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Welcome to Vivace

Vivace, located in Charlottesville, VA, offers a delightful Italian dining experience that truly captivates the senses. Known for its fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere, this restaurant is a gem for food lovers. Patrons rave about dishes like the creamy risotto and expertly seasoned filet, while the house special pasta with Marsala sauce enchants with its sweet notes and perfect pairings. The charming building, with intricate layouts and outdoor seating, enhances the dining experience. Whether indulging in classic Eggplant Parmesan or ending with their renowned Cannoli, Vivace promises a culinary journey that leaves guests eager for a return visit.

Vivace: Reviews & Ratings

Brad Parker
Brad Parker

If you like Italian, go here! Fresh ingredients, amazing atmosphere that welcomes one and all. They really take pride in what comes out on the plate. My pictures done do it justice, so go try for yourself. The food, the food, the food is so damn good! I got the filet, which came on a bed of risotto and some asparagus. I don't even like risotto and I almost ordered seconds. It was so good, and creamy, and seasoned to perfection. The asparagus was cooked perfectly, with just a little "snap" when bitten. My wife had their house special pasta. Which has a Marsala style sauce that was very good. It was a little sweet, but it paired well with the sun-dried tomatoes and our wine. Highly suggest you try this place. Some were dressed up, but def not required.

Randy Troyer
Randy Troyer

Came here for a friends birthday dinner. We really enjoyed the old building that the restaurant is in, though it can be difficult finding your party because it’s a bit of a labyrinth. We really enjoyed the complimentary bread and our meals were delicious. We will definitely be back!

Chris Hungerford
Chris Hungerford

Vivance has a great atmosphere and good food. We liked the food, but we really enjoyed their outdoorseating area. We had the Oreganata pasta and the Spaghetti Carbonara which were both good, but our favorite was their Cannoli for dessert.

Debbie Skurka
Debbie Skurka

Came to visit my daughter from Long Island... didn’t know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised! Had the eggplant parmigiana, daughter spaghetti and meatballs and hubby had the Rock Fish! Delicious! And the place was so cute! Bet it’s fun during the summer!

Mark Cox
Mark Cox

The food was amazing. The Eggplant Parmesan was cooked perfectly and had great flavor. The Lasagna was very good, with a hearty robust flavor. The Oreganata was wonderful with a great sauce. The house rolls were also good. The restaurant was very busy and messed up our table reservation which lead to a short delay in being seated. The tables upstairs where too close together and the atmosphere was noisy. The waiter was overwhelmed and struggled. We sat with our appetizer for a while as we had no plates. The mussels were very good and flavorful. While pricy, we will go back, perhaps on a weekday night minus the crowds, which should help with the service.

Kevin Wohl
Kevin Wohl

Wonderful, relaxed 2 hour pre Anniversary dinner. Kit he being slow was no issue. We DINED ! Warm crusty Italian Bread and house salad were tasty and filled the time till the delicious and beautifully presented VEAL Picatta arrived. We enjoyed and recommend.

Zoey Mojica
Zoey Mojica

Went this past Thursday to celebrate my uncles birthday and it was my first time in this restaurant. The building itself was very pretty and clean. There was a problem with where we were originally sat and the hostess was patient enough to fix it and our server Kenzie was the best! The food was amazing and Kenzie even provided extra plates and cake utensils. Would 10/10 go again. Thanks Kenzie!

Glenn Davis
Glenn Davis

Best Italian restaurant in town. The food was authentic and fantastic. Tiramisu 2nd to none. The service was impeccable, Skyler was the best waitress we've had in some time, across multiple states. You feel like you're in Tuscany, the patio ambiance is best in the evening when the sun is going down.

Location

  • Vivace
    2244 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States Hotline: +1 434-979-0994

Welcome to Vivace, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia. Located at 2244 Ivy Rd, this vibrant restaurant draws food lovers with its authentic Italian fare and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or passing through, Vivace promises a warm welcome and a dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Italy.

Customer reviews exuberantly highlight the essence of Vivace. Brad Parker praises the restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients and the skillful presentation of dishes that reflect genuine pride. His enthusiasm for the filet served on creamy risotto is palpable, noting its perfect seasoning and the bite of the asparagus. This dedication to flavor resonates with guests, making each plate a delightful experience.

Mood and ambience play a significant role at Vivace. Randy Troyer remarks on the charming, albeit labyrinthine, layout of the historic building that houses the restaurant. The ambiance, paired with complimentary bread, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. Chris Hungerford recommends the comforting Spaghetti Carbonara and the Oreganata pasta, yet it’s the Cannoli that captures the hearts of those with a penchant for dessert—definitely a must-try!

From eggplant Parmigiana to hearty lasagna, Vivace offers dishes that are both rich in flavor and tradition. Debbie Skurka's visit, prompted by a family gathering, showcases the restaurant's capacity to create memorable meals for loved ones. Each dish is crafted with care, reflecting the culinary prowess of the chefs who fuse Italian heritage with local ingredients.

However, every restaurant has its nuances. Mark Cox shares a candid experience about the bustling atmosphere, suggesting a visit during less crowded times for a more relaxed dining experience. Despite some service hiccups, his praise for the robust flavors of the Eggplant Parmesan and the delightful mussels signifies that the flavors at Vivace outweigh any minor inconveniences.

In conclusion, Vivace stands as a beacon for those seeking a taste of Italy in Charlottesville. The restaurant's commitment to exceptional food, a charming atmosphere, and a welcoming spirit ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you're indulging in a well-cooked pasta or savoring a sweet Cannoli, Vivace invites you to join in on the culinary journey that celebrates taste, community, and the joys of good food.

Contact Vivace at +1 434-979-0994 for reservations or to learn more about their menu offerings. Come for the food and stay for the unforgettable ambiance!