Italian Kitchen VANSAN イオン新潟西店

Welcoming Family Style Italian Dining

Arrived for an early dinner (~6 pm), and the restaurant was mostly empty. The waitress stepped me through the menu as it was my first time, and explained the different options (ala carte vs. set menus). I'm used to ringing a service bell on the table, but here you embrace a more western style of attentive wait staff as you are required to call them to get their attention. At the time I was there, it wasn't a problem, but I can see it being a bit more challenging during peak busy times. The restaurant has fully welcomed technology, perhaps first as an answer to the COVID epidemic, but now it seems like an excellent way to deliver food no matter what the case. The orders arrived on a digital caddy with the notice to 'press the button to send him home' once the orders have been taken. The pasta was flavorful, and the noodles chewy and delicious. I tried the 'diablo pasta' which has a variable spicy level, and I tried the first. It was mildly spicy, but at level 4, I imagine it would be terribly spicy. The portions were a little on the small side, but there is a menu option for a king-sized portion at a small additional cost. The side menus are an excellent accent to the main meal, and I tried the baguette and avocado/olive salad. Both were delicious and paired well with the tomato and pesto style pasta. The atmosphere is welcoming, but for patrons who dislike family style dining and all the buzz that comes with that, I would recommend a smaller, cozier cafe, but if you enjoy the bustle associated with dining out, then this is the place for you. I'll definitely try this restaurant again.