ViVa

I was excited to see ViVa another Italian Restaurant pop up in central Auckland and near my work, I was hoping it was authentic and going by another friends positive review I thought it would be great. Well…
When we arrived it was very busy I think due to pre-​show patrons because it cleared out very fast at once. Service was a little sporadic, wine menu good, there were some Italian wines, one in which I enjoyed.
Then it came to the food, the Calamari entrée was lovely and cooked perfectly. The bruschetta came cold, I have always had the bread warm from freshly being toasted and the toppings cold. Even when I googled how it should be served I found warm bread is the norm. However the toppings were tasty.

Now the mains were very very disappointing. All dishes were luke warm. The Carbonara was so luke warm that the egg was a pool of uncooked yolk in the bottom of the bowl because the pasta was not hot enough to cook it. I had to search for the ham and it was in bad need of more Parmesan and seasoning. I can personally make a way better (hotter) Carbonara at home. My friend did complain about her cold Gnocchi and it was sent back to be heated but the rest of us were to hungary to bother.
Dessert was either Tirimasu or Lemon tart. I heard the Tirimasu was good but the lemon tart a few of us said we could also make better at home. It was not lemoney enough and it tasted eggy and the base like cookie dough.
Come on ViVa up your game or you might be the next restaurant to close up quickly.

Music and food are intrinsically linked in Italy and thanks to ViVa, a night out at the Opera in Auckland, just got a whole lot more fun! It’s the perfect spot for a warm and cozy, pre-​opera meal — a stones throw away from the ASB Theater. We didn’t get around to sampling any of their wines, pizzas or desserts but if the gnocchi and risotto are anything to go by, then I’m in! They were reasonably priced too. Actually, they were really cheap; each dish only cost $ 18 and they were creamy and dreamy!
The staff were really welcoming and the service impeccable. The waiter who served us was nice and friendly without being sleazy and attentive to the end — I liked that he walked over to open the door for us as we were about to leave! Speaking of leaving, will I return?! Si!
Viva l’Italia!