Literally had the BEST experience at VAIs tonight. Our server, Cindy, was AMAZING. So nice, attentive, knowledgeable, and kind. From appetizer to dessert she guided us the whole way and every recommendation was on point. We had the oysters, salmon, and ahi tuna. She then treated us to a crème brûlée which was on the house, and soooo good. On top of everything the atmosphere was very cozy and inviting. Will be returning ASAP.
Vegan Restaurant
VAI's Italian Inspired Restaurant Kitchen + Bar
· $$$$ · naperville · Strict-vegan verified
Fully vegan
Editor synopsis · 0 reviews
Diners overwhelmingly call out the signature dish as the must-order. The vibe reads as vegan restaurant — service is consistently described as warm and unhurried. Common gotcha: queues form at peak times — go early or late.
Excerpts
Literally had the BEST experience at VAIs tonight. Our server, Cindy, was AMAZING. So nice, attentive, knowledgeable, and kind. From appetizer to dessert she guided us the whole way and every recommendation was on point. We had the oysters, salmon, and ahi tuna. She then treated us to a crème brûlée which was on the house, and soooo good. On top of everything the atmosphere was very cozy and inviting. Will be returning ASAP.
We were excited to try this Italian restaurant as we have passed it many times when driving thru Naperville on Route 59. They are an Italian Classic/Rustic inspired scratch kitchen with a full bar and seasonal outdoor seating. We went on a Tuesday night for my wife's birthday. We did have a reservation which is recommended as it was pretty crowded for midweek Our server Brionna C was super nice and friendly. We explained to her that my wife is Gluten Free and she suggested a few entrees that they could make for her. We started with a bottle of one of our favorite Chilean wines and split the large Vai's Chopped salad which was fantastic and loaded with flavor. Mixed greens,fresh mozz,avocado,grilled corn,spicey soppressata,pepperoni,artichokes,charred peppers and grape tomatoes topped with a herbed vinegrette. Highly recommended. For our main dishes I had the Shrimp and Andouille Linguine with creole spices. Super delicious. My wife had one of their weekly specials...Seafood Etouffee which was loaded with shrimp,bay scallops ,crawfish tails in a calabrian chili cream sauce over risotto. Portions are huge so we ended up taking half home. They also treated my wife to a complimentary Flourless Chocolate Cake for her birthday. A wonderful night and we will definitely be back!
We were excited to try this Italian restaurant as we have passed it many times when driving thru Naperville on Route 59. They are an Italian Classic/Rustic inspired scratch kitchen with a full bar and seasonal outdoor seating. We went on a Tuesday night for my wife's birthday. We did have a reservation which is recommended as it was pretty crowded for midweek Our server Brionna C was super nice and friendly. We explained to her that my wife is Gluten Free and she suggested a few entrees that they could make for her. We started with a bottle of one of our favorite Chilean wines and split the large Vai's Chopped salad which was fantastic and loaded with flavor. Mixed greens,fresh mozz,avocado,grilled corn,spicey soppressata,pepperoni,artichokes,charred peppers and grape tomatoes topped with a herbed vinegrette. Highly recommended. For our main dishes I had the Shrimp and Andouille Linguine with creole spices. Super delicious. My wife had one of their weekly specials...Seafood Etouffee which was loaded with shrimp,bay scallops ,crawfish tails in a calabrian chili cream sauce over risotto. Portions are huge so we ended up taking half home. They also treated my wife to a complimentary Flourless Chocolate Cake for her birthday. A wonderful night and we will definitely be back!
Went here for dinner and had a wonderful experience. Service was wonderful and everyone was kind and attentive. We ordered the burrata and arancini for appetizers (the burrata was my favorite part of the entire meal and arancini was my husbands). For an entree we got the vodka pasta and short rib rigatoni. The crispy prosciutto on the vodka pasta was the perfect touch. For dessert we had the white chocolate raspberry cheesecake which was 10/10. Drinks were also wonderful! They also had a ton of N/A options which I always appreciate. Would definitely return!