Reviews of Vanda (Restaurant)

Louie Stravato

Food, service and atmosphere are amazing. This restaurant is definitely a must try.

Tia P

Awesome great service

Rebecca Hillier

Calamari was tender and delicious...bolognese was amazing...pasta was light not heavy and just the right amount.

Anne O'Connell

Good food

Kevin Hanrahan

Just great

Mike Rapoza

Very nice and intimate experience. Gnocchi is unbelievably silky and delicious!!! Great service. Highly recommended.

Tina S

We have heard great things about this restaurant and have been wanting to try it! Sometimes when I have passed by the restaurant, it has been very busy even on weekdays. This restaurant is by the rotary across from Cumberland Farms. We did notice the sign is right above the entrance on the black awning and next to Captain's Catch. However, there does not appear to be an actual sign by the road. The parking lot is a little on the smaller side too. I called on a Sunday to ask if reservations were needed to arrive at 5:30pm and they said we should be okay. When we arrived it was nice to see they already set aside a table for us with a high chair as we had our baby with us. The decor inside the restaurant is nice with a rustic feel. For appetizers, we had the arancini balls (3) which were a special and delicious. We also had the eggplant, ricotta, herbs, pomodoro, and basil which was layered with eggplant and tasty. We also had the meatballs (3), pomodoro, ricotta and basil which were very flavorful and soft. For my entree I chose the gnocchi alla sorrentina, pomodoro, cream, mozzarella, pecorino and basil which was simple and tasty. The gnocchi was very soft and tender but I wish there was more cheese. My husband got the breaded veal cutlet, pizzaiola pomodoro, sharp provolone, eggplant, broccoli rabe and basil which was really crispy and flavorful. My father in law got a ravioli special with ricotta and mushroom which he enjoyed but the portion was much more on the smaller side. None of these portions are huge by any means but certainly enough to fill you up. All desserts are homemade - so we had to try them! For dessert, I had the olive oil cake, lemon curd, berry and vanilla gelato which was very tasty and a perfect balance of all ingredients. My husband had the affogoto: illy espresso and vanilla gelato which was good but a small portion. My father in law had the flourless chocolate tartufo, salted caramel, hazelnut, and candied orange which was very rich and delicious. All presentations of our dishes were very nice. It was also nice to see that they provide a take out service too for ones who want their meals to go. If anyone ordered for pick up, they would just go to the bar to grab their order. The restaurant is really nice but has limited space so I would recommend reservations. We did notice there were no prices on their desserts which is sort of odd but more upscale. Also, the prices at this restaurant I felt were higher for what you would find in this area. Pricing is more comparable to a restaurant in Providence for some reason. Service was good and the atmosphere was great and clean! The food was delicious even though the portions are not large. Pricing is okay. Overall, we would certainly come back here for another meal! So if you're looking for a new Italian place in the area, come check Vanda out!

Patty Lovely

We loved our experience at Vanda Cunina! Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and food was amazing, not only in taste, but in presentation as well. We will definitely go back.

Tina M

Pleasantly surprised!! Amazing food, very friendly staff and great drinks. Their bread is made in house as well as the desserts and some of the pasta, phenomenal. Will definitely be going back.

Ron Mangiantine

Very week for the price

Christin D'Ovidio

For the area, a gem. Small and bustling with friendly and professional service. You can have a great, memorable meal here. Some dishes are a bit heavy-handed, and there is a need for quality control - charred broccoli was over-chared but cauliflower sauce was delicious, pork was still steaming 1/2 hr into eating it. But they are working out the links I think. Wines come in frequently - I'm not sure that's a good thing, and it doesn't give staff time to know many on the list. However, they have many by the glass you can taste. Make a reservation on the weekends and prepare to still wait for your table, patrons tend to sit and enjoy. Bar seats about 9 I think.

Ellie B

Terrible service. Did not read us the dinner specials, almost felt like being ignored by staff? Very uppity attitudes all around. Maybe it's because we were dressed comfortable. We're both Army vets - not really concerned with fancy outfits. Oh well! Will not be going back.

Robert Bourne

First time visiting this establishment. At first I was thrown back by the fact that it was a small place but was quickly impressed by how efficient the staff was and how everyone in the place was happy and enjoying themselves. The place was packed which is always a good sign. When I sat at the bar to eat, as it was the only seat open in the place, i was immediately greeted by the bartender, Marissa. She was pleasant and very friendly. I ordered my dinner and it arrived hot and in a reasonable amount of time and was delicious. While eating, I observed the other wait staff being very attentive to the customers and also was talked to by a few of them. They were all very polite and professional. While I sat waiting for my check, the owner sat down with another customer and started up a conversation with that man and myself as if he knew us personally. I will definitely return.

Charles Deangelis

Extraordinary service Menu unique and innovative choices would highly recommend to all you will not be disappointed Chas

Maureen Pierce

First time. Definitely not last! Food,service, atmosphere, every bit was a wonderful experience.

Annette Bedrosian

Stopped by for dinner, had to sit at the bar because they were busy. This was fine but bartender totally ignored us. Finally ordered one drink then waited for a while to order another. The entire time she kept checking on the couple next to us. Finally got her attention and got a glass of wine. Continued to be ignored. Decided not to have dinner since we were ignored. Asked for our check and she proceeded to check on the couple again. We had to ask twice for our check Should have known this was not a place for us because when we arrived we were ignored by the hostess.

Kate DiMaio

Delicious! Great atmosphere! Higher end prices, reasonable portions, however don't expect to take home leftovers.

leonardo Rodriguez

Good italian products and food

tom london

Great atmosphere. Great service. Definitely should put in reservations though. This place is popular

Jennifer M

Service was good food was very tasty we'll definitely go back

Anthony Micheletti

Great Food and Hospitality!!

Marc Guillotte

Great meal, phenomenal prices.

Catherine Streich

Great food and service! Tastes homemade. Wines are overpriced but great selection.

Mike Ashworth

Great food and service!

Marcus Santiago

Very nice cozy place makes you feel like family

Nancy Cotter

The food was original and so good! Service was attentive but relaxed. With only 1 visit, Vanda has gone to the top of my favorite restaurants list!

Albert Hulley

Small place with surprising aps, pasta to remember, nice wine selection, and adult cocktails. Make reservations or sit at the bar for great service and a lesson on how it is suppose to be done.

Gerry H

Terrific food and service, a very enjoyable night out. The soup was AMAZING and we loved the chef's take on chicken marsala with risotto. The wild mushrooms in the marsala was something special. Paired that with a tasty Montepulciano. Definitely going back.

Jay F

1st visit here. Received a better greeting from the wine vendor than the host. He was much better during dinner and when leaving. Wait staff was great and the food was fantastic. The prices are worth the meal. This is fine dinning in a cozier atmosphere. The drink specialties were very tasty as well. I'll definitely be back to try some more.

Garth Tempel

Food and atmosphere are great, and dino's the man. Had god-daughters bday party there. Great for small events.

John Duffy

Food was great with the service.

David B.

The food was awsome aswell as the staff. Went with my wife and friend of her's we enjoyed the atmosphere I would recommend Vanda to others.

LeeAnn Falcone

Chose Vanda to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary and really enjoyed it.The manager greeted us upon our arrival and escorted us to our table for two which was a little tight but not uncomfortable. She then moved us to a more spacious table which was much appreciated as my husband and are both tall people. Our server Haley arrived soon thereafter and greeted us warmly and took our drink order. We chose a couple of different appetizers and really enjoyed them everything was delicious. Our entrees were as well my husband had the codfish with orzo in a putanesca type sauce and I had the veal Milanese style both excellent. Our desert choices of olive oil cake with peach and rhubarb compote and cloudless chocolate cake were exceptional. We plan on returning with friends for dinner in the near future. Would definitely recommend Vanda.

Brendan Glynn

Sooo Good!!

Linda Jean

Was excited to try this place and took my husband out to surprise him. I made a reservation for 6:30pm and arrived 10 min. early. Was told that a table was being prepared. After standing inside the door for 20 min and being ignored, we asked about the unoccupied table nearby, we were told they could not give it to us because they were going to need it for a large party arriving at 7pm. They then said that they were waiting for a couple to finish but they had just ordered cappuccinos and that they had arrived late. After standing and waiting for another 10 min we decided to leave. We were never offered chairs at the bar which were available or an apology. We were tired of standing after 30 min. in front of everyone and were very embarrassed and uncomfortable. We will not be returning.

Anthony Moore

Amazing food, beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff. If you're looking for an authentic Italian experience check out Vanda. One of my favorites, I honestly cannot think of a better place in Rhode Island for a REAL Italian meal. 5 stars!

Jodie Barrette

Staff was excellent. I had the Salmon which was absolutely delicious and mom had the swordfish special which was as well. Our meals came out nice and hot, which is important to me, and stayed that way throughout the meal. Looking forward to going again soon. Make reservations, very easy to do off their website.

Kathy McBride

This little eatery was fantastic! The menu and ambiance were great and the selection of foods are wonderfully written out in a simple and easy to read menu. I had the cabbage and potatoes flank steak soup today and it hit the spot.. I'll head back during lunch to try an entree for sure. Oh, and the wait staff were kind and pleasant

Ian Maguire

The service and food were wonderful. My wife and I enjoyed our dinner at Vanda and will definitely be coming back in the future. I had the bolognese with the in house made pasta and it was excellent.

Mark Male

Came for lunch, had the caprese salad, mozzarella made there, heirloom and cherry tomatoes drizzled with pesto. Delicious! Had the meatball appetizer, also delicious!

Norman Martineau

Food was good but overpriced.

Lemonade None

The first time for visit and definitely will come back again The food was so delicious, I had salmon and calamari, they were great taste.

Eric Perreault

Delish and good vibe

Aaron Itsmeajv

Delicious food and and excellent service. Would absolutely recommend and and will be going back.

Hillary Anne

I love this place. Fresh, made from scratch pasta, great drink pairing options,delicious desserts, and very quaint enviornment

dericbender

Great food, great staff, great location... for those traveling off the highway, very easy to get off and on. Highly recommend. Not your “run of the mill” Italian restaurant. Many eclectic choices that are still true to Italian roots, but with some outside the box thinking.

Kristie Booth

Service was great, friendly. Mackenzie was very pleasant, and always on the go.. Food was excellent!!!

Kristin

So yummy! Brianna served me, but I felt like I made a new friend! What a welcoming spot, I'll surely be back!!

Karen Farley

Last night it was very busy, expected for a Friday. Very small , so it was a bit clastrafobic with seating. Staff was friendly, but we were disappointed with the limited menu. The fresh bread I read about was cold and crusty. When the food arrived, we all felt that it was small portions for the price. We discussed our experience on the way home and all felt that the dinner was okay, but not well enough to return again.

Joe Gallagher

Fantastic place. It is very small and I recommend you get a reservation well in advance. Chef Gina Pezza is doing some great things here. The clientele is mixed here from blue collar out for the night to professionals. A comfortable place. The boutique drinks they offer are fantastic. I highly recommend the handmade pasta. This is the thing to try here. The prices are reasonable and you won’t empty your wallet here on date night even though the food is top notch. My bartender was phenomenal and even made up a few drinks for some pickier customers near me. The whole staff keeps an eye on you to make sure you have everything.

Crystal Whelan

Service was great, steak was cooked to perfection, and portion sizes were appropriate. The homemade bread with the garlic crust is to die for. Great addition to the blossoming Appanaug neighborhood!

jamie hartington

Great food and atmosphere!

Jose Ramos

Just Fantastic!

Mark Rosen

Great food

Bill Decaporale

Great food.wonderful service. Congrats to all involved.