Stopped by for lunch while in Seattle for a convention. We absolutely loved it! By far the best orange chicken I have ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth Bachman
The forbidden duck was delish, the best Ive had since my last trip to Hong Kong. The selection of bubbles was perfect. Excellent service, my glass was never empty. All of this and we had plenty of time to get to the show at the Paramount
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Volz
Great experience there! They hosted our rehearsal dinner and did a fabulous job. The food was excellent and the service was top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
J A
This place has the best chicken chow mien I have ever eaten. The staff is great and environment works just fine. The noodles though, I just wish it was less expensive so I could eat here more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David B. Cross
The dishes are so unique but tasty adaptions to appeal to all audiences. The head chef is amazing in all her creations. We cannot wait to come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lara Gheriani
truly speechless - the best food I’ve had in Seattle. looking forward to returning whenever I’m here!!
LJ M
Astonishingly good food! I ordered takeout and I’m counting down the days until I can treat myself again. Absolutely delicious! And vegetarian friendly!
Food: 5
Jessica Hama
The food is always amazing! Absolutely love the green beans and master chef noodles. The staff is also so nice and helpful every time I come in! I know I can rely on this place to be a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Xiaoxuan Pan
Irene is a wonderful host! Even on a busy Saturday, she did her best to get us a table. I saw a customer being rude to her today and felt so sorry for her. Please don’t let it get to you, you’re doing an amazing job. The food here is also fantastic. We’ll definitely be coming back for the delicious food and excellent service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 松子京都肉排 peking pork chops
T M (And the winner is!)
My new favorite restaurant downtown!! I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this place is!
But let me start with the Service Irene and Tony are super stars! So friendly, so kind, helpful, knowledgeable. I’ve been in many times now and every time they make the experience better. They give the best food recommendations too!
And this time we came in to celebrate my brother’s birthday. We had a large party and Tony, Irene, and Brian were incredible. So accommodating and fun.
I went for diner and was extremely impressed. They have phenomenal service. The servers name was Dasia. The food was also delicious. Thank you Dasia I wish all restaurants in Seattle had service as good as this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Emily Kreutzer
What a wonderful experience! I cannot wish for more from the team here, with a special shout out to Tony Y’s kindness to our son who is learning Mandarin. He was so encouraging and sweet to him. The food was delicious!! We had the pork and chive dumplings, mushroom and cucumber salad, twice cooked pork belly and the beef short rib - which is huge!!. Highly recommend a visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kenny
Like Panda but fancy. Elevated and comfortable. Tony is the best - always checking in and making sure you’re having a great time. Twice cooked pork and pumpkin doughnuts are standout (and salt and pepper pork if they have it).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicola Kalderash
Tony was a great server and Irene a very friendly hostess even making small talk with us at the table. Came here after watching the Demon Slayer movie in 4DX at Regal (so good and so fun!!) This space used to be Loulays which was near and dear to my heart but happy to say Vivienne's Bistro (this is their second location, first being on Mercer Island back in 2022) can proudly occupy it as all the food we had was very good!
We did 3 appetizers: Lobster Rangoons, Kolbi, and Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil. Had the General Tso's chicken with a side of white rice and finished with the Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam.
Lobster Rangoons: I'll be honest, I am not crazy about rangoons crab or otherwise, but these were quite good. Perfectly fried with flavors that lasted and had a good amount of lobster meat. I recommend it. 7/10
Kolbi Steak: Very well seasoned and a good portion size. It was cooked at the right temperature too. Not much to add, just a quality product. 7/10.
Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil: Mixed with minced garlic and cilantro it had good flavor and the szechuan wasn't super spicy if that puts you off. Personally I hate cilantro so I'd ask for this without next time but the dish works well. 7/10.
General Tso's Chicken: Ah, the classic made for Americans dish that isn't actually Chinese but kinda almost has become it from osmosis of the cultures now. Well this was good. Cooked the way you'd hope it would be if the idea for it actually originated from China. The glaze is sweet, the fry is to the amount it needs. No nasty aftertaste like cheap Chinese food joints. 7/10.
Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam: It's mochi based so if that is off putting for you -- not my favorite -- you might want to skip it. Even so I can respect it's integrity and rate accordingly as if it was a texture I like. They are piping hot so you might want to mix it with the jam and break it open. The pumpkin is there but not overpowering. Solid. 7/10 here too.
The ambiance is great. Lively for downtown and Sunday and it wasn't a wait at all without a reservation to get in. The food came out exceedingly quick and you can hear the chef in the back working with a massive flame from the wok. By far though, Tony being open to great service made this very enjoyable. He recommended movies to us -- and we talked about Demon Slayer -- and overall just a good server to customer interactions. Would have already returned for the food but the service makes it that much better. For that reason I'm happy to rate it higher because this is the extra piece that's missing from most restaurants these days and what separates a good experience from a great one! And for all this food we got it was less than $100 for two people!
Overall, 8/10⭐
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Maura Fallon
Vivienne’s Bistro is a true gem in Seattle! This is elevated Chinese cuisine with a creative twist, blending classic flavors with fresh local ingredients. I’ve eaten Chinese food my whole life (Chinese American household + decades living in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore), and I think this is the best Chinese restaurant in Seattle.
As someone who is gluten-free and dairy-free, I really appreciated how the staff worked with me. Our waiter, Tony, was outstanding—he carefully explained safe options and flagged possible cross-contamination with fried foods. The kitchen team was equally attentive.
The dishes I tried were fantastic: chicken fried rice, honey walnut shrimp, pumpkin curry duck, Shishito peppers, and green beans. Everything was flavorful, portions were generous, and prices were very reasonable for the quality.
The ambience is warm and elegant—high ceilings, beautiful décor, and not too noisy, which makes conversation easy. Chef Donna Ma leads an excellent team, and she mentioned that their Mercer Island location has an even more extensive, homestyle menu, which I look forward to trying.
Parking tip: Valet at the Sheraton next door—validated by Vivienne’s, the rate drops from $28 to $14.
Stopped by for lunch while in Seattle for a convention. We absolutely loved it! By far the best orange chicken I have ever had!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The forbidden duck was delish, the best Ive had since my last trip to Hong Kong. The selection of bubbles was perfect. Excellent service, my glass was never empty. All of this and we had plenty of time to get to the show at the Paramount
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great experience there! They hosted our rehearsal dinner and did a fabulous job. The food was excellent and the service was top notch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place has the best chicken chow mien I have ever eaten. The staff is great and environment works just fine. The noodles though, I just wish it was less expensive so I could eat here more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The dishes are so unique but tasty adaptions to appeal to all audiences. The head chef is amazing in all her creations. We cannot wait to come again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
truly speechless - the best food I’ve had in Seattle. looking forward to returning whenever I’m here!!
Astonishingly good food! I ordered takeout and I’m counting down the days until I can treat myself again. Absolutely delicious! And vegetarian friendly!
Food: 5
The food is always amazing! Absolutely love the green beans and master chef noodles. The staff is also so nice and helpful every time I come in! I know I can rely on this place to be a great experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Irene is a wonderful host! Even on a busy Saturday, she did her best to get us a table. I saw a customer being rude to her today and felt so sorry for her. Please don’t let it get to you, you’re doing an amazing job. The food here is also fantastic. We’ll definitely be coming back for the delicious food and excellent service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 松子京都肉排 peking pork chops
My new favorite restaurant downtown!! I don’t even know where to begin with how amazing this place is!
But let me start with the Service Irene and Tony are super stars! So friendly, so kind, helpful, knowledgeable. I’ve been in many times now and every time they make the experience better. They give the best food recommendations too!
And this time we came in to celebrate my brother’s birthday. We had a large party and Tony, Irene, and Brian were incredible. So accommodating and fun.
Can’t wait to come back and celebrate again soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: 龍蝦角 lobster rangoon, Roasted Peppers, 燒椒 Shishito Peppers
Restaurantji Recommends
I went for diner and was extremely impressed. They have phenomenal service. The servers name was Dasia. The food was also delicious. Thank you Dasia I wish all restaurants in Seattle had service as good as this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a wonderful experience! I cannot wish for more from the team here, with a special shout out to Tony Y’s kindness to our son who is learning Mandarin. He was so encouraging and sweet to him. The food was delicious!! We had the pork and chive dumplings, mushroom and cucumber salad, twice cooked pork belly and the beef short rib - which is huge!!. Highly recommend a visit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Like Panda but fancy. Elevated and comfortable. Tony is the best - always checking in and making sure you’re having a great time. Twice cooked pork and pumpkin doughnuts are standout (and salt and pepper pork if they have it).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tony was a great server and Irene a very friendly hostess even making small talk with us at the table. Came here after watching the Demon Slayer movie in 4DX at Regal (so good and so fun!!) This space used to be Loulays which was near and dear to my heart but happy to say Vivienne's Bistro (this is their second location, first being on Mercer Island back in 2022) can proudly occupy it as all the food we had was very good!
We did 3 appetizers: Lobster Rangoons, Kolbi, and Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil. Had the General Tso's chicken with a side of white rice and finished with the Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam.
Lobster Rangoons:
I'll be honest, I am not crazy about rangoons crab or otherwise, but these were quite good. Perfectly fried with flavors that lasted and had a good amount of lobster meat. I recommend it. 7/10
Kolbi Steak:
Very well seasoned and a good portion size. It was cooked at the right temperature too. Not much to add, just a quality product. 7/10.
Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil:
Mixed with minced garlic and cilantro it had good flavor and the szechuan wasn't super spicy if that puts you off. Personally I hate cilantro so I'd ask for this without next time but the dish works well. 7/10.
General Tso's Chicken:
Ah, the classic made for Americans dish that isn't actually Chinese but kinda almost has become it from osmosis of the cultures now. Well this was good. Cooked the way you'd hope it would be if the idea for it actually originated from China. The glaze is sweet, the fry is to the amount it needs. No nasty aftertaste like cheap Chinese food joints. 7/10.
Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam:
It's mochi based so if that is off putting for you -- not my favorite -- you might want to skip it. Even so I can respect it's integrity and rate accordingly as if it was a texture I like. They are piping hot so you might want to mix it with the jam and break it open. The pumpkin is there but not overpowering. Solid. 7/10 here too.
The ambiance is great. Lively for downtown and Sunday and it wasn't a wait at all without a reservation to get in. The food came out exceedingly quick and you can hear the chef in the back working with a massive flame from the wok. By far though, Tony being open to great service made this very enjoyable. He recommended movies to us -- and we talked about Demon Slayer -- and overall just a good server to customer interactions. Would have already returned for the food but the service makes it that much better. For that reason I'm happy to rate it higher because this is the extra piece that's missing from most restaurants these days and what separates a good experience from a great one! And for all this food we got it was less than $100 for two people!
Overall,
8/10⭐
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Vivienne’s Bistro is a true gem in Seattle! This is elevated Chinese cuisine with a creative twist, blending classic flavors with fresh local ingredients. I’ve eaten Chinese food my whole life (Chinese American household + decades living in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore), and I think this is the best Chinese restaurant in Seattle.
As someone who is gluten-free and dairy-free, I really appreciated how the staff worked with me. Our waiter, Tony, was outstanding—he carefully explained safe options and flagged possible cross-contamination with fried foods. The kitchen team was equally attentive.
The dishes I tried were fantastic: chicken fried rice, honey walnut shrimp, pumpkin curry duck, Shishito peppers, and green beans. Everything was flavorful, portions were generous, and prices were very reasonable for the quality.
The ambience is warm and elegant—high ceilings, beautiful décor, and not too noisy, which makes conversation easy. Chef Donna Ma leads an excellent team, and she mentioned that their Mercer Island location has an even more extensive, homestyle menu, which I look forward to trying.
Parking tip: Valet at the Sheraton next door—validated by Vivienne’s, the rate drops from $28 to $14.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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