Vinci Restaurant Reviews

This restaurant had a very nice atmosphere, good service, and good food. I recommend it, especially as a before-theatre dinner.

We have been here many times( Steppenwolf Theater id down the street). I like the décor a lot and the food is always good. Very friendly wait staff. Their pasta dishes are very good. We were there last night and decided to eat a lot of different things(instead of a meal each) and asked the waiter how the mussels were. "Best in Chicago" was his answer. Fantastic. Perfectly cooked( no 1/2 cooked) and the sauce is one of the best I have ever tasted. We went through a loaf of bread dunking. We have had spicier but never better. PS, waiter said it was fine to finish the sauce with a spoon, like soup. PPS for a really romantic dinner for two make a reservation for table 54....little booth/ very private

I love a wait staff that is attentive and anticipates my needs. This was a stand-out dinner in my mind. The food was excellent - salmon, pizza entrees were DEElish. I ordered a lemon drop martini...it didn't have a lot of gas, but it was tasty. I recommend this place for some great, unpretentious food.

Although surpassed by Riccardo Trattoria and Piccolo Sogno, Vinci is an excellent Italian Chicago choice, with attentive service, a fine wine list, lovely atmosphere with romantic background music, and good cooking, fine deserts. Free wifi.

The staff at Vinci is wonderful. They are very knowledgeable about the menu. The food is GREAT and well priced. They have a fabulous gluten free menu. There were many entrees that sounded delicious and my dinner was excellent. This is one of the best gluten free menus I have seen since I was diagnosed with Celiac's disease. Can't wait to go back next time we are in Chicago!

Vinci is a traditional Italian restaurant that serves delicious Italian dishes in a rustic, villa-like dining room near Steppenwolf Theatre. Located at 1732 North Halsted Street in the bustling theatre corridor, Vinci opened in 1991 and has developed into a first-rate trattoria under the guidance of Paul Lo Duca. Where do I begin? There are so many unique dishes, from antipasto to pasta to pizza to entrees to dessert. Never a dull moment. For starters, try the three meat meatballs or grilled sausage or Romaine salad. For the main course, how about pizza--Salsicca, prosciutto, sausage, bacon, fontina, tomato and red onions, or Margherita, tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella? The pasta lineup features spaghetti, ravioli, rigatoni with sausage and tagliatelle with veal tomato ragu. Other entrees are salmon, always my wife's favorite, grilled lamb chops, grilled pork chops and chicken Saltimbocca. My choice is veal tenderloin medallions with asparagus, mushrooms, bacon and stuffed potato. Don't forget dessert. The panna cotta is to die for. So is the tiramisu and apple cake. But if you're looking for something lighter, choose the home-made gelati (pistachio, chocolate, lemon) or sorbetti (lemon, orange, strawberry). Even if you don't have tickets for Steppenwolf, you're guaranteed to go home with a smile on your face.

Fun Italian joint, great pizza's that are more the Italian way. Solid food, decent outdoor seating, across from Black Duck a solid low key bar

Vinci has been providing consistently great food for decades, an important point for the many people--like us--who have pre/post Steppenwolf Theater dinner here. The portions are substantial, well-priced, and full of flavor. Pork chops are a favorite as is the seafood linguine. The ravioli pasta dish was delicious and substantial. Beware: pace yourself! It's hard to resist the complimentary bread. And, save room for the desserts, though I had to skip the Tiramasu this time. Staff and service are incredible. From the time you enter the place until you leave, you are a special guest, no matter how busy they get. And, the kitchen staff deserves kudos for providing so many fabulous meals to a full house geared up for theater. Don't even think about coming here without a reservation!

We went there for Sunday Brunch. The ambience is great! You feel like you are in Italy or some foreign country. We had the breakfast pizza. The crust was yeasty and cooked to perfection. The coffee is a very rich blend. I would recommend it to anyone.

I really enjoy the food, service, and value of Vinci. They always have unique specials. This restaurant caters to all palates as well. I return frequently throughout the year.

Twenty of us went for lunch for a baby shower. We were placed in a back room away from the rest of the restaurant crowd. Service was very attentive. Food was brought out on a timely basis while everyone was socializing. Fruit and cheese was first followed by a choice of Eggs Benedictine, french toast filled with bananas $9.95, or a salad with grilled chicken. I had the eggs Benedictine. It was ok but would have preferred ham over the bacon which made it salty, and an english muffin over the bread. The eggs were a little bit over cooked and not runny enough and there could have been more sauce. The french toast was a big hit and a lot of food. The salad apparently was very good and much healthier choice. The bloody mary was $7.50 and below average.

We went to Vinci after going to the Royal George Theater, and because it "earned" a spot in the Chicago Guide. Service was good and we were immediately given two slices of a very good bread. We decided to order bruschetta appetizers: duck liver pate and artichokes, goat cheese, both on Italian bread. Neither was very good. I ordered the grilled duck breast, and it was almost raw, chewy and the skin was difficult to remove It was accompanied by sauteed Tuscan kale which was so tough I had to spit it out, oyster mushrooms (not too bad) polenta (OK) and balsamic reduction. My husband ordered their special: beef brisket. He was served a hunk of brisket, not sliced across the grain but consisting of long strings of brisket. He did not like it and couldn't cut it across the grain. Vinci must exist because it is in the Halsted theater district. Décor was lovely. Gotta say something nice!!.

This is a very reliable pre-theater or post-theater matinee (Steppenwolf, Royal George) dinner spot. Always a good selection of entrees; servers appear always know which entrees are best. Fish specials are predictably good. Prices are just a bit high for quality/quantity, but food is usually quite good and service is always very good. (Not a Vinci-specific comment: Will any restaurant take the lead by backing off on the liquor prices? It's become more than a little outrageous)

Love love love this place! Gorgeous, warm, cozy decor. Excellent personable service. Delicious Food, every time. Reasonable prices, great value. Gluten free pastas available. Appetizers, entrees all Superb. We never had a disappointing meal here. One of our favorite places for Bdays, get togethers, or date night!

There was a mistake. I liked the way the waiter handled it (well, I liked the way he said we should handle it). But, then they (not the waiter, the manager I think) took my card to run it, without having first presented me with the check. It was unusual, but when I saw that they had charged me for the item that they said they would not charge me for, I realized why. It was sneaky. This ruined the experience for me. In addition the atmosphere and the food what not as I had remember it. Very disappointed. Would no recommend and will not return.

We had been wanting to try Vinci but, with so many restaurants in Lincoln Park, trying a new date night every weekend we finally got to Vinci. We ordered a salad and a pasta. We asked to be deliberate with time since we did not want to be rushed. They timed it just right! The seafood linguini was delicious and had plenty of shellfish and my husband had the pasta ragu that was very satisfying. An excellent choice for quality of food and service.

Have dined here many times when attending Strppenwolf Theater. Service and food have always been very good, let them know going to theater and no worries. Pleasant room, conversation friendly.

Sophisticated take on regional Italian cuisine. Elegant yet cozy, excellent service, great wine list-try their home made limoncello-fabulous!

We have enjoyed dinner here (which was presented beautifully) and brunch on Sunday is out of this world. Wait staff is on top of things and are so very quiet, you hardly know they've been to your table to refill your coffee and/or water glass. Very reasonably priced.

All the staff here are great: friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The food is eclectic and wonderfully prepared. And reasonably priced for a Chicago restaurant of this quality. Very near Steppenwolf and Royal George theaters -- can be crowded pre-theatre, so if you want quiet, go after 7:30.

This was our second visit to Vinvi's and it was as good as the first. We had an exceptional waiter and the food was excellent. My wife had the caprese salad and spaghetti;I had the romaine salad (actually a Caesar salad) and the ravioli. We agreed the ravioli was the better choice, though both were top notch. We ended with a moderately disappointing lemocello gelato, but that was made good by a couple of lemoncello apertifs.

Delicious and cozy.

Love to shop on Halsted and getting my food over there. The have my fav wine and I like the steamed mussels from their recipe. I am never disappointed.

Met a friend for pre-theater dinner and enjoyed a fabulous meal served quickly so we had time to enjoy the food and still make our show. Service is always friendly without being overbearing. Great wine list by the glass or bottle makes it easy to enjoy your favorites. Whether you enjoy pasta, fish or meat you can't go wrong--one of my favorites is the pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe, the sauce has the perfect bite of tomato, cheese and spice. Everything is expertly prepared, flavorful and delicious, specials are always worth a try. Though usually packed pre-theater the noise level allows for quiet conversation, which is a treat. They also have terrific wine dinners on a regular basis that are worth a look. Enjoy!

We were invited to celebrate a friend's special birthday in one of the private back rooms. Passed hors doeuvers were chicken on skewers and cold shrimp. We started with a fantastic ceaser salad and your choice of vegetarian Gnocchi, chicken visuvio with spinach and polenta or barbecued salmon with fennel green beans and couscous. This was followed by birthday cake and coffee. Management gets five stars for service and their menu selections to please any palate.

Vinci is one of several restaurants we frequent before Steppenwolf performances. It’s traditional Italian and is a reliable choice for play-goers and neighborhood residents (who frequently eat at the bar). Food is good; above average. Service is efficient. The kitchen is sensitive to timing if you’re headed to a play. On this trip, we enjoyed the Mediterranean sea bass (branzino) and grilled salmon. A shared salad of beets, snow peas, blue cheese was tasty. Wine by the glass and mixed drinks are good and of course fully-compliant with the trend toward over-priced alcohol. 😉 Recommended.

I can't say enough good things about Vinci! It is our favorite neighborhood "go to" restaurant. We have NEVER been disappointed in a meal there - and we eat there frequently. It is nice that there are plenty of new specials each week, so there is always something interesting to try. What takes Vinci over the top is the service. From the bartenders who greet you walking in the door, to the host and hostesses who seat you, to the waiters and bus staff who are all very attentive, they really know how to treat their guests. Timing between courses is always good, whether we are going to the theater or just there for a relaxing night out. And the monthly wine dinner is the best in town, too. We can't wait for the weather to warm up to sit on the outdoor patio.The perfect little "corner neighborhood" restaurant!

My family found ourselves unexpectedly in this neighborhood and decided to grab dinner somewhere nearby. We ended up stumbling across Vinci - what a wonderful find! Our server was fantastic - friendly, attentive, and helpful. We sat out on the patio. We ordered the roasted eggplant with tomato sauce and goat cheese, and it was absolutely fantastic - I am determined to try to replicate it at home. My husband had a good pizza - lots of garlic ans sausage - and I had the pasta with tomato cream sauce, broccoli rabe, and sausage. The sangiovese was great - and I love that you have the option of ordering half bottles of wine here as well. I highly recommend Vinci!

When I try another restaurant in Chicago I always compare to Vinci. And Vinci beats the rest. Food is always top notch and the service is the best. We've come here regularly for 23 years. Hosted numerous special events. Many of the wait staff have been here that long.

Good service & food, though not up to the creativity and gourmet level of a Riccardo Trattoria or Piccolo Sogno. Warm attentive service. Limited winelist. Excellent cioppino (Italian seafood stew)!

This Halsted restaurant enjoys business from nearby Steppenwolf Theatre. It is hard to imagine how it would survive otherwise. On a busy Wednesday night, our party of five was treated to inedible polenta, skimpy and gluey taglierini--promised with shrimp and calamari, the latter only a few strands, not a full piece of any kind. Five-minute wait for all diners to be served and long wait for any service--they knew we had theatre tickets. Three of us had been there before to similar bad food and irregular service... Not giving them a third chance!

Decent food, friendly service.

This place is a gem. Authentic Tuscan food. Wide selection. Friendly but romantic atmosphere. Intelligent wine list. Very friendly and knowledgeable service. Extremely reasonable prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, go after the performances at Steppenwolf have begun -- otherwise, it's eat and run to the theater. This is the kind of place at which it's easy to become a "regular." My wife and I are such.

Walked in on a Friday evening with no reservation, seated immediately. Italian, so we had a nice but inexpensive Chianti Classico. The lamb meatballs and grilled octopus were both excellent starters. I had incredible ravioli for the main course. My wife had the scallops which were also very good. My mother had a large bowl of a very nice minestrone soup. Son had the duck and DIL had pasta. All were excellent. We split a light dessert. No Italian dinner would be complete without a round of the homemade limoncello. I would go back just for that, it was fantastic. We had excellent service, attentive but not rushed. Me son lives a block away, we will be back.

My husband and I have been going to Vinci's for many years and many of the same wait staff are still there 10 years later- a testament to good management. We love the fact that it has a busy vibe from the neighboring theaters at dinner but not so much so that you can't get a table at the last minute. It has a balance between being nice enough for a celebration, but casual enough that you can just stop on a casual night out and just get some drinks and appetizers. This is a perfect spot for good food, drinks, and wine. And they also serve a brunch menu on Sunday. While other breakfast spots are packed, you can stroll into Vinci and get a cappuccino and mimosa with your French toast.

I went to steppenwolf for a play and wanted an easy place to grab dinner. This is 1/2 a block away, they support efforts to keep on schedule, and the food was good. We will be back!

This is a family owned Italian restaurant with excellent service, entrees, and homemade desserts. We dined here on our last night in Chicago. For appetizers my husband had the mussels which was served in a huge pot in a delicious broth the mussels were delicious. I had the Vinci Caprese, which was fresh mozzarella, eggplant, tomatoes with balsamic vinegar which was excellent. For our entrees we both had the Rigatoni with sausage and broccoli rabe. An excellent choice and the portions are huge. For dessert we had the homemade chocolate biscotti gelato. Absolutely delicious! We absolutely loved the decor of the restaurant with red checkered benches along the wall with tables in front of them. The walls were decorated with beautiful hand painted murals of landscapes in Italy, We also noticed that there were individual names of people on a gold plated sign on the walls. We were told that these tables with the name plates above them were reserved for their regular dedicated customers.

On the second wed of every month Vinci hosts a wine dinner that is so delicious and inexpensive that there are hordes of us that go several times a year (some people every month). The costs vary from $50 per person to $65 and include a 4 course menu. The food and wine are both wonderful. I have been going to this wine dinner for over 20 years and it is always great. One bonus is that the owners of Vinci provide such a great work environment that most of their staff have been there for 20+ years also. There is a lot of great Italian food in Chicago - this one rates right up there at the top.

Looking for a Place to eat near second city for 7 people. Lucky they had a reservation and surprisingly the restaurant was 1/2 full. We only had 11/4 hours. We rushed the meal which was our fault. For apps we had the caprese salad (ok) and Arancini (great 3 balls). The restaurant has gluten free bread and the GF pizza got high praise. Second best she ever had was the review. I had the fish stew and every piece of fish and seafood to perfection. Steak amazing. Pastas also good and gnocchi pillows also highly praised. Portion size is generous. I am surprised by the bad reviews we had an amazing meal for all tastes and were able to do it within our time frame. Parking can be tricky. I found street parking but you may need to make a couple of passes nearby to find something.

Since 1991, Vinci at 1732 North Halsted Street in the Steppenwolf neighborhood has been a fixture amid the growing number of quality restaurants on the North Halsted corridor. We dined at Vinci before most of the others were established and it is apparent that it hasn't lost any of its edge. The atmosphere is comfortable and traditional, the service remains highly professional and the food is straight out of an Italian cookbook. My wife is an Italian-American. Her father immigrated from northern Italy. So she knows a good Italian meal when she eats it. I'm not an expert on Italian cooking but I know a good meal when I taste it. Vinci's menu has plenty of variety. The antipasti includes grilled sausage, beef carpaccio, mussels, grilled octopus, backed Roman-style gnocchi, sauteed lamb meatballs and caprese. The pizza certainly doesn't come out of a freezer. Try the tomato and mozzarella or the shrimp, calamari and lobster or the prosciutto and smoked bacon. Entrees? Pastas include rigatoni, ravioli, linguine, pappardelle, tagliatelle and penne. But I chose the sauteed salmon or the grilled shrimp. My wife opted for chicken saltimbocca. The folks at the adjacent table recommended the pork chop, grilled duck and lamb chops. Traditionalists will love the desserts--tiramisu, apple cake, panna cotta, home-made gelati and sorbetti and creme brulee. If you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary, make it a full evening by making an early dinner reservation, then walking down the street to see a play at world-famous Steppenwolf Theatre.

tasty and convenient for theater dining.

Nice neighborhood restaurant near Steppenwolf Theatre. Food and service were quite good. We would eat here the next time we are in the area.

Our waitress was friendly and attentive. The bottomless mimosas are a great deal! It is a hidden gem that I can’t recommend enough!

It's a perfect place for dinner. Delicious salads, and absolutely amazing pizza. This small restaurant has an ambiance you very rarely find in huge places. Service was also great

We have enjoyed this intimate restaurant many times and this was the first time I couldn't give it an excellent rating. The salad special with roasted red peppers, artichokes and salami was fresh and tasty with just the right amount of red wine vinegar. The pasta with seafood special was served with a light tomato sauce that was seasoned just right and topped with a generous portion of freshly grated parmesan cheese- one of the best we've ever had. Of course the two kinds of crunchy bread was perfect for cleaning up the drippings. But the grilled duck was very disappointing in spite of the yummy reduced sauce, sautéed mushrooms and polenta, the duck itself was tasteless and bloody raw--not something to stimulate one's appetite. Service was good, and the coffee was excellent. If it is possible to have an early meal, parking on the side streets is free before 6 p. m.

It's about time I wrote about Vinci, since we choose this restaurant for birthdays, anniversaries and a destination for out-of-town guests. If you're heading to a play at Steppenwolf Theatre, Vinci is a short walk and the staff are accustomed to getting diners to the show before curtain. But Vinci is also delightful for a long, leisurely meal. The menu is classic Italian with changing specials. I currently love the grilled octopus as a starter, pappardelle for the pasta and really anything for secondi. Ask your wait staff for recommendations. They know the menu and wine list well and have never steered us wrong.

What a delightful evening we had at Vinci. There was no theater that night, so the restaurant was relatively quiet. Our waiter couldn't have been nicer. The food was outstanding. We started with the very fresh anchovy bruschetta. I had the spinach pappardelle with chicken meatballs. I wasn't sure about the meatballs (don't care that much for ground chicken), but they were seasoned to perfection. The chef was able to substitute veal for the chicken saltimbocca, and it was one of the best saltimboccas my husband ever had. Their homemade limoncello was a great way to top off dinner. We weren't there on a Wednesday, but I've heard their wine pairing dinners should not be missed.

Two couples dined early, before a Steppenwolf performance. Chose it for convenience to the theater and parking garage (2-block walk), which opens at 5:00 for 7:30 performance, and of course for good Trip Advisor food reviews. It did not disappoint. As with most Italian restaurants, Vinci has a fine selection of food in most any price range. You can eat light (not a bad idea if headed to a play) and drink no alcohol and keep the price very low. Or you can go more upscale to suit your budget and the time you have to eat. We had 5:30 reservations for the 7:30 curtain on a weeknight, and had plenty of time to talk, eat, sip a beverage or two and enjoy ourselves. On a weeknight, you could arrive at 6:00 and make a 7:30 curtain if you don't order too much. We wouldn't have needed a reservation on this Tuesday evening, so be spontaneous and just show up if it's a weekday. evening Arugula Salad split by each couple was a simple and good choice. Pappardelle pasta dish was good, but just a bit heavy for my wife. My Rack of Pork special was a lot of meat, done up nicely for a reasonable price; came with potatoes and brussels sprouts. Apple cake split for two also a nice wrap up to a nicely-paced 90 minute dinner.

I felt comfortable as soon as we walked in. Old style neighborhood place. Good menu and very friendly. Some history to this place I should imagine. Anyway, when you check in at the host desk they'll probably say your table will be ready shortly and they'll invite you to get a drink at the bar and be patient. It's a ruse I'm seeing more of as a plan to get you to spend. Huge profit from drinks. If waiting ten minutes to see if you'll bite and you don't sit at the bar just suggest that I hope the table is ready soon. You should get seated. Great service and great staff. These guys are professional once you are seated.

a nice neighborhood place small, we were there on a Sunday night so it was not noisy and crowded, but expect it is noisy on Saturday

Went to Vinci's for dinner. The appetizers were excellent -- asparagus and egg plant. Then the wait for the main course took awhile. When they arrived 2 of the 3 were disappointing especially given how good the appetizers were. Overall it was inconsistent. Probably won't go back

Vinci has been around for a long time. The menu and food remain above average, but this visit the service from being greeted and seated at a less than favorable table at 5:30pm, to the server who was "doing a job" rather than enhancing the dining experience, will have us eating at Trattoria Gianni across the street the next time we are in the area. The management of the restaurant seemed to be focused on their "big parties" rather than their normal dining customers.

We were pleasantly surprised at how good the three course pre-theatre meal was. Eggplant and Meatball dishes were tasty .... then seafood linguini was prepared with a red sauce with a little heat Breads could be better but quickly made up for by chocolate mouse with berries Nice wine selection after signature cocktail

As we were going to a performance of Good People at the innovative Steppenwolf Theatre we needed to find somewhere to eat after the show. Vinci's is virtually opposite so it did the trick. It was a wonderful discovery. The baby arugula salad was mouth wateringly fresh and the paster cooked perfectly. Highly recommended!

We have been before and thought it was barely ok; went on Steppenwolf package at last minute New Year's Eve. Salads barely ok; fatty inedible lamb chops; very tough pork; bland overly sweet deserts; even coffee was bad. Take a pass!

Friendly waitstaff, good pizza. I can't recommend the cocktail I had (an old fashion), but perhaps I should have ordered wine. Veal dish was pretty salty. Brightly lit and a little garishly decorated.

Found Vinci quite by chance, was going to Alnea across the road and popped in here for a quick drink beforehand. Great welcome from Clyde behind the bar... old school style... he talked to us!!!! Very engaging, so next night we decided to have dinner here. Clyde was there again to welcome us and thanked us for returning... even in Toronto at our "regular" restaurants we are not recognised.. it's a great feeling.. well done Clyde!!! Food was rustic and large portions.. try the gnocchi, not you usual little pieces... great chunk with very flavourful sauce, very nice pizza and pasta, followed by a very tasty homemade Tiramisu. This is a very nice restaurant that clearly has a local following. Very nice!!

My wife and I dine there frequently. They have a varied menu and the food is excellent and the service is very good. The bill for a meal with an appetizer, two glasses of wine, two entrees and a dessert runs around $120 without a tip.

My third visit to Vinci Restaurant was like the previous two. Food was very good and attractively presented. Service was also very good.

Portions were generous. Food was high quality. Service was prompt and courteous. We all tried different dishes, salmon ( great Brussel sprouts and fennel), veal, chicken and pasta. Our dessert was a chocolate mousse and was not as good as the main courses. Pizza crust fantastic and bread with olive oil was delicious.

A wonderful Italian restaurant with old world charm. The food and the service are wonderful. We will be back, too much deliciousness to take in at one visit!

Vinci's continues to serve quality Italian food! After being open for many years and surrounded by many newer venues, one can overlook that what has kept Vinci around for so long is its quality food and excellent service! We dined prior to attending an evening performance at Steppenwolf Theatre which is a very short walk down the street. The venue provides a wonderful pre-theatre dining experience. Almost the entire seated restaurant on our evening were diners attending the theatre. While this type of time constraint could stress many newer establishments, not so at Vinci. The food and service held to their consistent quality. We enjoyed their Seafood linguini and spaghetti and meatballs along with a salad and quick dessert. Now that Vinci is back on our radar, we look forward to joining them again in the near future.

We went for my partner's birthday. No disappointments. The spinach lasagna was superb, the soup and salad left nothing to be desired. The desserts were tasty. Service, too, was well above average.

Went here before going to the theater and it was AMAZING! The mussels were the best I've ever had, steak appetizer was awesome, rosemary skewered shrimp...awesome! The wine list was great our party had two bottles one red one white. Service was outstanding from the bartender to our server to the bus staff! Highly recommended!

Excellent food that was out of the ordinary. The bread was memorable. Moderate prices for delicious food

Post theatre does well here too, but make reservations. Scrambling over from Steppenwolf, we were met at close to ten with a warm welcome, good food, and a well priced and yummy wine list.

Returned to Vinci after a year and found it better than ever. Offers gluten free menu, including gluten free bread. Unusual for an Italian place and very appreciated. Menu has old favorites plus new offerings. I had Cobia, a wite fish similar to sea bass. Excellent, served with flavorful grilled polenta and sauted kale. Vension looked tempting, but will try next time. My dining partner chose pasta with fresh veg. Another great choice. Espresso is excellent, dark, rich and not bitter. Olive oil is fruity. Bonus is valet parking and location near theatre. I won't wait a year until I return, even if I do live in the burbs now.

Very interesting menu. Family style place. Great for sharing courses. My salmon was a little over cooked, but the dishes in our large group were well received. Loved the gnochhi. The pizza was nothing special.

Very fast service and delicious Italian food. Nice atmosphere. Excellent choice before going to the nearby theaters.

Good Italian family-style restaurant half a block up the street from Steppenwolf. The Tuscan BBQ menu is great!

We’ve been to Vinci many times and have never had a bad meal. The food and service are fabulous. They have an extensive gluten free menu (thank you!), and the place is always packed. There are several private rooms for parties, which is also very nice. Highly recommended!

We really enjoyed this restaurant when we went recently with a group of our friends. The service was excellent and the food was very good, too. The food was delicious and plentiful. Drinks at the bar were pretty standard, and the bartenders were attentive. The bar area is a bit tight, but otherwise the atmosphere is very pleasant.

We were going to a performance at Steppenwolf Theater and were looking for something nearby. I've been past Vinci many times on my way to the theater and it was always packed - must be great! So this time we thought we'd give Vinci a try. We were one of the first groups to be at the restaurant and one of the last to leave before the Theater performance. The service team is aware of the customer base and gets you in an out which is a great relief so you don't have to worry too much about the clock. But we were here for the food. The menu that you are provided appears to be updated with all the specials. I didn't find the regular appetizers all that inspiring - but the special "Roasted Beet Salad & Sautéed Artichoke Hearts w/Parmesan" were more what we were looking for! Both were delicious and portions were more then generous! Make sure to keep and eye out for specials so you don't miss them. Our mains we mostly good. The Mussels were good and served with an abundant liquid base, the Cedar Planked Trout was was tasty with nice platting but the Rigatoni missed the mark for me. The Rigatoni Sausage, broccoli di rabe, tomato cream - but when the server brought it, I searched for the Sausage which I could not find. When I pointed it out the waiter said he would look into it.... I continued to eat the dish as served which could have used a bit more rabe... Then a few minutes later the waiter brought out a small bowl of 'ground sausage'. Ah! that's why I couldn't see it! Service was very good and professional. Food was solid. Definitely worth a visit if you are attending the Theater - If you are not constrained by location, I might consider a wider range of Italian restaurants.

We made reservations and were glad we did, because by the time we left, almost every seat was taken. We were greeted by a friendly host who led us into the labyrinth that is Vinci to an empty room. This room filled quickly. The atmosphere is worth dining there. Our server knew we were attending the theater and warned us to order quickly so the kitchen could get started. We had two hours until curtain. We ordered cocktails, and when he delivered those, our waiter took our orders. Delicious bread was placed in front of each diner along with a delicious olive oil. Our dinners arrived and we were duly impressed. Two of us ordered the special lamb risotto and another ordered the stuffed chicken. Everything was excellent and the portions were large. We indulged in desserts and we enjoyed everything. This is definitely a restaurant we will return to and the pacing was perfect, the food delicious and the service efficient. We were able to walk to the theater with 20 minutes to spare.

We really enjoyed our Valentines dinner on a cold Saturday night!! Even at 25 percent capacity, Vinci had a nice vibe with well-distanced tables and great food!!

This is perfect for eating just before or after a show at Steppenwolf or Royal George Theater. Wait staff is great, attentive and helpful and sees you get out on time. Food was all great, including appetisers. Wine choices good and match the food well.

We ate here because of the proximity to Steppenwolf. Mrs. CTS didn't care for her pizza at all. Didn't like the toppings or the crust. I had duck. I very much enjoyed the sides of mushrooms and (special request) geen beans. Duck didn't do much for me. Menu is a little smaller than I am used to in an Italian restaurant. Service was very good.

We enjoyed the Italian cuisine at this restaurant several years ago, so we were looking forward to a similar experience. The restaurant is doors down from the Steppenwolf Theatre so it's convenient for a meal before or after a performance. We - two couples - had an early dinner after a Saturday matinee performance. While the seafood was not outstanding, we all had the same perception that the waitress seemed unfriendly and a bit edgy. Since we are racial minorities - one couple Asian-Americans, and the other couple African-American - the thought that the negative attitude was racially-based occurred to us, but we noted that she seemed to exhibit the same behavior towards the white couple seated next to us. We won't be going back.

We traveled to Italy last winter for two months and Vinci ranks right up there with the best restaurants in Italy. I had the lamb chops - that came with eggplant and potatoes - extremely tasty! My husband had the pork chop - which was really good too. The topper was the dessert - tiramisu. It was absolutely wonderful and the best that I have ever had outside of Italy. Service was tremendous also. A very nice dinner.

We ordered takeout twice in one week from this place. The menu is very varied, from lamb chops to duck to pastas. There were four of us eating both times and two of the parties ordered the duck and the lamb twice in a row! The restaurant itself is very nice and feels like a up-scaled neighborhood place. It has outside tables on the side street. Very pleasant! We are going back.

That’s all I can say. Never disappointing. Great wine! Everyone is very kind. Love sitting outside in the shade on willow street.

Eating at Vinci reminds me of eating in Tuscany or Florence. The food and venue are authentically Italian. A great menu offers a wide variety of interesting choices competitively priced and served with enthusiasm. We always eat too much when we dine at Vinci, but we can't pass up the appetizers and bread, then try to take home a portion of the large servings. We've been to Vinci for parties, tastings, and dinner with friends. Just thinking about Vinci makes me hungry. A consistently excellent dining experience draws us back time and again.

Vinci has been around for quite a while, and to their credit they have maintained a consistency with both product and service. I used to attend their monthly wine dinners, and they generally were a great value. I usually rely on Vinci as my “go to” choice when I’m attending theatre in this Halsted Street neighborhood. It had been a few months since my last visit, and after a Steppenwolf matinee we stopped by for dinner. Not too much has changed. The Tuscan style décor is relaxing, and the menu quite affordable. They also offer a very reasonably priced selection of Italian wines. The meal begins with complimentary pass-out of a couple slices of very hearty Artisan breads. The server may or may not offer you some olive oil for dipping, so be certain to ask if he does not. Tonight we kept things simple and stayed with a couple of meat courses for our entrees and a shared starter of the eggplant. My pounded bone-in pork chop was tender and moist, nicely seasoned and served with a delicious side of roasted green beans and chunky Yukon gold mashed potatoes. My guest had the duck breast which was cooked medium rare and served with kale, polenta, oyster mushrooms, and balsamic reduction. I probably would not have selected the shared starter of eggplant with dollops of goat cheese, only because it’s really a small-ish not apropos for sharing. But my guest really wanted it. I’m also simply not a fan of drenching anything in loads of marinara sauce. This starter would be much better served without the tomato sauce and far more interesting if it were grilled and served with an herbed olive oil. I’d like to see the dessert menu get a face lift. It continues to offer the traditional Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and Crème Brulee selections. We tried the panna cotta and the dessert of the day, a sponge cake which was a bit on the dry side. I could have passed on both of these. Nothing wrong with them, but nothing particularly notable about either. Service was attentive and personable, and it’s reassuring to know that the restaurant is able to continue to offer an affordable option in this neighborhood. Vinci is a small restaurant group that also owns Adobo Grill and Pikk’s Tavern in Valparaiso, Indiana.

We tried Vinci's for the first time, although it has been in Lincoln Park for 25+ years. Very nicely decorated, romantic, intimate ambiance. The veal was out of this world! Prepared Med rare and very tender. They had a very good 20 year old port for $15 a glass, which we thought was a bargain. They do have outdoor seating, but we elected to sit indoors as it was very hot outside. Overall very nice!

Great experience with my fanily for a birthday. We enjoyed the food quality and the atmosphere. We will return in the future.

We were so blown away by how good the food was here we decided to have our rehearsal dinner here! The food is phenomenal with good prices, good location, cool atmosphere. Really good

More than just great pasta, the food here is very good. Feel free to stray from your gold standard Italian favs. Warning though, 2 hrs wasn't enough lead time for our show so plan 2 1/2 if you want dessert. The service was slow to return between courses...disappointing. That said, I'd still recommend this restaurant. An overall good experience with select pockets of relatively private dining. Thumbs up.

Remember the movie "The Godfather," when Michael Corleone aka Al Pacino met with the mafia leader and corrupt police chief at the little Italian restaurant in Brooklyn that supposedly served the best veal in the city? Well, Vinci reminds me of that little Italian restaurant with its old-time charm and warm, rustic interior that reminds of a historic Italian villa. Located at 1732 North Halsted Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Vinci opened in 1991 and ever since has been a popular dining destination for theatergoers on their way to and from the Steppenwolf Theatre. There are lots of Italian favorites to choose from. But which ones? On each occasion, my wife and I opt for different items. We've almost gotten through the entire menu. And no complaints or disappointments. How many restaurants can you say that about? For starters, on our most recent visit, we chose baked gnocchi, lamb meatballs and Romaine salad. For entrees, we picked salmon and grilled pork chops. For dessert, we shared the home-made gelato and sorbet and dark chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce and marinated blackberries. One unique item we have enjoyed in the past is the family style pasta, a huge plate of linguini, ravioli, rigatoni, pappardelle, penne and tagliatelle that is too big to share but so much fun to try.

Good cheap

Went here with a large group and everything on the table looked delish. I got two appetizers and both were yummy. Several friends got the pizza and they all raved about them. One friend was not sure what to order and the waiter was very helpful. She just told him what she was in the mood for and he chose a great meal for her based on her description.Food portions are very large. I will definitely be returning soon.

We really enjoy eating here and the staff is great. Love the monthly wine dinners too.

I was here for a meeting. The food was excellent and I cannot wait to go back! Enjoyed the penne pasta with goat cheese and pasta with vegetables. Pizzas were good too! Cozy atmosphere. Service and staff friendly and attentive.

Great place for a pre-theater meal with good wine list and innovative dishes. Can't go wrong at Vinci. Outstanding service from all concerned.

We were going to Steppenwolf Theatre and did not make a reservation, but we remembered good meals in the past at Vinci and were lucky enough to be early and got a table. We were served quickly and the food was quite delicious, as we remembered it to be.

Was in town for an event and when planning the trip heard about Vinci. Made a reservation for my group. We traveled 23 miles from the suburbs one-way in a solid traffic jam. So when we pulled up in two SUVs, we were grateful for the valet parking. The table shared two salads and three sumptious appetizers. There was barely any conversation except all of the "yumms" and "wows". House picked our wines which complimented the food to perfection. Everyone at the table raved about their entree and dessert. The icing on the cake was having a most handsome server with a very Italian accent. If you're dining in a strict budget, this is not the place, but if you want a culinary experience to remember, Vinci is for you. Thank you, Rich Russo, for making this a meal to remember.

I have been to Vinci many times in the past and perhaps this last visit is an anomaly. However, both entrees were undercooked (veal saltimbocca and pork chop) and not that good in any case and the wine by the glass seemed to be priced at the retail cost for the bottle (meaning you get a $9 glass out of a $9 bottle). Atmosphere is fine. It seemed to me that they have gotten into the pre theatre fast food business as opposed to the good restauant business.

My wife and I stopped in after a play, and we have been going back ever since. The entire staff is just great. No attitude just great service. Bartenders, wait staff, cooks, busboys and management. First class. The food is what keeps us interested in coming back. Wonderful staples, also an ever changing menu of Italian delicacies that challenge our simple perception of Italian cooking. Don't see what you want? No problem, this staff works for you, and wants you to enjoy your dining experience. Last but not least let's say something about the wine. A great selection and a knowledge staff will uncork a selection to your liking and budget. I absolutely love this place. I have brought scores of friends and family here to a resounding appreciation, and a question of when are we going back. I have booked a private party. The experience was wonderful, perfect food and staff. So for before or after a play, a special occasion, brunch, diner or if I want to sit at the bar and have a great glass of wine... I think VINCI!

We ate here before taking in a play at Steppenwolf Theatre. The restaurant is deceptively large and the Italian food was excellent. I has scallops which were cooked to perfection.

We stopped for lunch while shopping in Lincoln Park. Both the dining room and the outside tables are inviting. There are a variety of pastas. We chose the tagliatelle Arrabiata with seafood, and it was excellent.

My best friend's aunt and uncle chose this place for her Graduation party, but many of us were celebrating our recent graduation. I had no idea how humongous and regal this place was until I walked in the doors. I honestly thought it was a one room and one bar sort of place, but instead I was walked down a very long hallway lined with tables to a very large back room with a long table for 16. Once we sat down we didn't have to move a muscle. The servers took great care of us and made the event very personable and special. The cocktails were fruity and delicious as was the wine, which we ended up drinking 12 bottles of! However, the food was by far the most amazing part of the meal. From pollenta to goat cheese penne, I was sincerely blown away by the variety and flavor complexity. I haven't eaten that much in a long time and I wouldn't have if the food hadn't been so darn good! I strongly recommend this restaurant for dinner parties, couples, and small groups.

What a lovely evening here again: We loved our Duck papardelle (daughter's 1st time eating this & she was hooked), Cavatoppi with veggies & goat cheese substitute, tried the Special: Garganelle with seafood (squid I think) - unfortunately this was smelly - so after attempting but unsuccessfully to still eat this, we got the other Special of Scallops which was just Wonderful. Service always impeccable & decor gorgeous & warm!

Prior to a theatre engagement we chose to dine at Vinci. After checking out the options on Tripadvisor we thought Venci was a great option. The restaurant is nicely appointed using the theme of an Italian villa. It is a large facility, however the use of many small rooms keeps the noise level down and allows for easily conversation. Even though we arrived late for our reservation we were quickly taken to our table. Our server and his assistants arrived shortly thereafter. Specials for the evening were reviewed and questions answered; drink orders were taken and served in a timely fashion. After giving us all the time we needed our server took our entree selections. Staff was professional and efficient but not too friendly or welcoming. My spouse went with the Cavatappi and I selected the Sautéed Scallops. We found the entrees and associated sides to be well prepared and very delicious. Portions were respectable in size and everything was at a proper temperature. We finished dinner with a shared order of pistachio gelato, coffee, and cappuccino. We enjoyed our dining experience and will return to Vinci when and if the opportunity arises.

Warm atmosphere, attentive service, good food.

Four of us dined on a cold, blustery evening. Service attentive and friendly. Rustic bread w evo dolloped w cheese enjoyed. Appetizer of baby grilled octopus was perfectly done. Faro bed was delicious but if you are not a fan of balsamic, adjust. Risotto w butternut squash very good. Pastas with seafood, and veal ragu excellent. Chicken saltimboca generous and tasty. Gelato, three scoops was generous and enjoyed. Panda cotta fell short. Nothing similar to those had in Italy or made in my own kitchen. Not that light creamy delight this diner hoped for. Offered with a balsamic fruit sauce and candied almonds. Odd prep. Skipped the sauce and substituted caramel on side.

A large group of friends came to celebrate a surprise 50th BDay & also their 7th Wedding anniversary there & it was a Spectacular experience! This is their Favorite restaurant so natural choice to have it here. We all sang Happy BDay in French (Joyeux Anniversaire!) to our surprised friend as she came in. Our menu had printed our special courses for the evening & Joyeux Anniversaire (& her name) on it... We were in a semi-private space, just perfect (not in one of the back rooms but partially enclosed room by the dining area which we preferred. Our previously selected Set menu was wonderful & the service Impeccable... Our drinks were lovely (several enjoyed the Long Island Ice Tea) & I appreciated they were able to make my Mojito with honey instead of sugar. Our FOOD: 3 Starters Family Style: Arugula & Endive Salad - so good! Toasted hazelnuts, pears, pecorino... Gnocchi w/Mushrooms - tasty! More like polenta in form, truffle oil drizzle, Yum!!! Eggplant w/Goat cheese - roasted perfectly, delish with fresh Basil & tomato sauce. Entree: (pick one) Salmon w/Br sprouts - Excellent! w/Quinoa, fennel, pistachio & balsamic glaze - hubby & I both had this & loved it. Grilled Hen under hot brick - looked amazingly appetizing, w/broccoli rabe, potatos Pork chop w/pancetta sauce - decadent, w/gr beans & potatoes Everyone Loved their Entrees too! Most of us had leftovers to bring home... Chocolate mousse with blackberries finished us off (although menu said Tiramisu, but either would have been just great!) Bit of a Food coma after all this - we enjoyed some Hot Tea to help us digest as others had Coffee to go with the dessert. They never rushed us but took meticulous care about every need of the meal! We Love this place - never a less than wonderful experience!

After seeing a great show at Steppenwolf Theatre, had dinner with old friends from Beatrice at this restaurant. It was delightful, the wines were excellent, the food nicely prepared in healthy portions, and a generally nice ambience. I will go back.

outstanding Pasta, Mushroom gnocchi, ravioli. Great wait staff but real homemade upscale food!!! You will love everything about thhis restaurant, ambiance, bread etc.

I went back for dinner recently after not having been there in a few years. For 20+ years it has been a neighborhood staple. It still has a warm decor, great pastas and food and really good service. Perfect before attending the Steppenwolf Theater a block south!

We were on our way to Second City and having been to Vinci before I knew I could count on them to get us in and out on time. Luis is a great server and so friendly. Food is great - try the Tagliatelle with veal ragu or risotto. My Romaine salad had too much salt in the dressing, but my husband's mushroom soup was awesome. Cozy atmosphere.

Arriving at a restaurant being told it's amazing is usually a jinx. The service was good, food was average, and price was pretty high. Enjoyed the atmosphere and were treated well. Didn't think food matched up with price tag.

Good Italian food in cheerful surroundings with friendly staff. We chose this restaurant as it was near the theatre.

The decor is lovely. Service started out very good, but then we were forgotten. Food varied. My risotto was delicious, husbands pasta was just okay. Dessert was great.

I am writing this review from the point of view of a family, 3 of whom have celiac disease and must eat gluten free. We visited Vinci during a quick trip to Chicago. We only had one night, so we were hoping to find a great spot without trial and error. Vinci posts their menu prominently on their website (some restaurants still dont...why??) , and they were also crystal clear that they offer gluten free options. We were meeting several other friends who do not need to dine gluten free, so we wanted a venue that had good food for everyone. Vinci did not disappoint. Our reservation was ready, the restaurant was roomy and comfortable with a pleasant atmosphere. The food options were diverse, something for everyone, regardless of dietary preference. I am a vegetarian, and I enjoyed one of the pasta dishes, which they adapted for me by removing the sausage. It was delicious. The gluten free pasta was well chosen and expertly cooked. Those meat eaters in our party enjoyed the duck, as well as the roasted chicken under a brick. Wines were enjoyable and reasonably priced. Service was great. With one evening to spend in Chicago, I'm quite pleased that we found Vinci.

Convenient walk from Royal George Theater or Steppenwolf. Accommodating for large parties or small. Limited wine list but nice full bar. Very good Cab Sauv. Service is very friendly and informative. Italian dishes are very good but steak and pork dishes average. I was very happy with Risotto but could have used more shrimp. Taste was excellent. Good appetizers, too. Nice place to stop for a drink, too before or after theater.

The biggest problem I had was trying to figure out where the heck to park without being in a tow area. We parked just north of the restaurant on Halsted (free, imagine that). They have valet and I'd use it. Anyway, very nice neighborhood kind of restaurant. We got there early and the hostess gave us a pronominal seat, much appreciated. In fact the entire there was very, very nice. The food was very good. I had the duck, my son one of the pastas. Both were excellent as were the three appetizers. I would HIGHLY recommend the grilled oysters. Mussels are fantastic as well. If you're looking for a good food without breaking the bank this is a good choice. We had 3 appetizers, 2 entrees, 2 drinks and dessert, $135 with a generous tip. You can get by for a lot less if you need/want to.

It was a beautiful Saturday night in Chicago's Lincoln Park, We went to Vinci prior to attending at 8 PM performance at the Royal George Theater. We ate outside on a beautiful evening. The weather was beautiful. The service was fantastic. We were first offered a variety of breads that was varied. Combined with olive oil and cheese the offering was great. Based on the menu, my wife and I decided to share everything. We had the lamb meatballs, campagnola salad, linguine, with calamari, shrimp and mussels. All dishes were first rate. When we asked the staff to split all offerings there was no problem. This was topped off by a delicious apple cake a la mode. Great food and great people that served us.

Enjoyed a very good meal that was very reasonably priced. They were celebrating their 20th anniversary so we were greeted with a complimentary app and glass of wine. Nice start. My girlfriend and I shared the shaheed artichoke heart app which we really enjoyed (generous serving with chunks of pecorino cheese). It was more than enough for two. For the entree, we split the family size portion of risotto with homemade lamb and veal sausage, mushrooms and asparagus - Plenty of food for two - hearty, rich and very satisfying. Overall, a very good experience. Only complaint, if any, was cappucino at the end could have been hotter. Service was excellent.

We had a very enjoyable meal here on our vacation. The fig appetiser and the duck entree were highlights. The service was fantastic, very quick and our server was super helpful and great with the kids. Would definitely recommend!

We enjoyed delicious Italian desserts and coffee after seeing a play at the Steppenwolf Theatre. The staff was friendly and let us stay for awhile. They came back numerous times to refill our coffee and water. The desserts are a little expensive but the servings are very generous. The tiramsu could easily serve more than one. Highly recommended

Vinci has a separate gluten free menu with a great selection of mains. Most impressive is their pasta selection. My food was literally mouth-watering. It was pasta with short-rib. I couldn't eat the whole serving but loved it. My hubs had Chicken Saltimbocca. Mine had more flavor than his but both were good. We were let down in the dessert department, though. Dessert was the typical gluten free selection of dessert: flan, creme brulee, sorbet, ice cream. We chose the creme brulee. Unfortunately, they pre-cook and pre-flame the tops of the creme brulee and then heat it up individually. That remelts the crystallized sugar on top so you don't get the satisfying "crack" of a creme brulee. It becomes more of a sticky caramel. So, go for the dinner! Skip the dessert.

The menu has all the traditional Italian favorites but also offers gluten free pizza and pasta. The perfect manhattan with maple infused bourbon was an excellent cocktail. Pappardelle with short ribs was extraordinary. Service was attentive and quick. We arrived late and nodded to get to the theater and they whisked us through our meal.

This place is weird and has bad brunch. I would not call this Italian food. I am unsure why it remains open.

My husband and I enjoyed this Italian trattoria last evening before attending Clyborne Park at the Steppenwolf theater. We have eaten here many times and always enjoyed the del icious food, attentive service, and the beautiful decor of this restaurant. it is a block walk to the Steppenwolf, so very convenient for before theater dining.

If you are looking for a local party room with good food and great service, consider this local place near theaters in a vibrant neighborhood. Menu varied, food delicious. Party room offers nice space for 20-28 people. Staff very attentive. Tiramisu not be missed.

Walking distance to Steppenwolf Theater and valet parking are the two greatest assets of this restaurant. Also located across the street from Alinea, one of the best restaurants in America; no one will mix them up. Food, wine, service were all average although the price point is high for what you get. Theater convenience is the main reason to go, that's about it.

Friendly, excellent service, great food. We have eaten here several times before attending plays and they are sensitive to the play start time. This time we tried the price fixe $42 for a appetizer, entree and dessert. Each of the 4 of us tried different items and were very well pleased. I inquired about wine and was invited to sample one before ordering. The interior is well decorated in italian motif . This is a very fine restaurant.

We loved the food - including the many gluten free options! The service was very warm but not intrusive. Though we went with family, I could definitely see this as a good date night spot. The pizzas were especially delicious - and I loved my caprese salad. One of the best I've had, even comparing it to others in Italy!

Great pre-show dinner place

We picked Vinci for a pre-theater meal because of its proximity to the Royal George Theatre and give both the restaurant and the show ("Late Nite Catechism") 5 stars! The meal was delicious, the service was excellent and well-paced for our theatre schedule, and the atmosphere was very comfortable. Get the grilled hen as your entree and you will very pleased w/ your choice! Will definitely visit again.

Okay, so if I could I would give this 4.5 stars, but in this age of inflationary reviews I don't want to degrade their standing. Vinci offers a wide range of options from appetizer to dessert; we shared a polenta/mushroom app. with a nice Truffle sauce - very hearty; this was followed by a very light salad with pears, pecorino,hazelnuts and enidve, a perfect light salad. My main course was a Veal Osso Buco with mashed potatoes, again a very hearty option; my wife had the pork chop and gave it a thumbs up. The joint was jumping from the 5:30 opening on, but had room for us without a reservation. Service was friendly and timely. Had a half liter of the Primitivo which I always enjoy.

The food, service, and ambiance were first rate. We have booked reservations to return; it's that good. Great location for the Royal George Theatre. You can easily walk; it's in the same block.

Great for pre-theatre. Love the pizza with arugula. Very friendly staff.

Ate here as part of a package with the Steppennwolf. The service was prompt. They sat us in a special section for pre theater diners so they were aware of our time constraints. The waiter was attentive and friendly. Our 2 teens , my wife and I all found excellent diners which included a dessert in the package. Everyone was pleased with the meals and the service.

Had dinner with a large group of coworkers. Food was well prepared, traditional Italian. Pastas are prepared fresh and the specials were decently creative.

We love visiting Chicago for the amazing food, among other attributes (theater, museums, neighborhoods, etc). But I have to say we get most excited for the food, and not just deep-dish pizzas and Al's Beef (although those are great). So I always plan where we're going in advance. On our three-day trip I was excited to have snagged a reservation to Girl and the Goat (we went there two years ago--fabulous), Travelle (sleek sophistication), and Vinci for our after-theater dinner. At first I was lukewarm about Vinci--I figured it would be traditional Italian, nothing special, but it was the other place I could reserve at that time on Valentine's Day. Was I totally wrong! It was the best dinner we had during our three days there. Girl and the Goat is definitely more interesting (goat empanadas and escargot ravioli--need I say more?) but Vinci delivered delicious dishes with spot-on service at incredibly economical prices. No sleekness, just warm rustic Italian ambiance. But I was also impressed with the dishes: We split a wonderful frisee salad with roasted pears, pinenuts, and crispy pancetta in a gorgonzola dressing. I absolutely loved my homemade spinach pappardelle with lovely pieces of shredded roast duck, peas, and mushrooms; and my husband was equally happy with his seafood ravioli. For dessert I had the Italian cookies with dessert wine and my husband ordered the port flight; he asked our server for gorgonzola cheese too. He was brought a generous plate of crumbled gorgonzola (and later we realized we were only charged $1 for it!). I can't say more about the understated but completely attentive service. We will definitely go back on our next visit to Chicago!

Favorite spot pre-theatre.

I think I first ate Vinci nearly 25 years ago when I lived nearby. We were visiting Chicago and had tickets to Steppwnwolf so we went there pre-theater. Food was great. We had some appetizers and entrees and nothing disappointed. The pastas tasted home made and were outstanding. The food made us homesick for Chicago. Great job Vinci.