Vinny's At Night

06/13/08

worth the trip, bring an empty stomach

by icemft76 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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 at Citysearch

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