GrapeVine's Casual Italian Dining — Restaurant in Georgia

I have seen their billboard when driving through downtown Cumming and since we will soon be living in Cumming, of course we needed to try GrapeVines out!! Reading reviews we weren’t too sure about going to dinner with new friends, but decided to go. It is located in a nice strip mall with ample parking. It’s not a very large restaurant but we like small and intimate. It also has a bar side with high table seating. It is very nice inside with booths and tables/chairs. We were seated immediately because this particular Friday night was not busy. Apparently it was an odd evening of not being busy but we were okay with that. There was live music which was a one-man band. However he was very good and nice background music. We were told by our server Zack they have it on Friday and Saturday evenings. We were immediately greeted by wonderful server Zack. He was so friendly, engaging, attentive and some southern hospitality. We took a long time to decide on our food because we were with new friends, but he was so great checking back with us. He told us “I just don’t want you to think I’m neglecting you”. We assured him it was okay as we were here with our new friends and enjoying conversation. Of course before I commit to a glass of wine, I want a taste which he accommodated my husband and I. We finally decided, per Zack’s recommendation, on the salmon along with a small salad and the Tuscana cup of soup, of course sharing everything. It was delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly not tough and overcooked. It was bedded on Risotto which was creamy and yummy. I loved the Kalamata olives that garnished the salmon. Delicious and healthy menu choice for sure. And the garlic butter rolls they serve were outstanding, warm and delicious sprinkled with some seasoning also comes with a bowl of dipping oil with seasoning. 😋 Our soup was pipping hot with a tomato cream, chicken and a few small cut vegetables. Not too many of either but that is okay otherwise we’d be too full for our main dish. A cup was the perfect portion. Our salad with some veggies was also the perfect portion. But what made our evening complete was Zack as we thoroughly enjoyed his attention and engaging conversation. With us not living far away soon, Grapevines most likely will be our Italian “go-to”. Oh and on Mondays, they have $5 Martini nights. Didn’t ask if they have happy hour, but I will the next time in. We enjoyed a piece of scrumptious cheesecake drizzled with chocolate sauce of some sort which again was very tasty. Not too big of a slice, but again perfect portion. Our friends said they enjoyed their dinner as well. Our friend is gluten intolerant and they serve gluten free noodles which he said was very good. He also ordered chicken but he said it was a bit spicy along with a sweet potato. Well done GrapeVines. We will be back!! I hope all your food is as yummy as our first...

Prompt and friendly service. (5/5)

Nice, pleasant atmosphere. Casual, but not loud--a more relaxing environment. My wife and I went for dinner on a Saturday evening around 5pm. It wasn't overly crowded. The clientele was, I'd kindly say, of the "older person" demographic. But my wife and I appreciated the calm, mild atmosphere--It made for a very pleasant evening (4/5)

Caesar Salad: Not great, not bad either. Tasted like the pre-packaged salad mixes from the grocery store. I wasn't convinced that it was made in-house. (2.5/5)

Spaghetti and Meatballs: The spaghetti was cooked properly (al dente), the red sauce was nicely seasoned and not acidic/sour. The meatballs had a soft texture. Not dry, but could have been juicier. They needed more seasoning. Quite bland. (3/5)

Chicken Pamplona: Chicken breast stuffed with fontina and prosciutto and covered in marsala. Chicken was moist and very flavorful due to the saltiness of the prosciutto and savoriness of the sauce. I couldn't taste much of the fontina, and I could have used more mushrooms included in the sauce, but the sauce was very silky and smooth (not greasy or broken at all). (4/5)

Overall, I would return. This place makes for a nice casual dinner. I would love to try some of their hoagies/sandwiches off of their lunch menu...

First time here. My order was to go. Hostess who answered the phone was very polite. I asked for a Shrimp Fra Diablo! She told me it will take about 25 to 30 minutes. I asked if she could expedite the order and she said it will be ready in 15 minutes. It was. Thank you to whoever took my order. I have tried this dish all over Gainesville and Cumming area and all good but nothing like Nuovo Vesuvio from New York City. Until I came here! The Italian gravy was amazing! The spice was hot but not overwhelming. The combination of the spaghetti, shrimp and gravy melted in my mouth! Compliments to all involved in creating this dish! I typically eat a half a serving, maybe a little more if it was good. Today I ate the whole thing! I didn't care if I was going to hurt myself! But, I did not! I felt the same experience I felt at Nuovo Vesuvio. You know....when after you eat, you sit back in the chair, smile, then repeat how good it was several times.

Thank you GraveVine! I will be back with my family!...