Vinto

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Passion Project Turned Timișoara Institution

Vinto opened on 1 March 2017, born from the travels and obsessions of Mihai and Codruța Lambrino — two wine lovers who spent years visiting wineries and restaurants across Europe before deciding to bring what they loved most back home to Timișoara. Mihai, a designer by background, and Codruța, who trained at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in Tuscany and was among the first Romanians to reach its Level 3 certification, built Vinto from the ground up with an initial investment of around €100,000 and a portfolio of 200 wine labels. The space took over a year to fit out, the first tastings included.

The result earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence — recognition that speaks directly to the seriousness of the wine program here.

The Concept: Wine, Food, and the Four Seasons

Vinto describes itself as a gastro wine bar, and the distinction matters. The kitchen takes its cues from Mediterranean and French cuisine, cooking in step with the four seasons and drawing inspiration from the culinary cultures of wine-growing regions. Ingredients are kept fresh and of the highest quality; the menu changes to reflect what that means at any given time of year.

The dining philosophy leans into sharing — what the team calls "gastro socialising." Guests are encouraged to order differently from one another and move through the meal together, tasting across the table. It is a format that suits the wine list well.

The Wine List

The sommeliers at Vinto have assembled a selection of over 230 labels, many of them proprietary imports. Fifty of those are available by the glass at any time. For guests who want more structure, a dedicated Wine & Food Pairing menu is available alongside the à la carte — a natural extension of a place where Mediterranean cuisine and wine are treated as inseparable.

The Space

The interior was designed with natural materials throughout, a deliberate choice to echo the landscape of vineyards and seasons that shapes the cooking. The result is an atmosphere that feels considered without being stiff — refined enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough for a long lunch. Outdoor seating, a private room, and valet parking round out the practical picture.

Vinto also operates an online wine shop for those who want to take the cellar home.