Justin M.
Yelp
5 Stars all the way!!!
Feels like a pleasant getaway from the (good) chaos that can be CityWalk + Universal Studios.
Came with a friend a few weeks ago (her clever choice) & I was delightfully surprised that this place felt like an elevated change of pace amongst the touristy destination (CityWalk) & it's equally entertaining amusement park, Universal Studios.
Granted I'm a local who's spent most of my life in L.A., I've lost count of how many total times I've been to Universal CityWalk.
That said, although this lovely establishment has been open for a few years, only now have I really had the chance to experience Vivo.
Now, don't get me wrong, you're not going to find a 5 Star / Michelin rated Italian establishment, but Vivo is still lightyears beyond anything you would typically expect at a tourist destination / attraction (not that there's anything wrong with the fast-casual or neighboring chain restaurant within CityWalk).
That all said, the atmosphere inside the restaurant is such a pleasant "escape" from the huge crowds & especially all the crying babies (sorry, not sorry).
This really is the place for a more intimate & classy vibe.
I went with a "Strawberry Rye" for my cocktail. For someone who loves his whisky & strawberries - this was THE way to go. I highly, highly recommend this.
For the appetizer, we went with the Stracchino Crescenza Bread. The bread was perfectly toasted & the cheese baked inside was perfectly ooey, gooey , & stretchy. I kind of wanted to take a pic of the cheese pull, but I also wanted to keep my dining experience classy. I highly recommend it.
As for the main course, I opted for the Shrimp Fra Diavolo. It seems like most pics of food are for this very dish & for good reason. It was quite divine. There were plenty of shrimp, the pasta is perfectly al dente, & the sauce for it was so robust, rustic, & had the perfect amount of heat (I tent to like things on the spicier side).
The dimly lit interior adds to the calming atmosphere. For someone who can get pretty anxious around larger crowds, this place feels like such a nice haven.
Don't worry about the "fancy schmancy" aspects of having to dress-up or making reservations. Neither are required, but you still get to enjoy a very classy atmosphere (especially for a restaurant located right next to a theme park) & a finer dining experience than any other nearby establishment in CityWalk / Universal Studios has to offer.
Also, huge, huge shoutout to Lisa for being the warmest, most hospitable server that anyone could ask for! Be sure to request a table under her if she happens to be working (evenings).
I will most definitely be coming back & will be sure to recommend Vivo to anyone who plans on stopping by Universal CityWalk / Universal Studios Hollywood.
Thanks, VIVO Italian Kitchen!
Also...
If management happens to be reading this review, please recognize Lisa for her outstanding customer service (this coming from someone who has never met her, but has worked as a server myself). If you ask me, the team is very, very lucky to have her & she deserves a raise ;)