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We made a reservation well in advance for a party of four and we arrived exactly on time. During our 30 minute wait we were ordered to stand at various places in the restaurant. When we politely asked about our table, the maître d' was extremely rude to us. After a while we were offered the worst seat in the house. When we asked if we could sit at another table, the Maître stepped it up a notch in terms of rudeness. Needless to say, we left. This place reminded me of a bad airline; cramped space, noisy, rude staff, they overbook and make you wait.

We made a reservation for 8:00 PM. They made us wait for 25 minutes in a fully packed restaurant-- no space to stand. Even the waiters were bumping into each other. We were there with a friend who is pregnant and they made no efforts to even offer her a seat at the bar while we waited. The greeter was rude and never even apologized for the wait. And then he became angry with us after we refused to sit in the worst table in the restaurant in the back, by the noisy kitchen where waiters were walking in and out with food constantly. There are so many great restaurants in this city with amazing customer service, don't even bother with this place. After being treated so poorly we went down the street to another restaurant where we were treated SO well and had an amazing meal. Vai is such a disappointment. And the greeter needs to take a class on how to treat customers. We live in the neighborhood and will never even consider going there again.

We've been going to Vai at both the prior and current locations ever since we moved to the UWS. We've always had a wonderful culinary experience. The food is delicious and creatively prepared, the service very warm and caring, and Vincent the ultimate host. We've introduced friends to Vai, and they share our sentiments. We've eaten almost every entree from the Branzino to the Pork Chop to the Beef Duo to the Scallops and would recommend all. The appetizers and sides are equally delicious, and the desserts are decadent.

My wife and I have been going to Vai since its prior 77th Street location. The owner is not only the chef, but often acts as the host as well. His food is spectacular and he is as warm and charming as his food is good. If you like tuna tartare, his is the very best I have ever had; and I've had that dish all over the world. There is not one couple or friend who we've brought there who haven't become regulars. His food and his charm keep screaming return and we do as often as we can.

The food in this restaurant and the quality of the ingredients were outstanding. However, there seems to be a disconnect with the wine list. It is very small, and the French and Italian wines were extremely expensive. The only red wines under $50 were two very pedestrian Spanish wines. We will go back, but will no longer order wine. Too bad.

My husband and I have been going to Vai for years -- from its 77th location to its new Amsterdam location. We have never been disappointed by any of our meals and we often go with friends who are equally impressed by the variety of the dishes and the freshness of the ingredients. The chef is always welcoming and he makes you feel like you are going to eat at your best friend's house.

I had to write a review, because this place ruined pork chops for me. I ordered the pork chop, and it was so good, every other pork chop I've had since just tastes bad. The rest of the food is amazing as well. Have been here several times will keep on coming back.