Vidrio — Restaurant in Raleigh

October 18, 2024 - Our daughter & her boyfriend ( soon to be married) surprised us with a wonderful Mediterranean dinner at Vidrio in Raleigh! Vidrio is a “ notch above” most restaurants that we’ve visited in Raleigh. . .

👍🏼Elegant decor

👍🏼Amazing service ( thank you Kelsha)

👍🏼 No rush to “ turn the table “

👍🏼 Fresh ingredients, zesty flavors

👍🏼 Small Mediterranean plates to share

👍🏼 Larger Entrees of seafood, beef, pork , Mediterranean cuisine to share

👍🏼 Extensive Red & White Mediterranean wines by the glass or bottle ( to share)

👍🏼 It’s pricey $$$ , Great food is worth it !

At 5:30 pm it wasn’t crowded, our party of 4 was seated quickly near the big windows overlooking the street. As the night progressed, more diners were seated around us. Kelsha talked us through the menu, and helped us select a Felsona 2021 Classico Chianti . Excellent dry red wine! 🍷

We started with a few small plates to share. The crusty artisanal bread with Extra Virgin Olive Oil set the tone for freshness! 👍🏼 Then we tried the stuffed Piquillo peppers in a dressing. . . not hot but zesty tang flavors. Delicious! Had to order a 2nd bottle of the Classico Chianti. . . along with a charcuterie board of Artisan meats & cheeses with house pickles, quince, whole grain mustard! Excellent!

Again, no rush on our table, we enjoyed the small plates over time as we talked of wedding plans in February! After touring the large plate menu, we “ flipped a coin” between Seared Salmon & Hanger Steak . . . the winner, Hanger Steak ! Great choice cooked perfectly, and delicious! 👍🏼👍🏼

A wonderful evening, to full for dessert. My wife promised homemade apple pie back at home! Have to return to try the desserts!

Vidrio is the Spanish word for Glass! The ancient world of Egypt, areas of Greece, and Italy specialized in the arts of designing crystal glass, going back thousands of years. Makes sense that you might enjoy the samples of crystal glass dishes hanging on the restaurant wall. Vidrio opened back in 2017, owned by Lou Moshakos and family from Greece. My research shows a large family that enjoys owning good food establishments, which comprise the LM Company . CEO of LM Company is Amber Moshakos. ( photo of restaurants )

Good luck to the Moshakos family, we’ll have to try each of your family...

I was totally excited to finally get the chance to check out this Mediterranean restaurant because the aesthetic is phenomenal. My little sister came into town and it was finally a chance to check it out, especially since she was going to "cheat" on her vegan diet and eat dairy & fish. Our waiter hyped it up even more letting us know that Vidrio is a dining experience unlike any place we have ever ben. I'd say I would have to disagree. I was actually planning on going to the a'verde sneak peek menu reveal, but I'm glad I didn't buy tickets.

1. Design & Ambiance Beautiful. The aesthetic of this place is beautiful. The look gives more more ladies night out as opposed to romantic evening, but I'm sure it could go either way depending on your personal preference.

2. Cleanliness The dining area itself was very clean, but the bathroom was not. I would have higher expectations of the bathroom being a lot cleaner than what it was. There was tissue everywhere.

3. What I Ordered Being our first time we ordered marinated mussels, hanger steak (10oz), Tuscan salmon, grilled broccolini (new for them) a Mediterranean mule, and a Jalisco's revenge. The biggest disappointment with the meal was that for the salmon we were not asked about cook temp. Then for the stead cook temp was given, but it definitely came back overcooked. The broccolini had absolutely no bread crumbs and was more burned than charred. The second issue was the flavor itself the salmon was bland the steaks salty. The drinks were ON POINT! We didn't order dessert.

4. Quality of Food Because everything was so overcooked I couldn't really tell the quality of the food.

5. Quality of Service With the exception of failing to ask cook temp, and how we preferred our check (which was automatically split causing us to have to wait for it to be placed back to 1 when we could have easily allowed for 2x charge on the same card) the service was above average. Our waiter was attentive for the most part. I was also impressed that they were able to seat us on a Friday evening without any reservation.

6. Value For Money I would have to say the value was not on par. I'm not quite sure exactly what we paid for.

Would I go again? I don't think I would go again. If I did it would not be something that I chose, but rather I went simply because others want to go and I don't want to spoil...

Title: A Memorable Dining Experience at Vidrio: A Mediterranean Jewel in the Triangle

Review:

Tucked away in the bustling streets of downtown Raleigh, Vidrio offers a truly unique and aesthetically appealing dining experience that is unparalleled in the Triangle area. Adorned with colorful glass installations and a warm, inviting ambiance, this Mediterranean restaurant is the perfect spot for a special night out or a memorable meal with friends and family.

The menu at Vidrio is carefully curated and features fresh, locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delectable dishes by the skilled and innovative chef. While those expecting big plate sizes may be slightly disappointed, the wide variety of options ensures that every palate will be pleased.

Standout dishes include the Grilled Octopus, which boasts a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors, and the Baked Brie, which arrives at the table oozing with melted cheese and encrusted in a crispy, golden phyllo. The Roasted Cauliflower is another must-try, with its tender, caramelized florets and delightful paprika-tahini sauce.

The cocktail menu is equally impressive, with a diverse selection of libations that complement the Mediterranean flavors of the food. The Sangria is a refreshing choice, while the Gin Basil Smash offers a unique twist on a classic drink.

But Vidrio isn't just about the food and drink - the atmosphere itself is a work of art. The restaurant's stunning glass installations, created by local artists, provide a mesmerizing backdrop for any meal. Whether you're seated in the lively main dining room or the cozy, intimate upstairs area, you'll feel transported to a Mediterranean oasis.

Service is attentive and knowledgeable, with staff who are happy to answer any questions about the menu or offer recommendations. Overall, Vidrio provides a dining experience that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. It's the perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out with friends, and is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In short, Vidrio is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a unique and memorable dining experience in the Triangle area. With its fresh, flavorful food, stunning atmosphere, and exceptional service, it's no wonder that this Mediterranean gem has become a...