Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian: Feels Like Home

Asheville has great restaurants hidden everywhere. Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian is that classy dinner you have always loved going to. Just maybe without the garlic knots.

Oddly, Not In Little Italy

Vinnie’s has two locations, both in Asheville. This post will focus on their original location north of Asheville. The restaurant is outside of the main downtown hustle and bustle but it is still in a high traffic area off of US-25.

Parking is limited to approximately 30 spaces. The only access to the parking is on the south side of the building. Parking is fairly average for this area but given the size of the restaurant, it is a little small

We came from seeing Avatar at Asheville Pizza and Brewing company which is only a block away so we were able to walk. Most establishments in the area have tight parking so you might find yourself searching some near by parking lots if you come during peak dinner hours.

Warm & Classic

Vinnie’s is a classy Italian restaurant to say it simply. They have ample waiting space in the fully covered/heated patio space that allows for relaxing waits as you get seated. You get the feeling that this place has been here for many decades and a real staple of the community. You even will see some family names on plaques for certain tables as if they are their special table. In reality they opened their doors in only 2010.

We saw several large parties that looked like they were celebrating special occasions. We also were here on the night of our anniversary and loved the service we got. The low lighting and close seating gave a great date or special occasion atmosphere

Our server (Tory) was busy but very prompt and personable. Top notch. We asked her for her favorite Asheville recommendations at the end of dinner. She suggested One World Brewing in downtown and The Green Mansion on the South Slope. Both turned out to be great!

Puts Some Jingle In Your Jangle

Kaitlyn and I were persuaded by our server to get the wonderfully outrageously named Jingle Jangle drinks. These were a specialty drink they were making for the holidays when we came that had a festive cranberry flavor to them. We nearly got a second round.

If I had to pick one criticism of Vinnie’s, it would be the garlic knots we ordered. They were swimming in oil and had a very pale appearance. Generally I do not like my bread to be dripping with oil. Nonetheless, we had some killer pasta for our entrees. I had a lamb special that was delicious. Kaitlyn have a chicken piccata that had been in her dreams for the last 2 days. We both left stuffed and could not imagine dessert.

Feels Like Home

You may think that this is an over-played trope but Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian fits the bill. The servers are all personable, prompt and made you feel like you were their only table. This is exactly the place you would want to come on special occasions or dates.

Overall

Italian Cuisine always has a special spot in my heart since Kaitlyn and I have had some of our best dates at Italian restaurants. Vinnie’s really followed through. The relaxing atmosphere and great food would bring me back any night. Just maybe without the garlic knots.

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