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Let me just start with I am a huge Foodie and this place blew my mind! It is a small very intimate place that is warm, romantic and fun. I came here with my parents who frequent excellent restaurants all the time. We ended up coming here twice in one weekend because we were so pleased with the food, service and ambience. The owner is very charming and polite seating us promptly and checking back multiple times during our meal to make sure everything was up to par. Our server whom we had both nights was so gracious chatting with us throughout our meal and giving our whole table a champagne toast at the end of the meal both nights! Now the food... it was unreal so decadent and flavorful. The Tuna Tartar was a beautiful melody of flavors and the Ricotta Mushroom Ravioli took my breath away. My brother and father shared the 25 ounce steak that was cooked to perfection and my mother got the sauteed sea scallops both times raving about the flavor and texture. The whole experience was so wonderful filled with happiness and laughter and to top it all off they played tunes by Sade my god what a place. I will frequent this place by myself as well as for my birthday or any other excuse for a damn good time and exquisite food.

I don't understand how this place is busy....we waited 10 minutes at the door before greeted and then given the 'option' of where to sit, they refused to give us the table we wanted, even though the place wasn't that busy. The food was ok at best, it took forever to come out and the wine was ok and expensive. In addition, it was incredibly loud, I couldn't even hear the server. Nothing special.

My gf and I were in the city last night and wanted to get out of the heat and enjoy some nice wine as well as some food. The place was empty when we arrived and they seated us immediately with a smile. I ordered a bottle of Sparkling and when she brought it to the table to open it without a serviette I couldn't watch. She attempted several times to uncork it but on her third attempt the servers manager came over and took the bottle from her hand and said "this is how its done" and then POPPED it open and then looked at me and apologized for it still being opened improperly.When the food arrived it was fairly bland and dissapointing. I expected better with all the good reviews and I also expected more from a NYC restaurant for service. Oh well, now we know where not to go.

With all the new-ish restaurants lining the avenues in the West '70s, it is easy to miss Vai, right around the corner from West Branch. Don't! This is a little jewel of a place, with reasonable prices, lovely service, and really excellent food. Some reviewers have complained about the noise (a particular bugaboo of mine), but last night -- with the doors open to the sidewalk -- it was actually quiet. The small menu is "Italianate" for the most part, but quite adventuresome. The toasted bread which came first to the table was accompanied by tomato-basil and eggplant-mascarpone spreads; both were so good that we needed extra bread (which the waiter brought to the table without being asked). My two very generous appetizer portions -- shrimp with garlic and merguez, and grilled calamari in a lemony sauce -- were both delicious, and my dining companion raved about her salad and her roasted free-range chicken. Altogether a lovely experience; I will be bringing friends within the next weeks.

Never really noticed this place, but my girlfriend took me here for dinner. AMAZING food, AMAZING service! Our waiter was great! Beautiful wine bar and very romantic decor. A wonderful experience. Highly recommended the tuna tartare appetizer and Tagliatelle with rabbit and mascarpone cheese. I will definitely return.

I've been to "Vai" several times already. Last night it was with 3 of my friends. I should say we are all Italians. The food is great, the real Italian taste. I had the pappardelle and they are hand cut and the meat souce is very tasty. My friends all had pasta and we all were satisfied. I can guarantee it's not easy to satisfy Italians with italian food eaten ousite from Italy! The only bad notice is that the music is way too loud to be a restaurant and it's difficult to chat. Good wine selection not the best that you can find but not bad.

I have been here a handful of times and must say, you need to order 1. truffle ravioli and 2. nutella crepes. It is heaven. Both of these dishes are so amazing that I cease listening to any dinner conversation once the food has arrived. Great wine and really reasonably priced.