Vines Bistro

04/06/2008 Posted by RadOwl

We chose Vines because a friend is going to Italy in a few weeks. The wine list itself is a conversation, heavy on the reds of course. We chose bruschetta and calimari for first courses based upon recommendations. Great choices, especially the bruschetta, noted for a balsamic drizzle that added a touch of welcoming sweetness. I had salmon and sea scallops, the special. Salmon was perfectly prepared, cool in the center, while the three monster scallops were enough to pass around the table so everyone could have a bite of the tender flesh. Everyone enjoyed their meals and raved about the service. We were fortunate to get one of the few outdoor tables and enjoy the first real night of spring in Cary.

Pros: Everything you could ask for

Cons: Bring your visa

12/29/2007 Posted by mirene

A home run - tasty food, excellent service and a really nice atomosphere. We were rapidly greeted at the door, seated and the waiter was very attentive. Ambience exceeds expectations-- a tastefully decorated restaurant with private booths makes you immediately forget about the strip mall location. Both the chicken parm and picatta are winners, wine list is extensive, the salads are fresh and prices are reasonable. Cannot ask for much more.

Pros: Ambience, Service, Tasty dishes

Cons: None observed

12/22/2007 Posted by williscj

My husband and I went to Vine's Bistro last night and enjoyed EVERYTHING! The food was delicious. The service was impeccable. The ambiance was romantic. We definitely will be going back again and again!!

11/09/2007 Posted by fawnielee

Finally, a place in Cary that makes me feel like I am far from home, yet its in my backyard. The chef specials are fantastic. My wife and I have eaten here 4 times and have always ordered the specials. My wife loves the wine selections, while I love the martinis. The service is as warm and inviting as the decor. We also dropped by one night and they had live music. Its my new favorite place.

Pros: Service and ambience

Cons: Location - in the corner of shopping center - but once inside, it doesn't matter

11/08/2007 Posted by encorejc

Well, I don't know about "Cary-ites" but I'm from Morrisville and my husband and I love Vines Bistro. We have eaten there twice and both times the food was great. He loves veal, and theirs is pounded thin and tender, exactly like he was used to in the Bronx. I like the fish specials, the seabass was fresh and just tasted good. The staff and music make the place! Who doesn't like Sinatra??? Keep up the good work, Vines.

Pros: Friendly staff

Cons: It's a small place, you might have to wait on Friday or Sat

11/07/2007 Posted by michaelincary

Where to start... our reservation was lost, but fortunately the hostess remembered me calling in, but we still had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. Service was slow, the waitress was very nice but talked very softly and was difficult to hear. I forgot the exact meals that we had, but the presentation on mine was horrible, just a bunch of food dumped in a plate. My dinner partner was not impressed with her meal; I tried it and it was OK but not exceptional. Mine was the same, the chicken was well cooked but the sauce and flavor did not stand out. By rating this "average" I'm actually being kind, as the place is relatively new and I am giving them the benefit of the doubt. Compared to Romano's or Carrabas, the food was below average. I spoke with the owner before we left and she was receptive to the feedback but made no offer to comp the meal or any subsequent meal or appetizer or drink; instead she decided to give us a left-over mystery coupon from her grand opening, which expired in a few weeks and was one of those things that you can't open until you are ready to pay. It went into the trash. The location is within walking distance to my home and I wish the whole experience had been better. I'd love to have a place this close by that was exceptional. If they are still open in a year, maybe we'll go back and see if has gotten better. I fear that too many Caryites either don't know what good food is or are afraid to demand better.

Pros: Location is good for me

Cons: Quality of food

10/11/2007 Posted by kellyannegay

We have been looking for a great italian restaurant here in our area of Cary. We tried it because of all the good reviews. We didn't go there previously because we weren't sure of the location, but it was worth going, and now we will go all the time. All the ingredients were fresh and the food was delicious, well presented and a good value for the money. It is the best place in the area.

Pros: Ambience, Fresh Ingredients, Nice Presentation

09/25/2007 Posted by nydanv

Food is great! Not better then my cooking but I do give it an A -. Atmosphere is intimate. The booths they have are high and you do not see others. I wish them the best. Will definitely go back. They have a very nice selection of entrees. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Be sure to check there website for coupons and events.

Pros: authetic italian

Cons: poor location in the corner of shopping center

09/10/2007 Posted by darlla

Things are looking promising for this new restaurant. Don't let the location make you think twice about trying it, it is in a strip mall but once you get inside you will forget all about that. They have decorated really well, added some walls, booths, crown molding, etc which makes for a nice ambience. The staff were all very nice and the server made some good recommendations. Ate here on a Friday night, not at all crowded but I'd expect that to change as the word spreads. The menu is pretty much the standard Italian fare like Chicken Picatta and other standbys. I'd recommend ordering one of the specials for the night if you can, because I found that the specials where creative and the chef does have talent. My husband ordered their Chicken Parm and it really paled in comparison to the Sea Bass I had. The Firecraker shrimp appetizer is really amazing as well, and it frankly was the best part of our meal. I've never had anything like this elsewhere. My entree was overly salty and that was my only complaint.

Pros: good specials, nice ambience, not crowded, nice staff

Cons: location

08/20/2007 Posted by eatsoutlots

This place is absolutely amazing! I ate here on a date - everything was perfect! The wines are perfectly matched with the food! I'm so glad to find a great Independent Restaurant! If you haven't tried this place - YOU ARE MISSING OUT!

Pros: Great Atmosphere!!!

Cons: Far from my home!