This BYOB spot was among the recommended places in Providence when I was looking for a dinner spot. It’s relatively new but it did replace another BYOB tapas place from what I understand. There’s a wine shop right next door and they do carry a good selection. We ordered a selection of cheeses, some soppresata, and a couple of small dishes — the braised ribs and the vinya egg. Everything was pretty good but the service, presentation, and even the menu options were a little rough around the edges. But the staff was very open to feedback so there’s potential there. Over all, for the fact that we got to sit and chat for quite some time over wine and some good nibbles this was a good spot.
Holly S.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
Wow. started my pre bday dinner here. byob and tapas. They had manchego. .my favorite with warm bread slices! The goat cheese was decedant. They were so nice to my friends n the owner came over n introduced himself to me. Felt so welcomed and the tapas were DELISH!!! I can’t wait to go back
Osman C.
Tu valoración: 5 North Providence, RI
Beautiful cozy space in downtown providence. Had some dessert with the gf and the experience was delightful.(The dessert was mouth watering) We were a bit rushed and the server/cook was generous enough to accommodate us and get us in and out, while still creating an enjoyable experience. Can’t wait to come back!
Katie D.
Tu valoración: 5 Onset, MA
Don’t pass this spot up! Stopped in at the wine store next door, asked for a recommendation and got a great Spanish wine. We were one of two couples at the bar when we arrived at Vinya at 7pm on a Friday. Several more couples came in over time. The two guys running the place(and I mean running because they wait on you, cook, bus dishes — literally a two man show) were great. They made suggestions, answered questions, were so accommodating. We tried the spiced nuts, two Portuguese cheeses with chorizo, the ribs, the shrimp(and extra bread for the sauce), chickpea salad, and amazing port figs dessert. Everything was so good. Great Friday night with delicious wine and food in an interesting spot.
Victoria B.
Tu valoración: 3 Providence, RI
Unfortunately, I found that Vinya did not live up to my expectations. I came here for dinner this past Saturday night, expecting a lively atmosphere. Although it was a little early(about 5:30 or 6), we were the only people in the restaurant. We sat down by the window, which was nice at first because you could look out at those walking by. However, within a half hour or so, the window had completely fogged up due to the cooking going on, and you couldn’t see a thing. Despite that, it was extremely chilly in the restaurant. I had to wear my coat the entire time. I also found the service to be pretty disappointing. My girlfriend and I brought a bottle of wine with us since the place is BYOB, but we were never given wine glasses– eventually we had to steal the water glasses from the seats next to us(not a problem, since there was no one else around). The food came out at a decent pace, but the waiter never cleared our empty plates when bringing out new dishes. We ordered a meat and cheese plate, the spicy meatballs, and a potato gratin special. The food was definitely delicious and the best part of this place. However, keep in mind that with tapas, you are going to have to order a LOT of food to be full… we quickly realized that there would have to be another meal later in the evening. While the food here is delicious, the atmosphere is lackluster and the service is mediocre. The price of the meal was reasonable, but I’m not itching to come back.
Christy D.
Tu valoración: 5 Charlestown, Boston, MA
A short preface: I had never been to the previous establishment listed by other Unilocal reviewers, so I have no comparison between the two. Also, I understand there was a recent change in chefs. I’m not sure when this occurred, so I can only based my review on my first experience this restaurant last night. My boyfriend and I stumbled into this small restaurant on Westminster Street last night, looking for a late evening bite and received more than we could have imagined. First, they are BYOB, and we were politely directed to the wine store right next door.(Very convenient!) When we returned we were given out choice of seating, and the staff quickly took our coats. We then we had a sampling of the menu and were blown away. We tried the bread with habanero infused olive oil, mixed olives, braised ribs and the meatballs. Everything was absolutely mouth-watering. The ribs were so tender, there wasn’t even need for a knife! Better yet, the owner greeted us and told us to challenge the chef Arya to make something new and exciting. We took him up on this, and had the most incredible dish! He produced a hybrid of specials from the night on a homemade flatbread. Unfortunately, I’m lactose intolerant, but even without the cheese it had such a lively mixtures of flavors we barely noticed its absence. Arya makes all his own bread and cheese in house, which we found out after he sat with us during close to discuss what we enjoyed about the night. I understand this restaurant has now expanded into a location in Hotel Providence. Do yourself a favor, if you are in the Providence area and try this place out; SUCH a good find!
Leishla M.
Tu valoración: 4 Boston, MA
On the hunt for Crème Brulee, I stopped in here with my boyfriend. We were greeted instantaneously by a man named Alec, and was offered to take our coats. Such a nice gesture when they were clearly pretty busy! We ended up sharing the Crème Brulee and the Fig dessert. Figs in a red wine reduction sauce, over two scoops of vanilla ice cream. Both were absolutely wonderful. The space is small, but I think Im in love with that. Cant wait to be back!
Daniel D.
Tu valoración: 4 Portsmouth, RI
Like others have noted Flan was the predecessor to this new establishment. And although I don’t think it quite lives up to Flan It sure does a good job. Let’s start with the good. Small, quaint and perfect for an intimate group. It’s dark and somewhat loud but it’s just one of those spots that makes you feel relaxed and energized at the same time. The prices. Very reasonable. Everyone knows tapas can be a bit tough on the wallet after 5 or 6 courses. The plates were reasonable in size and price. You don’t feel ripped off come time to pay the bill. Taste. The food was good. Not excellent. But good. I most enjoyed the ribs. The cheeses are nice. Especially if you stop by the adjacent liquor store. Which is another plus in my book. The staff of the liquor store was so friendly and knowledgeable they helped me pick out a companion wine to one I haven’t been able to find since I left California. The bad. Bad is probably unfair. This place has great potential. The staff was nice but could have been more lively and attentive. The food, again, was good but nothing really popped in an unforgettable way. And I’d like to see a few more options on the menu. I’ll definitely go back and you should give it a try. Hopefully they continue to push out new and exciting dishes.
Stephanie G.
Tu valoración: 4 Providence, RI
Vinya Tapas has taken over the location that formerly housed Flan Y Ago, so comparisons are inevitable. It has many commonalities — Tapas, casual atmosphere, and friendly service. However, this new restaurant deserves some attention in its own right. It’s BYOB and a wonderful place to linger over some wine and small plates with friends while gazing out at the happenings on Westminster. They have a lovely selection of cheeses — goat, sheep, and cow and are very helpful about making recommendations to match your taste(or wine). We especially enjoyed a rib sandwich special they had that night, which was not all like a traditional sandwich, but a small rib-meat«slider» with a tangy slaw and a rich sauce that the chef said was made with eggs. Other pluses — right next to Eno, a great wine store, and a no tipping establishment. A lovely addition to the downtown restaurant scene.
Ashley M.
Tu valoración: 2 DownCity, Providence, RI
Cheese was superb. Service was adequate. They don’t have a closing time, so at 10:45, the 3 employees felt as if the night was over so they turned the dim lighting full blast. Needless to say this really turned us off for the evening rather abruptly. Since I’ve spent plenty of time in food service, I understand the desire to end a slow night: but would have appreciated a «last call». I want this business to survive so bad since it is placed in a much desired place of providence– however as a local I felt very under appreciated.
Patricia D.
Tu valoración: 2 Providence, RI
Extremely underwhelming and expensive. After reading the good reviews, I had high hopes, but this place is just not that great. I went with my boyfriend last weekend, and we got the tortilla, Brussel sprouts, cheese, shrimp, patatas bravas, and a couple other tapas. As far as flavor, they were all decent, although everything either has spicy mayo or the same tomato sauce which makes it all taste kind of similar. The portions were TINY. I lived in Spain for three years, so I know that tapas are small, but this was absurd. 4 minuscule pieces of tortilla for $ 6? 6 mini Brussel sprouts for $ 8? Please. None of it was good enough to justify paying $ 60 for two people(without alcohol) and leaving hungry. If you want a great small plates experience that’s worth the price, go to Milk Money.
Bella A.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
Great new tapas place taking over the flan y ajo venue. Delicious bites and for this week it’s byob, liquor license coming soon. Next door to ENO where you can select from a large variety of wines and spirits. Try a Malbec for nice food pairing if you can’t decide on a bottle. We ordered the olives– served warm– the pan con tomate(yum!!), the wine braised ribs, broccoli with chorizo, and the chef’s special dessert. They had run out of sopa de ajo(garlic soup) and the camarones(shrimp), we’ll have to return to sample those! Great staff and music make for a nice vibe in this cozy spot.
David M.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
For a time, I was sad about the loss of Flan y Ajo/Flan. After all, it was the best/only tapas place in PVD(sorry, Bocado doesn’t count for me). So obviously I was super, super excited for Vinya Tapas to take up shop in the same spot as Flan y Ajo. Vinya is BYOB and priced nicely for tapas. The menu itself is a mix of cheeses, meats, and some other small plates. The cheese and meat choices are conveniently located on a large chalkboard. Specials are similarly located on a chalkboard adjacent. Everything we ordered was tasty; goat cheese finished with honey, patatas bravas, shrimp covered in a delicious yet light sauce. Literally everything we tried was delicious. Service was friendly and helpful too. Our bread bowl was never empty. They also serve brunch. Can’t wait to come on back!
Jim C.
Tu valoración: 5 Boston, MA
A High Quality Barcelona inspired tapas restaurant at incredible prices. I’ve now dined at Vinya four times now and feel that the food keeps getting better. I eat pescatarian and was at first skeptical, but my fears quickly subsided when seeing the menu. The cheeses served are of exceptional quality. I especially like the goat cheese; its spiced in a way I’ve never seen before. The mussels, anchovies(boquerones), lupini beans, mushrooms, patatas bravas, brussels sprouts(I asked for no chorizo) are all fantastic plates. The menu changes from time to time, as the chef tries to keep it as seasonal as possible. But after dining there four times now, I look forward to any new items that I find next time. The service has been prompt and extremely friendly and the owner/head chef is incredibly enthusiastic about his food and his restaurant. It’s clear to see that his passion is preparing food that his patrons will love; and from my experience, he succeeds in every way.
Emily P.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
I can’t rave about this new tapas bar more! The staff are absolutely gems and food is beyond this world. The attention and detail chefs have for their creation alway takes me aback. This place has everything — the service, the food and ofcourse, the BYOB!
Alexis C.
Tu valoración: 5 Warwick, RI
Went on Monday evening with a friend and my husband. We had such a nice evening. Great atmosphere, food and the chef/owner is so warm and inviting. I wish him much success and I can’t wait to go for brunch.
Linda F.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
First time here, their first time serving brunch. REALLYGOODFIRSTS! The service is tremendous, hope it always is. Ooooh, shots of gazpacho! Yum‼ definite must try. Fois gras. So good. Must come for lunch.
T C.
Tu valoración: 5 LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
Delicious meal and friendly staff! I loved the pumpkin soup and cheese and olives and will be back all the time. So glad they moved in
Graham G.
Tu valoración: 5 Narragansett, RI
Phenomenal! Everything was just right. The cheese plate to start was delicious. They had many selections and we just let the staff choose for us. It was well worth it. They know their cheeses. Also the cured meats to go along with it were excellent as well. I’m just a sucker for a good Serrano ham. My wife and I loved the fact it was byob. Grabbed a couple of bottles from next door and had an absolute great night of good wine and great food. It all went so well together from the meats and cheeses to the olives, shrimp, various other dishes and finally dessert. I wouldn’t usually say this but dessert might have been my favorite part of the meal. They had 3 desserts tonight, an almond custard, figs with vanilla ice cream, and an apple sorbet with a splash of apple brandy. The apple sorbet was amazing. It was so refreshing and just needed the meal in the most spectacular way. All in all our favorite new spot in Providence. We will be back again and again.
Rebecca V.
Tu valoración: 5 Providence, RI
I, like everyone else in providence, am mourning Flan. So I was a little hesitant about trying a new tapas spot in this beloved location. But I’ve got to say, Vinya is pretty great. The regular menu features a healthy mix of cheeses and cured meats, including local sausages from New Bedford and other New England locales. We had some outstanding fennel salami, smoked salmon, and chorizo, as well as a goat Brie. Honey, preserves, pickles, and fruits were plentiful and delicious. The specials were amazing – meatballs with olives, and braised ribs. I hope these become regular menu items! The desserts were also solid. A warm poached fig with ice cream; a simple almond cake. And, like its predecessor, Vinya is BYOB and very affordable. I was thrilled with my meal, and I didn’t even order some staple tapas — pan con tomate, tortilla espanola. I am really looking forward to going back and trying them!