Ristorante davinci

The place looks to be a traditional Italian place — it looks standard, the name is an old cliché name, and the menu has script writing with no pictures or details about the food. So naturally you assume that something you order is going to be what you expect it to be.
The «minestrone soup» was a creative but weird combination of raw vegetables, covered in a veggie broth. Neither of us liked it. The (un-​requested) appetizer was a single deep fried polenta chunk the size of a walnut or smaller — along with a box of breads and some pretty flavored butters. The lasagna was a pile of pasta, with some cheese on top, and some tomato sauce on the place. The only thing that seemed normal and tasty at all was the pizza, which was ultra thin crust.
As for the wine, as usual the glass was about ¹⁄₃ full, but the price was higher and quality lower than several other local restaurants we have eaten at in Vienna.
The ambience itself is nothing special at all — almost a pizza parlor vibe. The one good thing about the room was that the tables were not crowded too close to each other.
Lastly there was 5.90 of ‘cover charge’ for two of us.
It was an unsatisfying meal, which was not cheap or pleasant. Apparently they do have aspirations for creative plating and interpretations, but they have to make it good tasting, not just different.

We left the Mozart House Museum at 6:30 PM and needed to rest our weary bodies after a long day of walking and standing — no one said sight seeing is easy! It was Saturday night and we kept getting denied in restaurant after restaurant as we hadn’t planned ahead and made a reservation anywhere. Then our luck changed. Restaurant DaVinci could take us.
They were welcoming and gracious. They don’t have English translations on the menu, but our waiter, a charming man from Venezuela, was happy to translate and was very patient with our many questions. We could make some things out as many words in the pasta/​pizza sections were familiar. The meat/​fish offerings were harder to figure out on our own, however, hence the many questions.
The bread selection was nice, five kinds, but the presentation in a wooden box was really cool. Three kinds of butter, too.
We were brought an amuse bouche of soft cow’s milk cheese rolled in nuts. Very tangy. A nice gesture.
Two is us started with the burrata which was super creamy and almost sweet. It came with beautiful, almost marinated, tomatoes. Delicious.
The minestrone came «deconstructed». The bowl containing the pasta and vegetables was placed on the table, then a tea pot of the broth infused with herbs was poured on top. Not a traditional minestrone, but my friend said it was delicious and the presentation was classy.
We didn’t see a salad on the menu, but we asked and they did have one. Simple arugula, butter lettuce and endive. Light dressing with nice flavor.
Two in our party had the steak with foie gras on top, one had the chicken and prosciutto and I had the lamb. All came with sauces poured on at the table. All entrees were wonderful.
Even the salt was great. Sea salt in a grinder that was neither too fine or too course.
The wine list had some reasonable offerings. We had a Gruner Vetliner that was in the 20 euro range. We also had a Barbera that was 33 euro and they decanted it even though it wasn’t high dollar.
Our waiter gave us a complimentary grappa after dinner. Not a traditional white grappa, but a barrel aged grappa that took on cognac like characteristics.
The service was great. Our waiter could not have been more generous with his time with us and was professional yet warm and friendly. He seemed to appreciate our enthusiasm as much as we appreciated his great service. The other staff was really friendly, too.
I would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience without any pretense and not terribly expensive for the quality of food and service.

One of the best meals we have had in Vienna. Original dishes, incredibly fresh and all made with purpose, care, and elegance. Service was outstanding and we particularly appreciated the recommendations from our waiter. Do not miss the chilled cucumber soup, and the calzone. Both were absolutely delicious.

Food was very creative and aspiring, but only some of the dishes were delicious, others were still special, but a bad kind of special. Staff was nice but not very helpful with recommendations. The food, especially the main courses took a very long time to arrive.

It’s always a bit of a gamble picking a restaurant in a foreign city… and did we luck out with picking Ristorante DaVinci! Six of us wandered in and we were treated like family with «gifts from the kitchen» meaning wonderfully delicious and no-​charge soup and appetizer. The pizza, wine and bread we so yummy and the service delightful. They even have English menus. I highly recommend this place.