I was here around Thanksgiving and enjoyed the wine choices, fruits and cheese I had along with the entertainment. I tried to get in last night around 9pm and was laughed at by the owner/manager. He said he was packed and turned to customers sitting close by laughing and telling them that my group (party of 4) were ridicules to think we could get in there last night. He was so rude! Nicely we told him we would come back when it wasn't a holiday weekend. He told us that he is always busy and it didn't matter when we try. What a cocky ass. My friend said I guess we will see you in August when all the businesses, bars and restaurants are dying for customers. He responded and I quote "I'm always busy I don't need your help even in the summer"! As much as we enjoyed this place this past November, I will never make a reservation or even entertain the idea of going there again. Restaurants and bars come and go all the time. We are Boca Raton locals and see this all the time. Well with an attitude like we saw last night he may very well go out of business if he continues treating customers this way. I usually wish all businesses well since we are also business owners, but not for this cocky ass. He could go down hard and it will be his own fault.
(1)
Tom H.
This is the best Italian food in Boca. Its expensive, and the singers are kinda cheesy, If you get there and finish before 9, you miss the music, i think it turns into kind of a pickup scene for older Floridians later in the evening. Someone else who was reviewing the meatballs, said it was too pricey for them at $15, but they are two huge meatballs, and they are awesome. Go to save money someplace else, go here for the gnocchi, the flat bread, and of course the meatballs.
This is NOT five stars. This has the ambiance of five stars, and even solid service, but the food only warrants a "good". The tapas are overpriced and at the level you'd pay for dinner in a good (not five star) restaurant. We had meatballs (very good), roasted peppers (fair), chicken milanese (good), and grilled calamari (fair). The wine selection is huge, but sadly, there are few bottles available at under $60. We asked for less than that, and our server suggested Hall at $65. Later, she recommended an even better one at $45 -- a chilled red from Edge, and we were disappointed we didn't hear about it despite our request to stay under $60 to start. They had live music, with pianist and horn, and it was great with a Tom Jones/Frank Sinatra style. However, it was too, too loud, and we struggled to hear across the table from each other. This could be a great place with their dark, romantic look, bar seating, and music. The food needs improving, and I'd love to see a little bit larger selection of lower priced wines. I hope it gets even better.
(3)
Catherine A.
If you are accustom to fine wine, exquisitely prepared tapas, an atmosphere filled with great music and optically desirable then you will truly enjoy an evening at Vino. My friends and I , all from NY, agreed that the staff were very professional with great wine knowledge with the ability to anticipate our needs without being invasive. We had a wonderful time and laughed all night, because as elegant as Vino is it is lively and very interesting. I strongly recommend if you want a refreshing change from "ordinary" which Vino is not. Enjoy!!
(5)
Natalee B.
This place has amazing food !! They have live entertainment every night & kitchen is open late. I had best grilled calamari & Sunday gravy. They have an extensive winelist & every wine you can get by the glass. My girlfriends & I had a amazing time.
(5)
Angela L.
Vino wine bar has a huge selection of wines by the glass and by the bottle. I have been there twice, and enjoyed the wine. It is, however, inordinately expensive, even for Boca Raton. Also, they don't seem to recognize the importance of serving the wine at the proper temperature. My glass of Rioja was quite warm; reds should be served at cellar temperature. The food is really good, but also very expensive. Their tapas are priced like entrees. I have tried both the sausage (very good) and the meatballs (huge and delicious.) Both were good, and were priced at about $14 a plate. They have a singer on weeknights, which is nice. The clientele seems to be genteel and mannerly. Even though Vino is not a good value for the money, I still enjoy going here.
(3)
Tanya L.
what a great find! I have been there numerous times since discovering it. Vina, Italian for wine is a cute little place that offers every wine on their list by the glass. Great if you want to try different wines. Their food is great too. The meatballs are some of the best I have had. I love the frisee salad that comes with the chicken milanese. They should do that by itself. The only reason I didnt give this place 5 stars is this: and it should be a warning: If you are not ordering your by the glass off the menu and going by a recommendation from the bartender ASK HOW MUCH IT IS! I am certainly not cheap, and i dont mind paying fro something but if you are going to recommend a wine and then charge me $35.00 for a glass.. I should know about it ahead of time. Obvioulsy i am not familiar with the wina and going off your recommendation.. So tell me how much it' is especially if it is mor than say, $20.00 glass. They should have a policy in place of letting people know a price if it's over a specific amount. I really do like this quaint little place though
(4)
Robin W.
Absolutely lovely place for especially a date night! So many amazing wines to pick from. Friendly staff and the most authentic Italian food I've eaten in ages - can't wait to go back!
(5)
Margo G.
I love how small and intimate the bar is and the live music is always entertaining. I love coming here since its a great alternative to bars in mizner. However, Sabrina at the bar is one of the rudest bartenders I have ever interacted with. She only likes the regulars. At one point when I wanted another drink I signaled to her and she rudely replied "You know my name. Call me by it." I was extremely caught off guard. Other than her attitude, I love this place. Just hope Sabrina is nicer next time.
(4)
Liz O.
Great tapas wine bar. Good service, great food, well run. I had the bruschetta followed by grilled salmon perfectly cooked.
(5)
Gynna U.
Great environment... Perfect place for a glass of wine with friends or a date. I really love the tapas menu as well. Did not like the singer because it was too loud at times.
(4)
Shanon Y.
Amazing wine by glass menu! The options are endless! Next time I'll be back for dinner.
Applies unless u don't care about money - and then please disregard this rating and review. Products (wines) are overpriced. We didn't order food but the menu looked similar. Portions we saw were small (I understand less can be more sometimes but still). Entertainment was mediocre but better than nothing. Had 2 drinks and spent $38. Guess it's not my kinda place
(1)
L C.
Great find. Wonderful wine list, good entertainment, above average food. Sabrina is a delight. The manager, not so much.
(4)
Jeremy F.
Great live music, good wine selection and delicious Italian tapas. Try the meatballs and gnocchi.
(5)
David P.
Besides the friendly atmosphere, great Italian food and amazing desserts, get ready to be wowed by the live entertainment! This is especially the case on Fri and Sat nights beginning at 9. If you intend to eat there a reservation is recommended. My wife and I prefer seats at the bar so we call in earlier in the day to reserve them. It's an upscale but very friendly crowd..
(5)
Mike M.
My first review- My girlfriend and I told the waitress ahead of time that we would be on a seperate check from the group we were with, she brought it out in 1 check. I approached her and asked if she remembered us mentioning the separate bill and she said yes in a very rude way. Aside from that, the portions are small...2 meatballs for $15.00, just as an example. I don't know if the singer guy realizes how loud he's singing because its really loud, hard to hold a conversation with the guests your with. My girlfriend and I both suggested to each other we don't wanna come back.
(2)
Deb H.
This place is a certifiable FIND! The concept is simple--great wine with an endlessly pleasing wine list (everything can be had by the glass) and a well chosen selection of small plates of food. Whether you are in a crowd or a couple, you can get exactly as much of their creatively delicious fare as you want. The gnocchi was heavenly and the meatballs were fabulous. Everything I sampled was a delight and anyplace that has the foresight to offer every single wine on their list by the glass, is an automatic winner in my eyes. Wonderful experience, charming and very good looking hosts and a lively atomosphere!
(5)
Kerrie T.
I can count on one hand the number of wine bars I've been to where the night turns into a totally amazing yet complete sh*t show by closing time (which is, I think 4 am) and this is one... maybe #1. The bf and I are regulars when in Boca. When you first stumble into this lovely spot, tucked away in a strip mall, it is a bit surreal. It's tiny, yet manages to have over 300 wines served by the glass, with wine racks stacked so high the sommelier has to climb up and down a ladder all night to pick out your selection (She is not a bartender, she is a certified sommelier). Talented vocalists entertain you with familiar songs that you never before thought you even liked until you heard them sung here. Basically, you are transported to a 1950's jazz club like atmosphere when you step inside from the very 2012 strip mall parking lot. What makes this even more strange, is that the space and furnishings are not really conducive to this given there is just bar and dining table seating. The crowd is, what you expect for Boca, attractive, very thin and botoxed women with much, much older men, who all seem to be enjoying the Boca life to the fullest. We've closed this place down several times, and made new friends along the way. Good times.
(4)
Mike M.
Went here for our anniversary dinner. This place is top notch with a great selection of wines from around the world. The staff is very knowledgeable about what they serve. The food was great. A few must try's are the meat balls,shrimp and Sunday sauce. A nice little touch is they bring you fresh chunks of aged Parmesan to enjoy with your wine. They also have live entertainment which was excellent. This quaint little romantic place is a must try.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Loud Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Happy Hour : No Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Laura C.
I was here around Thanksgiving and enjoyed the wine choices, fruits and cheese I had along with the entertainment. I tried to get in last night around 9pm and was laughed at by the owner/manager. He said he was packed and turned to customers sitting close by laughing and telling them that my group (party of 4) were ridicules to think we could get in there last night. He was so rude! Nicely we told him we would come back when it wasn't a holiday weekend. He told us that he is always busy and it didn't matter when we try. What a cocky ass. My friend said I guess we will see you in August when all the businesses, bars and restaurants are dying for customers. He responded and I quote "I'm always busy I don't need your help even in the summer"! As much as we enjoyed this place this past November, I will never make a reservation or even entertain the idea of going there again. Restaurants and bars come and go all the time. We are Boca Raton locals and see this all the time. Well with an attitude like we saw last night he may very well go out of business if he continues treating customers this way. I usually wish all businesses well since we are also business owners, but not for this cocky ass. He could go down hard and it will be his own fault.
(1)Tom H.
This is the best Italian food in Boca. Its expensive, and the singers are kinda cheesy, If you get there and finish before 9, you miss the music, i think it turns into kind of a pickup scene for older Floridians later in the evening. Someone else who was reviewing the meatballs, said it was too pricey for them at $15, but they are two huge meatballs, and they are awesome. Go to save money someplace else, go here for the gnocchi, the flat bread, and of course the meatballs.
(4)Lisa M.
Another neat little find in east Boca. The wine selection is like none I've ever seen. Didn't really find it to be a tapas restaurant but the food was fabulous. We shared a gnocchi, sautéed spinach and sausage & pepper dish. All was delish. I would and wiil def go again.
(5)Dawn G.
This is NOT five stars. This has the ambiance of five stars, and even solid service, but the food only warrants a "good". The tapas are overpriced and at the level you'd pay for dinner in a good (not five star) restaurant. We had meatballs (very good), roasted peppers (fair), chicken milanese (good), and grilled calamari (fair). The wine selection is huge, but sadly, there are few bottles available at under $60. We asked for less than that, and our server suggested Hall at $65. Later, she recommended an even better one at $45 -- a chilled red from Edge, and we were disappointed we didn't hear about it despite our request to stay under $60 to start. They had live music, with pianist and horn, and it was great with a Tom Jones/Frank Sinatra style. However, it was too, too loud, and we struggled to hear across the table from each other. This could be a great place with their dark, romantic look, bar seating, and music. The food needs improving, and I'd love to see a little bit larger selection of lower priced wines. I hope it gets even better.
(3)Catherine A.
If you are accustom to fine wine, exquisitely prepared tapas, an atmosphere filled with great music and optically desirable then you will truly enjoy an evening at Vino. My friends and I , all from NY, agreed that the staff were very professional with great wine knowledge with the ability to anticipate our needs without being invasive. We had a wonderful time and laughed all night, because as elegant as Vino is it is lively and very interesting. I strongly recommend if you want a refreshing change from "ordinary" which Vino is not. Enjoy!!
(5)Natalee B.
This place has amazing food !! They have live entertainment every night & kitchen is open late. I had best grilled calamari & Sunday gravy. They have an extensive winelist & every wine you can get by the glass. My girlfriends & I had a amazing time.
(5)Angela L.
Vino wine bar has a huge selection of wines by the glass and by the bottle. I have been there twice, and enjoyed the wine. It is, however, inordinately expensive, even for Boca Raton. Also, they don't seem to recognize the importance of serving the wine at the proper temperature. My glass of Rioja was quite warm; reds should be served at cellar temperature. The food is really good, but also very expensive. Their tapas are priced like entrees. I have tried both the sausage (very good) and the meatballs (huge and delicious.) Both were good, and were priced at about $14 a plate. They have a singer on weeknights, which is nice. The clientele seems to be genteel and mannerly. Even though Vino is not a good value for the money, I still enjoy going here.
(3)Tanya L.
what a great find! I have been there numerous times since discovering it. Vina, Italian for wine is a cute little place that offers every wine on their list by the glass. Great if you want to try different wines. Their food is great too. The meatballs are some of the best I have had. I love the frisee salad that comes with the chicken milanese. They should do that by itself. The only reason I didnt give this place 5 stars is this: and it should be a warning: If you are not ordering your by the glass off the menu and going by a recommendation from the bartender ASK HOW MUCH IT IS! I am certainly not cheap, and i dont mind paying fro something but if you are going to recommend a wine and then charge me $35.00 for a glass.. I should know about it ahead of time. Obvioulsy i am not familiar with the wina and going off your recommendation.. So tell me how much it' is especially if it is mor than say, $20.00 glass. They should have a policy in place of letting people know a price if it's over a specific amount. I really do like this quaint little place though
(4)Robin W.
Absolutely lovely place for especially a date night! So many amazing wines to pick from. Friendly staff and the most authentic Italian food I've eaten in ages - can't wait to go back!
(5)Margo G.
I love how small and intimate the bar is and the live music is always entertaining. I love coming here since its a great alternative to bars in mizner. However, Sabrina at the bar is one of the rudest bartenders I have ever interacted with. She only likes the regulars. At one point when I wanted another drink I signaled to her and she rudely replied "You know my name. Call me by it." I was extremely caught off guard. Other than her attitude, I love this place. Just hope Sabrina is nicer next time.
(4)Liz O.
Great tapas wine bar. Good service, great food, well run. I had the bruschetta followed by grilled salmon perfectly cooked.
(5)Gynna U.
Great environment... Perfect place for a glass of wine with friends or a date. I really love the tapas menu as well. Did not like the singer because it was too loud at times.
(4)Shanon Y.
Amazing wine by glass menu! The options are endless! Next time I'll be back for dinner.
(4)Ryan W.
My fianceé and I finally got around to trying Vino with her parents. The tapas are generously portioned and absolutely delicious! The atmosphere is intimate without feeling dead like some other restaurants. Quite simply, from the meatballs to the Sunday gravy to the gnocchi, Vino hits all the notes flawlessly. One word sums it all up, Bellissimo!!
(5)Nick B.
Applies unless u don't care about money - and then please disregard this rating and review. Products (wines) are overpriced. We didn't order food but the menu looked similar. Portions we saw were small (I understand less can be more sometimes but still). Entertainment was mediocre but better than nothing. Had 2 drinks and spent $38. Guess it's not my kinda place
(1)L C.
Great find. Wonderful wine list, good entertainment, above average food. Sabrina is a delight. The manager, not so much.
(4)Jeremy F.
Great live music, good wine selection and delicious Italian tapas. Try the meatballs and gnocchi.
(5)David P.
Besides the friendly atmosphere, great Italian food and amazing desserts, get ready to be wowed by the live entertainment! This is especially the case on Fri and Sat nights beginning at 9. If you intend to eat there a reservation is recommended. My wife and I prefer seats at the bar so we call in earlier in the day to reserve them. It's an upscale but very friendly crowd..
(5)Mike M.
My first review- My girlfriend and I told the waitress ahead of time that we would be on a seperate check from the group we were with, she brought it out in 1 check. I approached her and asked if she remembered us mentioning the separate bill and she said yes in a very rude way. Aside from that, the portions are small...2 meatballs for $15.00, just as an example. I don't know if the singer guy realizes how loud he's singing because its really loud, hard to hold a conversation with the guests your with. My girlfriend and I both suggested to each other we don't wanna come back.
(2)Deb H.
This place is a certifiable FIND! The concept is simple--great wine with an endlessly pleasing wine list (everything can be had by the glass) and a well chosen selection of small plates of food. Whether you are in a crowd or a couple, you can get exactly as much of their creatively delicious fare as you want. The gnocchi was heavenly and the meatballs were fabulous. Everything I sampled was a delight and anyplace that has the foresight to offer every single wine on their list by the glass, is an automatic winner in my eyes. Wonderful experience, charming and very good looking hosts and a lively atomosphere!
(5)Kerrie T.
I can count on one hand the number of wine bars I've been to where the night turns into a totally amazing yet complete sh*t show by closing time (which is, I think 4 am) and this is one... maybe #1. The bf and I are regulars when in Boca. When you first stumble into this lovely spot, tucked away in a strip mall, it is a bit surreal. It's tiny, yet manages to have over 300 wines served by the glass, with wine racks stacked so high the sommelier has to climb up and down a ladder all night to pick out your selection (She is not a bartender, she is a certified sommelier). Talented vocalists entertain you with familiar songs that you never before thought you even liked until you heard them sung here. Basically, you are transported to a 1950's jazz club like atmosphere when you step inside from the very 2012 strip mall parking lot. What makes this even more strange, is that the space and furnishings are not really conducive to this given there is just bar and dining table seating. The crowd is, what you expect for Boca, attractive, very thin and botoxed women with much, much older men, who all seem to be enjoying the Boca life to the fullest. We've closed this place down several times, and made new friends along the way. Good times.
(4)Mike M.
Went here for our anniversary dinner. This place is top notch with a great selection of wines from around the world. The staff is very knowledgeable about what they serve. The food was great. A few must try's are the meat balls,shrimp and Sunday sauce. A nice little touch is they bring you fresh chunks of aged Parmesan to enjoy with your wine. They also have live entertainment which was excellent. This quaint little romantic place is a must try.
(5)