Vinci Restaurant
Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: (312) 266-1199
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Willow Street
- Directions:
- El: Red Line to North/Clybourn; bus: 8 to Willow
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 10:30am-9:30pm
Editorial Review for Vinci Restaurant – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
The decor--plain wood, silky drapes and trompe l'oeil walls--is warm, but not overly done. Servers are sharp and speedy, catering to in-a-hurry, pre-theater diners on their way to Steppenwolf (which has its own table signified by a brass nameplate) and the Royal George just down the street.
The Food
The kitchen specializes in hearty Italian dishes that throw the occasional curve ball. Crusty, thin pizza di mare is topped with tender calamari and grilled rock shrimp; an appetizer of grilled polenta with portobello and crimini mushrooms is a signature. Entrees like penne with tomato basil sauce and goat cheese (light and buoyantly fresh) and rigatoni with sausage and broccoli (drenched in a delicious tomato cream sauce) work tangy variations on basic dishes. Panna cotta, a creamy mound of mouthwatering white custard ringed with dried cherry balsam and almonds, is a confident finish.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasOn the second Wednesday of every month, Vinci hosts a four-course wine dinner priced at $43 per person.
User Reviews for Vinci Restaurant
07/15/2007 Posted by p54
Vinci was a real disappointment. Although the appetizers were average, the pasta dishes were bland. It appeared that the ingredients were all cooked separately, simply added together, and without the accompaniment of necessary sauces. None of the food items were savory, and simply not the expectation at an Italian eatery. I see no reason to return to the restaurant for a second chance as there are so many wonderful Italian restaurants in Chicago. The service was friendly, but mediocre. With so many other restaurants on the strip next to Steppenwolf, another choice will certainly be made next time.
04/23/2007 Posted by pink75
We went for lunch and the food was excellent, nice atmosphere, i will be going back for sure. you will not be disappointed.
Pros: excellent food nice atmosphere
Cons: none
