Located at 410 Glenwood Ave, hidden in the back of the building at suite 350, lies Enoteca Vin, which opened its doors in September 1999. Positioned in downtown Raleigh among other high-class restaurants and bars such as April and George, and the Red Room, Enoteca Vin is a restaurant that offers an exclusive dining experience.
When walking in, the customer is invited by a candle-lit atmosphere. All the tables are draped with white linens and there is a plethora of hosts ready to quickly seat patrons.
The restaurant is average size, about the size of Porter’s Tavern located on Hillsborough Street, with plenty of seating for small parties. Enoteca Vin, however, is not necessarily great for large gatherings because the tables are quite small.
After seated, the customer is surprised by the extensive wine list Enoteca Vin has to offer. Unfortunately, the customer is more than surprised by the not-so-extensive food menu.
This brings into question the type of patron you are and the type of restaurant you are looking for. Enoteca Vin only specializes in about five main dishes.
This can be good because the quality of food is often higher with restaurants that only choose to concentrate on a few main entrées. If you’re looking for selection, this is not the place to go.
Enoteca Vin is very detailed with its food selection and what it chooses to serve to the customers. “We serve local, seasonal ingredients without compromising the integrity,” Scott Luetgenau, the restaurant’s general manager, said.
The food is quite good and the portions are plentiful. Enoteca Vin offers unique dishes for the meticulous customers looking for something different.
The restaurant truly boasts a different taste of food not found in most of Raleigh. “Enoteca Vin is for someone [who] is open-minded and wants an elegant meal,” Janene Cameron, a textile and apparel management alumna, said.
Though the service is outstanding and the food is definitely worth the visit, there is a price for this experience. Entrées start at $25, and with only five to choose from this is not the restaurant to be penny-pinching.
This is actually OK, though, because Enoteca Vin can be considered one of the best date atmospheres in Raleigh, and this is definitely an “impress your date” restaurant.
The tables are all perfectly set on a one-on-one basis, and there is also a full, wrap-around bar if you’re looking for more of a casual experience.
Enoteca Vin is also one of the few places in Raleigh to offer online reservations for those who don’t feel like dealing with the hassle of calling.
Furthermore, if you are looking for more of a casual atmosphere, Enoteca Vin offers many wine tastings, which are listed on its Web site.
Overall, Enoteca Vin is a good, intimate place to go for someone who is looking for somewhere different. This restaurant is definitely recommended for at least a visit to check out a real elegant dining experience.
My only advice is to check out the menu before walking in and taking your seat. This is definitely the type of place that may not be appreciated by everyone.
