“Always a great place for an easy satisfying meal. The chicken and pork are especially delicious paired with rice and beans! Save room for their wonderful pastries especially the guava filled, as they are delectable and freshly made! Food is prepared in advance and dished out at counter by gloved staff behind glass dividers. Eat inside or outside or take away. Also a great place to practice your Spanish.“
“I love preparing breakfast for my family from here. It is very convenient. They have a delicious variety of food from a traditional Hispanic breakfast to simple bread or sandwiches with a variety of lunches like rice and beans with any type of meat like chicken, pork, steak and seafood. But what I love about this place is their delicious variety of soups. It's worth a try. Special for this winter weather. The recommendation will be “green banana ball soup.” “Encebollado de Pescado” “noodle soup with potatoes and cheese” and the delicious chicken soupEnjoy it!“
“I've been meaning to check this place out as it's right down the street from our house. I didn't have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised! We tried a few cocktails, a couple of the specials and 2 apps off their regular menu. Generous portions, fresh ingredients, layered flavors... honestly so impressed. And friendly service. We will be back!“
“We came for the tapas and did not leave dissatisfied!! Soup to nuts this hidden gem has it all! Authentic taste blended in with all the vacation feels! I forgot I was still in CT! From the moment we started with a white white Sangria and Pina mojito we were far far away. The salmon tar tar, chorizo, and pork Arepas blew our minds. Ask for the off menu street corn dip and plantain chips and you'll never want to leave. We will be back for sure and if anyone ever asks just say 'Ola'!“
“Always fantastic! I work at the high school around the corner from here. Exceptional food! I eat here at least once a week. Usually get a breakfast sandwich. Let me tell you, they make the best bacon, egg, and cheese I've ever had. Toasted perfectly, bacon cooked perfectly, and hot. They are very friendly and fun to talk to. Let me say to the locals that this nicely fills the void between Nico's and the market on Whalley.“
“I have been an avid fan of Vivas for thr last 30yrs. I started going there in college, and I fell in love w the food, the owners, and the ambience. Kathy and Bruce sold the place, and I hadn't gone to check it out until this passed week... still amazing! The new owner commands the helm and demands perfection; he is ready to please. My wife had a fantastic monitor, fresh and delicious ?. We shared churros and I took some empanadas home; both were spot on. The crowd was fun, the place filled... soccer adorned the screens, and pleasant music filled our ears. Nothing has changed with the decor,, and that's a good thing; if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Vivas is a must do if you are in New Haven, CT and looking for a cool place to eat and socialize. 5 stars ?“
“Local neighborhood fav for me. Always have room. Good menu selections and a chill vibe. Menu supports local based ingredients and is organic based. I had the machego and Fig panini and strawberry and banana smoothie. Don't forget the pastries/desserts on your way out.Vegetarian options: Hummus, Machego & Fig PaniniDietary restrictions: Veggie stuffed guten free corn patty arepas.They use apple juice instead of milk in their smoothies.Parking: There is a small lot and street parking on West Rock near the park. Can also park in Westville Center paid lot and walk down. On a bus route.“
“A M A Z I N G!!! The food is absolutely delicious. My husband and I were down this was running errands. I decided to look on yelp and see what's good and what would peak my interest. I love a good empanada. Very small quaint place. No inside seating but on a nice day there was a couple tables outside. I ordered white rice and beans for my husband, who is super finicky. I ordered one shrimp and one chicken empanada, pernil on a roll and mango cheesecake. Delicious! My husband said it's the best rice and beans he's had in a long time. Empanadas full of flavor. I actually don't really love pernil because people cook it so dry. This pernil was so flavorful, moist and juicy. Delicious. The mango cheesecake was just the right sweetness. The sandwich I gave half to my husband so I'd have room for the cheesecake. The owner was so friendly and helpful. Food took about 7 minutes to prepare. If you're in the 5 highly recommend trying it out.“
“Came here for some drinks which were excellent! Happened to be happy hour so that was also a bonus. Ambiance of the whole place is super chill and cozy and not too loud for how busy it was which was great, didn't have to tell for the person sitting next to me to hear me. Didn't order any food but I watched a bunch of food come out and it looked amazing so I will definitely be back!“
“Great vibe and environment. Off street parking, indoors or out doirs eatting. They host special occasion parties they were catering an event when we got there . The set up was beautiful. Posting video n planners info. I highly recomend fit Date night, just sit eat and drink, fir relaxation. Great place to have a party. The food is delicious. There is a bar you can also eat at the bar. I recommend try everything on the menue its all great eatting . What ever you choose you wont go wrong.“
“The atmosphere is intimate, the empanada's are so amazing, with a very creative variety!! It is clear that this is a labor of love, and your palette will benefit in a big way. I also, happen to catch a couple of event nights there that were really enjoyable. One, displayed a artists paintings, and the other was an open mic night, anyone was welcome. That was most enjoyable.. Put this on your "must" list!!“
“Good spot if your in the mood for latin cuisine. Service always good. Can be tough to find parking close by, but that's New Haven. Highly recommend the Pina crema along with the chipotle if you like the sweet and spicy combo. Also the pickeled onions is a MUST!“
“This is my first time trying Columbian food and I am hooked!!!!! The AL Pastor Columbian style Arepas is by far one of the most delicious things I have had in a long time. The cornbread base was sweet without being cloying and mixed with the pork and pineapple, OH MY GOD! My dish came with a side of some of the most flavorful rice I have ever had and it was topped with some sweet plantains. The serving is more than generous. I'm a big girl and I am easily getting 2 meals out of my order. The prices are very reasonable! Do yourself a favor and find this hidden gem while you are in town. You will not be disappointed!“
“I’ve been going to this place since I was a kid in 1987 whenever they operated only on the left side of the building and it was a to go spot. I knew the owner JJ & wife. The new owners seem to have kept the authenticity going that keeps me coming back. Service is just as friendly. And I’ll patron as I did today. As I did 37 years ago as 11 year old kid with an appetite for a variety of good cuisine that has inspired me to cook and create my own dishes.“
“This place now is my favorite Spanish food spot in East Haven. I know me some tacos and they got the whole situation correct. 4 was too many. THE SAUCES my goodness.... I felt refreshed and clean after eating 4 chicken tacos and my chocolate milkshake (highly recommended) I also get the spinach empanadas which are phenomenal.You will be greeted by lovely ladies that make you feel welcomed. Your food is ready quickly (I will only come here for my lunch bc they don't make you wait after you call in, plus the sweetness and respect from the employees go a long way for me)They deserve recognition and I wish I had something close to this in my town.Thank you ladies :):“