Vai

This restaurant is a gem! We came here on a Sunday for brunch, interestingly when we showed up the restaurant was pretty empty, but filled after a few minutes. The waiter suggested brunch options that were not on the menu: an avocado toast with asparagus and mushrooms, poached eggs, and eggs and steak, all of which were delicious! Service is impeccable and they also do -50% on the wine for brunch. It's the third time we come to this restaurant and we have never been disappointed!

This place knows what service is supposed to look like! They pay meticulous attention to everything the customer needs and they meet it abundantly. If you vacate your table, someone will immediately appear to fold your napkin before you return, it's as if it's in their DNA to be that meticulous. I've never seen an establishment so on top of their service as this space. The server was always around to top up our water, they inquired how the food was, they asked if we needed anything, they were always within arms reach and constantly offered to help. It honestly made the entire dining experience worthwhile. Now in terms of the food, taste is subjective so I can't really say much other than the crab pasta I got was not as great as I expected it to be, BUT the pressed chicken was exquisite. The owner was very personable as well, talking to be about his diverse background, all the languages he speaks and which countries he prefers better. This is what all restaurants want to be, but sadly most just falls short. Oh, and the space is beautiful as well. It fits the aesthetic of the upper west side neighborhood it resides in, very rustic and welcoming.

Vai was a spectacular surprise. A delightful restaurant on the Upper West Side. The wine list is interesting and varied. The menu offers enticing dish after enticing dish — there are no bores here. Execution is terrific. The chilled creamy corn soup, kale salad with a runny egg, grilled asparagus, and Arctic char are all standouts. Service is friendly and solicitous.