Al Vento, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Italian Restaurant Details

Food:

An Italian "menu that changes" draws fans to this "hidden gem" in Nokomis, where a "cozy atmosphere" that's "shabby chic" lures "romantics" (as does the "garden patio"); service is "consistently good", and the "good value" ensures it's a popular place to "impress your date."

Food:

Okay, this place is insanely good--if I had to pick my last meal, it would be the pappardelle that I just ate.
Everything is good about Al Vento. I want more when I'm done being full.

Food:

We brought our Cousins to Al Vento last night. It had been a while since we have been there so we were hoping that things had not changed. And they haven't - the food and the service was awesome. We love to eat family style so we can try several of the dishes but one in our party has a gluten intolerance. Our waiter brought her a bowl of gluten free pasta so she could share all of the dishes with us. Love having this gem in the neighborhood!

Food:

What can't I say about this restaurant? We came here for our anniversary (we live 2.5 hours away), and were immediately seated in the beautiful outdoor section and greeted by our waiter. He was plenty patient while we decided on drinks and food. He was also very knowledgeable out the menu and wine list, plus a delight in general. The food itself- oh my goodness! I felt bad telling my husband this (he normally does the cooking in our house) but it was the best meal I've had in my life! We shared the prosciutto wrapped figs as an appetizer, which were pretty amazing. He got the scallops, and I got the rack of lamb. Too good to put into words. After we each took our first bite, we immediately smiled in culinary ecstasy. I actually had to threaten him with my fork for trying to steal a second bite off my plate- it was that good! They never let our waters go empty, and I got an additional glass of wine without even having to ask. We were so full in the end, but HAD to try the dessert, and the tiramisu did not disappoint in the least! I am counting down the days until my birthday in October, so I have an excuse to come back!

Food:

Went here on a Tuesday night for a date night. The wine was good, and we had high hopes after being served very good bread with some truly phenomenal olive oil, and an appetizer of stuffed mushrooms that were absolutely amazing. However, the caesar salad had *way* too much garlic. Her papardelle were decent, although my pansotti were disappointing--there was far too much flavor in the burnt walnut pesto, which totally overwhelmed all other flavors. The gelato and tiramisu, however, were phenomenal. Overall I think the place has promise, but the chef has a thing or two to learn about balancing flavors. Oh, and our service was okay--nothing to write home about, but also not really anything to get upset about.

Food:

Upscale Italian. Went for dinner with large group. Good service, if not overly friendly. Good food, but very few menu choices. Not good for kids, they don't even carry juice.