Vai Restaurant & Wine Bar

the food seems too ambitious for the service in this place. the entrees don't come with sides and that isnt explained. lack of english is a problem, as well as an educated staff. no help on wine, drink explanations. the manager isn't helpful. waitress couldn't handle all her tables and he didn't help. he sat down with what seemed to be favorite customers, which I could have been, but won't go back. when he did approach us, his canned answers and psuedo friendliness is obviously phoney. more

I have also been to Vai many times since it opened, 2 weeks ago with my husband. I am on the local community board and live in the area. This my favorite place to dine. The personal attention I get when I go in, remembering my name, what I drink, what my husband had last time we went, etc makes it special. There are two wonderful employees there that I adore. The chef is talented and it is a terrific space. I am a picky diner, and they have never said no whenever I modify the items, or ask to try a wine. Pros: tuna tartare,cheese plate,pear salad,prosciutto pizza Cons: rude manager,music too loud sometimes,no lunch or brunch or delivery more

I have dined at Vai a couple of times since they opened a few weeks ago and I just LOVE the place! Both the food and the wine are excellent and certainly several notches above what you would expect looking at the prices - everything is very reasonable indeed. The Chef knows his food and serves the most tasty and unforgettable meals. The staff is very friendly and makes you feel welcome right away. I do not at all agree with the description of the manager in the reviews below. On the contrary, I was very impressed by the way he connected with guests at every table in a light, elegant and professional manner. Sure, some of the staff needs a little more training but give it another couple of weeks and it will be the most terrific place in the neighborhood. Anyway, they are all very charming and they do their very best to make you feel good. The UWS really needed Vai. The ambience is vibrant, warm and intimate (it s a great dating spot) and I sure will be going back again, and again ,and again.... Pros: Food, Ambience, Friendly Staff more

Hate this place now. Poor staff. Prices are cheap to compensate for the cramped space. It could be very good-chef is amazing for the conditions-tiny kitchen-generous menu-bold flavor combinations.It misses the mark every single time. I can't wait for the restaurant to open up across the street. The manager is lacking in grace, direction and basic manners. Shouldn't someone that old be retired already? more

I didn't like our table - front of the restaurant-in humidity, and the busser kept running into our chairs...and we had to wait for this table. I tried to call for reservations, no one answered the phone. more

I love the food at this place, been there twice and they only opened last week. Food really cheap & good for the place. Love the arugula salad, proscuitto pizza, grilled calamari, ricotta ravioli, nutella crepes. Also like the flights of wine that they have, and the selection is reasonabley priced...plus the waiter let me try the wine before I picked my bottle..only $29 for a syrah-rose, which I have never seen before! The waiter was very attentive but seemed like he was overwhelmed. Probably because the manager kept yelling at him. For nothing. So uncomfortable for me and my boyfriend. He also yelled at the waitress, and she was so frazzled, I saw her spill a glass of something on a diner. He also ordered around the staff/other guests...as he was drinking with his friends at a table. I actually walk by now, to see if he's there, and I won't go in. He has a smarmy attitude, and I even though I have been there twice, he doesn't recognize me-and just takes care of his ""friends"" vs. potential new people. He told 1 table of his buddies that he ""got"" the wine..hey, I want free wine too! I would sort of like him too for free booze! They don't do delivery, so I can't even get that. So I will continue to go there, but with alot of hesitation. Pros: food-candles-wine selection-nice service Cons: a little cramped-crowded-music-staff overwhelmed-the manager is obnoxious more

So I went there after seeing it mentioned in the Times... Very crowded, but it was friday night. Waited 15 mins for a table for 2, but we got free 1/2 glass of wine from a cute scruffy guy... more