Vinci Restaurant
Bill · 849 Google reviewsVinci Restaurant — a Lincoln Park italian mainstay. Traditional preparation with honest flavors. Good service that doesn't feel rehearsed, and fast service. John S: "They never phone it in - the food is always incredible, with fresh, quality ingredients and cooked perfectly" [$$, patio]
What 302 diners keep saying
This spot has closed for good. Its reviews stay up for the record — the rankings have already moved on.
What 302 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“A cozy Italian experience in an earthy space with warm & welcoming staff. The meal was solid: the arancini were crispy and rich, the pappardelle had a lovely texture with hearty short ribs, and the risotto was full of flavor with tender lamb cubes. The pork shank was also satisfying, accompanied by well-seasoned vegetables. For dessert, the crème brûlée was decadently rich, while the butternut squash cheesecake was flavorful without being overly sweet. Overall, a hearty and low-key Italian fare in the heart of Lincoln Park.”
“I went there on a Groupon deal for brunch and it felt like an Italian villa. The food was terrific. Loved their Guava Bellini and the breakfast pizza. The make your own frittata was also yum! Our server was fun and funny! The bar area is cute to sit in. And location so convenient right next to steppenwolf theater! @chicagopescetarian”
“Best food. Best service. Bartenders Clyde and Francisco are the best. Couldn’t recommend this place more.”
“Lives true to its name. Rustic ambiance with an Italian-like interior. I got a ‘Purple Flower’ drink which was out of the world. I loved it. For starters, got the grilled sausages- 5/5. The penne pasta tasted authentic- 5/5. And the Salsiccia pizza was good-3.5/5. Oh the tiramisu tasted AMAZING. The service was over the top.”
“Proper aldente pasta with extra cheese, the variety could please everyone and they have GF options. The service was quick and efficient, we liked the decorations and ambience. My glass of bubbly was a bit flat but they replaced it with no further questions. Definitely would be back”
“I absolutely love this place. This is my go to restaurant every time I visit the Steppenwolf theatre. Every meal is nothing short of a burst of flavor, happiness, and intrigue. The spaghetti is my favorite.”
“What we ordered: - Arancini - “Roman Style” Gnocchi - Penne - Pappardelle - Tiramisu - Pistachio gelato I would soooo go back for the Gnocchi and tiramisu!!!! sooo good 😭✨🙌🏽 This place felt to homey and warm and the service was great (: I’ll be back soon!”
“I live in the burbs, but this has been a destination for me since the 90's. They never phone it in - the food is always incredible, with fresh, quality ingredients and cooked perfectly. The service is exceptional and they make the best martini in town. If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd weigh a thousand pounds. Love you guys”
“This place is so good. Good atmosphere, good food, good service. I think it would be a nice place to have a cute date or dinner with family.”
“Came in for a quick dinner before the Chicago Film fest. Sat down at the bar. The staff was nice and service was quick. My friend ordered the rigatoni. I ordered the arancini. They food was pretty good. The food came out fast. Also enjoyed a glass of wine. It's a pretty spacious place. There are private rooms in the back. It's a cozy feel, tons of tables.”
“A neighborhood gem. Sad to hear the news of the owner passing away.”
“If you want an experience, Vinci is the place. At first glance, it’s a vintage, family-run looking establishment. But as soon as you interact with staff, it’s a warm, professional environment where it feels the best chefs have curated a menu of food just for you. There’s many options, an extensive wine list, and delicious specials (I loved the Spaghetti Carbonera). They celebrate special events with you, and are truly highly trained service staff. 10/10 will go back!!”
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