PHOTO VIA VINES BY H
Vines by H (Instagram | Website) has opened at 7533 W. Sand Lake Road [GMap] on Restaurant Row, replacing the former Vines Grille and Wine Bar. The restaurant, originally established in 2003, is now operated by The H Hospitality Group, the team behind popular Mediterranean steakhouse, The H Orlando (Website).
The ownership group said their goal was to update the space and menu while keeping elements longtime guests associate with Vines, including its live jazz format and a more accessible menu. “When we stepped in, it was important to us to honor what longtime guests have always loved about Vines while carrying that legacy forward,” said co-founder Fuat Hasoglu, adding that live jazz is planned every night.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Omer Yildiz, formerly executive sous chef at The H Orlando. The menu keeps a modern American base while introducing more Mediterranean and European touches. Starters include sea bass ceviche, crispy calamari with tartar and harissa sauces, blue crab fingers with Cajun sauce, and lamb lollipops served with potato salad, pickled cucumbers, and gremolata. The restaurant also highlights flatbreads and salads, including a Greek salad and burrata with heirloom cherry tomatoes, celery pesto, arugula, and roasted figs.
The main menu includes scratch-made pastas like linguini bolognese and Tuscan shrimp rigatoni, along with higher-end steaks. Featured entrees include Chilean sea bass, a schnitzel preparation, and premium cuts like filet mignon, a 14-ounce ribeye, and New York strip with house-made sauces.
Drinks are a core part of the concept, with an extensive wine list and a cocktail program built around classics and house specialities. A daily happy hour is offered with select wines by the glass, beer, and $10 classic cocktails, paired with select starters and flatbreads.
The 7,500 SF restaurant recently reopened after closing in August 2025 for renovations. The updated layout includes distinct areas for dining, socializing, and a cigar lounge.
