I thought long before writing this review. It was one of the WORST dining experiences I have ever had. We went for Valenties day 2025. First off the parking lot and driveways were a sheet of ice. There was no care taken to keep patrons safe while trying to get into the building. The table we had for 4 people was big enough for two and the tables were crowded together. The food was good, nothing spectacular but good. The special of seafood pasta was overpriced. It came with soup (maybe 3/4 cup), there was a couple of scallops and a couple of shrimp but you had to hunt for the lobster. It was very cold in the restaurant. We took off our coats but quickly put them back on. I don't think the heat was on at all or on very low. The most disturbing thing was when they take the food up they sit it on the counter where people go to pay for their meal. Your food is sitting uncovered, getting cold and strangers are standing over it and breathing on it while paying their bill. Save your money for a restaurant where your hard earned dollar is appreciated. I will NEVER go there again. read more

Food tasted fine but was not hot. When leaving standing by cash desk, 4 plates were brought up by helper and left beside us.. When the only waitress, cashier came back we asked her to deliver the plates first before attending to us. 6 tables of 2-7 people. One waitress and a helper that brought plates up from downstairs. read more

The ambiance was very nice and cozy, staff were very courteous and good service at all times. All starters and entrees that we had were delicious. Would highly recommend this restaurant to any pasta lovers! read more

Really sucks when you leave a restaurant feeling ripped off. I DEEPLY regret the time and money I spent on this dining experience. It was our first time at Vines, we came because I saw their Easter brunch advertised on Instagram. I expected them to wow me with their brunch dishes but the food was unimpressive. I can easily make a better egg frittata and eggs benedict at home, 100%. The food wasn't the worst part though. Their service was ter-ri-ble. Our reservation was for 1pm and we were on time. We did not order drinks or apps, yet we were only served after 1:30. (And there were many empty tables around, they weren't overly busy). My 2 biggest restaurant pet peeves are when people who came in after us get served before us and when the server seats us near the door. Vines successfully ticked both those boxes. Our table's atmosphere was dark, dingy, lonely, with nothing pretty to look at. In fact I think thats why we were forgotten the whole time. My bf wasn't offered a refill on his coffee and our plates were not cleared or the bill brought out. The whole experience was just sitting... waiting... I eventually went to the cash to pay so we could get out of there. We will never return. $50 for 2 egg dishes and 1 coffee (before tip). It's ludicrous. read more

Excellent food & service. Great atmosphere. The buffet is pretty amazing trying a few different pastas on their menu.

This is one of my cousins go to places for pasta. She loves it and I was excited to try it. Made a reservation, which apparently, is a must. But despite how busy it was, the service was prompt and kinda fun. I'm pretty sure our waiter wants his next stop to be Broadway. Ordered the daily soup which was curry carrot with honey. It was excellent. Hot and creamy with a touch of sweetness. My cousin ordered the Caesar salad, her favorite. I tried it, I'm afraid I didn't find anything exciting about it. I much prefer a heavy creamy Caesar salad. This was light and garlicky. Our mains were both the Mediterranean pastas. Once again, her favorite, me, not so much. When I read it, it said sun dried tomatoes, spinach, onions, peppers, evoo, black olives in olio sauce. Sounds pretty good, right? Was kinda bland. The sun dried tomatoes were just tiny little soft pieces. Was looking to them for some oomph. I don't remember seeing any spinach but the olives were pretty good. Some nice chunks of feta would have been good instead a little sprinkling on the top. And the 'olio' was a little bland. If your sauce is basically evoo and garlic, those 2 ingredients should be the best you can find. I don't think that was the case here. A little disappointed since this was supposed to be my carb overloading after no pasta for 4 months. read more

Vines was on par. Service was good. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. Low ceiling. Lighting is on point. Music at perfect volume. Caeser salad was good. Soup of the day looked good. Others in our party liked it. Main course, spaghetti with meatballs, was lacking. Meatballs were too dry. Big portion. However, once again, lacking in quality. As an amateur home cook, I can make better spaghetti +meatballs at home. Overall, decent experience. Would go back to try other dishes. Having said that, there are better options for pasta. read more

Best Calamari we've ever had! Gluten free options as well. Fresh-baked bread???? OMG, wonderful. Veal Marsala was sweet and flavorful. Great staff. read more

Perhaps one of my favorite restaurants in Dartmouth, Vines offers a cozy and intimate environment and a scrumptious menu selection. Specializing in pasta (with their own special Pasta Menu), other restaurant favorites include lasagna, beef tenderloin, and the grilled-veggie pizza. Vines is the perfect place to go for a date or a special occasion. While their prices may seem a little cher, you certainly get what you pay for. read more

Vines Pasta Grill - a view of a restaurant from across the street - Italian Near Me - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Don't go unless you've made a reservation. I love pasta. I love GOOD pasta. This place definitely has decent pasta, but it's nothing to write home about. I'm not sure why people are so obsessed with it as I have had much better pasta at much cheaper and nicer places in HRM. It's very dark inside, the tables are wobbly, and the seats are uncomfortable. The prices are high for the quality you get, and the portion sizes are average. It seems to be trying too hard to be a fancy restaurant, but is failing in my opinion. I've been a few times now, mostly for birthdays or because it was a friend's choice. I likely won't return unless it's a choice of someone else. Not worth the money. Not worth the hype. read more

This was my first experience at the vines. I went with my girlfriend on a Wednesday night at 8pm. It was a happening little spot. . Parking is a little to be desired... But it works. We were seated menus in hand. We both started with the award winning ceasar salad. I had the large, she had the small. I loved it. The large was enough on its on as a meal... HUGE! for my main I had the currie chicken vegetable penne and my gf had the manicotti.. She loved hers. Mine was good. . The sauce was a little dark and watery and not a huge Curry flavor to it. I thibk I'll let the Indian restaurants let them feed me curry.... Not an Italian one. But it was good All in all. I would go back for sure. read more

Ordered the lasagna with a side house salad and my friend ordered the tagliatelle with chicken and mushroom but changed his noodles to penne. (For takeout) Both pastas were great. However, the beets in my house salad had gonna bad... As if they were sitting out of the fridge too long and put back. (Which is why I have a 3 star) Last time I had takeout here, I had 0 complaints. The only thing I would have suggested it to just to have more butter in the takeout bags as the rolls are pretty big! read more

I ordered the "Tour of Italy". Clearly, they don't know what "real" Italian food is. The pasta was under cooked and the portions of the 3 items were so small, it seemed like a sample. Totally "not" worth $24.50. It was also too bright where we were sitting and along with the black tables, made it feel like a bingo hall, not a restaurant. read more

Vine's is always one of the most consistent Italian in this area over a number of years!!

Every time my wife and I dine at Vines Pasta Grill--and I mean each and every single time--we ask each other why we don't go more often. We have gone to Vines about once per year every year since we moved to Cole Harbour about a decade ago. It was a wonderful surprise then, and it continues to be a fantastic place for a nice meal today. We still ask each other why we don't consider Vines right away when we want to go for a fine dining experience, because we should. Okay, it's not downtown, and that's where people think of when they go to a nice restaurant, and it's not a steakhouse, or an oyster bar, and they don't have a million desserts on the menu, but this is one damn fine restaurant from top to bottom. We have never had anything but a sensational meal at Vines. The appys, the salads, the entrees... awesome. Dessert? Killer. An upscale restaurant without being ostentatious in atmosphere, you can wear a suit or board shorts and you'll feel comfortable. It is well worth the trip no matter where you live, so please take the time to consider Vines next time you're looking for a great meal. read more

Order from here today, I didn't go in but my husband went in and order. People were really friendly, got the Cajun fettuccine which was so good and had enough spice which wasn't too hot that couldn't enjoy your meal. Really good prices too. Will be back!! read more

I am going to try and write a fair review about The Vines despite being filled with rage! 1) You are presumably named after the awesome Australian band! Yeaaaaaaaah! 2) I've been coming here since I was a teenager and have always enjoyed their pasta. Yesterday, for the first time in probably two or more years, my family went out to celebrate my mom's birthday. My pizza was awesome. It was so cheesy and saucy and perfect. I'm having leftovers for lunch today and am so pumped. My mom's pasta was great and everyone else more or less liked their meal. So this would have been five stars. 3) The issue I have is with the service at the restaurant. They treated my awesome granddad (who is a capital "B" BOSS) like a little kid. They messed up his order (which is fine. whatever), but when they brought back his plate you could see that they pretty much just threw the food there. Again, whatever... grampy chowed down. After two bites he pretty much stopped because the food wasn't palatable. The Vines rules at pasta/pizza, etc, but they didn't do so well with the fish. 4) I'm not going to get into too many specifics, but the way that staff talked to my granddad when he was trying to tell them about his food was THE WORST. I was cringing. Instead of answering him they would ask the rest of us what he wanted. Dude is an ADULT and when he is speaking to you, you can reply to HIM. There were a couple of other comments that were just stupid and said in a way that were very belittling to my awesome, tough Navy vet grampy. 5) So that is why I am rage-y. But I loved my pizza. Frig. read more

Wow! thank you so much. Our night was made fab by your wonderful menu. our party of friends commented on how attentive the staff (Kristy) were last night. Your dishes were full of flavour (fettuccine YUM) and your desserts did not go unnoticed. We are coming back soon. Thank You Mitch Fahie read more

I would have loved to give this place 4 or 5 stars as my expectations were set at that before arriving due to past reviews, however I can only justify giving it a 2.5. My boyfriend and I were planning a dinner date for Friday and I picked here because I really wanted to try it. When we arrived, we were greeted and were going to be sat at a table that was awkwardly close to the full table beside it, so close it would have been like we were dining with them. I then asked for another table so we were sat in a corner elsewhere. The atmosphere was nice and romantic, and it was not busy at all so the noise level was quite dim, which was a plus. Our server was very nice and informed us of the specials right away and throughout the night was great. On service I would rate a 5 but the food was not up to my expectations. We each ordered a pasta with ceaser salad and bread. The bread was okay, but nothing special, and I actually enjoy the bread at East Side Mario's better. I was expecting the salad to be full of garlic flavor due to past reviews, but my mouth was burning it was so full of garlic. Even with the amount of garlic, my boyfriend still felt like it was lacking something. Moving on to the pasta, I got the carbonara and my boyfriend got the fettuccine alfredo. My carbonara was okay but nothing special, the presentation of the plate with the herbs all over the bowl ledge is so outdated. My boyfriends alfredo was bland and he kept saying it had a "fishy" taste to it, and I agreed. Maybe our tastes are much different than those who obviously love the food, but we agreed to skip dessert in the end. I could not get the garlic taste out of my mouth afterward; I brushed my teeth numerous times, mouth wash, flossed, mints, etc - it is over 24 hours later and the garlic taste from the salad has finally disappeared. Overall, I might go back someday to try the buffet everyone raves about, but next time my boyfriend is going to choose our dining spot. read more

Vines Pasta Grill - Caesar salad - Italian Near Me - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

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Another hidden gem in Dartmouth. The pasta here is the best I've had. Wonderful decor, relaxing atmosphere, friendly attentive staff, they've done it all right. I especially like that they will custom make your meal if you have a food sensitivity. Parking is a bit of a problem when they are busy, it's a good idea to make reservations here to avoid a wait for a table. Well worth a 2 min call! Accessibility is a bit of a problem since the entrance is up a flight of stairs. read more

So my wife and I hit this place up on a double date with my best friend and his wife. I love, the house this restaurant is in. It's old school grandparenty on the outside, and just awesome on the inside. The decor was perfect for the restaurant! Lost of seating, limited parking! Can they park enough vehicles to fill the place? I don't think they can! So my BF having been there recommended we meet at his place and carpool. 1) Because he lives in Dartmouth and I don't 2) Because he knew the parking lot was, well tiny (25-30 cars max) I ordered the Chicken Parm, with a Caesar to start (due to recommendations) They offer bread at the tables, which was good, who doesn't love warm bread with butter? The Caesar was actually fantastic, way garlicky, which is perfect in my world. I can see how some would find it way TOO garlicky though. The chicken parm on the other hand, not good, the sauce tasted like they reheated sauce from a day or two ago, the breaded chicken tasted wet not crispy, and the chicken was bland in flavour. Now my wife enjoyed the Mussel, and shrimp pomodoro. My BF enjoyed his fish chowder, and his wife enjoyed the potato and beer soup. Now the service was not good! our server, forgot my wife's beer, didn't refill our water, took three attempts at getting our bill right, and for some reason we ended up have someone different ask us for dessert! I was downright disappointed with the meal in general. I won't be back, and not only because it is 40 minutes from home, but because i thought they would be better! read more

Last update, I swear! We made another trip out to Vines ... and it was fabulous. Incidentally, they have new chairs, new linens and new staff so it was an extra-great experience. Food was excellent and we had a new server named Kevin, who was probably the most personable and charming server we've ever had. Vines is definitely back on our go-to list of restos in Dartmouth! read more

My guy and I wanted Italian food one evening so we wondered into The Vines and we absolutely love it ! We are regulars and always ask for Emily to serve us. She is so knowledgeable and friendly and just plain sweet that we ask to sit in her section every time we go which is often !! The bread, caesar salad pasta and well...everything weve ordered has been perfect! Thank you to The Vines for all the great food and service. You are now" our place" Susan and Lorne. read more

Why must the service always be so slow?! I have been here quite a few times now and yes, the food is delicious, the portions are massive, and everyone is friendly, but the service speed is just not there. I don't know if it's intentional or not but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. My two sisters and I took our father here for his birthday on December 22nd. We arrived just as they opened for the evening and we were the only patrons. We ordered water and iced tea as our drinks and it still took a good ten minutes for them to arrive. We placed our orders and our appetizers were slow to arrive as well. Mussels, bruschetta, and risotto balls. Nothing too crazy, but people who arrived after we did got their food before us. Yes, it was good, and our entrees were huge but I'm glad we gave ourselves a 2 1/2 hour window before having to be at Neptune Theatres for our show. Any less and we probably wouldn't have made it. read more

I've been coming to this place for, wow, almost a decade now. We started coming for the fresh-baked bread and butter, and stayed for the pasta. The Vines has been there for many celebrations, from post-Musical shenanigans, to birthdays, and even prom dinner. It has never let me down. Well, the parking has. It's a cramped and confusing lot, and more times than not we've had to park quite a ways down the road because the hard-to-maneurver lot has been too full. Garlic lovers, you should hold your annual meeting here. Their ceasar salad dressing will clear out vampires in a 3 mile radius with just a whiff. Every bite burns your tastebuds with the raw power of so many cloves of garlic. It is absolutely delicious. Don't expect a kiss after this salad. You like pasta? You're going to love The Vines' offerings. My favourite is the fettuccini alfredo. Tender pasta in a creamy, garlic and wine sauce blanketed by a generous layer of cheese will pack on calories, but you won't care once you have a bite. It is divine. You could add chicken, but honestly, the pasta itself is good enough on its own. The cheese shells are also a yummy favourite. If pasta isn't your thing, the grill side offers some protein that'll satisfy any carnivore. The striploin steak is great, but the stuffed chicken is even better. Portions are huge, especially for the price, so you'll always have enough for a second flavour orgasm with leftovers the next day. If you're looking to sample all of their offerings, check out the Pasta Bar on Wednesdays. Stuff your face with as much pasta as you can from their all-you-can-eat selection. The Vines also often have Taster Nights. Sign up for their newsletter, and you'll be informed of upcoming Taster Nights, the monthly cheesecake flavour, and get the inside scoop on specials and events. If you want to savour the delicious flavour of The Vines from the comfort of your home, you're in luck, because their entire menu is available for take-out. Within 20 minutes of placing your order, you can be carrying a large bowl of carby goodness home. read more

Gready place to go but as mentioned before, make sure to carpool if you're going with a few people. Caesar salad was very garlicky but very delicious, the mushroom ravioli is delicious and the potato and beer soup is to die for! Last time I went was for new years eve, service was decent considering the number of people and the parking lot was expectedly full. People were lined up out the door, they were a bit slow sitting people. The limited menu was okay but I was disappointed that they didn't have the rice balls on the menu. read more

My husband and I visited this location in June for the first time. I was really excited to go, as I had been wanting to try it for years but am a little skeptical of Italian restaurants - nothing is ever better than my grandmother's! First, I have to say, after all of this time, is there no solution to the parking issue? Really? We had a reservation and were seated promptly. It was busy, and there were a couple of large groups, so the noise level was high. Our waitress introduced herself and the waiter working with her. A third person brought our drinks. The second waiter brought us bread. Eventually the waitress came back (again, it was busy, so the gap in time is understandable) and took our order. The starter took a while to get to us. A fourth person dropped it off. It took a while for the plate to be picked up after we were done. It took even longer for our mains to arrive. And when I mean long, I am talking the length of time it took my husband to consider leaving. The people at the next table, who arrived about 20 minutes after us, received their mains before we did, even though they had also ordered starters. Our starters were the rice balls - they were great! My husband and I both had pasta - he had the seafood linguine and I had the spicy chicken pasta. My pasta, admittedly, was fantastic. Overall, the food was really good. Our actual waitress seemed to be very professional, however the serving seemed confused and somewhat random. I think I will give it another try - perhaps at one of the special events I have been hearing about. read more

I'll admit, until last night, I hadn't even heard or known of this place. My boyfriend had planned a date for us, made reservations and I love trying out new places (especially pasta!!) so I was hopeful. The parking is only slightly confusing at first; you enter on the right side and exit on the left. I was reading some reviews prior to my experience and a lot of people have said parking is limited. Which, ya it kinda is, but I feel that's more the customers fault and not necessarily the restaurant's. Honestly, my boyfriend and I found a place right away but noticed that a lot of customers had taken two parking spaces each for their royal bums. We entered the house, because yes it is a house and not a building, and the ambience was so cozy. I feel like being in a house adds a nice touch. The guy sat us in our seats and we oogled the all-you-can eat pasta bar. However, when the waitress told us what was offered, we mutually decided to order from the menu... much to the disappointment of our waitress. She gave us some bread and time with our menus. The bread wasn't warm and was quite hard... we were having troubles cutting through it with the knife!! But it was tasty once your were able to slice it. We ordered mussels and I got a caesar with my meal. The mussels were good and the caesar was garlicky... i love garlic, but honestly, the award-winning salad, didn't have much taste. It just taste like garlic. Kinda bland. Then our main courses arrived; he got a cajun chicken pasta and I ordered the fettucine alfredo. He absolutely adored his pizza ( and I tried it too - it was good!) but I, again, wasn't overly impressed by my choice. it was kinda bland. I mean it wasn't disgusting but it wasn't something I'd jump through fire for. It was edible. then dessert comes around and I was so excited to order a tiramisu - a dish widely known as italian but the waitress came to our table and gave us the list and, a little embarrassed, pointed out that the tiramisu was sold out and that the Beaver Tails were no longer being sold. A little bummed about the tiramisu but hey, it happens. I thought it was weird about the beaver tails though- if they are no longer being sold, why still have them on the dessert menu list? Maybe she meant that they weren't being made tonight? or sold-out? I don't know... I left this place with a "meh" impression. Nothing amazing about it but nothing disgusting either. The place is clean and romantic. read more

A very unassuming property from the outside...especially the entrance as it is at the "Back" of the building.....this was once a private home...nothing spectacular...just a simple home that has been gutted inside to make a large dining room. It is pleasant, albeit eclectic in its decor. The service when we entered was quick and attentive as was our waiter who was at the table immediately. This crew has been well trained and is right in there with the suggestive up sell of a cocktail/mimosa to start the day! We went on a Sunday for brunch...with all the raves in Yelp, we went in with HIGH EXPECTATIONS...we were not disappointed. The food was in abundance (we did wait for more eggs Benny) the choices plentiful and the fare fresh. If there is one thing this establishment has over MANY OTHERS out there today is virtually everything at Vines is made in house and is FRESH. Given the fact that this Sunday Brunsh was the busiest of the season. (I asked) they did extremely well on keeping everyone happy. from replacing drinks to whisking away empty plates. It is a very different feel than that I am used to as I generally don`t get to the Dartmouth side to dine and it was a very casual relaxed setting. Mom dad and baby on one side and a large table of 8 ladies out for a "Girls Brunch" because it a big room with plenty of "Stuff" the noises are well absorbed and it doesn't seem overwhelming with sounds. All in all worth the drive and we will be back! Thanks to Tina and her team on a job well done! read more

Vines Pasta Grill - a waitress serving customers - Italian Near Me - Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

This place never disappoints! Truely the best pasta in HRM. The staff is curtious and the atmosphere is very relaxing. I am forever suggesting this restaurant to friends and they always come back with good reviews. I have been here more than many times and I plan on gooing many times more. Highly Recommended! read more

Another great meal at The Vines! I enjoyed the Ravioli and started with a small ceasar salad, my husband had the meat lovers pizza-- which was huge! We saved a weee bit of room for dessert this time: chocolate decadent something or other.. Was worth it! We split it and it was the perfect portion. read more

Visiting from Vancouver, BC to see my daughter who moved to Dartmouth this past fall. Did a google search for a pasta house and came up with Vines.. this proved to be the absolutely best google search result ever. Atmosphere was warm, staff efficient and friendly but the Food...OMG....fresh and delicious does not begin to describe the awesomeness of our dinner. Cannot wait for my next visit but I'm sure daughter will be going there often without me. Feeling sorry for me! read more

Super friendly staff, warm cozy environment, absolutely delicious food. Hands down one of the best restaurants I've been too!

This place is supposed to be an Italian restaurant the pasta is premade sitting around the sauces are not the greatest service was pretty good the food is garbage never going back again I tried this place three times read more

Good service, Great food! After reading the great reviews we decided to try, we will be back!

We heard so much about Vines, my husband and I went there and were not impressed! His pasta was very watery and the service was very cold. The cheesecake was dry. We will not be returning. read more

Me and my girlfriend went there and had an amazing meal! Rice balls were delicious, followed by their famous caesar salad, and we both had our own pasta dishes. We were both stuffed and couldn't finish our main meals so we got them packed up.. next morning we were trying to dig in, and I came across a meal that wasn't mine(people make mistakes, it was busy and must have got mixed up), so I called in (during their brunch hours when they don't cook pasta) and they cooked up fresh entree for me as well as a massive Caesar salad AND a box of fresh desserts free of charge! I'm happy as a clam. read more

We went here for my fiances Christmas staff party I was super excited as I always love fresh pasta that why I was so sad when my dinner came and the pasta was overcooked try getting your servers attention when she is serving 30 other people the dessert was ok we had some kind of chocolate cake not too sure what it was the best part of the night was my bottle of red wine I just don't think I would recommend this place to anyone it's too bad because I really wanted to like it read more

What a meal and the service was perfect. The salad was so fresh it couldn't have been picked more than 5 minutes before I ordered it. My husband had a vegetable soup that was hot and spicy. When our meals came there was so much even my husband couldn't finish his and this man lives to eat. We both love bread and theirs was thick and crusty (kinda like us). We didn't have any wine and the meal was under 40.00 plus I have enough left our for lunch tomorrow. Oh and my pet peeve is waiting for the check but again the timing was perfect. read more

Recently went back for my first attempt at taking advantage of their take-out service and oh yes - they're still getting five stars in my books. The food was just as fresh, hot, and flavourful by the time I got home and it was all prepared surprisingly fast! Just another great advantage to this off-the-beaten-path gourmet. read more