Server lost my credit card. They looked for quite a while. I was told that I would get a phone call when they found the card. I called the next day and they said they found it. I had to drive 1/2 hour each way to get my card. No apology. They acted like I forgot my card. They did not charge my card for the meal. Noisy dining room made talking difficult. Food was average.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Duane Adams
Great atmosphere, attentive staff. Food was absolutely on point. Veal Marsala and chicken piccata was very good. Would definitely come here again.
Katrin Bassi
This was a Thursday night visit, the restaurant seemed busy as we were seated upstairs- kind of an afterthought area , in my opinion. My friend ordered meatballs and ravioli- which according to him were good. Not the best but good nevertheless. I opted for Chicken Piccata- it was Awful!!! The chicken was soggy, not seasoned as if it has been sitting on a supermarket steam table for hours. It comes with spaghetti underneath- totally tasteless, dry and had zero sauce on them. The service on the other hand was great and my dish got taken off the bill. But I’m not going to a return customer.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Edward Ryeom
Excellent!
Laura Pascarella
I always love Vivace. Even on a busy Saturday, the service from host stand to table is kind and genuinely focused on help and service. Mixed with a beautiful evening and ambiance, our family dinner experience is “chef’s kiss” 💫
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quintin Congdon
The food was wonderful as always! Unfortunately, they did not staff the patio tonight as needed. Our server was quite nice, but so in the weeds. An hour to get out appetizer and two hours to get our entrees, and had to return a second bottle of wine which hadn't appeared by the time we finished dinner. We've been here many times and loved it. Tonight was unfortunate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Laurie laterza
We were looking for a true Italian restaurant. We were only able to get a 430pm reservation but the place was empty, we were the only ones in there even when we left at 6pm it was empty, so why couldn't we come later? The food was fantastic. The service was really slow, our waiter was no where in site when we needed him, we asked for bread and he brings it without plates really? Am I supposed to pour the oil on the table? Everything was good except for the service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala, Chicken Piccata, House Bread
Michael Gagliardi
Consistent food quality, service and atmosphere. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phil Atkinson
Most amazing Italian food I've ever had Carolina the server was very attentive atmosphere was beautiful looking forward to my next visit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ahri A
Vivace is hands-down one of my go-to spots in Charlottesville. It hits that sweet spot between upscale and welcoming, making it perfect for both a romantic date night or a more refined dinner with friends or family.
The food? Consistently excellent. The fra diavolo is a standout—spicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. And don’t even think about skipping dessert—the tiramisu is rich, creamy, and just boozy enough to feel authentic.
The Caesar salad deserves a special shoutout. Add the white anchovies—seriously. It takes it from good to unforgettable. Their antipasti board is another must: a generous spread with quality meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies that feels rustic and indulgent at the same time.
The building itself adds to the charm. It’s got that warm, classic Italian vibe with a touch of old-world rustic flair. You feel like you’re in a timeless space the moment you step in.
Vivace nails the essentials: ambiance, flavor, service. Always a solid choice in the Cville rotation.
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Piccata, House Bread
Kevin Wohl
For a pre anniversary dinner , I chose Vivace and glad I did.
Service was a little slow as was the kitchen but that made for a relaxed and enjoyable, romantic atmosphere. Our server Tim was friendly and courteous even if was a bit confused at times.
Many tempting choices on the menu but after conferring we opted to share a bottle of San Pelligrino ( I don’t drink and drive ) , the house salad ( home made Gorgonzola dressing was delicious!) and the Veal Picatta.
Fantastic presentation and flavor ; tender and tasty veal and the crusty warm Italian bread kept us occupied while waiting for our meal.
All in all a wonderful experience and very reasonable prices for such good quality as well. Highly recommended.
Sarah D
Good food, strong drinks, and friendly staff. I would make a reservation
Melissa Brendtro
The kitchen is sooooo slow but our waiter killed it. The food is very authentic and the atmosphere is pretty much what you would expect from a packed Italian popular restaurant in America.
Server lost my credit card. They looked for quite a while. I was told that I would get a phone call when they found the card. I called the next day and they said they found it. I had to drive 1/2 hour each way to get my card. No apology. They acted like I forgot my card. They did not charge my card for the meal. Noisy dining room made talking difficult. Food was average.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Great atmosphere, attentive staff. Food was absolutely on point. Veal Marsala and chicken piccata was very good. Would definitely come here again.
This was a Thursday night visit, the restaurant seemed busy as we were seated upstairs- kind of an afterthought area , in my opinion.
My friend ordered meatballs and ravioli- which according to him were good. Not the best but good nevertheless.
I opted for Chicken Piccata- it was Awful!!! The chicken was soggy, not seasoned as if it has been sitting on a supermarket steam table for hours. It comes with spaghetti underneath- totally tasteless, dry and had zero sauce on them.
The service on the other hand was great and my dish got taken off the bill.
But I’m not going to a return customer.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 5
Excellent!
I always love Vivace. Even on a busy Saturday, the service from host stand to table is kind and genuinely focused on help and service. Mixed with a beautiful evening and ambiance, our family dinner experience is “chef’s kiss” 💫
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was wonderful as always! Unfortunately, they did not staff the patio tonight as needed. Our server was quite nice, but so in the weeds. An hour to get out appetizer and two hours to get our entrees, and had to return a second bottle of wine which hadn't appeared by the time we finished dinner. We've been here many times and loved it. Tonight was unfortunate.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
We were looking for a true Italian restaurant. We were only able to get a 430pm reservation but the place was empty, we were the only ones in there even when we left at 6pm it was empty, so why couldn't we come later? The food was fantastic. The service was really slow, our waiter was no where in site when we needed him, we asked for bread and he brings it without plates really? Am I supposed to pour the oil on the table? Everything was good except for the service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala, Chicken Piccata, House Bread
Consistent food quality, service and atmosphere. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Most amazing Italian food I've ever had Carolina the server was very attentive atmosphere was beautiful looking forward to my next visit
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vivace is hands-down one of my go-to spots in Charlottesville. It hits that sweet spot between upscale and welcoming, making it perfect for both a romantic date night or a more refined dinner with friends or family.
The food? Consistently excellent. The fra diavolo is a standout—spicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. And don’t even think about skipping dessert—the tiramisu is rich, creamy, and just boozy enough to feel authentic.
The Caesar salad deserves a special shoutout. Add the white anchovies—seriously. It takes it from good to unforgettable. Their antipasti board is another must: a generous spread with quality meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies that feels rustic and indulgent at the same time.
The building itself adds to the charm. It’s got that warm, classic Italian vibe with a touch of old-world rustic flair. You feel like you’re in a timeless space the moment you step in.
Vivace nails the essentials: ambiance, flavor, service. Always a solid choice in the Cville rotation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Veal Marsala, Chicken Marsala, Veal Parmesan, Bruschetta
Restaurantji Recommends
Always love Vivace.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chicken Piccata, House Bread
For a pre anniversary dinner , I chose Vivace and glad I did. Service was a little slow as was the kitchen but that made for a relaxed and enjoyable, romantic atmosphere. Our server Tim was friendly and courteous even if was a bit confused at times. Many tempting choices on the menu but after conferring we opted to share a bottle of San Pelligrino ( I don’t drink and drive ) , the house salad ( home made Gorgonzola dressing was delicious!) and the Veal Picatta. Fantastic presentation and flavor ; tender and tasty veal and the crusty warm Italian bread kept us occupied while waiting for our meal. All in all a wonderful experience and very reasonable prices for such good quality as well. Highly recommended.
Good food, strong drinks, and friendly staff. I would make a reservation
The kitchen is sooooo slow but our waiter killed it. The food is very authentic and the atmosphere is pretty much what you would expect from a packed Italian popular restaurant in America.
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