Vincenzo Ristorante

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JLBW

Joined 4 years ago

Welcoming atmosphere, hearty Southern Italian food. As soon as we entered, Vincenzo greeted us, offered us wine and made us feel at home. He took the time to chat with us and make menu recommendations. Our food was the best I've had outside of Italy, and everything was comforting and delicious. In a touristy area, this was very authentic in feel and flavor - I will definitely be back!

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miamiw

Joined 6 years ago

BEST Italian Restaurant in LA. "Leave the Gun - Take the Cannolis" - and if you can - get some Pasta Fagioli to go. It is small, so I highly recommend reservations and it is little expensive - but if price is the true test of relative quality then throwing down a little more once in a while on that special someone is a privilege at this place. In addition to a standard menu, Vincenzo comes up with a few different nightly preparations so if he tells you to order the Meatballs that are being made from his Grandmother's recipe --- you better listen ?cause his grandmother was one hellava teacher. He also observes and listens to regular customers and one night he may surprise you with a dish made up with just you in mind. As "Sollozzo" said in "The GodFather," "Try the veal, it's the best in the city." Well, he'd be talking about this place.

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caraya

Joined 7 years ago

good food, too pricey. Granted, the ambiance at this cozy, intimate restaurant is great. One can get good wine and solid Italian food, but overall, the prices are WAY too high for what we were served. An artichoke salad (at about $13.00) had canned artichokes, not fresh, as I had expected at those prices. My husband ordered a red snapper entree (at about $36.00), and got a tiny single filet of fish in a butter sauce. It was very well prepared, however. We are not of the school that "more is better", but it did seem a little overboard. On the other hand, our guest ordered a pasta dish with seafood that was to die for. We couldn't help but keep stealing bites off his plate. We got an excellent wine recommendation from Vincenzo: a Barolo that wasn't on the menu, which was well-priced. Would I return? Not sure. being from New York, I am accustomed to great Italian food at more moest prices. Or-- if paying higher prices-- getting an astounding meal.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Montana Avenue's hidden Italian find provides privacy and warmth.. In Short
This quiet Italian hideaway--nestled along chic Montana Avenue--has more class than flash. White linens and good silver add to the warm, private atmosphere. The kitchen turns a simple melody of ingredients into an aria of multiregional Italian cuisine. A plethora of fish, steak, lamb and veal specials are offered nightly. Bresaola, slices of cured beef topped with artichoke hearts, has earthy flavors, while the Vincenzo spaghetti is tossed with chopped shrimp, capers and tomato cream sauce.

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theaterlover

Joined 11 years ago

A warm Italina restaurant with a warm Italian feel. This cozy little spot is an excellent place for a romantic dinner or a great place to bring the family. Vincenzo, the chef and owner, greets every guest and chats at your table about food, Italy or life. He greets regulars with a warm hug and kiss and creates a really nice atmosphere. The food can be a bit pricey but it's worth it. The lamb is amazing, the Caprese salad is made with real Buffalo Mozzarella and the pasta dishes and meat dishes are all solid hearty fare. The desserts are not the best in town but who cares when the main dishes are so good. It can be a bit on the pricey side but you'll leave feeling like it was worth it. My wife and I go there for special occasions and it's intimate feel and great food make it a favorite of ours. It's also not "a scene." It's just a great neighborhood spot.

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dragonness

Joined 9 years ago

Nice but pricey. Simple, delicious Italian home-style fare, made with the best ingredients. Vincenzo will tell you personally that the melt-in-the-mouth Alaskan halibut done in the aqua pazza (white wine and olive oil) can only be had in Naples and at his restaurant, and he will also tell you that the delightful and light ricotta with fresh pear dessert is pure Amalfi coast and not to be found anywere in this country but here.

I was disappointed that there was only that one fish dish on the menu, but it was so good that I didn't mind in the end. Vincenzo told me the best bit was dipping the bread in the aqua pazza (yummy fresh bread, by the way), and it certainly was very tasty.

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dbcooper_19462

Joined 9 years ago

for sure a true dining pleasure. Killer menu but we all had specials, and boy were they special. Vincenzo himself supported an excellent wait staff with his wit and charm. Go early or wait for a table, you won't be disappointed. If you are really lucky he will have the meatballs special that day, not to be missed!