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Vinoteca Reviews List
Vinoteca
Devoted to locally-sourced produce and artisanal wines and spirits, this contemporary American wine-centric restaurant offers up toothsome fare for every palate, budget, and occasion.
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66 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 66 reviews
5 stars
(20)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(8)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- notable wine list(35)
- fit for foodies(34)
- neighborhood gem(29)
- great for outdoor dining(28)
- great for brunch(20)
- vibrant bar scene(16)
Vinoteca Reviews List
Review 1 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
exceptional food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"a real gem in the area. the food was the real star. probably one of the best duck dishes I've ever had. the wine pairing is a must. the pours are small but if you like their suggestions you can always order more."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Better than expected
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great meal at Vinoteca. Having been there a few times for wine and drinks only, we weren't sure how the food would be - and whether it would be enough food. We had a great meal and would highly recommend the Prix fixe meal as everything was excellent and we were full afterwards! The gnocchi was amazing, as were the fish and filet specials. The chocolate dessert was also wonderful.
The only thing I would caution against is the wine pairing. Although it was nice to try different wines with each course, each pour was barely half a glass, which was disappointing for the $20 extra we paid to add pairings. Next time I'll get a bottle or just drink a single glass each but still go with the prix fixe.
Our server Eugene was phenomenal!"
Dined on 6/07/2013
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Review 3 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Disappointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were here once three years ago and had a good meal but it has gone downhill since then. The service was terrible. we sat for 15 minutes without our drink or meal order being taken, the food presentation was messy and mediocre, the pours stingy, which was amazing for a wine bar and the pairings with the meal were very disappointing. We will never return and recommend no one go here."
Dined on 5/31/2013
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Review 4 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Meal in a Long Time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I've been to a fair amount of restaurants in DC that fall in a similar category to this one and I have to say that this was the best experience I have had in a very long time, if not the best overall. The restaurant is very comfortable inside and I have outstanding service. The food was all incredibly prepared, fresh, and presented very well. Their wine pairing is spot on and the server was able to offer a very brief description of why each wine was chosen with a particular dish. Outstanding experience and highly recommended."
Dined on 5/28/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good food, wonderful wine list
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What we noted (positively): Lots of little tapas-style foods; offers menu with wine pairings; offers flights of wine (3 or more little glasses) for those interested in tasting multiple wines. Has a nice bar section, as well as dining area; we went for dinner, but probably also a great place for happy hours or late night drinks & snacks."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list
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Review 6 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great brunch spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Love this place even though I've only been here for brunch (twice). The food was so delicious, whole wheat pancakes were a huge hit. Generous portions, wonderfully prepared.
There is an adorable outdoor area, sadly the weather did not cooperate for us when we were there. We definitely want to go back to drink some wine, eat some great appetizers and play some bocce at another time."
There is an adorable outdoor area, sadly the weather did not cooperate for us when we were there. We definitely want to go back to drink some wine, eat some great appetizers and play some bocce at another time."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"the quality wines they offer by the glass were only 5.5 OZ way too little for the amount they charge."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 8 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Lofty aspirations for the
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Lofty aspirations for the food, but feels a bit like amateur hour working to become a better restaurant. Bison was good but delivered lukewarm 30 minutes after our appetizers - clearly had been sitting there for a while, probably while we watched the chef take a cigarette break in full view of our outdoor table. Excellent wine list and a fine place for a drink if you are in the neighborhood, but I'd think of this place as more of a wine bar with decent but sometimes poorly executed food and service, rather than as a dinner destination."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2005
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 9 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had a great light dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had a great light dinner of snacks, and the gnocchi was fabulous.
Service was outstanding. We were there for over 2 hours, and had a lovely experience."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 10 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
I've been to Vinoteca many
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Vinoteca many times but this was a horrible experience. The service was slow or non-existent. The food was extremely slow in coming out and when it did it was over-cooked."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2011
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Review 11 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Acoustic nightmare unfortunately
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Acoustic nightmare unfortunately as the food and service are excellent. It's impossible to have any conversation without shouting."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, late-night find
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Review 12 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice feel, good food.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very nice. Great food & service. Was ridiculously loud which stood out even more because the vast majority of the voices were female. Still, would definitely recommend."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2006
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Review 13 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
While the inside of the wine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"While the inside of the wine bar is relatively small, it isn't uncomfortably so. On Sunday mornings, it does tend to be a bit more lively because of the brunch scene (20 and 30 somethings like myself and we tend to get a bit rowdier when we drink). The outdoor patios in the front and back give the bar more space and when its warm they are a great option. The mimosas are delightful, the staff is awesome, and the service is really quick. Overall I would recommend Vinoteca for almost any one. Have fun! Cheers!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 14 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Culturally rich!
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Vinoteca is amazing. I believe the owner is half Swedish and half Colombian and the restaurant completely portrays this mixture of culture: Beautiful, elegant, classy, and fun. On Sunday nights they play Spanish music. Great food, amazing Argentinian wine and Sparkling."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 15 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The water had black debris
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The water had black debris floating. The host was swamped. I love this place because of the $10 bottomless mimosas!"
Dined on 04/07/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not so great
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not a fan of this place- the food tries too hard and ends up being less than desirable. The wine is good, but I'd recommend Veritas in Dupont over Vinoteca if you're looking for a good wine bar and snacks."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
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Review 17 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fantastic!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The service was great. The food was amazing and it came pretty quickly after we ordered it."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
No chemistry
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great concept and location, but something is off about the chemistry. It's like all the pieces are there on paper: decor, menu, staff training, wine list etc., yet something is keeping it from gelling. I have found the food to be underwhelming during each of my three visits for a similar reason. The components sound great, but the execution leaves me feeling less than satisfied. I can pay more reasonable prices for much better food elsewhere. I know this is a very subjective and unactionable review, but I can't describe it any more constructively. Ther just seems to be missing chemistry or spirit necessary to make Vinoteca manifest the guest experience that was intended."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 19 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Nothing particularly special
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Nothing particularly special about the brunch. The food was good,, the ambiance just as mediocre but the bacci ball in the back is a great touch!"
Dined on 03/10/2013
2012
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Review 20 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I think raising the price
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I think raising the price of the bottomless drinks and dropping the options wasn't the best of moves, but I will still dine at this restaurant hands down. The service and food were great as always, and the friends that I brought loved it."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 21 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Vinoteca is delightful. The
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Vinoteca is delightful. The food is innovative and well presented. Service was outstanding, across the board. A very good choice for a quiet dinner, special occasion, or happy hour. A favorite!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 22 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
tempting menu, helpful waiter,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"tempting menu, helpful waiter, great wine suggestions"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2004
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 23 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Initially drawn to Vinoteca
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Initially drawn to Vinoteca due to the unlimited mimosa brunch special, the extraordinary food is what will keep me coming back to this gem as a regular brunch spot. I'm an Eggs Benedict connoisseur, and Vinoteca served the best I've ever had."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 24 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I dined here because I knew
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I dined here because I knew it was one of the restaurants serving brunch on President's day, but it was also on my list for restaurants to try in the city. I love this spot because it's a little hidden and looks like a nice, local restaurant. The ambiance was great, especially for brunch. It wasn't too crowded and the large windows gave a nice light to the restaurant. I also enjoy a menu that's on the smaller side so I'm not overwhelmed by choices. The current scones are delicious, and the pan con tomate is a great twist on a breakfast sandwich. Can't wait to come back for dinner!"
Dined on 02/18/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 25 for Vinoteca
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service was friendly without
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was friendly without being oversolicitous, and the noise level was fine for a night out celebrating a birthday with friends. Everyone enjoyed their entrees, and the wine list was well thought out."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Vinoteca
Based on the average of (41) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic