- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Vinnie's Pasta Bar
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
28 reviews for Vinnie's Pasta Bar
Review Highlights
-
"But I do enjoy their pizzas, and I LOVE their rice balls." In 3 reviews -
"All in all, great first experience, we'll definitely be..." In 4 reviews -
"...tasted homemade and fresh and is very reasonably priced." In 3 reviews
Loading...
28 reviews in English
-
Review from Ellen B.
3/17/2012
After being warned how small this restaurant is, Mike and I headed down after my work and were there at 5:02 (they open at five). It is indeed small, but there is actually space between the tables so when you remove/put on your jacket you don't accidentally smack a stranger with your zipper.
Our server was very friendly and prompt, as was our food. Prompt, that is. No big waits. Warm crusty bread was brought to our table as soon as we sat down. YUM. I had the Sicilian sausage with rigatoni and a field greens salad to start. The pasta was very good and the portion was a good size (ie, comfortably between skimpy and huge). Mike had the cajun fettuccine and a butternut squash soup to start. He raved about both of his selections.
Unfortunately we were too full for dessert, but we will definitely try to save room on our next visit. Prices are very reasonable as well.Listed in: Mmmm, Italian
-
Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
Updated - 2/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
So I've finally drug my carcass to Vinnie's for some rice balls. Holy carb heaven. I particularly enjoyed these balls. Jud, wasn't over the moon for them. He enjoyed them but didn't think they were better than their pasta dishes. I'm feeling like the balls hold their own. And the sauce that the balls sit in?
Heaven. I like a good red sauce that isn't sweet. For me this had a great snap of tart and was seasoned perfectly.
We opted for soup isn't of a salad and got a cream of asparagus soup. I didn't think this was that amazing but I could've very well been aw-struck by those balls.
Also, never go to Vinnie's on anything other than a empty stomach. So much food!!!! Couldn't.... fit.... it.... in...
Not even in stretchy pants.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/16/2011
First off, it's a good thing I don't live close to Vinnie's.... NOT.
Geesh, biggest mistake I ever… Read more »
-
-
Review from Maureen J.
Halifax, NS
10/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was all kinds of surprised by how much I enjoyed my experience at Vinnie's Pasta Bar. My friend and I went at 7:00pm on Tuesday night and had to wait for 15 minutes for a table because it was a full house! Since I wasn't sure what to expect when she suggested the place, I was happy to wait a little bit as it reassured me that this might be better than I had anticipated.
It definitely was! I loved everything about it - the fresh bread when you first sit down, the many menu items to choose from (and it's not just pasta), and the friendly service. I also love that your pasta dish comes with either a soup or salad. The pasta tasted homemade and fresh and is very reasonably priced.
I will definitely be back to try different dishes! -
Review from Mel H.
10/28/2011
Vinnie's is a delicious little hole in the wall. I used to live 3 doors away, but didn't get the chance to check it out. Turns out this was probably for the best, otherwise I would probably weigh about 500lbs and be in a constant carb coma.
Dinner here is always delicious. It's not the fanciest joint and the food isn't super creative, but it is well made. Service is usually pretty stellar too and for what you get, everything is reasonably priced. All in all? I'm a fan.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge
-
Review from Brandy P.
Halifax, NS
2/29/2012
Both times I've eaten here I've actually had my fiance go and pick up take-out for us, so I've never actually been inside! After hearing about how amazing the rice balls are on here I had to try them and yes, delicious. Really good pizza too, will definitely be back for more.
-
Review from Sue A.
It is what it is. Vinnie's is Vinnie's. It's not Il Mercato. So when you go to Vinnie's, go with expectations of having a large portion of inexpensive, filling food. No, it's not gourmet, but it is tasty.
I visited Vinnie's tonight with my husband and two daughters. The highlight of the evening was the personal-sized loaves of heated bread. I'm sure it's frozen but we had lots of it and it's a nice touch. With each pasta, you can have a house salad (very fresh with Italian dressing) or a soup. Tonight the soup was Cream of Asparagus which was creamy and had obvious pieces of asparagus. Not Michelin 3 star, but once again tasty.
We ordered a variety of mains. I had the steak on rigatoni noodles in a rich tomato sauce. About 4 or 5 oz. of steak is custom cooked (mine was cooked perfectly) and sliced and put on the noodles. There were lots of noodles and the sauce was flavourful and not salty. The lasagne my daughters ordered appeared a bit crispy. It did taste better than it looked. Lots of cheese and meat. My husband had the special which was pasta with chicken and scallops. I will say I've had dishes with chicken in them before from Vinnie's and it tasted very processed so I stay away from those.
We arrived at 5:10 and by 5:30, the dining room was full. If you want to get a seat come early at 5 when the place opens or after the dinner rush is over around 7. We came one night at 6 on a Saturday to find a 30 minute wait. It's one of those places that people don't really talk about, but you know people must like it because the dining room is usually full.
For the most part, the crowd was a cross selection of older people, a few families, some university students and some middle aged value seeking diners. The tables are a bit tight and the washrooms remind me of an airplane, but the ambiance is pleasant. The service was attentive and very patient with my younger diners.
Again, it's not fine dining, but Vinnie's is a comfortable and casual spot to enjoy some tasty, well-priced food. -
Review from Sarah H.
Halifax, NS
8/19/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I had a great experience on my first visit to Vinnie's.
I had heard good things, but was still perplexed when we arrived in front of a heavy wooden door. It looked more like a house than a restaurant from the outside. But once inside, we found it busy with the happy chatter of satisfied customers. It seemed like a good sign, and obviously was.
The bread was delicious. I had the soup of the day, which was wonderful, and my fiance had the caesar salad, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The pasta was out of this world. Chicken and mushrooms for me, a spicy cajun dish for him. Everything was super fast and hot. Our waitress was kind and accommodating.
There are a couple things they could do better - for one, the chairs were uncomfortable and didn't seem to match the tables. The other thing that was a little puzzling was the paper for a table cloth. It sort of felt out of place.
Thinking about it afterwards, we concluded that if we went to a chain restaurant and had the same meal, it would have been slower, less flavourful and probably more expensive. Overall, Vinnie's is a really good bang for your buck, and not a bad place to go on a date or out with friends. I can't wait to go again and try something else! -
Review from Ben B.
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Now I can't say I really knew what to expect when I ended up at Vinnie's on a Thursday evening. Even standing right outside the door, it's really hard to understand what's on the other side. It's outside of the usual dining district but it is tucked conveniently in the south end, seconds away from just about any student apartment you can think of.
Well, on the other side of that door is a warm, dimly-lit, cozy casual eatery with a few touches of fine dining mixed in. For example, the food is well-portioned, flavourful and satisfying but obviously far from gourmet yet every table gets a freshly baked ball of bread. Another example, while some of the meals might be a little pricey for what they are (some are only a couple bucks cheaper than The Vines which is notably more upscale), each comes with an impressively fresh and tasty salad.
Sure, it's a little confusing at first when you're not sure if your server is going to be hoity-toity or studying for undergrad, but it's actually a nice way to grab a low-key bite but still get a wined-and-dined just a little. Plus when you consider that my friend and I got a pasta dish and glass of wine each, our starter green salads with a raspberry dressing, and the carbtastic bread ball for just $42, there's really little stopping Vinnie's from being a great dinner destination!Listed in: South Endery, Italiano
-
Review from Vanessa J.
Halifax, NS
2/28/2011 ROTD 6/29/2011
A quiet neighborhood restaurant tucked away in the South End. Vinnie's is the perfect spot for homey comfort food at a great price point. The eatery is small, and could use a bit more decoration, but the welcoming staff more than makes up for the lack of decor.
The wine list is small, but the prices are reasonable, and they have a $10 corkage fee if you want something a little more special.
The bread boule they bring out at the start of the meal is warm and delicious and served with room temperature butter, always a bonus. I just wish they have a better serrated knife, because cutting the warm bread can be difficult.
If you opt for the pasta, you get the choice of either a soup or salad to go with it. I've sampled both, the salad is nice but the soups are delicious, the last time I went, I had cream of leek and potato, I could have eaten 6 bowls of it.
The pastas are often simple but flavourful. The portions are reasonable without being overly large. I have found the pasta to be slightly overdone to my tastes, but I like my pasta just past crunchy, so it would be perfect for most people.
With bread, soup and a bowl of pasta coming to 16.10 including taxes, Vinnie's is a great place to go when you feel like something warm and filling, but you don;t want to break the bank. -
Review from Leslie F.
2/26/2011
Vinnie's is a pasta bar/Italian restaurant in the south end of Halifax, and a great place for a casual dinner that won't stage an all-out assault on your wallet. They don't appear to have a website, but they do have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.co...
The service I've experience there has always been friendly. You can also order take-out if you'd rather enjoy a giant meal within sprawling distance of your own couch.
The menu has something for everyone. If you're dining in, they bring out a hot loaf of fresh bread on a cutting board to share at the table while you're waiting. They have a good selection of appetizers. The bruschetta is yummy and comes on a foccacia-type bread, and the rice balls are also good. They could use a bit more cheese and a bit less rice in my opinion, but still worth a sampling. The tortellini and sausage soup is a decent portion and comes in a nice tomato broth, and the salads are pretty standard - nothing fancy, but not disappointing.
The pastas are served in generous portions, and the pizzas are huge (10-inches). The vegetarian one inexplicably came with carrots and broccoli when I had it (I feel like those are strange pizza toppings), but was still pretty tasty. The 4-cheese is simple and tasty too. For desserts, I'd put my money towards the gigantic portion of tiramisu (definitely enough for 2 to share). The drink list is mostly wine and beer, but the price point is low, so that's always a plus.
Vinnie's is probably not going to be the pinnacle of your life's culinary experiences, but if you're looking for a casual no-fuss dinner, and good bang for your buck, you can't go wrong here.Listed in: South End Eats
-
Review from Adam S.
3/10/2011 4 Check-ins Here
After reading plenty of good reviews for this small Italian South End restaurant, I decided to check it out with my boyfriend.
Although several reviewers had noted a lack of atmosphere, I was quite charmed by its decor and size. It is certainly a smaller restaurant, but it is by no means cramped. The low lighting and warm colours certainly lend to its European flavour.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were quickly greeted by a server, asked to sit wherever we felt comfortable, and given water. Although the menu is not particularly large, it does take a little while to decide on a dish and, luckily, we were given plenty of time to make our decision.
We decided to share a sun-dried tomato and garlic dip appetizer, which was one of the highlights of the night. The dip is definitely thick and heavy (it bears more than a passing resemblance to a creamy pasta sauce) and the bread is warm and fresh. We were, however, disappointed that we were not given the loaves of bread mentioned in other reviews. (We did notice them at other tables.)
We did not order drinks, so I cannot comment on their drink selection at this time. It would be nice, however, to know whether or not they have a beverage selection apart from alcoholic drinks. We did not notice anything regarding non-alcoholic drinks on the menus.
I ordered the Sicilian Sausage dish with a Caesar salad side. The salad comes as its own course and is very well portioned. The pasta dish looks deceptively small (especially when compared to the gargantuan portions served at big box restaurants), but it fills you up very quickly.
Although I felt that the smoky flavour of the pasta dish was perhaps just a bit too dense for my taste, I think it's all a matter of personal preference. I could easily imagine someone loving the dish, as everything was very well prepared and the flavour is very unique and compliments the sausage very well.
Since we were full from our meals, but not ready to admit defeat, we ordered dessert to go. I ordered the strawberry cheesecake, while my boyfriend ordered the chocolate torte. Although the trip back home softened the whipped cream a bit, both desserts were very good. (I may have polished off the remnants of the torte.)
All in all, I was very impressed with this restaurant and I very much look forward to returning soon, so i can try some more of their dishes.
My biggest gripe? No website to speak of, apart from a Facebook page. Although the Facebook page provides basic information, something a bit more complete and easily accessible would be nice. -
Review from Sarah B.
Halifax, NS
3/9/2011
This place looks as if it should be in the opening scene for the next Mafioso film. It's very tiny, maybe 15 tables, and has maybe 2 servers for the floor. Since it's so tiny you almost feel you're sitting at Tony Soprano's family dinner.
Once you sit down you're greeted with menu's, and very promptly receive fresh sour dough bread. Then you can begin ordering some drinks. Their wine list is limited, as is there beer. As it's an Italian eatery, more wine selection would be welcomed.
Their appetizers are not plentiful, but not too bad. We had Bruschetta and Calamari. The bruschetta fell short on flavour was a tad dry, however their calamari was outstanding. It was done perfectly, and then tossed in their homemade Thai sauce which was mind blowing! Also, the portion was enough to feed a small army.
Next came the mains. I ordered Garlic Chicken pasta. The taste was very calm, and not overpowering and the chicken was cut into bits which made it go further. Overall, I was pleased but my taste buds did not receive any orgasms. My partner ordered the Seafood Pasta. Her taste buds had multiples on the other-hand. It was smothered in a house made dill sauce that had such a distinct colourful zest, and was given a healthy serving of mussels, scallops, and shrimp. A must have for anyone thinking of a seafood pasta.
All and all, the vibe and atmosphere of this place is great. The portions are very healthy, and the service is ever so friendly. Just don't be surprised if part way through your meal some hefty men with toothpicks and suits emerge from the kitchen!Listed in: Date Nights!
-
Review from Joel K.
4/13/2011
It's tiny. It's tucked away. And it's fabulous.
Good food and great prices in the least pretentious setting you'll ever find.
Don't let the strange location fool you. Or the outside of the building. Or anything, really. It may seem like an odd place for delicious pasta, but that's okay. It's really, really good. -
Review from Mike B.
Updated - 3/20/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Update!
We came back here. Service was much better and friendly. Although this time I got the linguini. It wasn't as pleasant as the lasagna. Still filling although this time, the sauce tasted too thin and while I won't say watery, it did seem to lack the punch that a good tomato pasta sauce would have. Although it was spiced so it wasn't lacking in taste. Next time, I'm going back to the lasagna. Then I can confirm whether Vinnie's hosts Halifax's best Lasagna!Listed in: Lasagna Fantasies
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
3/16/2011
I've never heard of Vinnie's Pasta Bar but there it was, in the south end where Barrington meets… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jill M.
2/2/2011
I have two words for you: Rice. Balls.
If I'm being completely honest (and I almost always am), I don't love Vinnie's selection of pastas. I've had two that I found bland and one that I found too spicy. But I do enjoy their pizzas, and I LOVE their rice balls.
My other favorite thing about Vinnie's (did you get that my first favorite thing are the rice balls?) is that they do takeout. It's located close to my place, so it's perfect for those nights when you don't want to cook, but you also don't want crappy fast food. And those nights come frequently for me.
Oh yeah, and did I mention the rice balls?Listed in: South End Favorites, I Heart Carbs, Viva Italia
-
Review from Ella M.
Halifax, NS
4/14/2011
This place is so damn fantastic. I used to live a block away and we went here every couple of weeks. Now it has been forever since I have been and I miss it so much.
My usual fare here is the fettucine alfredo because I'll be damned if that isn't my favorite pasta dish. My friends have tried most of the dishes and they rave about them.
The soups are prepared there and they are bloody wonderful. I have yet to have one I didn't adore, especially the elusive cream of potato bacon that I only managed to have once since they have different soups every day. I was usually there on a weekend so I usually was rewarded with cream of broccoli or squash, both of which are lovely.
They also provide fresh baked bread that is sooooo good. -
Review from Eleanor B.
Dartmouth, NS
3/23/2011
Being from Dartmouth, I can appreciate getting lots of food on the cheap. Especially if it's delicious food! And that's exactly what I got last weekend at Vinnie's Pasta Bar. Boyfriend and I went there, since we'd heard great things from some friends, and we weren't disappointed. I would recommend making a reservation on Friday/Saturday nights, we had a long wait for a table (but it gave us a chance to run down to Bishop's Cellar for a bottle of wine for after dinner, so can't complain).
Service was good, but not outstanding. The rice balls however, were great. and Huge. I would've been full just eating those, and all for $6! Love. Caesar salad was small, but excellent dressing. Boyfriend had some kind of sausage pasta, which he really liked and I had seafood soup, which I looooved. But cram scallops into anything and I'm happy. Bread was fresh and warm and delicious, and wine was reasonably priced. All in all, great first experience, we'll definitely be back. Vinnie's isn't the place to go if you want an amazing dining experience, but its great comfort food and reasonable prices make it a winner for me. -
Review from J M.
Halifax, NS
10/13/2010
It's good. The cesar salad is GREAT with lots of garlic, and the pastas are tasty but perhaps a bit heavy (lots of chicken, lots of sauce, etc)....
You can't complain about much due to the very reasonable prices. It is probably more of a winter haunt then a summer place. Overall the decor reminds me of the restaurants on the "Restaurant Makeover" TV show BEFORE they get made over. The menu kindof does as well.
I'll be back the next time I have a craving for pasta and don't want to do anything fancy. Vinnie's is a great option. -
Review from Jo-anne N.
Halifax, NS
1/7/2012
We have been a number of times and it is very good. Nice cozy atmosphere, good menu choice and the food is very good. Ceasar salad is excellent, Try the calamari, the sauce is unbelievable---it has a sweetness to it that is amazing. Definitely a place to try.
-
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
4/17/2010
Does Vinnie's have a moral objection to advertising? No one I talk to seems to know this place exists. And if you've ever had the pleasure of sitting down for a meal here, you'd know why that is a real shame.
Vinnie's is located on Inglis Street near the Ultramar. It's tiny, but big on taste and homey atmosphere. As a calamari fan, I am happy to report that Vinnie's offers a really tasty take on one of my favorite appetizers! My boyfriend tells anyone who will listen about the pasta (he's getting a little annoying, but he's right, it's great!) and the pizza I had was just as good.
Vinnie's is a well kept secret in this city, but it's time to let the secret out of the bag. Great food, great price, great place! -
Review from Kris K.
Dartmouth, NS
3/12/2011
I was pleasantly surprised by the coziness of what otherwise might be construed as a movie set for a 1980's mob film and was glad to be seated away from the continuously opening front door. The restaurant has about 15 tables and all were busy the entire two hours we were there. The food was A+ from the sourdough bread that was brought to the table promptly after sitting down to the Strawberry cheesecake for dessert. There seemed to be two servers who were doing an amazing job of keeping things moving - they definitely earned their tips. Highly recommend.
-
Review from Laura P.
8/20/2010
It took me a long while to pop into Vinnie's during my stint in South End living. Walking past this spot everyday, I observed a steady clientele of older men dining by the window's in the resto's teeny quarters. Quiet and low-key, its presence remains mum to the broader sense of local dining.
The vibe appears to be of old school descent with a no-fuss, no-frills approach. They are what they are, and what they are includes a full menu of soul food endeavors like bread, pasta and pizza from scratch.
I popped in one day with a craving for a veggie slice. Months of walk-bys had my curiosity, so this would be the test-- right? Wrong. As I asked for a veggie, the worker man looked at me with a frown as if I'd offended him: "No veggie pizza here", he states. Seriously? Not even an option? Hmm... well maybe my father (who continues to think its funny to offer me steak plates when i visit home.) would laugh, but I left without my fix.
For a meat-lover and craver of deep 'n delicious delights, Vinnie's could be a win. But for the veggie folk like myself... I'll have to go elsewhere. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
10/9/2009 2 photos
Vinnie's is an excellent little italian restaurant tucked into the south end of Halifax. This place has an unpretentious exterior so you'll likely pass by it, even while looking for it.
The absolute selling point for this spot is the value. Due to the fact that it's tucked away, you wont find a thing on the menu for over $20. Not only that, pasta entree's come with an option of salad or soup along with freshly baked bread! With most entree's costing around $14 this means that you're getting a ton of food for very little money.
The quality at Vinnie's is really quite impressive as well. The lasagna and the mushroom penne are both delicious! Beware the garlic though... so good, just make sure your date orders something equally pungent. You'll be exceptionally full after trying Vinnie's but I still recommend the tiramisu. Even if you have to ask them to pack it up! -
Review from Dr. H.
Halifax, NS
7/20/2011
Excellent food and friendly staff. The bread and salads are great, and the pasta dishes are top notch. Very reasonably priced
-
Review from Craig S.
4/9/2010
Vinnie's is a great neighborhood spot. I don't live as close anymore but when it was 10 steps away I took advantage. There is value and quality. The homemade bread is excellent and the entrees come with your choice of salad.
I choose the spinach salad. I've enjoyed quite a few of the dishes. The Indian inspired one is very good. -
Review from Kate S.
10/1/2011
Good food. Nothing too special. Homemade bread was excellent. Calamari was good as well as the pasta dishes. But again nothing to write home about but ok bang for your buck!
-
Review from Cat H.
Dartmouth, NS
7/20/2011
Vinnie's is an awesome little spot! Excellent food, good prices, great serivce, and all in a casual, unpretentious atmosphere. It is consistently yummy food, with lots of selection. Every item I have tried on the menu I loved, and their caesar salad is to die for!!!
-
Review from Sarah D.
Halifax, NS
8/19/2010
Great place for a cheap glass of wine but their pasta was awful....Calimari apps. very good as was fresh baked garlic bread.Many friends had RAVED about it but we were NOT impressed at all.....needs more atmosphere too.
