VIA VAI - Astoria

Review summary

1. K

   Katherine

   New York City

   7 reviews

   3.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   I dined at Via Vai for the first time on Valentine's Day so I was prepared to cut them a little slack in most review categories as it's an overwhelming day for a lot of restaurants. I booked my 7pm reservation well in advance. I was called on 2/11 and informed that their booking service (Opentable) had allowed people to continue to book after the restaurant had closed reservations. They told me I could not have my 7pm reservation and the only available options were 6pm or 8:30pm. I accepted the 8:30 reservation but had to rearrange my childcare plans to make this work. We arrived at 8:25pm to find 3 other couples waiting in the front of the restaurant. Based on pictures I had seen, they had added more tables to space, making it very claustrophobic. They had also removed their bar stools and put tables tucked under the bar. We waited until 8:50pm to be sat. They also were not going in any kind of reservation order, the woman at the front was just trying to remember who had come in in what order. She tried to sit us sooner but we were honest that another couple had arrived before us so they should be sat first. Once we were eventually seated, it was hard to even get to my seat as the tables were crammed so close together. A waitress took our order and then never came by the table again. Someone else brought us bread, we had to ask for water from a busboy even though with our food order my husband has specifically asked for water. Another server brought us our food but no one ever checked in with us again. We had to ask for the bill after sitting with empty plates for at least 15 minutes. While I do understand that it was a very busy evening, the service was absolutely terrible from the get go and while the food was good, it makes me not want to try Via Vai again.
   

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2. B

   Bella

   VIP

   New York City

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on 29 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I absolutely LOVED the food. Estella was amazing, beef ravioli was delicious. I will definitely comeback to eat here.
   

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3. B

   Beth

   VIP

   New York City

   15 reviews

   5.0

   15 reviews

   Dined on 17 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 2

   Just like being in Italy. The freshest ingredients and perfectly prepared meals. The pizza, pastas, bronzino, short ribs salads were excellent! Great wine list and excellent service. I highly recommend this very casual restaurant.
   

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4. M

   Michael

   New York City

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined on 27 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Live in the area, been here several times, never disappointed. Highly recommend.
   

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5. P

   Pagona

   VIP

   New York City

   21 reviews

   5.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on 22 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is a gem of a place. Love the consistency and quality of the food. The service was great. The children also approve of the pizza and pesto dish.
   

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6. K

   Karam

   VIP

   New York City

   5 reviews

   5.0

   5 reviews

   Dined on 12 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Italian cuisine of the highest caliber! We just got back from a vacation in Italy a month ago and this food was up to the standard of the best restaurants we dined at in Rome! Truly felt we were transported back there. Don’t miss out on Via Vai!
   

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7. N

   Nisim

   Miami

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 28 September 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great Italian food. If you want Spaghetti and Meatballs or Chucken Parmigiano- this place is not for you. Great salads, pasta and main dishes. Great wine list
   

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8. C

   Cynthia

   New York City

   13 reviews

   4.0

   13 reviews

   Dined on 27 September 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Very authentic Roman Italian food and I’ve been here before and everything single time the food is just phenomenal. Wildly great wine list.
   

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9. S

   Samuel

   Greater Boston

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on 3 September 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This spot is excellent. We got two apps, two entrees and a couple glasses of wine. Service was excellent even though it was one guy running the whole dining room and bar. Mushroom risotto with pistachios crumbled over top as a garnish blew my mind/ that’s how I’m making my mushroom risotto from now on. Carbonara was excellent, a little creamier than I make at home, but in fact better than what I make at home, so I’m smiling. This place is great if you love food and neighborhood vibes. I cannot wait to go back!
   

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10. M

    Mark

    VIP

    New York City

    43 reviews

    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on 17 August 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    We enjoyed an excellent dinner, reminded of what a jewel Via Vai is in this area.
    

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