Vinny's at Night

06/13/2008 Posted 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)

04/30/2008 Posted 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.

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09/19/2007 Posted 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

04/25/2007 Posted 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 :-)

04/06/2007 Posted by sweendogy

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--

08/04/2006 Posted by gotbidnezz

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.

Pros: Good food, cozy space

Cons: Bad Service, a little pricey

07/26/2006 Posted by greendrz

If you can find this hidden little eatery, you'll be pleasantly surprised. Good traditional Italian food, reasonable prices and tasty wine.

05/26/2006 Posted by newyorkspark

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.

Pros: food, portions, menu

Cons: parking

03/16/2006 Posted by atomic40

Went on recommendations from friends. I found the food to be very authentic and tasty. I loved the large portions and the excellent bread with olive oil. The only thing I found odd was standing around waiting for a table. No one came to take our name or greet us. After asking politely how long the wait was, we were seated in 10 minutes. After that we had a very nice waitress who was very attentive. I am anxious to go back to try other menu options. Overall, this is one of the best Italian places in Cambridge/Somerville. There are still some small restaurants in and around the North End/Garden that rival this one however (L'Osteria Rustico being one of them).

Pros: Great Food, Large Portions

Cons: Cramped Seating, Location

09/07/2005 Posted by gdforu

My mother is Italian. She came over when she was sixteen. So I'm very hard to please as I can cook better Italian food than a lot places serve. Vinny's at Night is the "real deal". They serve dishes I would have found on my grandmother's table. Delicious and authentic. If you want Italian American food, go to Olive Garden. If you want real Italian food, try Vinny's.

Pros: Authentic food, Generous portions

Cons: Parking, location