Vivo - Cleveland

First we drive up to the front of the restaurant, where there is heavy construction going on all around, then we wait 5-10 min for a valet to come up, who never even shows up, even though there are signs claiming that there is indeed valet service. So we ended up having to park in some garage. Then we proceed to our table, where our aloof and disinterested waiter absolutely reeked. I'm not sure if it was his breath or B.O., but it was awful. Then we get the food. Of course we had to ask for bread as our appetizers came out, which they should always automatically bring early on. They would never had brought it if we had not asked. Then the waiter forgot that my mother had ordered a Caprese Salad. On to the entrees- two of us got the gnocchi as, which came recommended by the waiter, and it was absolutely tasteless. It was supposed to have tuffle oil in it to give it taste, but it had no truffle oil in it. My fiancee got the prosciutto wrapped chicken breast, which was burned, making what was supposed to be the flavorful prosciutto on the outside a hardened tasteless shell around the chicken. Terrible. Then the water guy comes around to fill up our waters, and the result was that one of our waters had some digusting fleshy-leafy looking thing floating in it. Gross. We decided to give dessert a shot. Why not, right? I mean, how hard is it to screw up chocolate? Well it's quite easy apparently, just ask the chef at Vivo. We ordered the ""Cholocate Obsession"", which was described as chocolate lava cake on the menu. Well we get it, and it is cold and stiff in the center. Actually heating it up was apparently too difficult for the incompetent chef. If nothing else it would have been a nice gesture. But we got no such favors. Overall bad service, and even worse food if you can believe it. I highly recommend staying AWAY from Vivo in Cleveland, and suggest a fun night of fasting instead. Cons: Bad service, even worse food more

The dark lighting and high ceilings set the stage for a memorable evening. The waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable about the food and drinks. Started with the Stolen Kiss martini which was smooth with a nice flavor of raspberry. My boyfriend and I shared the mussels to start which were some of the sweetest I've ever tasted. The smokey, mildly spiced tomato broth complemented them well. All of the seafood is very fresh and interestly paired with the other flavors of the dishes. They even have a shuttle service to get you to the theatre, if needed. A perfect choice! Pros: Flavorful food, Great decor Cons: None! more

Wish they had an online menu. My wife loves REGULAR Italian food, not there mediterranean style. Looking for succulant veal or chicken parmesan, speghetti with meatballs, chicken or shrimp in alfredo sauce & angle hair pasta, try Little Italy. NOT VIVO's. Couldn't understand half the menu. The veal that I had was still on the bone and wouldn't have been enough for my 8 year old. The wine is overpriced, BUT, the atmosphere was fantastically romantic. You're basically paying for the atmosphere, but should be able to find that at a less expensive place with food both my wife and I can enjoy. Im sure the food would be fantastic for some with more exotic tastes, but if you're looking for regular, good, large portions of traditional Italian food, Vivo's is NOT the place. Not there fault, just wish they had their menu on line. Pros: Romantic, Ambiance Cons: Pricey, non-tradit'l Italian more

First impression: very contemporary, very hip. For dinner I ate the roasted wild salmon. It cost 24 -- comparable to any upscale restaurant in the area. The food is definately worth the money. The portions are just right, and leave you satisfied, not over-stuffed. Afterwards, went downstairs and had a few drinks in the V lounge. The dimmly lit underground lounge, complete with giant couches, makes for a fabulous afterparty. more

I am a regular at this Cleveland hotspot. The food is amazing. My favorites are the scallops and the filet. The pasta dishes are a refreshing deviation from Little Italy fare. As for drinks try a martini made with Effen vodka. Vivo is one of the only places downtown that serves this stuff. Also, if you have a chance on a Friday or Saturday head downstairs to the V Lounge, a candlelit bar/lounge area that reminds me of a club in NYC or Chicago. Pros: Martinis, Deserts, Steaks more

Vivo has to be one of the best spots in Cleveland. They're unique design and culinary flare makes it a place unlike any other I have experienced here in Cleveland. If you have time check out he club on Fridays or Saturdays more