Friday Night at Vino's

Every Friday night without fail, my parents dine out. Usually, they frequent the storied Wellington Pub on Hertel for its renowned fish fry. The last Friday I was home over Christmas however, we shook things up a bit and decided to check out Vino's on Elmwood & Amherst.

Cozy back dining room at Vino's

Vino's has been around for over 7 years now and is a favorite eatery of dear family friends, the H's. Surprisingly, I had never been to classic Italian dining establishment and took full advantage of my parents' delegation of restaurant choice.

Off we ventured on a very cold and snowy night, yet as soon as we entered Vino's we were greeted not only with warm heating, but the warmth of personality. Vino's has the feel of an extended family dining room with photographs covering nearly every inch of the walls, lush dark carpeting and deep mahogany furniture. The matriarch of this family-run restaurant saw to us right away and brought us to a table towards the back. The place was packed at 6:30 with families and friends gathered alike for a post-holiday meal.

Stuffed peppers & "mafia" glasses

We ordered a carafe of the house red and were offered the option of chilled "mafia" glasses to which we clearly said, "why not"! The menu is quite simple, with classic Italian pasta-heavy dishes. The pasta entrees all come with a salad to start which I love also!

We chose the stuffed peppers to share as an appetizer. The peppers were just right: the perfect ratio of sausage stuffing and not soggy at all.Next came the mains. My mom ordered the spaghetti with pesto; my father the Charles Diavolo (spicy!); and I went for the sausage cacciatore with ziti. The portions are large, so it is definitely wise to split a starter as you will not have room! The pesto was fresh and delicious, perfectly comforting for the cold night! My dad's diavolo was nicely balanced with spice and sauce. Personally, however, I think my sausage cacciatore was the winner!The tomato sauce excellently complimented the sausage and vegetables... honestly words are escaping me in describing but it was utterly delicious!

Sumptuous sausage cacciatore

The Moms digging into her pesto

The shining moment of the night however, was when the matriarch gave us free desserts as she was concerned about placing us next to a large party. We weren't in the least concerned and didn't even notice! It's that level of service and consideration that sets Vino's apart from your standard Italian-American restaurant. The food was outstanding and the staff were second to none! I was extremely impressed and very delighted we finally checked out this fine Buffalo establishment!

Dessert on the house!

If you are in the mood for great food, friendly atmosphere and stellar service, Vino's is your place!! The price is certainly right as well!

Vino's
1652 Elmwood Ave
Buffalo, NY 14207
716.332-2166