Went out of our way from New Buffalo to try Vita del Lago, and lucky we did. Fabulous food all around, all 4 of us, well-done, cozy atmosphere and superb service. We were early on Central Time, so the place was mostly empty. The appetizers were on special, 1/2 price for happy hour. The shrimp and calamari appetizer plate was to die for and large enough for dinner. The bruschetta was equally good. Two folks tried the mushroom truffle ravioli, and both rated their dishes excellent. Interesting cocktail menu to boot. We had to try something called 4-Tier Carrot Cake for dessert and that lived up to its billing as well. We have a new fav place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kelly Kelly
Absolutely delicious from appetizers to dessert!!! A beautiful Italian restaurant and fabulous service! The owner is an a sweetheart!
Lynette Capusan
Oh wow! This place is amazing!!!! Food was spectacular, service was great! Very pretty place !!!! Went Sunday 3/24/24 for my bday dinner! I was blown away by the flavors! First time there , but will definitely be going back!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paulicia Watkins
Wow, where do I start? This is s 5 star restaurant. I enjoyed everything from beginning to end,the atmosphere was awesome, and the decor was beautiful we had the pleasure of being served by the owner OMG Mz.Lynn I so love what she has going on here if you're ever in the area please stop in you won't be disappointed. CHECK THE PHOTOS!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dale Holsti
Everything about this place was fantastic! The food, service, ambiance! What a great place in Michigan City! At the recommendation of the owner we ordered a salad, pasta, and meat and shared, and I HATE sharing when it comes to food. Everything was delicious and we were so full! The meatball lasagna is a great dish! This just became my new favorite Italian place in the area. It is a la carte but totally priced well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatball Lasagna
Adam “Infinius” Lesniewski
Absolutely phenomenal, when I crave Italian this hits the spot like no other. Stop going to Olive Garden, spend your money here, it's worth it, I promise. The ravioli, lasagna, meatballs, the gnocchi with pesto and goat cheese. The bread and oil.Felt like family, like I've been here before. And I will be!I would go to Chicago to get this type of meal, and now it's blocks from my home and I could be more happy.The restaurant is beautiful, and absolutely come as you are!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatball Lasagna, French Bread Basket
Lisa Teel
My husband and I stopped in for our weekly date night, and we were blown away! First, the restaurant is simply charming in an old-world European way. We loved it. The staff and owner made the visit even more enjoyable. Then there was the food. Oh my!!!! We asked for the meatballs, and the waiter asked which marinara sauce we wanted. They have a spicy version, and he suggested mixing the two. Oooh, the flavor of the sauce was phenomenal, and I have never had such delicious meatballs. EVER! We asked for more bread so we could finish the sauce. It was that good. I chose the special for the evening, three cod filets with orzo. It was simply Devine. It was spicy but not so spicy that you couldn't taste the other flavors. The cod was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. My husband went with the hot honey shrimp linguine. He said it was wonderful. Then dessert time. I went with the gelato, thinking I'd get three little scoops or one fla or. Of no. I received a huge scoop of lemon, pitasio and chocolate! Mercy! the flavors packed a punch! And there were surprises in the middle of each. My favorite was the lemon. But they were all terrific. My husband chose the Pastel de Nada. Creamy egg custard in a flakey pie crust. It was really good!! If you are planning on going out, make the trip. You will not regret it!! Thank you for a wonderful evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Craig
Vita del Lago in Michigan City!On our way home my wife and I were evaluating our evening experience that we had just enjoyed and were hard pressed to think of a time we had had a better, complete date night adventure from a restaurant. Many places were exceptionally good on the food front and we enjoyed them very much, Cool Runnings, Bon Viet, Ivy's Bohemia House... are a few of our top contenders we have been blessed to try out and have (or at least tried to) revisit. Vita del Lago is absolutely in that tier! Food quality and flavors is among, if not the BEST we have EVER had.Then there is the atmosphere! Our evening together was very pleasant as the venue was such a comfortable and warm setting. The number of other guests was extremely light (which no doubt helped with the more romantic tones) and the softly played music of soft rock from our younger years made it just that much more enjoyable. I told my wife that this place is somewhere a young couple could come and enjoy a romantic dinner with each other. In that regard I have to rate them, HANDS DOWN the best restaurant we have ever visited since we began these Friday Date Night adventures.We did agree that, for Italian, this was the BEST meal we have had.The complementary bread and seasoned oil with grated parmesan was warm and good. We decided to sample the meat ball appetizer (I believe we were told it was the owner's grandfather's or great-grandfather's recipe). Our waiter suggested a blend of the marinaras they offer, both tomato based but with with a spicy kick, the meatballs were tops, and combined with he marinara sauces... YUM!She went with the special of baked cod on smoked paprika orzo, the fish was as near perfect in how it was cooked as well as in seasoning. The orzo was an exceptional pairing with a touch of heat, that intensified throughout the dining, and she enjoyed it immensely!I got stuck on the brown butter and hot honey seasoned Shrimp Scampi with fresh made linguini, I had to try it and was glad I did. The sauce started with the sweetness of the honey and after a few bites the heat started to kick in... an excellent combination!As she was feeling the heat from the main entrée she made her mind up that she needed ice cream or something to cut the heat, cue the gelato! They offered a dessert called Gelato Bombs and it was just that. 3 exceptionally large portions of Lemon, Pistachio, and Chocolate Gelato. Each layered in flavor, the lemon (wonderfully tart) being her favorite.I was going to have to try the Pastel deNada, Spanish custard in a puff pastry shell, satisfyingly sweet and a perfect pairing with a good strong coffee.A top 5 for the Teel's! Go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jinyeong Hwang
The meatball was so good. We think it's veal, very soft and the red sauce tasted super fresh, tomato-y not sweet. Shrimp orecchiette was also good but I'd add extra protein. The white sauce tasted cheesey and soft but light. Will come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
Brien Akers
We decided to take a little road trip to Michigan City today to check out a few shops and try a new restaurant. We walked into Vita del Lago and were greeted by the owner Lynn. She was so warm and friendly and happy to give us a tour of her beautiful restaurant. We were there early and the first guests for the day. We chose a seat in the front window area. The place is so warm and cozy with a little rustic. If you are looking for atmosphere this place has it! We ordered a few drinks and enjoyed some delicious bread and oil and cheese. She decided on the mushroom ravioli, I went with the Cavatelli. Both meals were delicious!! We both can’t wait to go back, it’s worth the hour drive. Oh yea be sure and notice how soft and nice her napkins are, Lynn puts her love in all the details.
Shaq was a phenomenal waiter! He was very personable and funny af. Made our experience better than any we’ve ever had. Truly amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Julie Parrish
Finally stopped in to have dinner and I couldn't be more impressed. The food and the staff were just delightful. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thomas M.
Been wanting to for a while now and finally found a great opportunity on New Year's Eve of all nights. Rustic old building with some real charm. Tables have enough separation that we could hold a conversation with no issue. The food was fantastic. Hot bread, oil and cheese the moment we sat. Wine list is a bit thin but, affordable and definitely not snobby. We started with the meatballs appetizer and they were delicious. We had the pork chops and a shrimp pasta both of which were delicious and very large portions. Took a piece of carrot cake home with us which we enjoyed for the next couple of nights. The hostess and servers couldn't have been more attentive or friendly! Piano player was very good and added to an already nice ambience. Lynn is a great bartender, gracious host and caring owner and we both walked away as regulars! Please visit and enjoy this charming location!
John Cunningham
This is an OUTSTANDING restaurant!!! The service was top notch, the atmosphere classy yet relaxed and the food to die for. The holiday cocktails are terrific. Try the Revel Pecan Burbon Old Fashioned. One will probably lead to another. ? We were here for a solemn occasion, my mothers funeral. We decided to have dinner and celebrate her 94 years. Growing up in MC though currently living in NC, I chose this restaurant based on current reviews and my knowledge of the downtown. The owner and hostess chatted with us before and after our meal. This interaction, great food and atmosphere has left me with a warmer memory of a difficult day. I can't say enough good about the folks at Vita Del lago!!!! Thank you!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eva Nehring
JUST GO!! Phenomenal food, the staff is even better, and the drinks are some of the best we've had anywhere. Having spent time in Italy and Portugal, this place is the real deal. And whatever you do, order the custard tarts, you will be hooked for life.
Went out of our way from New Buffalo to try Vita del Lago, and lucky we did. Fabulous food all around, all 4 of us, well-done, cozy atmosphere and superb service. We were early on Central Time, so the place was mostly empty. The appetizers were on special, 1/2 price for happy hour. The shrimp and calamari appetizer plate was to die for and large enough for dinner. The bruschetta was equally good. Two folks tried the mushroom truffle ravioli, and both rated their dishes excellent. Interesting cocktail menu to boot. We had to try something called 4-Tier Carrot Cake for dessert and that lived up to its billing as well. We have a new fav place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious from appetizers to dessert!!! A beautiful Italian restaurant and fabulous service! The owner is an a sweetheart!
Oh wow! This place is amazing!!!! Food was spectacular, service was great! Very pretty place !!!! Went Sunday 3/24/24 for my bday dinner! I was blown away by the flavors! First time there , but will definitely be going back!!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow, where do I start? This is s 5 star restaurant. I enjoyed everything from beginning to end,the atmosphere was awesome, and the decor was beautiful we had the pleasure of being served by the owner OMG Mz.Lynn I so love what she has going on here if you're ever in the area please stop in you won't be disappointed. CHECK THE PHOTOS!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything about this place was fantastic! The food, service, ambiance! What a great place in Michigan City! At the recommendation of the owner we ordered a salad, pasta, and meat and shared, and I HATE sharing when it comes to food. Everything was delicious and we were so full! The meatball lasagna is a great dish! This just became my new favorite Italian place in the area. It is a la carte but totally priced well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatball Lasagna
Absolutely phenomenal, when I crave Italian this hits the spot like no other. Stop going to Olive Garden, spend your money here, it's worth it, I promise. The ravioli, lasagna, meatballs, the gnocchi with pesto and goat cheese. The bread and oil.Felt like family, like I've been here before. And I will be!I would go to Chicago to get this type of meal, and now it's blocks from my home and I could be more happy.The restaurant is beautiful, and absolutely come as you are!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatball Lasagna, French Bread Basket
My husband and I stopped in for our weekly date night, and we were blown away! First, the restaurant is simply charming in an old-world European way. We loved it. The staff and owner made the visit even more enjoyable. Then there was the food. Oh my!!!! We asked for the meatballs, and the waiter asked which marinara sauce we wanted. They have a spicy version, and he suggested mixing the two. Oooh, the flavor of the sauce was phenomenal, and I have never had such delicious meatballs. EVER! We asked for more bread so we could finish the sauce. It was that good. I chose the special for the evening, three cod filets with orzo. It was simply Devine. It was spicy but not so spicy that you couldn't taste the other flavors. The cod was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. My husband went with the hot honey shrimp linguine. He said it was wonderful. Then dessert time. I went with the gelato, thinking I'd get three little scoops or one fla or. Of no. I received a huge scoop of lemon, pitasio and chocolate! Mercy! the flavors packed a punch! And there were surprises in the middle of each. My favorite was the lemon. But they were all terrific. My husband chose the Pastel de Nada. Creamy egg custard in a flakey pie crust. It was really good!! If you are planning on going out, make the trip. You will not regret it!! Thank you for a wonderful evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vita del Lago in Michigan City!On our way home my wife and I were evaluating our evening experience that we had just enjoyed and were hard pressed to think of a time we had had a better, complete date night adventure from a restaurant. Many places were exceptionally good on the food front and we enjoyed them very much, Cool Runnings, Bon Viet, Ivy's Bohemia House... are a few of our top contenders we have been blessed to try out and have (or at least tried to) revisit. Vita del Lago is absolutely in that tier! Food quality and flavors is among, if not the BEST we have EVER had.Then there is the atmosphere! Our evening together was very pleasant as the venue was such a comfortable and warm setting. The number of other guests was extremely light (which no doubt helped with the more romantic tones) and the softly played music of soft rock from our younger years made it just that much more enjoyable. I told my wife that this place is somewhere a young couple could come and enjoy a romantic dinner with each other. In that regard I have to rate them, HANDS DOWN the best restaurant we have ever visited since we began these Friday Date Night adventures.We did agree that, for Italian, this was the BEST meal we have had.The complementary bread and seasoned oil with grated parmesan was warm and good. We decided to sample the meat ball appetizer (I believe we were told it was the owner's grandfather's or great-grandfather's recipe). Our waiter suggested a blend of the marinaras they offer, both tomato based but with with a spicy kick, the meatballs were tops, and combined with he marinara sauces... YUM!She went with the special of baked cod on smoked paprika orzo, the fish was as near perfect in how it was cooked as well as in seasoning. The orzo was an exceptional pairing with a touch of heat, that intensified throughout the dining, and she enjoyed it immensely!I got stuck on the brown butter and hot honey seasoned Shrimp Scampi with fresh made linguini, I had to try it and was glad I did. The sauce started with the sweetness of the honey and after a few bites the heat started to kick in... an excellent combination!As she was feeling the heat from the main entrée she made her mind up that she needed ice cream or something to cut the heat, cue the gelato! They offered a dessert called Gelato Bombs and it was just that. 3 exceptionally large portions of Lemon, Pistachio, and Chocolate Gelato. Each layered in flavor, the lemon (wonderfully tart) being her favorite.I was going to have to try the Pastel deNada, Spanish custard in a puff pastry shell, satisfyingly sweet and a perfect pairing with a good strong coffee.A top 5 for the Teel's! Go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The meatball was so good. We think it's veal, very soft and the red sauce tasted super fresh, tomato-y not sweet. Shrimp orecchiette was also good but I'd add extra protein. The white sauce tasted cheesey and soft but light. Will come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meatballs and Marinara Sauce
We decided to take a little road trip to Michigan City today to check out a few shops and try a new restaurant. We walked into Vita del Lago and were greeted by the owner Lynn. She was so warm and friendly and happy to give us a tour of her beautiful restaurant. We were there early and the first guests for the day. We chose a seat in the front window area. The place is so warm and cozy with a little rustic. If you are looking for atmosphere this place has it! We ordered a few drinks and enjoyed some delicious bread and oil and cheese. She decided on the mushroom ravioli, I went with the Cavatelli. Both meals were delicious!! We both can’t wait to go back, it’s worth the hour drive. Oh yea be sure and notice how soft and nice her napkins are, Lynn puts her love in all the details.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Shaq was a phenomenal waiter! He was very personable and funny af. Made our experience better than any we’ve ever had. Truly amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Finally stopped in to have dinner and I couldn't be more impressed. The food and the staff were just delightful. Would recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been wanting to for a while now and finally found a great opportunity on New Year's Eve of all nights. Rustic old building with some real charm. Tables have enough separation that we could hold a conversation with no issue. The food was fantastic. Hot bread, oil and cheese the moment we sat. Wine list is a bit thin but, affordable and definitely not snobby. We started with the meatballs appetizer and they were delicious. We had the pork chops and a shrimp pasta both of which were delicious and very large portions. Took a piece of carrot cake home with us which we enjoyed for the next couple of nights. The hostess and servers couldn't have been more attentive or friendly! Piano player was very good and added to an already nice ambience. Lynn is a great bartender, gracious host and caring owner and we both walked away as regulars! Please visit and enjoy this charming location!
This is an OUTSTANDING restaurant!!! The service was top notch, the atmosphere classy yet relaxed and the food to die for. The holiday cocktails are terrific. Try the Revel Pecan Burbon Old Fashioned. One will probably lead to another. ? We were here for a solemn occasion, my mothers funeral. We decided to have dinner and celebrate her 94 years. Growing up in MC though currently living in NC, I chose this restaurant based on current reviews and my knowledge of the downtown. The owner and hostess chatted with us before and after our meal. This interaction, great food and atmosphere has left me with a warmer memory of a difficult day. I can't say enough good about the folks at Vita Del lago!!!! Thank you!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JUST GO!! Phenomenal food, the staff is even better, and the drinks are some of the best we've had anywhere. Having spent time in Italy and Portugal, this place is the real deal. And whatever you do, order the custard tarts, you will be hooked for life.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5