Vinny's Superette

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rboersner

Joined 3 years ago

Best Italian food in the entire boston area!!. 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!

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icemft76

Joined 5 years ago

worth the trip, bring an empty stomach. 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!).

Doesn't Recommend

EddieEights

Joined 5 years ago

A Rose Ia A Rose.... 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

Joined 6 years ago

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

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desimone02

Joined 6 years ago

BEST ITALIAN FOOD HANDS DOWN!!!. 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 :-)

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sweendogy

Joined 11 years ago

Real Italian outside of the north end -. this brings me back to my days growing up in NYC --there were alot of places like this growing up in manhattan-- you walk thru a store--you get to the back and there are 10 tables - fantastic smells and terriffic redsauce - -this is the real deal people.. the price is moderate-- the service good-- the food is great-- make sure you order the homemade pasta-- keep it simple --order meatballs and pasta -- go home full and happy--

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gotbidnezz

Joined 10 years ago

Good pasta! Mediocre service.. I'd heard stories about Vinnie's at Night, and they were pretty accurate. It is in the back of a deli/convenience store, the wait-staff wasn't totally on the ball, and it was more expensive than we expected. We sat there ready to order while the sat and took orders for several other tables. We also never got the "standard" fruit with our check. I had the Scallops with the alfredo-style sauce and my husband had the lasagna. The homemade pasta was wonderful, but he felt his lasagna was only so-so. The portions were large, and the antipasto bar looked delicious. Bring a sweater; the restaurant was freezing.

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greendrz

Joined 7 years ago

Worth the search. If you can find this hidden little eatery, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Good traditional Italian food, reasonable prices and tasty wine.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Bring a hefty appetite for all things Italian to this charming hideaway just outside of Sullivan Square.. 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.

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newyorkspark

Joined 7 years ago

fabulous italian food and fun experience. I can't wait to go back to this place... the food was amazing... some of the best eggplant parm ever! the calamari app. was super healthy and fresh and the service was great. Good food and huge portions.