Made reservations for 6pm Saturday over the phone. Walked in at 6 and they could not seat us since it's busy and said to wait at the bar. We waited until 6:40 and asked the hostess when we will be seated, all she said was "soon". Waited until 6:55pm and walked out. No apology, they didn't care, terrible service and won't be going back.
Amber X.
Overall, underwhelming. My date tried the chicken Parm which was good however not anything special. I was incredibly excited to order the Filet Mignon with Yukon mashed potatoes. Our food arrived at a good pace but we were half way through our meals before the waiter checked in. The steak had no flavor minus a slight char from grill marks. Potatoes tasted like plain potatoes that salt could not even save. As expensive as the steak was (priced accordingly for a good filet), I left half of it on the plate, most of the potato's and half the chicken parm on our plates without taking it home. Overall, quality of food did not match the ambience or expectations we had on our first date.
Richard L.
Lousy weird food. No parking Very expensive$$$, Best Italian food is Mirabitos, in North Liberty. Everything is delicious. Greg makes everything from scratch. Specials change 2x's a day. A Trattoria, & small. Get there at 5pm or a long wait outside. All the locals go there.
Emily D.
Had high hopes of another great experience at Vino's last night but left feeling ignored, frustrated and dissatisfied. The lack of service that we received was completely appalling and unacceptable. We were never greeted or acknowledged. We never received waters. We sat through it, in shock, surprised at how lousy the service was. We finally decided to speak up, literally yelling "Hey" at one of the servers, to which we received a snotty smile and "Hi." We then proceeded ask to order food, because after all, we came out to eat to pay and support a small business in our community during the slowest quarter of the year. The server probably spit in our food and I ate it, and per usual it was good, but I wont be back and I wouldn't recommend Braxton, be your server.
Jordyn P.
Food is always amazing. The restaurant itself is always so calm with the lighting, music, and overall tone of the place. The staff is always nice.
Tracy Hackleman
What a place! The food was delicious, the service was outstanding, and the restaurant was unexpected and extraordinary! I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danyel K.
Simple, yet elegant. Our food was flavorful and prompt. Drink selection was ample, and the garlic breadsticks were the perfect addition to our meal. We got the lasagna and the tiger shrimp dish. You have to end with chocolate cake and coffee- the best around! We will definitely be back!
Ryan L.
Despite a commendable service experience, our recent dinner at Vino's left much to be desired. The pervasive odor of burnt oil upon entering set an unfortunate tone for the evening. The classic spaghetti and meatballs, failed to deliver a harmonious flavor profile when the sauce turned out to be quite surprising and unexplainably spicy, and the piccata chicken left our taste buds yearning for more flavor. To our dismay, the French onion soup turned out to be a misadventure--what was presented as a classic soup revealed itself to be closer to aus jus gravy. The disconnect between the menu descriptions and the actual dishes was disappointing, overshadowing the otherwise efficient and courteous service we received. In a culinary landscape celebrated for its rich and diverse offerings, Vino's fell short of expectations. While the staff's attentiveness was noteworthy, the kitchen's missteps left a lingering flavor of dissatisfaction.
thomasgR6706WS
Best restaurant I have been to including trips to NYC and Wash D.C.; Great for business, friends, anniversary and other special occasions.
Jordan M.
Great hole in the wall Italian restaurant. The RG Book side we prefer to dine on since it has a speakeasy vibe. Food is always great and authentic tasting. Large portions. Would recommend the Chicken Marsala and the Lasagna. Orzo mac and french onion soup were solid.We had the Yellowfin Tuna app which probably wouldn't get again. Cocktail quality could be better but still a good selection. Would give a 4.5 if you could. Would be a 5 with better cocktails.
Simply an absolute institution in Cedar Rapids. Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this is quality dining and the vibe in RG Books is spectacular. Great, comfortable lighting and appropriate 50s and 60s Italian music. to set the mood. You have to start with the baked mozz (wrapped in salami and romaine, drizzled with balsamic), it's amazing. I had the parmesan crusted mahi on polenta with an *amazing* artichoke broth last time. The fish was prepared perfectly. My daughter had her usual, the chicken marsala which was as always, phenomenal. My son in law had the sausage "Diavolo". Red sauce on pasta with a truly perfect few sausages that hit the right note of savory and spice. They do a great job with both the tradiitional Italian classics and more modern offerings. I have to mention the staff. Gracious, quick with a smile and right on time with all the levels of service. Several members of the staff have been there since '89 when the joint opened. Angie, our server, was the rookie with her service "only" dating back to 1997 or 1998. :-) Always a top notch experience.
Ted Otis
Great dinner HUGE portions
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark B.
This is easily THE BEST Italian restaurant in Cedar Rapids. The baked mozzarella with the balsamic is always such a great opener here. You can't go wrong with the entree, but my favorite was the Spicy Penne a la Vodka. I've always had great service here as well. The atmosphere is intimate, and a drink at the unique RG Books next door is a must.
Michael Y.
Always delicious Italian food and friendly staff. I especially like the quit relaxing ambiance.
Kathy P.
We Love the vibe at RG Books. We like to meet for drinks first, then dine at Vinos. One of CR's few restaurants that you definitely need to make reservations. White table clothes, EXCELLANT service, wonderful food that satisfies the most particular foodies & great portions! My husband loved the melt in your mouth steak & I loved the Sea Bass. Great for special occasion/date nights, small or large group- with reservations!!!
Made reservations for 6pm Saturday over the phone. Walked in at 6 and they could not seat us since it's busy and said to wait at the bar. We waited until 6:40 and asked the hostess when we will be seated, all she said was "soon". Waited until 6:55pm and walked out. No apology, they didn't care, terrible service and won't be going back.
Overall, underwhelming. My date tried the chicken Parm which was good however not anything special. I was incredibly excited to order the Filet Mignon with Yukon mashed potatoes. Our food arrived at a good pace but we were half way through our meals before the waiter checked in. The steak had no flavor minus a slight char from grill marks. Potatoes tasted like plain potatoes that salt could not even save. As expensive as the steak was (priced accordingly for a good filet), I left half of it on the plate, most of the potato's and half the chicken parm on our plates without taking it home. Overall, quality of food did not match the ambience or expectations we had on our first date.
Lousy weird food. No parking Very expensive$$$, Best Italian food is Mirabitos, in North Liberty. Everything is delicious. Greg makes everything from scratch. Specials change 2x's a day. A Trattoria, & small. Get there at 5pm or a long wait outside. All the locals go there.
Had high hopes of another great experience at Vino's last night but left feeling ignored, frustrated and dissatisfied. The lack of service that we received was completely appalling and unacceptable. We were never greeted or acknowledged. We never received waters. We sat through it, in shock, surprised at how lousy the service was. We finally decided to speak up, literally yelling "Hey" at one of the servers, to which we received a snotty smile and "Hi." We then proceeded ask to order food, because after all, we came out to eat to pay and support a small business in our community during the slowest quarter of the year. The server probably spit in our food and I ate it, and per usual it was good, but I wont be back and I wouldn't recommend Braxton, be your server.
Food is always amazing. The restaurant itself is always so calm with the lighting, music, and overall tone of the place. The staff is always nice.
What a place! The food was delicious, the service was outstanding, and the restaurant was unexpected and extraordinary! I can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Simple, yet elegant. Our food was flavorful and prompt. Drink selection was ample, and the garlic breadsticks were the perfect addition to our meal. We got the lasagna and the tiger shrimp dish. You have to end with chocolate cake and coffee- the best around! We will definitely be back!
Despite a commendable service experience, our recent dinner at Vino's left much to be desired. The pervasive odor of burnt oil upon entering set an unfortunate tone for the evening. The classic spaghetti and meatballs, failed to deliver a harmonious flavor profile when the sauce turned out to be quite surprising and unexplainably spicy, and the piccata chicken left our taste buds yearning for more flavor. To our dismay, the French onion soup turned out to be a misadventure--what was presented as a classic soup revealed itself to be closer to aus jus gravy. The disconnect between the menu descriptions and the actual dishes was disappointing, overshadowing the otherwise efficient and courteous service we received. In a culinary landscape celebrated for its rich and diverse offerings, Vino's fell short of expectations. While the staff's attentiveness was noteworthy, the kitchen's missteps left a lingering flavor of dissatisfaction.
Best restaurant I have been to including trips to NYC and Wash D.C.; Great for business, friends, anniversary and other special occasions.
Great hole in the wall Italian restaurant. The RG Book side we prefer to dine on since it has a speakeasy vibe. Food is always great and authentic tasting. Large portions. Would recommend the Chicken Marsala and the Lasagna. Orzo mac and french onion soup were solid.We had the Yellowfin Tuna app which probably wouldn't get again. Cocktail quality could be better but still a good selection. Would give a 4.5 if you could. Would be a 5 with better cocktails.
Restaurantji Recommends
Simply an absolute institution in Cedar Rapids. Don't let the strip mall location fool you, this is quality dining and the vibe in RG Books is spectacular. Great, comfortable lighting and appropriate 50s and 60s Italian music. to set the mood. You have to start with the baked mozz (wrapped in salami and romaine, drizzled with balsamic), it's amazing. I had the parmesan crusted mahi on polenta with an *amazing* artichoke broth last time. The fish was prepared perfectly. My daughter had her usual, the chicken marsala which was as always, phenomenal. My son in law had the sausage "Diavolo". Red sauce on pasta with a truly perfect few sausages that hit the right note of savory and spice. They do a great job with both the tradiitional Italian classics and more modern offerings. I have to mention the staff. Gracious, quick with a smile and right on time with all the levels of service. Several members of the staff have been there since '89 when the joint opened. Angie, our server, was the rookie with her service "only" dating back to 1997 or 1998. :-) Always a top notch experience.
Great dinner HUGE portions
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is easily THE BEST Italian restaurant in Cedar Rapids. The baked mozzarella with the balsamic is always such a great opener here. You can't go wrong with the entree, but my favorite was the Spicy Penne a la Vodka. I've always had great service here as well. The atmosphere is intimate, and a drink at the unique RG Books next door is a must.
Always delicious Italian food and friendly staff. I especially like the quit relaxing ambiance.
We Love the vibe at RG Books. We like to meet for drinks first, then dine at Vinos. One of CR's few restaurants that you definitely need to make reservations. White table clothes, EXCELLANT service, wonderful food that satisfies the most particular foodies & great portions! My husband loved the melt in your mouth steak & I loved the Sea Bass. Great for special occasion/date nights, small or large group- with reservations!!!