We were blown away by this experience. It is an unassuming vibe that knocks it out of the park. The food, the friendly but professional service, the charm... we can't wait to revisit!
Jason
Great dining experience. Food and service was amazing. Food was seasoned and executed to perfection. We will be back soon.
Opentable Diner
VIA VAI is a charming, cozy restaurant which was perfect for our anniversary dinner. The food was exceptional and the service was personal and attentive. It reminded us of being in Italy. It was a weeknight and uncrowded, so I could understand if the vibe is a little different when more people are there. Still, the quality of the food is worth a trip.
Sara
Stella is great! The food was amazing and somehow gets better and better. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. This is my 4th time coming here — will be coming back for sure.
Katherine
I dined at Via Vai for the first time on Valentine's Day so I was prepared to cut them a little slack in most review categories as it's an overwhelming day for a lot of restaurants. I booked my 7pm reservation well in advance. I was called on 2/11 and informed that their booking service (Opentable) had allowed people to continue to book after the restaurant had closed reservations. They told me I could not have my 7pm reservation and the only available options were 6pm or 8:30pm. I accepted the 8:30 reservation but had to rearrange my childcare plans to make this work. We arrived at 8:25pm to find 3 other couples waiting in the front of the restaurant. Based on pictures I had seen, they had added more tables to space, making it very claustrophobic. They had also removed their bar stools and put tables tucked under the bar. We waited until 8:50pm to be sat. They also were not going in any kind of reservation order, the woman at the front was just trying to remember who had come in in what order. She tried to sit us sooner but we were honest that another couple had arrived before us so they should be sat first. Once we were eventually seated, it was hard to even get to my seat as the tables were crammed so close together. A waitress took our order and then never came by the table again. Someone else brought us bread, we had to ask for water from a busboy even though with our food order my husband has specifically asked for water. Another server brought us our food but no one ever checked in with us again. We had to ask for the bill after sitting with empty plates for at least 15 minutes. While I do understand that it was a very busy evening, the service was absolutely terrible from the get go and while the food was good, it makes me not want to try Via Vai again.
Bella
I absolutely LOVED the food. Estella was amazing, beef ravioli was delicious. I will definitely comeback to eat here.
Beth
Just like being in Italy. The freshest ingredients and perfectly prepared meals. The pizza, pastas, bronzino, short ribs salads were excellent! Great wine list and excellent service. I highly recommend this very casual restaurant.
Pagona
This is a gem of a place. Love the consistency and quality of the food. The service was great. The children also approve of the pizza and pesto dish.
Karam
Italian cuisine of the highest caliber! We just got back from a vacation in Italy a month ago and this food was up to the standard of the best restaurants we dined at in Rome! Truly felt we were transported back there. Don't miss out on Via Vai!
Nisim
Great Italian food. If you want Spaghetti and Meatballs or Chucken Parmigiano- this place is not for you. Great salads, pasta and main dishes. Great wine list
Very authentic Roman Italian food and I've been here before and everything single time the food is just phenomenal. Wildly great wine list.
Paola Balbini
We ate like in Italy, fantastic welcome, exquisite food! Real arancini, not modified recipes because we are in America! Polenta with meat, classic carbonara pasta, excellent! Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carbonara
Samuel Duncan
Wow wow wow! Went here for my girlfriend’s birthday. Everything was excellent. The mushroom risotto with the pistachio crumble blew me away. The carbonara with guanciale was exactly what the doctor ordered (I am not a doctor). We left fat and happy, and I want to return soon. Thank goodness it’s so close!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pannacotta with Caramel Sauce, Carbonara, Bread and Olive Oil
Allison L.
An authentic Italian experience with a menu curated by a true Italian from Rome. This was some of the best pasta and pizza I’ve had, the pasta was so fresh, flavorful and perfectly al dente, highly recommend the squid ink and trying one of their specials, the second pasta we got was a tagliatelle with basil, tomatoes and pistachios. I loved the truffle arugula pizza, the dough was light and crispy and the porcini mushrooms and truffle compote were to die for! The place is quiet on weeknights and very busy on weekends. Make a reservation and take your date!
Vegetarian options: A couple vegetarian options in each category, not the best place for vegans
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Ravioli, Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe
Samuel
This spot is excellent. We got two apps, two entrees and a couple glasses of wine. Service was excellent even though it was one guy running the whole dining room and bar. Mushroom risotto with pistachios crumbled over top as a garnish blew my mind/ that's how I'm making my mushroom risotto from now on. Carbonara was excellent, a little creamier than I make at home, but in fact better than what I make at home, so I'm smiling. This place is great if you love food and neighborhood vibes. I cannot wait to go back!
We were blown away by this experience. It is an unassuming vibe that knocks it out of the park. The food, the friendly but professional service, the charm... we can't wait to revisit!
Great dining experience. Food and service was amazing. Food was seasoned and executed to perfection. We will be back soon.
VIA VAI is a charming, cozy restaurant which was perfect for our anniversary dinner. The food was exceptional and the service was personal and attentive. It reminded us of being in Italy. It was a weeknight and uncrowded, so I could understand if the vibe is a little different when more people are there. Still, the quality of the food is worth a trip.
Stella is great! The food was amazing and somehow gets better and better. One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. This is my 4th time coming here — will be coming back for sure.
I dined at Via Vai for the first time on Valentine's Day so I was prepared to cut them a little slack in most review categories as it's an overwhelming day for a lot of restaurants. I booked my 7pm reservation well in advance. I was called on 2/11 and informed that their booking service (Opentable) had allowed people to continue to book after the restaurant had closed reservations. They told me I could not have my 7pm reservation and the only available options were 6pm or 8:30pm. I accepted the 8:30 reservation but had to rearrange my childcare plans to make this work. We arrived at 8:25pm to find 3 other couples waiting in the front of the restaurant. Based on pictures I had seen, they had added more tables to space, making it very claustrophobic. They had also removed their bar stools and put tables tucked under the bar. We waited until 8:50pm to be sat. They also were not going in any kind of reservation order, the woman at the front was just trying to remember who had come in in what order. She tried to sit us sooner but we were honest that another couple had arrived before us so they should be sat first. Once we were eventually seated, it was hard to even get to my seat as the tables were crammed so close together. A waitress took our order and then never came by the table again. Someone else brought us bread, we had to ask for water from a busboy even though with our food order my husband has specifically asked for water. Another server brought us our food but no one ever checked in with us again. We had to ask for the bill after sitting with empty plates for at least 15 minutes. While I do understand that it was a very busy evening, the service was absolutely terrible from the get go and while the food was good, it makes me not want to try Via Vai again.
I absolutely LOVED the food. Estella was amazing, beef ravioli was delicious. I will definitely comeback to eat here.
Just like being in Italy. The freshest ingredients and perfectly prepared meals. The pizza, pastas, bronzino, short ribs salads were excellent! Great wine list and excellent service. I highly recommend this very casual restaurant.
This is a gem of a place. Love the consistency and quality of the food. The service was great. The children also approve of the pizza and pesto dish.
Italian cuisine of the highest caliber! We just got back from a vacation in Italy a month ago and this food was up to the standard of the best restaurants we dined at in Rome! Truly felt we were transported back there. Don't miss out on Via Vai!
Great Italian food. If you want Spaghetti and Meatballs or Chucken Parmigiano- this place is not for you. Great salads, pasta and main dishes. Great wine list
Restaurantji Recommends
Very authentic Roman Italian food and I've been here before and everything single time the food is just phenomenal. Wildly great wine list.
We ate like in Italy, fantastic welcome, exquisite food!
Real arancini, not modified recipes because we are in America! Polenta with meat, classic carbonara pasta, excellent! Thank you
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Carbonara
Wow wow wow! Went here for my girlfriend’s birthday. Everything was excellent. The mushroom risotto with the pistachio crumble blew me away. The carbonara with guanciale was exactly what the doctor ordered (I am not a doctor). We left fat and happy, and I want to return soon. Thank goodness it’s so close!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pannacotta with Caramel Sauce, Carbonara, Bread and Olive Oil
An authentic Italian experience with a menu curated by a true Italian from Rome. This was some of the best pasta and pizza I’ve had, the pasta was so fresh, flavorful and perfectly al dente, highly recommend the squid ink and trying one of their specials, the second pasta we got was a tagliatelle with basil, tomatoes and pistachios. I loved the truffle arugula pizza, the dough was light and crispy and the porcini mushrooms and truffle compote were to die for! The place is quiet on weeknights and very busy on weekends. Make a reservation and take your date!
Vegetarian options: A couple vegetarian options in each category, not the best place for vegans
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Ravioli, Tonnarelli Cacio E Pepe
This spot is excellent. We got two apps, two entrees and a couple glasses of wine. Service was excellent even though it was one guy running the whole dining room and bar. Mushroom risotto with pistachios crumbled over top as a garnish blew my mind/ that's how I'm making my mushroom risotto from now on. Carbonara was excellent, a little creamier than I make at home, but in fact better than what I make at home, so I'm smiling. This place is great if you love food and neighborhood vibes. I cannot wait to go back!
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