Vangeli's Bistro — Restaurant in Seneca

First off our experiences at Vangeli's have been mostly 4 to 5 stars so that's why we patronize this establishment. It has been one of the most consistent in terms of food and service of any restaurant around the Seneca area. So that being said we have come expect a pleasant dining experience each and every time. Unfortunately that was not the case on our visit last night 7/29. First complaint: Posted menu on their web site which I checked before leaving our home for our 6:30 reservation was nothing like the menu we received so surprise #1. Surprise #2.... the only fish item other then the Seafood Pasta on the menu was the Halibut but at 7:15 when were placing our order for the Halibut we were informed that they had run out of it!! 3 of us at the table were going to order it! How do you run out of an item at 7:15 on a Friday night that obviously is going to be the star of the your VERY VERY limited menu. We were in a seafood mood but out of the 8 entrees offered 5 of them were 1 pork, 1 lamb and 3 beef and the 2 specials were also beef items. None of us were interested in the Pasta dish so we had to scramble and order items that we had little interest in not being in a meat mood. NOTE to chef, you need some work on the appetizer of the swordfish fritters (5 small balls of fried bread of which only 3 were eaten) Not your best showing and doesn't represent the best of what can come out of your kitchen. We did mention our displeasure of the dish to the waitress from which we got the "I'm sorry to hear that" and scurried away from the table without a resolution to our displeasure of the dish. Also drinks (martinis) were a short pour and not the bartenders best effort. Bottom line is that of all the restaurants around we choose to come to Vangeli's because of their service and food quality but unfortunately this time was not a good visit for either. Hopefully this is not a trend going forward for...

Exceptional dinner experience! We had not been to Vangeli’s in several months and decided to dine with them before the Christmas Jazz on the Alley tonight. We knew the portions were always generous so we skipped any apps and just had the accompanying side salad with aged balsamic vinaigrette which was especially good since it was served with fresh, hot (not warm) bread and delicious aged balsamic and evoo. Yum! We chose a split of the Willm Alsatian Riesling as all riesling should taste like those in Alsace! The main course for both of us was the Mediterranean Risotto with salmon which was indeed generously portioned! And oh my, the Risotto was absolutely amazing!! Such an explosion of flavors with lots of veggies and very little basmati and the perfectly cooked salmon was indeed a nice addition. The desserts were very tempting but will have to be another time after a lighter dinner. Some French Press decaf had to suffice after dinner and then on to the show outside. Our server, Joseph, is a very personable young man and obviously loves making sure his guests are well cared for and pleased with the evening’s food and service. We will certainly be asking for him in the future and not wait so...

FINALLY! I have been waiting for Seneca to have a restaurant of this caliber, and Vangeli's did NOT disappoint! Everything from the location, vibe, service, to food were on point. My husband, adult son, and I tried the escargot and mussels for appetizers. Both were well plated and excellent. Vangeli's twist on escargot was spot on and far exceeded any other restaurants' take on the classic dish that we've tried in the upstate with a nice cream sauce and hearty mushrooms that perfectly complemented the snails. The bread was freshly baked, unique, and delicious. For our entrees we tried the bone-in ribeye, sea bass, and duck. All were beautifully plated with ample portions. The fingerling sweet potatoes that accompanied the ribeye were absolutely divine. I've never been so impressed with a sweet potato. For dessert we tried the banana brulee and the strawberry brulee. While both were good, neither were as stellar as the appetizers or entrees. Honestly, I wouldn't order either again. Neither were bad, they just weren't even close to being on the same level as the rest of the experience. Regardless, Vangeli's is a MUST and you need to make reservations. We will...