Restaurant Vivants

Vivants is such a hidden gem in Bordeaux. I’d tried to book a table all summer without luck, and now I understand why — when I finally made it there last month, the experience was incredible. The service is impeccable, the décor is stylish with great taste, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between quiet and vibrant. We chose the 4‑course menu and every dish was a delight — beautifully presented and full of flavour. The wine selection is excellent too, making the whole evening feel effortlessly special. We’ll definitely be back soon. This place truly deserves its reputation.

Had a great experience at Vivants. We had the three course set menu with the addition of a snack and cheese plate. Every course was utterly delicious and surprising. The sommelier gave us an excellent wine selection. We felt it was good value and would highly recommend. It had a lovely atmosphere, not rushed. It felt like an experience you would pay a lot more for in other restaurants.

Nice spot in my favourite part of Bordeaux city. The food menu set up here is that you choose blind, a menu at a given price depending on 3, 4 or 5 courses. So basically you choose what you want to spend and the chef does what he wants...The cheapest was at 45 eur which is a bit hefty for Bordeaux in my opinion. I am a bit old schhol so I do like a real menu where tou can both choose what you want to eat and get a feel for the chef's / place's style. This is obviously not possible here as you do not know what you will get...Basically this concept (blind menu) means that the kitchen can plan better, maximize profit and minimize storage issues. This is s concept (blind menu) that is a bit like a fancy canteen in my opinion, again I am old school...Makes it as well impossible to choose the right wine given that you do not know what you are getting... So I was bit turned off with the whole concept, especially given the fact thtat I did book tbe place at a last minute. In any case, while the appetizer was spectacular (slow cooked scallops with leaks) the main course was average (beef cheeks with -too salty- spinach and a ridiculous small -too salty- side salad) and the desert boring (pastry roll with some fancy sour cream and apple sauce sorbet). Overall, was a bit bellow par in my opinion for a 45 eur ticket in Bordeaux. Meanwhile, you have a sense that the staff is very knowledgeable, nice but at the same time very, very well trained at upselling technics. Overall a nice yet a bit overpriced and pretentious experience.

Excellence in every regard from start to finish. We were seated immediately upon arrival. We chose the four course option with additional starters. Each dish was superb. Service was warm, friendly, and quick —- with excellent English explanations in each case. Extensive wine list which also includes some very nice and nicely priced per glass offerings. This restaurant deserves a Michelin star. In short, an incredible “blind tasting” experience.

A unique dining experience! The chef served different dishes despite set menu. Service was warm and friendly. Though the wait was a bit long, the food was excellent and unexpected. We'd love to go back!

We visited on February 14 and ordered the 4-course blind menu. After the third course, the waitress asked if we wanted to “continue” with a traditional French ice cream with liquor and whether we wanted one or two. It sounded like part of the menu, so we assumed it was included. After finishing it, the actual dessert was served and the ice cream appeared as an extra charge on the bill (13€ per ice cream), without this ever being mentioned beforehand. When I raised it, there was no real apology, just “then don’t pay for it.” Food was good, but transparency and trust are especially important in a restaurant that only offers blind menus

We had an awesome evening at Vivants! The food was great and the sommelier did a very good job and gave us excellent adive.

We stumbled upon this place a little but by chance when our intended place was fully booked. We were not sorry about that. Vivants punches way higher than the price point suggests. Amazing menu that was put together by the staff. Each one of the three of us had different courses which allowed us to share and taste even more. Great wines and very skilled and professional staff! Would definitely recommend and go again when I’m in Bordeaux.