Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York / Tri-State Area
  4. Queens
  5. Astoria
VIA VAI - Astoria, Astoria, NY
VIA VAI - Astoria, Astoria, NY
VIA VAI - Astoria, Astoria, NY
VIA VAI - Astoria, Astoria, NY
VIA VAI - Astoria, Astoria, NY
Award-winning

VIA VAI - Astoria

4.8
4.8
246 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
VIA VAI is a Chef-Owner run restaurant, serving contemporary and authentic Italian food that one would find in the best restaurants and trattorie in today's Italy.

The restaurant is rustic cozy and charming, with a slate and marble top bar serving only select Italian wines, and local and imported tap and bottled beer, that pair perfectly with the artisanal food prepared every day on the premises, and the brick oven roman-style (thin crust) pizza cooked in the imported Italian oven.

Chef-owner Antonio Morichini is Roman born and bred. He did his culinary education and training in Italy, working in some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome. His food is loyal to tradition, but forward looking.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (347) 612-4334
  • Website
    http://www.viavai-ny.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Antonio Morichini
  • Catering
    Cater your next special event with specialty food from VIA VAI. Call us for catering menus and further information
  • Private party facilities
    VIA VAI is available for private events. Call us for further information.
  • Location
    31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Astoria
  • Parking details
    Street parking and municipal parking lot in very close proximity, are available.
  • Public transit
    VIA VAI is down the block from the last stop of the N train, Ditmars Blvd.
  • Additional
    Beer, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 246 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Best Food

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Best Service

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Italian

  • Queens

    Best Overall

  • Queens

    Best Food

  • Queens

    Best Service

  • Queens

    Best Ambiance

  • Queens

    Best Value

  • Queens

    Romantic

246 Reviews

  1. AnnFnp

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious salad and pasta options (that's what we stuck with).

    Is this helpful?

  2. VickiT

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The place is small. There were 5 of us and we were cramped in 2 small tables. It took a very long time for the food to come out. A 22% tip was added to the receipt, which I thought was uncalled for. There was no where in the restaurant or on the menu that said a tip will automatically be applied. The food was good. I had food that was just as good, but at a better price and service.

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    While the homemade pasta itself was tasty, the food was generally underwhelming. The cacio e Pepe was the winning pasta dish, whilst the pizza was relatively forgettable. The other disappointment was that the menu on the restaurant’s website was larger than what was offered at the spot itself. Also note that while they do have a large wine menu, there are no cocktails. Dessert was shippable as well. Overall, lovely ambience and very busy wait staff, but the food was just ok.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing pasta, great wine list and attentive service.

    Is this helpful?

  5. ShelleyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice. REAL NICE. Good food. Waitress gave great suggestions. Pappardelle, risotto, ravioli and branzino were fire. Go. Just go.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A trip to Italy without leaving NY!!! The restaurant was ornate with Venetian masks and was warm and cozy. What a wonderful delectable treat this was. The food here is superb. Our server Stella earns 10 stars. She suggested the wine and most of our food choices. We were seated and swiftly attended to. The soft centered crisp focaccia awakened our palates. We started our journey with the polpette that was reminiscent of Rome. Soft small meatballs in a delectable tomato sauce. Their appy special layered zucchini blossoms was sweet and cheesy. We continued on to our pasta choice of “white meat” ravioli nestled in a buttery sage and truffle sauce and the Cacio de Pepe which was the star! Our next course, also a special was Bronzino wrapped and baked inside a dough similar to a calzone! WOW! So delicious! Flaky fish seasoned with rosemary and lemon. Accompanied by garlicky spinach and asparagus. The meal was completed with homemade pistachio gelato. We almost licked the bowl!!!! So good!!!! This place should be on everyone’s food radar when in Astoria.

    Is this helpful?

  7. DINAM

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is absolutely amazing! The chef is a culinary artist. His passion and love for food make you want to come back over and over again.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Brianna

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on October 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my new favorite Astoria restaurant! Food is as good quality as Italy and I had a fantastic montepulciano red wine. Very cozy vibe. Excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at this restaurant. For appts we had the meat balls, which were incredibly tender and the sauce delightful. We also had the calamari… beautifully light and crispy and again super tender pieces. For mains we all had different pastas which were clearly very fresh, perfect el dente. I also had the daily risotto, this day it was a porcini mushroom and truffle risotto…this was the highlight of the night. So flavorful, big pieces of mushroom and a healthy portion. For dessert we had the panna cotta and tiramisu both were fantastic. Don’t waste your time going for Italian in Manhattan and spending an arm and a leg. Make the easy trip to Astoria and visit this little gem just steps away from the Astoria-Ditmars subway.

    Is this helpful?

  10. reallybigshoe

    New York Area

    68 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    68 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a discovery! The place was very quiet on a Wednesday night late, but perfect for my "delicate" nervous system. The owner/server was super-friendly. And the food was exceptional. I had the special risotto (with porcini mushrooms, black truffle, and pistachio) -- delicious, if pricey ($38). For the first course, my husband and I shared another special: fried zucchini flowers with mozzarella and a tiny bowl of outrageously good roasted red pepper sorbet. The wine list is both extensive and expensive -- we got the cheapest bottle, a $45 cannanou, which was fine.

    Is this helpful?

  11. GageC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is beautiful, calm, and inviting. The food is just as wonderful if not better. The pizza is perfectly crispy and the pasta is fresh.

    Is this helpful?

  12. SyedH

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent neighborhood location. Superb service. Pizza to do for. Spaghetti like in Rome.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, Chef Morichini delivers authentic pasta dishes that make us feel like we are back in Italy. And no meal is complete without desert. We enjoyed the homemade gelato and decadent Tiramisu and wrapped up the night with a cappuccino. We will be back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Gino

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From the main dishes and down to the bread they served, every detail about dinner was perfect and delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is one of the best restaurants in the Astoria-Ditmars area. It’s a perfect experience every time.

    Is this helpful?

  16. 603RT150

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our 2d time at Via Vai for dinner. Overall excellent. Excellent meal ball appetizer, salad, pastas & pizza. Service quick & friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  17. IzzyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best pasta places I've ever been in in NY. The pizza is a nice crunchy thin crusty, but the true beauty is in the fresh pasta. The fettucine bolognase is amazing and the daily specialty ravioli is wonderful

    Is this helpful?

  18. Carlo

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was The food was superb very authentic Italian cuisine. The pastor a La matrigiana was exceptional. and the pork dish tasted Devine . I will certainly come back and try some of the other dishes on the menu. Thank you Stella for your service.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    Dinner was superb and absolutely delicious. The appetizer meatballs and sauce rivals what “ my Italian Moma used to make”. The MAIALE pork dish with truffle mashed potatoes was sensational . Pasta carbonara out of this world . Even the home made pistachio ice cream was magnificent . WINE list excellent . What a gem.

    Is this helpful?

  20. 603RT150

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a party of 4 for dinner on Sunday 3/15/2023. First time for all of us. We shared the meatball appetizer which was excellent. All of us then had different pastas, all from off menu items. All the pastas seemed home made and were also excellent. Post dinner espresso was also excellent. The server was very professional. This is a wonderful Italian restaurant. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I thoroughly enjoyed. Will be back on my next trip to the area.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Cosmo

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Although unassuming from the outside Via Vai never fails to deliver on a wonderful experience. Service is friendly, attentive, and never steers you wrong with a good wine recommendation. The food is outstanding. The meatball appetizer is a must! With this last visit our party’s order included a couple of the pasta mainstays from the menu and two specials, the shrimp ravioli and the branzino. All were delicious! Finish up with a couple of tiramisu and some gelato, …. Pretty perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  23. JennP

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cozy, great service and delicious food! Not many tables, so reserve in advance.

    Is this helpful?

  24. frankg

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great and cozy little spot , will deff go again. Nothing about this spot disappointed us.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Stefanie

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A little local gem! Always a great spot for a delicious meal and a great wine list. A nice variety of cuisine, mixes it up from a lot of other Italian spots in the neighborhood.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic holiday dinner, the pasta was next level. The service was fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Magicchic

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As one of my favorite restaurants to eat classic Italian, Via Vai never disappoints. The food is delicious and the ambiance is perfect for any occasion. It’s just the sweetest Italian spot I know of in Astoria.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place - great food and service!

    Is this helpful?

  29. KARENJ

    New York Area

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My friend and I had carbonara and dumplings which were both great. We had a nice conversation with the hostess and enjoyed our meal very leisurely. Their wine selection is very large, but the small servings are over priced.

    Is this helpful?

  30. NYCtraveler

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We both greatly enjoyed our meal at Via Vai last night. The food was excellent - he loved his maiale, a pork filet tenderloin with prosciutto and sage saltimbocca, and I my tonnarelli cacio e pepe. I enjoyed my glass of verdicchio. The place is so comfortable and conducive to conversation, and the hospitality continues to be warm and welcoming. Lucky to have this place in Astoria.

    Is this helpful?

  31. AlexandraR

    Miami

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were amazing! The tables are pretty close together so you hear the other parties conversations but overall great place with really good food!

    Is this helpful?

  32. lisaa

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and the service was terrific. Had pizza pasta and shrimp. It was all delicious

    Is this helpful?

  33. lulu

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was fresh and delicious, especially the pasta dishes. Our server was friendly, attentive and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 23, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Even with only one waitress, the service was great. Food was excellent. Get the spaghetti carbonara

    Is this helpful?

  35. GiorgioDS

    New York Area

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The two of us enjoyed our dinner at Via Vai. But I want to alert Open Table members to the fact that the current menu is not the one at this site. We were surprised by how few offerings there were--things I was looking forward to ordering based on the menu at OT. Only a few pizze and paste, only 3 salads. Possibly the menu here at OT was the restaurant's pre-pandemic one and, like many places, they cut down their offerings because of supply chain and other issues related to Covid. That said, the food was very good. The evening's special appetizer was fiori di zucca, which was prepared similarly to mozzarella in carozza, with zucchini flowers layered like a sandwich with a mozzarella and anchovy filling. Delicious. My partner enjoyed his salmon tartare with avocado antipasto. I had the bucatini all'amatriciana, one of the classics of Lazio cuisine, and it was very well prepared. My partner's pizza bufalina pizza was excellent; light, perfect dough, good sauce, and first-rate formaggio. I hope Via Vai restores some of the old menu items but we'll be back anyway.

    Is this helpful?

  36. TerryL

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    Need to hire more servers. One person can’t do everything

    1 person found this helpful

  37. StephenW

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent and subtle Italian food. One of the best in town.

    Is this helpful?

  38. KyleH

    London

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was phenomenal, the vibe charming, and the staff excellent. A delightful place for a date.

    Is this helpful?

  39. RonaldG

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We feel that the restaurant has wonderful ambience, superb food, and is priced reasonably well for the quality of the food that is offered.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Chef Morichini never ceases to amaze with amazingly authentic creations. The menu features classics like cacio é Pepe, Amatriciana and Bolognese to delightful standouts like white lamb ragu w asparagus and finished off w truffle oil. Finish the evening off with one of their amazing gelato’s or a silky smooth tiramisu.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Proof of vaccination required to dine indoors

FAQs

VIA VAI - Astoria is rated 4.8 stars by 246 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for VIA VAI - Astoria

31-09 23rd Ave, Astoria, NY 11105

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Astoria
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Wine Bar
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street parking and municipal parking lot in very close proximity, are available.
  • Public transit
    VIA VAI is down the block from the last stop of the N train, Ditmars Blvd.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Antonio Morichini
  • Additional
    Beer, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.viavai-ny.com/
  • Phone number
    (347) 612-4334
  • Catering
    Cater your next special event with specialty food from VIA VAI. Call us for catering menus and further information
  • Private party facilities
    VIA VAI is available for private events. Call us for further information.
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo