Vinnie's – Italian
Stepping into Vinnie’s feels like a warm embrace, where the intoxicating aroma of buttery garlic knots and herb-crusted focaccia sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. Guests linger over plates of golden calamari fritti and tender meatballs bathed in vibrant marinara, while the kitchen sends out shimmering pans of shrimp scampi and bowls of steamed mussels that capture the essence of the coast.
641 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville 28804 https://vinniesitalian.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Vinnie's
Dairy-Free at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne alla Arrabbiata, Sweet Italian Sausage (2) and Sautéed Garlic Spinach. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 6 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Steamed Mussels, Sweet Italian Sausage (2) and Sautéed Garlic Spinach. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 19 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne alla Arrabbiata, NY Ricotta Cheesecake and Our Famous Garlic Knots. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sausage, Peppers, and Onions, Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Chicken Marsala. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sweet Italian Sausage (2), Sautéed Garlic Broccoli and Chicken Marsala. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 5 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Steamed Mussels, Sweet Italian Sausage (2) and Chicken Paillard. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 3 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sweet Italian Sausage (2), Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Sautéed Garlic Broccoli. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Vinnie's
Vinnie's in Asheville has 3 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne alla Arrabbiata, Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Sautéed Garlic Broccoli. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Vinnie's
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Marsala | 4 g | 54 g |
| Classic Greek | 74 g | 35 g |
| Eggplant Parmigiana | 78.6 g | 30.4 g |
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | 29.9 g | 29.3 g |
| Spaghetti Carbonara | 43.1 g | 29.1 g |
| Penne Bolognese | 40.1 g | 26.4 g |
| Penne alla Arrabbiata | 0 g | 26.1 g |
| Cannoli | 85.7 g | 26 g |
| Sausage, Peppers, and Onions | 7.2 g | 23.6 g |
| Twice-Baked Meat Lasagna | 32.3 g | 22.5 g |
| Penne alla Norma | 45.7 g | 21 g |
| Vinnie's Caesar | 61.5 g | 19.9 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
What diners are saying
Guests celebrate the relaxed vibe and high-quality dining experience, frequently praising the fresh steak as a standout dish. Reviewers highlight the polite and attentive service staff who ensure a seamless meal with regular check-ins, making it a top choice for group gatherings and professional outings.
Menu
Antipasti
- Calamari Fritti - $14: fried calamari, Vinnie's marinara Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Scampi - $14: olive oil, white wine, butter, garlic, red pepper Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steamed Mussels - $17: red, caper-white wine, or fra diavolo sauce Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meatballs Marinara (3) - $10: Uncle Sal's favorite Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Italian Sausage (2) - $10: handmade from union city, new jersey Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arancini - $14: fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella in Vinnie's smoky tomato sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mozzarella Marinara - $11: house-made fried mozzarella sticks, Vinnie's marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- House Made Focaccia - $12: whipped ricotta, olive oil Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Our Famous Garlic Knots - $12: lots of garlic butter, parmesan, italian parsley, Vinnie's marinara Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Vinnie's Caesar - $11: caesar dressing, croutons, anchovy filet Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Classic Greek - $12: romaine lettuce, feta cheese, red onions, olives, pepperoncini, tomatoes, house greek dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Pasta
- Spaghetti with Sunday Gravy - $23: Aunt Stella’s recipe with sweet Italian sausage and meatballs Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti with Meatballs - $20: meatballs, Vinnie’s marinara Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Spaghetti Carbonara - $21: pancetta, peas, eggs, parmesan cheese Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne Bolognese - $20: ground beef, sausage, onion, cream, white wine-tomato sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sausage, Peppers, and Onions - $19: penne pasta with sweet italian sausage, green peppers, and sweet onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne alla Norma - $19: marinara, eggplant, basil, whipped ricotta Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Linguini & Clams - $22: middle neck clams, a bit of crushed red pepper | served with red, white, or fra diavolo sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Linguini & Shrimp - $22: shrimp, garlic | served with red, white, or fra diavolo sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne alla Vodka - $22: pancetta, sautéed onions, vodka cream sauce, scallions Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fettuccine Alfredo - $20: parmesan, cream, garlic Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne alla Arrabbiata - $16: Vinnie’s marinara, garlic-infused olive oil, pepper flakes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Baked Ziti Napolitano - $19: ricotta, mozzarella, Vinnie's marinara, cream, parmesan Available at: dinner, lunch
Italian Classics
- Chicken Piccata - $23: lemon, capers, shallots, white wine butter sauce Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Marsala - $23: marsala wine, shallots, garlic, mushrooms Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Atkins, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Paillard - $20: grilled chicken breast, olive oil, garlic, parsley, spices Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmon Gratella - $27: olive oil, garlic, parsley, spices Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Vinnie's Specialties
- Twice-Baked Meat Lasagna - $21: perfezione! Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggplant Parmigiana - $21: Sonny’s recipe, over spaghetti Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Parmigiana - $23: Kevin D’s favorite, over spaghetti Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Parm-Crusted Flounder - $24: herbed bread crumbs, lemon caper sauce, spinach, mashed potatoes Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes - $7 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Garlic Spinach - $7 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sautéed Garlic Broccoli - $7 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Kids Menu
- Spaghetti & Meatballs (Kids) - $9: 'pasketti, a kid's favorite Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Tenders - $10: mashed potatoes, marinara Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Penne Butter Noodles - $6: buttered noodles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- NY Ricotta Cheesecake - $11: a trip down memory lane — 386 flatbush ave. Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Tiramisu - $12: Vinnie's family recipe from Veneto Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Cannoli - $9: Leave the gun, take the cannoli! Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber
- Flourless Chocolate Torte - $12: layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ganache Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chocolate Budino - $8: Italian fancy pudding with pistachio Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions about Vinnie's
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the fresh steak, famous garlic knots, calamari fritti, shrimp scampi, meatballs marinara, and spaghetti with Sunday gravy.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a relaxed, high-quality Italian experience for group gatherings or professional outings would most enjoy this restaurant.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Vegan options include sautéed garlic broccoli, while keto, gluten-free, and low-carb choices feature salmon gratella, classic Greek salad, and broccoli.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- The relaxed vibe and attentive service make this restaurant a top choice for group gatherings and family-friendly Italian dining.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors can expect a relaxed Italian dining experience featuring high-quality steak, attentive service, and famous garlic knots in a group-friendly atmosphere.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Salmon Gratella and Sautéed Garlic Broccoli both accommodate keto and gluten-free diets, along with numerous other dietary restrictions.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With a 4.0/5 rating and moderate ($$) pricing, guests report high-quality dining and attentive service that offer good value.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and high-quality dining experience, specifically highlighting the fresh steak as a standout dish.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy a relaxed group gathering or professional outing featuring fresh steak, attentive service, and high-quality Italian dishes like garlic knots.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews for Vinnie's do not mention any specific concerns, instead highlighting the high-quality dining experience and attentive service.
- Is Vinnie's dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Vinnie's has 5 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Penne alla Arrabbiata, Sweet Italian Sausage (2) and Sautéed Garlic Spinach.
- What can I eat at Vinnie's on a dairy-free diet?
- Penne alla Arrabbiata, Sweet Italian Sausage (2) and Sautéed Garlic Spinach carry the dairy-free tag, out of 5 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Vinnie's have vegan options?
- Yes. 3 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Penne alla Arrabbiata and Sautéed Garlic Spinach.
- Is Vinnie's gluten-free?
- 6 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Vinnie's?
- Chicken Marsala, at roughly 54g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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