Vinny's At Night
(617) 628-1921
76 Broadway
Somerville,
MA
02145
42.3871
-71.0817
Neighborhood: East Somerville
What People Are Saying About Vinny's At Night
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This is one of the last old-fashioned Italian restaurants in town, a place where locals commiserate over red-and-white-checkered tablecloths topped with heaping plates of pasta and bottles of Chianti. Vinny's location--in the back of a nondescript convenience store in one of Somerville's less-fashionable areas--only adds to the charm. Casual waiters rattle off the daily fish specials while keeping water glasses (and bread baskets) refilled.
The Food
Expect intimidating portions of robust, uncomplicated Southern Italian food. Start your meal with one of the fresh antipasti (expect pungent marinated vegetables, imported cold cuts and wonderful fresh mozzarella). As for the entrees, pretty much everything comes on a bed of, or with a side of, homemade pasta swimming in red sauce. Don't miss the savory homemade chicken sausage, or a pork chop that comes covered with vinegary hot peppers. For dessert, enjoy refreshing lemon or orange sorbet.
User Reviews
icemft76
June 13, 2008
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!).
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EddieEights
April 30, 2008
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.
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mat16s
September 19, 2007
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!
read full reviewThe Details on Vinny's At Night
Know Before You Go:
Between the wonderful homemade scala bread (served with extra virgin olive oil) and ubiquitous plates of pasta, skip this place if you're watching your carb intake.
Save Money:
Those on a budget will enjoy the complimentary plate of fruit (usually chunks of watermelon and cantaloupe) that arrives with the check. With such large portions, this is probably the only dessert you'll have room for.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Hidden Find, Family Style Dining, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
