Vini E Olii Locanda Restaurant

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jolin

Joined 7 years ago

Shooting fish in a barrel. This restaurant has a couple of things going for it: beautiful interior and a captive audience. I was invited to a friend's birthday dinner and, despite having made reservations, we had to wait while the hostess and the manager argued about where to seat us. It seemed like the manager won out and the six of us were crammed onto a small table, while a larger table in the back remained empty. When we asked if we could move, we were told that the other table was also reserved. It turns out it was... by 3 of the manager's friends. Dinner was uncomfortable. Not only were we elbowing each other when we lifted our forks, but the food was nearly inedible because it was so salty. Instead of staying for dessert, we got the check and went to a bakery on 7th Ave.

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sstodola

Joined 7 years ago

Overpriced for the area. I'd heard great things, and at first glance it didn't disappoint, as the space is absolutely charming, and the staff very friendly and authentically Italian. But the food was not great. You feel obligated to order several dishes, causing the bill to skyrocket. My gnocci (sp?) was completely average, and my boyfriend didn't like his main dish at all. However, I'd be willing to give this place another try, because it's so popular I feel as though perhaps we just ordered the wrong dishes, or caught the kitchen on an off night. however, I do feel as though $25 are inappropriate for a restaurant off the beaten track in Clinton Hill.

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foodcritic_critic

Joined 8 years ago

Absolute best in NY and beyond. Never have I been to a more authentic Italian eatery. The atmosphere is truly amazing. The service and owners are so welcoming but you will come back again and again for the food.

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conberry

Joined 8 years ago

Amazing!. This little place is wonderfully warm & welcoming. The host (owner) and servers are personable and caring. And the food, well the food will keep you coming back. They have homemade pastas of all kinds -- I recommend the gnocchi -- yum! Also, the chick peas with shrimp (appetizer) is divine. The wine list is lovely.

If you eat here it will definitely spoil you for other Italien places!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Affordable Tuscan fare and a warm neighborhood vibe in Clinton Hill.. The Scene
Located on a quiet, unlikely corner in Clinton Hill is this neighborhood restaurant of the highest order. The warm interior makes creative use of its former incarnation as a drugstore; the kitchen, for example, is fashioned behind the druggist's counter. Service is friendly and professional.

The Food
The affordable menu features peasant-like Tuscan food cooked with heart, soul and dead-on execution. Start with marinated sardine "in saor," or tender wild boar carpaccio. Pastas are a revelation, particularly a chestnut lasagna cast with sweet sausage and set against a rich background of herbs. Entrees, such as pork loin with chick peas in olive oil, offer fewer choices, but with no less satisfying results. Desserts consist of a series of homemade cakes and pies, including an alluring version made with rosewater and mascarpone.

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looneybin93

Joined 11 years ago

Delish Home Cookin'. Secretively tucked away in Brooklyn (near the C stop on Washington/Clinton), this small restaurant (seats about 60) serves great home-style Italian food. Simply delicious: very simple food but so good and filling. The relaxed atmosphere is set by the owner/maitre'd's joyful attitude.

Doesn't Recommend

tweliky

Joined 11 years ago

Used to like it but. . .. The last time I went I decided was my last. The portions were kid sized and we spent about $100 a person in cluding wine (4 of us). It was someone's birthday and they didn't so much as give the person a free cookie. None of the dishes were delicious and one was not good at all.

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tipton

Joined 10 years ago

My new favorite!. This place was incredible. The food was fantastic..

The homemade Gnocchi was even better than mine (and I make good gnocchi) Very intimate and romantic.. I enjoyed every detail, from the old "drug store" aesthetic and the antique medicine bottles to the simple but beautiful menus.

Vini & Olii should not be missed.

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yeudeh

Joined 10 years ago

that's it. The portions at Locanda are miniscule. Unless you have unlimited funds to order plate after plate of food skip it,or you'll leave hungry.

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francat

Joined 10 years ago

down to earth Heaven. We love L V&O for it's simple hearty food, great atmosphere and fun staff. It's right around the corner but if it wasn't we would travel to it anyway. No one in NY compares.

Thank you!

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