Jason P.
Yelp
Exactly a year after Tavolino closed in March 2024, Eddie and Vinny's Coastal Italian opened its doors this week, shaking up Coral Springs' somewhat repetitive and innovation-lacking dining scene. Tavolino, originally sold to new owners in 2018, is now spiritually reincarnated as Eddie and Vinny's, and in the hands of the original family under the guidance of Eddie Pozzuoli Jr., who also runs Prezzo and Corvina in Boca Raton.
Leading the kitchen is Chef David Garcia, who first made his mark at Tavolino Della Notte in 2016 before refining his craft at Prezzo. He now returns to his roots, reimagining coastal Italian dining with a fresh, elevated approach. Tavolino's original chef, Bruno Silva, has since opened the acclaimed Livello, a boutique, chef-driven hotspot nearby. Now, Garcia steps into the spotlight, delivering bold flavors and refined technique at Eddie & Vinny's.
The transformation is dramatic. The once-dated space now feels warm and sophisticated, with a polished marble bar, plush seating, and soft lighting that creates an intimate yet lively atmosphere. A small stage for live music is thoughtfully positioned to enhance, not overpower, the dining experience. Unlike many South Florida spots, this is a restaurant for grown-ups--a place where conversation takes precedence over distractions. There's only one TV, discreetly tucked away in the back, ensuring that the focus stays on the food, drinks, and company. From the outside, finishing touches are still in progress--the awning has yet to be installed, and outdoor seating is forthcoming--but inside, Eddie & Vinny's is already delivering a polished, confident experience, even in its soft opening phase.
We started with the Warm Goat Cheese Fritters Salad, a beautifully plated dish featuring golden, crisped goat cheese, fresh greens, and a well-balanced dressing--light yet satisfying. For our entrée, we chose the Short Rib Pappardelle, a deeply comforting dish with wide ribbons of pasta, tender braised short rib, and a rich mushroom ragu. The cocktail menu is equally refined. The Vesuvio Glow, a blood orange margarita with a spiced rim, was both vibrant and well-balanced, while the Date Night Negroni, featuring Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre's "Still" gin, offered a modern, polished take on a classic. Drinks here are crafted with the same attention to detail as the food--strong, elegant, and worth savoring.
The seafood-heavy menu is a major highlight, featuring dishes like Branzino alla Griglia, Lobster Fra Diavolo, Fresh Jumbo Lump Crab Ravioli, and Local Yellowtail Snapper Positano. The raw bar offers an impressive selection, including Colossal Crab Cocktail, Chilled Maine Lobster, Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, and daily fresh oysters. For those craving something heartier, options like the Tuscan Cowboy Ribeye and classic Chicken Parmesan provide satisfying alternatives. One dish that immediately caught our attention was the Wagyu Meatball--a massive, softball-sized creation served with sauce and parmesan. We didn't order it this time, but after watching it arrive at a neighboring table, it's top of our list for next time.
Though we were too full for dessert this time, Eddie & Vinny's offers a tempting selection that blends Italian tradition with creative twists. The menu currently features options like the Sorrento Lemon Meringue Tart with an almond biscotti crust, an Affogato "Sundae" with Italian rainbow cookie ice cream and an espresso shot, a Tiramisu Parfait soaked in dark rum and espresso, and a Fresh Baked Gooey Butter Cake, served warm with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce. However, two upcoming additions have already generated buzz. A warm chocolate "volcano" dessert is currently in development, promising a decadent molten center for chocolate lovers. Additionally, Tavolino's famous almond cookies--a beloved favorite from the restaurant's past--are set to make a long-awaited return. With both nostalgic favorites and inventive new offerings, Eddie & Vinny's dessert menu is shaping up to be just as compelling as its main courses. Next time, we'll be sure to save room.
With no loud TVs, no gimmicks, and no distractions, Eddie & Vinny's is a place for people who appreciate great food, excellent drinks, and a well-crafted atmosphere. Prices are moderate to upscale, making it ideal for date nights, special occasions, or a sophisticated night out. While there's no official dress code, proper attire is suggested, in keeping with the restaurant's refined yet relaxed feel. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. While the exterior is still getting its finishing touches, Eddie & Vinny's is already delivering a polished, high-caliber dining experience. If this is what they're serving during the soft opening, the fully realized version is bound to be one of the top dining destinations in Coral Springs.