Vinci Winery — Restaurant in New Kensington

Vinci Winery: An Offer You Can’t Refuse (But It’ll Cost You)

Vinci Winery in New Kensington isn’t just a winery — it’s an operation. And like any respectable “family business,” it’s got two sides. Up front, you’ve got the respectable bar and booths — the “restaurant” side, where the walls whisper of old country charm and the air hums with Sinatra’s greatest hits. The TVs here? Forget sports — you’ll be treated to reruns of black-and-white Italian films, as if Don Corleone himself was running the remote.

In the back, you’ve got the cigar bar — big screens for the sports, and an atmosphere that says, “Deals get made here.” We don’t go back there… mostly because of the smoke, but also because I don’t need anyone asking me to “step outside for a word.”

Now, the wine? Fuhgeddaboudit. Pricey, sure, but absolutely world-class. The house dry red (Vinci Montepulciano) is so good it could make a grown man tear up and confess his sins. The dry house white? Also good. I forgot the name — probably because I was too busy wondering if the bartender’s cousin was watching me from the corner. Get a bottle of the house red if you can swing it. If not, a glass is still a good deal. Did I say world class wine?

They’ve also got enough craft beer to keep the beer guys happy, mixed drinks for the cocktail crowd, and even espresso to wrap things up like a proper Italian dessert — no cannoli necessary.

When it comes to food, the charcuterie board is no slouch — the cheeses alone are worth slowing down for. The Burrata? Pure silk. But the real capo of the menu is the Italian hot beef sandwich — a heavy hitter with every bite. Picture Arby’s… if Arby’s had married into a respectable Italian family, learned table manners, and started wearing tailored suits. That said, I’ll admit something sacrilegious: Arby’s still holds the crown in my book. Arby’s is more of a sweatpants-and-T-shirt kind of sandwich — and I’m a sweatpants-and-T-shirt kind of guy. The Italian Stallion is a strong contender, but it’s still playing second fiddle to that hot beef masterpiece.

Value? Well, this isn’t your “NK value.” This is downtown, big-city, “we know what we got” value. Don’t come if you’re looking for cheap — and don’t come if you don’t respect a good wine. The prices might make some locals sweat, but I suspect that’s by design.

As for the owner — he’s not just part of the atmosphere, he is the atmosphere. Larger than life, he’s a cocktail of personalities: a dash of Telly Savalas, but swap the lollipop for designer glasses that look like safety shields straight out of HS science class, throw in Don Johnson’s wardrobe, layer on the booming pitch of Billy Mays, and then wind him up with the boundless energy of Richard Dawson hosting Family Feud.

We’ll be back now and then. Suggestion: start offering plates - even small plates - of true Italian pasta and protein dishes. And yeah — the cigar bar’s not for us. Would be nice if the restaurant side adopted that casual vibe without the haze, and maybe played sports instead of cinematic tributes to every guy named Tony who ever wore a fedora.

So here’s the thing: I don’t want to be the first to give Vinci Winery less than 5 stars… but truthfully? It’s a strong 4. And if that means I’m gonna get “the treatment” out back by the dumpster… well, tell my family I loved them and make sure my review stays online. Ahh, never-mind… 5 stars and highly...

Stopped in on Sunday to check out the place and try the food for an early dinner, and we were not disappointed! We sat at the bar and our bartender was friendly and attentive. When we heard the pasta special was Bolognese, we were both sold. My husband added the meatball and we split the Caesar salad. The salad was perfectly dressed and seasoned, every bite of chopped romaine had Parmesan, the croutons were toasted to perfection and plentiful, and the dressing was bright and flavorful. It's a simple salad so nailing the components is essential and they absolutely did. The Bolognese was steaming hot, with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, meaty sauce. Again, perfectly seasoned and a nice portion (I took half of mine home). It came with fresh made garlic toast was tender and flavorful. I also had their fall sangria which was delicious - my only complaint was I wish they were bigger glasses - it was delicious! We will absolutely be back. They have black and white movies playing on the televisions, moody lighting and a nice amount of seating without feeling like you're on top of each other. The cigar lounge looks like an awesome place to hang if that's your thing, and you can get food and drinks there as well. Vinci is a wonderful addition...

Okay, so we are hard core Italian but that’s a good thing! What makes a restaurant/cigar bar successful - yes, the food, the best cigars. What keeps people coming back the food and the best service! Their service is outstanding. Their bartender Leann is on the mark and in the know! We prefer to sit at the bar and we had the best time! Jade also had great recommendations. Amanda was warm and welcoming too! The staff is cohesive and friendly even in the busiest time! Sam the man has a winner! The vibe is great. The decor trendy and oh the reels on the big screen you won’t want to miss. Resers preferred but walk-ins welcome which we were! Free parking lot and street parking too.

We had the muffuletta which was to die for. You never see mortadella on any sandwich menu plus suppressata, porchetta, sharp provolone, olive salad, pesto, red wine vinegar on this combo. To go necessary! And To top it off, the chefs are in your view and slicing the meats fresh. Wow!! Poor man’s pasta fagioli - don’t look for the pasta and it’s amazing, Tomato basil soup. Delish. Beverages cold and well served! Return visit will include a cigar bar...