasta leftovers for tomorrow and we're definitely going back. It's like Carlos Cocina in Allston but not so pricey, more ocmfortable and much faster service. Give it a try. If you're not a snob you'll enjoy the trip - and probably plan to go back (we are!).

• Pros: great selection, great food, informal, fast service, excellent leftovers, decent wine prices
• Cons: not for big parties, music didn't match the food (but wasn't too loud or obnoxious)

04/30/08

A Rose Ia A Rose...

by EddieEights

And a subshop is a subshop.

While the food is decent, the service is poor (a friend asked for a Coke wih his meal as we drank wine and the waiter handed him a glass and a plastic bottle of Coke from the subshops standup chest). Ambiance is non-existent, decor is horrendous. All of which can be overlooked if the food was terrific - that is what its all about, right? But while a great subshop, the foo is still the same subshop food at night. Better than most little corner neighborhood subshops, but nothing spectacular and just run of the mill when compared to other italian restaurants out there.

It is inexpensive, but for what you get, it should be.

• Pros: Good pasta. Good prices.
• Cons: Cheesy atmosphere, poor service, no parking. Food is god but not worth a special trip.

09/19/07

Amazing pasta, great service..........everything was beyond expectations.

by mat16s

Walking into the back of a deli, I wasn't sure what to expect. The Service was unbeatable (GB)............she even remembered us from the g-train earlier in the day. The entire meal was perfect. I have never had pasta which tasted so rich............it left us full, but not bloated with grease.......

This is going to be hard to beat............anywhere.

Thank you!

• Pros: service, food, cost
• Cons: parking, seating

04/25/07

BEST ITALIAN FOOD HANDS DOWN!!!

by desimone02

My favorite place! This place is not only charming but the real deal as far as true Italian food...Remember your going there for the food not the service it's very relaxed...personally thats how i like it...worked in the restaurant biz my whole life..and I can tell you a place like this is more enjoyable than away any fancy uptight restaurant..Been there done that with the north end and pretty much every other "Italian" restaurant. North End sorry to say has lost it's charm and flavor a long time ago..everyone wants to be "gourmet"....I have been going to Vinny's prob for 6 years now and just went again last night..I LOVE HIS FOOD, JUST LIKE HOME!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL...I had the cold appetizer bar of several dif cheeses/pizzas/veggies fantastic and my meal of Veal Parm with Fusili was the best!! Always brings back memories of my family dinners on Sundays....bring a big appetitie and loose clothes :-)