Vivere

The pheasant ravioli is to die for! Quaint little nooks to sit and eat with privacy. The place is very chic yet, still feels cozy and not at all stuffy.
Will definitely be back!

Pros: Beautiful Decor

Cons: none

Posted 10/19/09

I recently dined at Vivere, and it was amazing. We had been to the Village on many other occasions, but hadn't tried Vivere. We were very pleased.

We started with the Pesce Spada Crudo, swordfish, excellent, and then ordered, the Seared Alaskan Halibut and the Lamb Rib Chops. The rib chops were in a fanstastic reduction and the Halibut was extremely fresh. Our server was very knowledgable about the many wines, and I mean many, there are around 40,000 bottles in the wine cellar. Wow!!

We had an excellent time here and will definitley be back to try some of the other items on the menu.

Pros: Wine List

Posted 03/29/09

Vivere is one of three restaurants at the Italian Village. I
think its very romantic and a great date spot. The wine list is incredible and if you have any questions about any of the wines, the sommelier can answer any, and I mean any, question you may have. I love the Roasted Duck in the banana parsnip puree and sherry glaze, its outstanding. The pork tenderloin is also excellent. My favorite menu item by far though is the Gnocchi- the white wine shallot sauce is to die for. I wish I could get my hands on the recipe!! The service is always excellent, a bit more expensive than the other two restaurants at the Village, but worth every penny!!

Pros: Wine list

Posted 03/26/09

Not sure what people liked at Vivere but my experience there was not so good, the place and decor is nice but all of us are there for the food and service.service was ok but the food is horrible and i really mean it that Olive garden is way better..., dnt go here.

Pros: not so crowded

Cons: Food really

Posted 11/19/08

I recently went here on a date. Let me tell you, this restaurant was very romantic. The lighting, the mood, the atmosphere were perfect. Let me start with the gnocchi is to die for. We had reservations for 7:30 on a Friday night, and when we got there it was extremely busy, I thought we would have to wait at the bar, but was very pleasantly surprised when we were seated right at 7:30. Our waiter greeted us promptly and brought us a fabulous bottle of Merlot from Napa, I dont quite remember the winery, as the wine list is too die for and has so many bottles, it was hard to choose just that one. The prices were very reasonable as well. We ordered the carne affettata or appetizer and gnocchi (yummy). I ordered the Pan roasted duck breast and my date had the roasted pork tenderloin. Both were delicious. We couldn't have been happier, i felt like I had excellent food and a good date. I will definitely be back.

Posted 11/05/08

I was amazed the first time I went here the amount of wines that Vivere had in its Cellar. Over 40,000 bottles, and from several countries and wineries. The wine sommelier is so incredibly knowledgable, I was blown away. On top of the amazing wine, the food is outstanding. I wouldn't expect anything less from the owners of Italian Village, a Chicago Icon. I would recommend the garlic infused mushrooms for an appetizer, they have an incredible onion-thyme cream sauce, and the pork tenderloin and madagascar salt prawns for dinner, you cant go wrong. The atmosphere and service are great. Keep up the good work!!

Posted 11/05/08

We were in the loop recently to go to our old favorite the Village ..but decided to try Vivere instead, we had never eaten there. Like the Village the service is great. The atmosphere or decor is definetly romantic and original. They have an enormous wine list...2 inches thick, but the wine director helped us choose one under $75.00 for the bottle and we felt like we drank a bargain. The food was very good. I had the pheasant filled pasta to start, my wife had the mushroom tart, of which we ordered a second. For the main course the chicken was very very good, and my wife enjoyed her filet. We had a port and cream brulee for dessert and are really pleased we made the choice to eat there. The maitre'd came by several times. the chef also asked us about our experience and the wine director followed up. All and all I cannot remember when we had a better meal or dining experience, and we eat out all the time. Thanks to everyone at Vivere for a very very nice evening!

Pros: Has the customer first

Posted 08/14/08

Well I have to say that Vivere was a top-notch dining experience from the minute we walked in to the time we left. We were greeted graciously and seated promptly for our reservation on Saturday. We were not sure what to order so we had the Chef decide for us, wow ! what an experience. Chef Robert prepared a four course dinner and the Wine Sommelier, Michael perfectly matched wines to accompany our dishes. We felt very special and the food and wine was perfect, as well as the price. We have eaten out before downtown but this gem was a great find. We will definetely be back soon.

Pros: Quality food and great wines for the price

Cons: Didn' t have any !

Posted 03/31/08

After reading reviews on yelp-citysearch the wine magazines we decided to go to a new restaurant and picked Vivere. It was the right pick! We were seated with-in 2 minutes of our reservation time. Our waiter was prompt and efficent...made us feel like the only patrons in the place and it was jammed. Our food was outta this world. My wife ordered the pheasant filled pasta which melted in our mouths. I had the duck just the right sweetness, our desserts were the cream brulee and chocolate...which we argued over they were so good...not knowing much about wine we were abit overwhelmed with the list of 45,000 bottles but the wine person Michael, went over selections very slowly and we had the most amazing bottle of wine for only $60. We meet the Chef Robert and Fred the maitre'd keep an eye on us! The decor is romantic and chic and the chairs are so comfortable.
We made the right choice and will be back!

Pros: Service, food, wine and decor

Posted 03/31/08

I eat out alot and find it hard to get a true experience. This place is on Target ! I enjoyed the minute I walked in to the minute I left. The food, service and Wine List are first rate and makes me want to run back. The servers knew their stuff and I had the carpaccio to start and then the pheasant filled pasta and the grouper. All seasoned properly and presented in a beautiful manner. I had a bottle of the Grasso Barolo which was one of the best I jhave had in a long time. Try the semifreddo dessert ...it was awesome . My friends I brought appreciated the birthday dessert and the special care by the staff. The Wine Director was very helpful and did not oversell me like most places. Give this place a try !

Pros: Food Service, Wine

Posted 03/31/08

My wife and I went here for our anniversary after seeing good reviews online. I made a reservation in advance, asking for a back table or quiet table, somewhere away from the door. When we arrived, we were quickly seated, but they sat us in front by the door. I am sure the experience would have been better if we were back farther: people were constantly brushing by our table coming in and out. It was very noisy and had a constant draft.

My wife and I didn't really feel like wine, but apparently we should have: everyone around us ordered wine and received much better service from our waitress. Our service was definitely lacking: the waitress was short, occasionally polite, but never friendly. When she first approached the table, she said "here is your menu," and then 10 minutes later she came back and said, "what do you want?" - those were her exact words. We had to ask for an appetizer and if there were any specials. When the food came - and it was prompt, even though they were busy - my pasta was undercooked. I am all for al dente, but it was still a bit crispy. My wife's dish was good, but both were overpriced for the quality. For the rest of the night, we were largely ignored by our waitress, having to flag other people down to get what we wanted. Overall, we felt a bit herded through the process, not what you hope for on your anniversary. Needless to say, our experience was very disappointing . . . we won't be going back.

So, if you decide to go, make sure you get a back table, and order wine. Apparently their service is based on how much they think you will spend (although we usually leave a 30% tip).

Pros: Quick seating; food came out promptly.

Cons: Terrible service; sub-par food; poor dining experience.

Posted 02/20/08

My girlfriend and I had one of the best Italian meals at Vivere prior to seeing Wicked this past week as a Christmas treat. The night could not have started better. We were seated promptly on a busy Friday night (had reservations) and our server Caroline was one of the best I?ve ever had. We did not have the time for the Chef?s tasting menu due to the play but Caroline worked with us and helped create our own tasting experience paired with wine. The Gnocchi di Tartafo Nero con Astice e Spinaci was simple amazing starter and everything else just got better. I would recommend Vivere to anybody and will definitely visit again with friends and family for the Chef?s tasting menu.

Pros: Great pre theater and date spot, ambience was great and service impeccable

Cons: the two seater booths were a bit uncomfortable

Posted 12/28/07

I dine out often in Chicago for business and pleasure and dine at Vivere because it is a great dining experience all around. from the setting to the service everything clicks at this place. This is not a chain or group of restaurants. The design is comfortable and the Wine Director has great wines by the glass (reasonable $ ) and the Bottle List is unbelievable. Last time I had the Duck with the fresh figs and the Porcini Risotto. Tops in my book ! The Captain is very pleasant and checked to see if everything was fine. One time I had the Tasting menu and the Chef comes to the table to discuss the menu and explain each dish. Takes some time 2.5 hours, but well worth it. My clients always enjoy the great service and personal touch . It is great before the Opera and the Symphony and Theatres. I appreciate this place and know you will also.

Pros: Food ,Service, Wine List

Posted 11/04/07

I've eaten in several italian restaurants thru-out the city, but love coming to Vivere!! The arrabbiatta sauce is to die for and the wine list extensive!! The prices are all very reasonable and this is a great place to take clients for lunch. It is alos a great date place as the mood and lighting are very romantic. I would recommend the Pollo Alla Cacciatora or the Pollo Alla Parmigiana, both are fantastic and the portions are good sized.

Pros: Great place to go before a show!! Service is effiecient!!

Posted 11/04/07

I loved this place, the waitstaff is all about customer service even tho the place was rocking, my water glass and wine glass was always full.The food is unique not your typical red sauce Italian restaurant, the menu is seasonal.I loved the buternut squash filled pasta and the venison rib chop.The wine list is huge but the staff is helpful, they even let you taste the wines by the glass if your unsure.The dessert platter was well worth the money almost one of every dessert.This exp[erience is what italian food is all about, a gracious staff and outstanding food.

Posted 11/04/07

My boyfriend and I went to dinner here before the theater on Friday. We arrived at 6 pm (with reservations) and were completely rushed through our meal (which was not at all what we wanted). The food arrived 10-15 minutes after we ordered it (I had a chicken dish, he had ravoli), which made me wonder how fresh it was. The chicken was very dry, and I was dissapointed in overall quality of food and service. Also, we were seated in perhaps the most "unromantic" part of the restaurant in the line of traffic and near the front door. I would recommend one of the several other restaurants in the area which I would assume treat their customers better.

Posted 10/19/07

This is one of the very first restaurants my husband took me to. The ambiance is incredible. The lighting is dim yet within the booths there is a light fixture that throws off enough light to see well and is very flattering. The wine list is a literal book and the sommelier is more than happy to help you find something perfect in your price range. The food is incredible. Which it has to be considering it's sharing space with 2 other Italian restaurants in the building. This is a definite romantic date spot.

Posted 10/23/06

My wife and I ate here before attending a musical. Staff jumped at every chance to help us. Ambiance was romantic, and quiet. We arrived very early, and were able to sit after dinner w/out staff rushing us out the door. This was a great dining experience, and I highly recommend it.

Pros: service/ food/ wine list

Cons: none

Posted 09/24/06

My husband took me here the night he proposed to me, and had told the wait staff that he was going to so that they can really go out of our way. They did nothing. I ordered the ravioli and I got 4 tiny raviolis that cost over $25. For the price, this place is just not worth it.

Cons: Price, service

Posted 06/27/06

This is a good Italian restaurant. My Uncles first told me about it and I've been there a number of times.

Posted 01/03/06

I often entertain guests from out of town and they always enjoy the care that the staff takes to ensure my dining experience is superb. The food is dynamic and the Chef comes to the table to explain the tasting menu. I enjoy the beautiful selection of wines and grappas and the wine director helped us with our selections and properly decanted and served our wine. A must when in Chicago.

Pros: pricing, extensive list, staff

Posted 09/12/05

Great award-winning wine list. The sommelier was cordial and knowledgeable. Service was fairly consistent, although the food was not. Some of the signature dishes still shine, but the rest of the menu can be hit or miss. Rather boring food for such a nice dining room, service and wine. May be good for pre-theater dining, but overall the food was lackluster.

Pros: Good service, Great wine list, Good pre-theater

Cons: Boring food, Uneven food, Little pricey

Posted 09/06/05

I have never seen anyplace like this! The decor is amazing. We were delighted with the on the mark service, loved the Chef Drue who came personally to our table, the food was original and delicious, the wine list the best we have ever encountered, ( and we have been to France and Italy). We will dine there frequently.

Pros: food, decor, wine

Posted 05/18/05

Vivere is THE perfect place to dine before the CSO! fabulous wine list - wonderful menu - the butternut squash ravioli is to die for! Attentive knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting the perfect dining experience. Reasonably priced for the quality of food/wine.

Pros: valet

Posted 05/16/05

My wife and I went here before heading over the CSO. The food was not very tasty and seemed to be overpriced. The seafood was very dry and the service was rushed and not very friendly. The dessert didn't prove to be a good ending either. Overall, I would not go back or recommend this place to friends.

Pros: Nice decor, good location

Cons: , Price

Posted 11/12/04

My husband and I have tried most of the recommended Italian restaurants in Chicago with the exception of Vivere. What a wonderful restaurant! Superb service, ambiance and interesting and unique contemporary Italian food. This might not be the place if you're looking for spaghetti and meatballs, but if upscale gourmet Italian is what you're looking for, Vivere is the place to go. We'd definitely go back.

Pros: Food quality, Service, Ambiance

Posted 03/20/04

A young and entusiastic staff makes Vivere a treat. As first time visitors, we had the chefs tasting menu. The cuisine and attention from the head chef and his staff made it a night to remember. I would plan for two hours and a very enjoyable evening.

Pros: excellent wine stewar

Posted 02/01/03

I read the reviews for Vivere so my date and I decided to go. My date asked for that "Bible" of a wine list and we were given good choices from the resident wine expert. Everything we had was hot and tasty! The service was attentive but not overwhelming and we had a great time! We are a new couple so the romantic setting was excellent. After previously going to the Hancock for dinner (95th floor) the prices at Vivere were not too shocking.

Pros: Quick seating, Attentive Service

Cons: Small portions

Posted 07/06/02