Just got back from Vini and the whole experience was great. The service was knowledgeable, relaxed and amiable. The food was fantastic, simple, good quality ingredients, prepared with an obvious appreciation for produce. Nothing ostentatious, just quality. The sommelier was particularly impressive, as was the wine. Vibe was nice, relaxed and friendly. Overall, a great asset to the neighbourhood.
I have now been to Vini four times and think the food and wine are sensational. For the quality of food, the prices are very reasonable. The wine is pricey but are quality, so no complaints. The service can be variable depending on who you get. Generally very knowledgeable about the wines. I have tried the gnocchi, duck lasagne, osso bucco for mains and all memorable. For dessert, the ricotta Pannacotta and chocolate tart are to die for. Frustrating having to wait for a table, so go early and be prepared to have a glass of wine before being seated.
My partner and I had read some good things about Vini so we went last night but were disappointed. When we arrived, we were told there would be a half hour wait for a table. We had no problem with this. The waiter said that they have a bar where we can have a drink. We walked through to this "Bar" only to find that it is a small room at the back of the restaurant with absolutely no atmosphere. My partner commented that it was like sitting in a caravan!
After a couple of drinks, we were seated at our table. The waitress was unimpressive, did not seem knowledgeable, no personality or interpersonal skills. There was another waiter there who was much better and had previously advised us on drinks, so we asked for him when we wanted some recommendations on the wine.
We were not impressed with the food either. It looked as though it had been slapped on the plate with no effort going into the presentation. I had the eggplant lasagne which was tasteless. We could prepare much nicer food at home. We told our waitress that we are not happy with our food and asked for the bill. We go absolutely no response from her. A few minutes later, another waiter came over with the bill and he took the time to understand why we were not happy.
In short, we felt that the food was ordinary and the service even worse and we will not be going back. There are many other restaurants that do great Italian food and provide much better service.
Great spot to catch up with just a couple of friends for a bowl of tasty pasta and a well matched glass of italian red. I've only been for mid week dinner, the key is to get there early for your pick of table. I work down the road and can't believe it took me so long to go there for a meal, will certainly be back.
The food was amazing. The desserts and wine to die for. Georgio our waiter was incredible. The place is small and dark but that's the charm, it could have even more charm if they tried. Value was acceptable for what is a passionate food people restaurant. BTW in regards to the table for two 1 point review, your intellect clearly oozes from your mouth. I can guarantee you, no one else cared.
A shoebox delight! Get there early, no bookings. Worth the wait. Concise menu, authentic fare, with an eclectic mix of wines that the wait staff are happy to help you select an appropriate match if you are not sure which way to go! Definitely worth return visits.
We have been trying to get to Vini for quite a while and finally managed it on Saturday night. We arrived early, around 5:30, and had a glass of wine and some bread sticks and olives before we ordered. We chatted with the young lady who was writing the evening's menu up on the wall. By 7 there were no vacant tables and anyone who arrived after that had to wait in the bar for a vacancy.
The service from Giorgio was perfect. He suggested we buy wine by the glass and he matched the wines with our food. Absolutely superb. It may be a more expensive way of doing things but it was well worth it. From the deep fried school prawns through to the chocolate tart and coffee and limoncello it was a delightful night.
Perfect service, perfect food, perfect wine. We are already planning our return.
This has to be the worst place to dine in Sydney. After arriving without a booking we asked how long a table would be for 2. I was told quite clearly 30 mins and was told we could wait in their new bar part which was in their loading dock (makeshift room). After being cramped in there we ordered some wine and was given some bread sticks and dip. 30 mins past and no table.
Waitress came over and apologised and gave us some more bread sticks. A loud group of people came in and were seated at this "new bar" part and all proceeded to order at the table. An hour past and after 2 bottles of wine we asked again to be told "soon". After an Hour and a Half we were fed up so I went around to the main part of the restaurant and asked the waiter who told me 30 mins what was going on only to be told a table will be vacant in about 15 mins or we could order at the back bar part.
I proceeded to ask him why he told me 30 mins when he laughed at me and said "No way I said 30 mins. I gave you no time at all". I was so fed up that I went back to my partner and told her we were going. We went through the main restaurant when I confronted the waiter again I yelled at the top of my voice so the whole place heard. Was a loud swear word.
I cant believe a waiter would flatly deny saying 30 mins. This place is terrible and there are far better local restaurants that give quality service without the attitude.
After reading the reviews, I thought this would be a great little place to take my husband for a Friday evening bite and imbibing session. We thought we'd try the house red, big mistake, very disappointing. The crab pasta was over cooked, well past al dente and the crab seemed to have scuttled away because I certainly didn't see much evidence of it being there.
There was also no sign nor offer of bread. We then decided on the cheese plate, another mistake, too cool tiny blocks of very average cheese. In fact we have far more interesting remanence lying around in our fridge. What a shame, a big build up with a poor offering.