Recently my sister and I hosted an 80th birthday party for our mother at Vai's (her absolute favorite restaurant). From the initial planning session with Tara to selecting the menu and then finalizing the details prior to the event, everything was absolutely perfect. The menu that we chose included many crowd favorites and was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed lunch and mingling on the enclosed patio. Our servers, Morgann and Brianna were so attentive and kept an eye on everything including the timing, any refills and all of our guests needs. We all had a wonderful time and our mother can't stop smiling from such a wonderful event. Thank you Vai's! read more

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VAI Italian in Naperville is an absolute must-visit - from start to finish, our experience was exceptional. The food was absolutely divine, and every dish that hit the table impressed us. The wings were hands-down the best wings I've ever had at a restaurant: perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful, and truly unforgettable. Our salad was fresh and well-balanced, and the pizza was phenomenal, with a delicious crust and toppings that felt both classic and elevated. As amazing as the food was, the most remarkable part of our visit was our server, Carson. Carson was friendly, attentive, and professional, with great menu knowledge and perfect timing throughout the meal. From thoughtful recommendations to making sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed, Carson made the entire experience feel special and personalized. Between the outstanding food, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional service, VAI Italian has absolutely earned a spot on our "go back soon" list. If you're anywhere near Naperville and looking for a memorable meal, do yourself a favor and book a table at VAI Italian - and if you can, ask for Carson at the bar! read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Cake - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

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My girlfriend Diane and I have been coming to Vai's Italian Inspired Kitchen + Bar since we first started dating in September of 2023, and somehow this place continues to exceed expectations every single time. Tonight felt especially memorable and worthy of a proper review. We usually avoid Friday nights because Vai's is almost always packed... and after tonight, it became crystal clear why. Diane and I were craving a standout meal, a little comfort, and a relaxing evening together. What we received was far beyond dinner service. We were treated like valued regulars and genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived. Pete, who I believe is the manager, recognized us immediately and encouraged us to put our name on the waiting list despite the crowd. I'm grateful he did. While we waited, we sat outside near the fire on a cool evening, which added another layer of warmth and ambiance to an already inviting atmosphere. Within minutes, Pete came outside personally to let us know two seats had opened at the bar. That level of attentiveness matters. As soon as we walked in, Eliot and Mallory greeted us with smiles and authentic positive energy. Not forced. Not transactional. Genuine. They made us feel appreciated simply for being there. Even on one of the busiest nights imaginable, they engaged with guests with the same warmth and attentiveness we've experienced during quieter weekday visits. In the background, Morgan was crafting cocktails with precision while still finding time for a familiar nod that quietly says, "Good to see you again." That kind of hospitality cannot be faked. We ordered our favorite dish, the Lobster & Shrimp Rigatoni and once again it was exceptional. Rich, consistent, perfectly prepared, and easily one of the best dishes in Naperville. Without us even asking, the kitchen thoughtfully split the entrée onto two plates. That small gesture perfectly captures what makes Vai's special... attention to detail seems woven into everything they do. From the fire outside to the flowers inside, from the cocktails to the consistency of the food, Vai's creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming, polished, and sincere all at once. Authenticity and respect seem embedded in the culture there. Tonight was a standout evening for us, and I'm genuinely glad we decided to stay despite the crowd. Pete, Eliot, Mallory, Morgan, and the entire staff - thank you for reminding us what great hospitality looks like. Outstanding indeed. read more

Food: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Drinks: 5/5 Ambiance: 5/5 Great dining experience I'd recommend. Appetizers were delicious and all our entrees were amazing as well. Just looking for an excuse to go back read more

First time at Vai's, and I can see why it has so many great reviews. The patio offers a wonderful atmosphere, the prices are very reasonable, and the portions are generous. The arancini is an absolute must-try! The cheesecake with the Oreo crust was insanely delicious! read more

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Very happy we had a birthday celebration here. Was somewhat craving seafood but the Cajun seafood was not open on Monday. So get all ladies here for a nice dinner. We shared a bunch of items. VAI's salad had a generous portion of cheese, 4cheese bread was awesome, mushrooms Prosciutto pizza was really good. I particularly enjoyed the Baratta with honey and jam, combining with a toasted bread which gave me such a nice mix of the good. From short rib pasta, seafood in red sauce, and other entrees, my personal favorite is Chilean see bass. Just grilled to perfection with black risotto as a base. Will have to get more next time. The restaurant was so generous for our 3 ladies having a March birthday. Each of us got a separate regular size dessert: cheesecake, chocolate cake and cinnamon sugar roll. Each of them was tasty. My favorite was the chocolate one. We got a very sweet waitress who took care of us. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening here and hope for a lot more time. read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Deserts - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Updated Review. We loved Vai's so much last month we decided to go again for dinner on a Friday night. We had reservations but we noticed it had a 90 minute time allowance. We were seated immediately as it was not that crowded. Our server Emily took our drink order but never went over their Specials or asked if we had any questions. We ordered the Wood Grilled Shrimp and Avocado Salad to split and a Roasted Chicken and Pesto GF pizza. I was afraid we would not have enough food so I ordered myself the Chicken Wings Diavolo. (Wings were tasty but very small) I asked her to bring the salad out first and the pizza and wings afterwards. As our salad was served,the other 2 entrees came out immediately afterwards. Since a different person brings out the food,our server had no idea how fast the pizza and wings were brought out or did she follow up with our order. The GF crust on the pizza was amazing! We also noticed that their staff walks around with an iPad checking on the status of each table or booth adhering to their 90 minute rule. Annoying. I hate to be rushed and even tho their food is amazing,for the price point,I am not sure I will go back on a weekend night. read more

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This time back here we had a reservation on a Friday night and food was excellent but service was meh. Too many young teen hostesses running around trying to look busy. They were apparently monitoring the tables to make sure you didn't overstay the 90 minutes allowed. Not a welcome practice but sign of the times I suppose. The manager on duty this time looked like he really didn't want to interact with anyone. Our server did the minimum. We split a delicious salad and pizza and my husband also had some pretty small but nicely spiced Diavolo Wings. The pizza crust was excellent for being gluten free. I liked that the shrimp were warm and served on the side rather on the salad so it didn't wilt. We will return but avoid the weekend to enjoy better service. read more

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Very warm and cozy place. The staff were very patient with my indecisive in-laws who changed their minds 4 times and asked a ton of questions. I wish they'd had bread service instead of the garlic bread that came with the dinners. I wasn't a fan. The scallops were perfection, but I felt the risotto was a bit bland. I also thought the portion was small compared to the other dinners we ordered. My husband's Ravioli with bacon was by far my favorite. My FIL scarfed his chicken milanese too. However, the rigatoni in the bolognese was very undercooked even by the Italian Al dente method. It was tough. I'm definitely going back, but I think I'll try some different items. read more

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Came here with a party of four and were promptly seated. The decor of the place is very cozy complete with multiple bonfires and fireplaces! Their menu is very large and we appreciated all the dietary restriction markings. - kale salad - the favorite! They were generous with the avocado and berries! Not overly dressed and light! - vodka pasta - it seemed the pasta was made in house, a bit doughy and sauce was slightly acidic and less creamy, mild spice - lemon crème brûlée - amazing!!! - tiramisu - light and fluffy, not dense but would have loved a bit more coffee flavor - whipped ricotta - standard, fig addition interesting touch - margherita pizza - foldable, again doughy, mild flavor - chocolate cake - amazing!!! - white wine cake - a signature for them, pretty interesting, almost tasted like apple pie! What makes this place stand out is the exceptional service!!! Thanks again! read more

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Great ambiance and service Versatile and creative menu Top notch food quality and presentation read more

Quality Italian restaurant. Our service was great. Our server was very kind and knowledgeable. If you are there earlier in the dinner time you can see families with kids there and as the evening progresses there are few kids. Very comfortable environment. We had the Asiago gnocchi and the house chopped salad. I recommend both of those. We shared the Soppressata and honey pizza. The flavor was good but I did not like the soggy crust. I picked up a piece and it flopped over. read more

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Hello unfortunately I am here to write another review on the the food, service, and the ambiance I received for my second visit to Vai in Naperville Block 59. We found plastic thin wire like materials mixed into the CHILD Alfredo we ordered for our daughter. I immediately called the restaurant and spoke with manager Morgan whom emphasized and assured we would be reimbursed or our child's meal and myself the mother be remade. As we had ordered take out and had made it home to St Charles where we reside which is approximately 50 mins away. Today we were shopping in the area and decided to call about the promise of our meals. I was told by Gary the (manager that also responds to yelp reviews whom was familiarwith my name as a food reviewer) told Morgan NEVER NOTATED OUR DISCREPANCY and he did not honor it or try to resolve the issue and was brushed off. It is disheartening because our food especially our childs was NOT SAFE TO CONSUME. read more

By the way.....when I got home I made a nice dinner for my husband and me. We will not recommend VAI'S to anyone ....there are many restaurants in the area that are consistent in food, service and genuine hospitality. read more

Da best! Crabcake best in Chicagoland. And Omg on the meatballs, chicken Milan, gnocchi dish, and the cake named after the owner Sandy! Crab bisque was perfect. The Carmel budino.....I nearly burst because I was so full but I couldn't leave a bite behind Been on my wish list to visit forever and sooo happy I finally made it. Place is hoppin so make a reso and GO. We sat by the exterior fireplace which is cool. Vibes 101....crowded but organized and no wonder....everyone wants to be in there! Next up will be Sunday lasagna and the burger! Just a wonderful experience surrounded by wonderful people. Chef Wegner knows what he's doing as always! Don't skip. I'm a pro. This place rules and Sandy (and Gary and Brian) rocks! read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Side meatballs!!! - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

My wife and I had a birthday party to attend (in the same area), which thankfully was in Naperville and of course had to come back to VAI. Though they have plenty of seating, I do recommend a reservation as this place is very busy and had plenty of parties going. Since we are part of their email list it was made even better by their offering of $25 off purchase of $75 in your birthday month or $10 off $60 purchase or more the month after (pretty sweet!). Additionally, they were so kind as to send a complementary white wine mini cake for dessert. Was really yummy! We tried some different items this time. My wife had Chicken Pesto Woodfire Pizza which she raved about. And I had the Pork Shank.the provide a large knife but didn't know why, considering it was fall off the bone tender. Maybe for the fire roasted asparagus? Also came with cauliflower purée which was so much better and tastier than mash potatoes. Bravo! Maddie, our server was wonderful. Bright, engaging, informative, attentive. VAI has a star! The owners or managers (not sure which) also visited to ensure everything was to our liking and only added to Maddie's care. If you haven't been to VAI, it's a must try. If you have, you understand why. read more

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We got here around 5:30 on a Wednesday afternoon and they were semi busy. Good sized dining room and Bar with indoor fire place, a good amount of outdoor seating and a fire pit in front. We weren't too hungry so we decided to order a couple of drinks to start. Got the "It's Delicious" (Gin Cocktail) and it was tasty but a little too sweet for me. For snacks it was the Campari Tomato Burrata Caprese (wood grilled tomatoes-yes!), Fritto Misto (just right fried Calamari, seafood and veggies-delicious!), and Wagyu filet sliders (tasty Beef with pesto aioli). Service was fast and friendly. By the time we finished around 7, they were busy. Voted Best Italian in Naperville for a few years and for good reason. We will be back for lunch/dinner. read more

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The food in this place is five star!! I simply don't have one complaint! I made a reservation for my husband and I for 7:15. We walked in at 6:50 and we were being lead to our table at 7:20. The restaurant is modern, open and welcoming. The lighting fit the atmosphere perfectly. Upon sitting down, we were greeted by our waiter within 2-3 minutes of sitting down. His name was Trey and he was awesome! Trey was knowledgeable about each section of the menu and gave the experience and confidence necessary for us to trust his word. We started off with drinks and the zucchini fries! Omg! The aioli sauce and the flavor packed in the fries were a match made in heaven! My husband and I had to make ourselves stop eating them so that we would have room for our entrees. I ordered the Braised Pork Shank on a bed of mashed potatoes with asparagus. Just see the photos....it tasted as delicious as the photo. Wanted to try the Parmesan aioli sweet corn and this corn made me put my head down on the table due to awe! I could have eaten the corn all night. Wow!!! My partner had the Herb Roasted Chicken thighs and Gnocchi. The gnocchi itself was cooked to perfection. I have to say, we paid for my meal with pure joy and satisfaction. We can't wait to go back!! read more

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We arrived about 15 minutes before closing after attending a funeral, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming. They kindly seated us in the patio room. In the rush of closing, there was a bit of a mix-up--communication between the host and waitstaff slipped--so it took a little while to get our orders. The owner came out personally to apologize, which was incredibly thoughtful. She brought us two complimentary appetizers--Zucchini Frittes and Asiago Gnocchi--and both were absolutely delicious. The wine list was excellent as well. I had the four-cheese ravioli--amazing! My husband ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, which he liked a lot, though he thought the noodles were a little firmer than he prefers (he's picky!). I also tried the cheesy noodles and they were killer good. Despite being the last table on a rainy weeknight, the service remained excellent throughout the evening. We're so grateful for their warm hospitality. Highly recommend dining here. read more

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6:15 reservation on Thursday night. Seated immediately. Place was packed! Prompt greeting by our server, Mary Kate. We ordered chicken parmesan and chicken marsala. Both were absolutely phenomenal. Service was impeccable. Love this restaurant. The food is some of the best I've had. I highly recommend Vai's. read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Chicken Marsala - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

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Our food was delicious and served in a timely manner. As usual, the servers were excellent, highly personable and as efficient in their jobs as any I've experienced in all my years of dining out. Also, the visual atmosphere was just right, not too loud,, not too bright and totally comfortable. read more

Was staying in naperville for a night and had a craving for italian food. Found this place on yelp and it didn't not disappointed. Upon walking in was greeted quickly and found a seat at the bar. The ambiance at the bar and restaurant was one of fun and the smell of great italian food and garlic was everywhere. The service at the bar was great and i order a kentucky bourbon barrel beer (bartender said that was his favorite) and it was tasty. when the food came it was hot temperature wise and so delicious. If you are in naperville area and looking for an italian restaurant this is the place to go! i can't wait to return! read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Dinner Vodka Pasta, so delicious - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

INCREDIBLE food. We did takeout once but it tastes much better fresh and at the table. The server took very good care of our toddler and the kids menu is pretty good. The seafood and pasta are delicious! read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Scallops - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

This place is really good. Staff is great! The food was wonderful! Bathrooms were clean. The whole restaurant was clean. Went on an early Saturday night. Started at the bar. Great selection. I got an ice cold draft beer and the wife got a great mocktail. The bar staff was working their asses off. We had 6 in our group. 3 different apps and all great! Everyone loved their meals and their desserts. My wife absolutely loved the polenta and incredibly tasty delicate meatballs. Only negative is how loud it was. I realize it was Saturday night and it was super packed, so I'm not holding that against them. Still a great experience. read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - "It's Bubbly" a non-alcoholic drink. - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Good atmosphere with a covered outdoor patio that was busy but service did not suffer at all. Staff is on point with water refills, recommendations, grabbing dirty dishes, etc Our food came out looking good and tasting delicious. We went for Mothers Day weekend and were excited to go here since the other reviews were great. I got the surf & turf special & it was cooked to order perfectly. My husband got the chicken pasta dish & it was spicy , pasta cooked great & chicken moist & flavorful. Tiramisu was smooth creamy & would get every time! Can't wait to go again to try more delicious food! Go check it out over a chain restaurant! read more

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Food was delicious. We ordered cocktails, three small plates, cappuccinos and two desserts. Service was fast, courteous and attentive. Ambiance was bright out on the enclosed patio and inviting. read more

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I was so disappointed to see that you've taken the mushroom carpaccio off the menu! I'm not a vegetarian - so that's not why I would order it every time I was in. I ordered it because it was delicious! read more

Great food and service. A definite go to! Apps are good and desserts are large. I would be a regular if closer to my house.

Hands down the best Italian place in the area. They have truly mastered the menu everything is flawlessly created.

Came back to celebrate my birthday and everything was just as sensational as my first visit. Our waitress Jazlyn was amazing, and all our plates looked and tasted fantastic. VAI's is quickly becoming a family favorite and deserves all the praise it gets. read more

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We had a last minute decision to have dinner here on a Tuesday evening and they were able to fit all 12 of us into a reservation, so I felt I should update my last review here. We had great service and food. I am attaching a few photos of the food we ate. In particular we enjoyed the burnt ends appetizer, the honey, fig and ricotta appetizer and several of us had the pork chop special which was very well prepared. All in all a great evening and there was no pressure to get us in and out quickly. They made us feel welcome. read more

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We went to Vai's for our anniversary dinner, I was not disappointed, we had the spicy shrimp for our appetizer, this dish is a must the flavor's explode with each bite, we really loved this, we also had the crab cake this dish was very good there was chunks of crab meat throughout I think this could be one of my favorites, then we had the hanger steak I had mine medium rare and it was done perfectly, it was so tasty I would definitely order this again, we also had a crème brûlée for dessert absolutely delicious, the servers were wonderful and very helpful about explaining and recommending dishes for you to try, if your looking for a nice place to go out for dinner I would recommend Vai's it's a place that covers all areas, intimate, casual, outdoor seating and a huge bar, I will definitely be going back. read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - I started with a scoop of the spicy shrimp, but that wasn't enough for I continued to add more to my plate - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

Had a party for my grandson's college graduation - I must say everything was perfect - service was absolutely wonderful - everyone's just friendly and eager to please - from the moment you walk in the door, everyone's concerned that you're going to have a great time - Zachariah was especially helpful and Tara made sure everything's worry free - food was terrific - I had several of my guests comment that they would come here if they had an event - I would totally recommend Vai's for just a meal or booking a party - the pricing was clear and I felt totally satisfied. I highly recommend read more

I didn't have many expectations going into VAI's for a girls' night out, but I was pleasantly surprised! The restaurant was completely packed on a Friday night, which is always a good sign. We only had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated, and that was the only minor downside of the evening. Our server was fantastic--super friendly, upbeat, and full of great food and drink recommendations. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious! The atmosphere is a little on the dark and dingy side, but honestly, the amazing food and outstanding service more than made up for it. VAI's is the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. I am already looking forward to visiting this restaurant soon! read more

Never had a bad meal here and service is always great, even with larger groups! Love the short rib rigatoni and the mushroom pappardelle read more

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Vai's is one of my fave restaurants. Always good food and service with the personal touch of the owners stopping by to say hello. We went to dinner with another couple last night. We brought a couple bottles of our own wine, but Vai's makes a tasty cocktail and does have a good wine list. Our server Nicole was engaging and on top of everything. The four of us shared three starters, the burrata, the wagyu carpaccio and the grilled octopus. The burrata was outstanding, creamy cheese on top of perfectly grilled bread. The carpaccio was good, could've done without the pickled onions. The octopus was a miss. Totally surprised as I order it most visits and it's amazing. This time it was dry and chewy, however the crispy potatoes and haricot verts were perfect. For dinner, my husband had the short rib rigatoni. The pasta is made in-house and my husband loved the creamy sauce and meat tenderness. I had the grilled romaine salad and the asiago gnocchi appetizer. The salad is so tasty with the crispy pancetta and fried leeks. The gnocchi are "pillows of air," as owner Pete described it. He was right - light as air! We were so surprised to receive two complimentary desserts at the end of our meal. That's the kind of place this is, though. Customers are important to them! They brought us Sandy's white wine cake and a salted caramel budino. That white wine cake was friggin' amazing!! It's Sandy (one if the owners') family recipe. I wish she'd share!! It was a delicious evening! Highly recommend Vai's. read more

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This is my favorite restaurant in town! All menu items are made to order, so if you have any dietary needs, they can adjust accordingly. The team members are always so friendly and happy! It is hard to find genuine hospitality nowadays, so it is refreshing to dine here because I know I will always get good service. The restaurant does get a little loud, but that is a good thing; it means it is always full, so I like to make reservations. My favorite menu items are Asiago Gnocchi, Arancini al Forno, Whipped Ricotta + Honeycomb, Organic Kale Salad, and the Prosciutto + Wild Mushroom without Prosciutto because I am a vegetarian. The gnocchi is definitely my favorite item out of all of them! Their cocktails are always yummy too! They even partner with local companies for monthly cocktail specials and donate the money to their cause. Love the community building! I look forward to celebrating my birthday here again this year! read more

VAI's Italian Inspired- Kitchen + Bar - Asiago Gnocchi - Italian Near Me - Naperville, Illinois

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I see why Naperville residents are keeping this place a hidden gem! I don't give many places 5 stars but VAI.....job well done. For both experiences we were seated in the bar area, but the first was at a small highboy table awkwardly placed in the bar area. We didn't complain because they were accommodating (remember this wasn't our first choic This review is based on 2 visits. My honey and I stopped in at VIA's for the first visit a few weeks ago and only because the place we went to first had zero reservations or bar seats available. I ordered the spicy sopprasata and honey neopolitan pizza and he had the VAI prime burger. Delicious The pizza was a perfect mix of sweet from the hot honey and spicy from the sopprassata. My honey's burger was deliciously seasoned and cooked perfectly. Paired with the Parmesan truffle fries....yummers!!!! Our second visit was just as sweet. It was lunch time when we arrived. My honey order their cheesesteak sandwich with their Parmesan truffle fries and ordered the spicy sopprassata with hot honey (yes it's my fav!) They never disappoint! Check them out! read more

Made the reservation the night before for 6:15pm the following day and I'm glad I did. We were seated fairly quickly and the restaurant was packed and very lively. It was a bit loud inside but definitely not the restaurants fault. Our server came by to bring us water and the menus when we were seated but about 20 minutes had gone by before we saw her again. Definitely not her fault, it was clearly busier than the restaurant anticipated so I think they were bit short staffed, again not the restaurants fault, just remember to be patient! We heard this was the best Italian food in Naperville so we were excited to check it out for ourselves! We ordered the Arancini al Forno and Wood Grilled Romaine Salad for appetizers. The Arancini was topped with fried onions which added a nice flavor to the arancini. The sauce they were in was also very nice, not too sweet or bland either, very balanced. The Arancini had the most perfect crunch when I bit into it. They were fried perfectly and had a decent flavor. I will say they'll had way more cheese than risotto in them which kind of over powered the flavors.. I have had better but they were still good. The Wood Grilled Romain Salad was really good. The lettuce was still crispy and had a really nice smokey taste. It had delicious dressing and toppings in it. A great way to start the evening. For entres, we ordered the Vodka Pasta,the Spicy Chicken Tortellacci, the Short Rib Rigatoni, and the Pasta Bolognese. All of their pasta is made in house and are very fresh. The best one I have to say was the Short Rib Rigatoni, the Short Rib was tender and added such good flavor to the pasta. The pasta served with it were enormous which required you to cut into it before taking a bit overall an amazing dish! The Vodka Pasta was okay honestly, the pasta served with it was pretty thick and I dont think it was cooked all the way so I taste more dough than the sauce in the pasta.. The Spicy Chicken Tortellacci had jalapeños in it making it pretty spicy but the bell peppers soaked up a lot of the sauce and flavor making for a really nice and fresh dish with a bit of heat. And the Pasta Bolognese was honestly the best bolognese I've ever had. It was well balanced, not greasy at all and the pasta was cooked perfectly. Truly an incredible bolognese! All the pastas were served with two slices of garlic bread which were nice to eat with the meal and good for soaking up sauce. Over all it was a really great meal, I wish I had gotten a different pasta in the Vodka pasta but really with the way everything else was just so delicious, I could only give this restaurant 5 starts, they deserve nothing less! read more

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Great food and service. I would definitely recommend. Same owners as Entourage another great restaurant