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    VIVO Italian Kitchen

    3.9 (697 reviews)
    ModerateItalian, Pizza
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    VIVO Italian Kitchen Photos

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    VIVO ITALIAN KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Touristy
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    Romantic

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    Recommended Reviews - VIVO Italian Kitchen

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    Kisha L.

    I love this restaurant. I always try to dine here when I am at Universal City Walk. Service was ok, the waiter was not that attentive, however, the atmosphere was beautiful with nice lighting. I ordered a chicken piccata and a pepperoni pizza. It was delicious and filled with flavor. I got a gelato cookies and cream for dessert. The Gelato was sooo good. I am going back to try the happy hour.

    Garlic bread 2/5
    cynthia a.

    Vivo is a great restaurant to pay a visit when going to universal or city walk. The pastas, pizzas and salads are delicious! Mt favorite entree is the chicken picatta, the flavor is amazing. All of the waiters and bartenders are friendly and helpful. I have sat inside, outside and at the bar and all locations are relaxing.

    Chicken Parm
    Anthony N.

    Came down for a quick two-night trip for Halloween Horror Nights and figured we'd sneak in a nice dinner before facing the chainsaws. Enter VIVO Italian Kitchen -- and wow, best pre-scare decision ever. Our waiter Adam (pretty sure that was his name -- if not, shout-out to whoever suggested the cheese-stuffed bread) was awesome. That bread? Unreal. Warm, gooey, and probably powerful enough to solve world peace. The wife had the chicken parm, I went with the steak tagliata, and both were absolute hits. Perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and had us questioning if we could pull off dessert too. And the drinks -- we tried the Poison Apple martinis made just for Halloween Horror Nights and ended up ordering a third round. No regrets. Just good vibes and a slightly wobbly walk back to the hotel. Between the friendly service, killer food, and fun themed cocktails, this place was a total win. We'll absolutely be back -- because the real horror would be skipping it next time.

    Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp
    Michael F.

    This is a very classy restaurant on Universal City Walk. We dined on City Walk multiple times after visiting the park, and this was my favorite place. We chose to sit outside because it was a beautiful day. We started with some wine and bread. Happy hour prices can't be beat anywhere on City Walk. I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp. Fantastic! Very fresh. My wife ordered Chicken Parmesan with Alfredo sauce.. it's not on the menu and she said it was delicious. Finally, my daughter got the salmon piccata which also isn't on the menu, but the waiter said it was better than the chicken piccata. Overall, outstanding vibe, great food and service. Definitely give this place a try!

    Chicken piccata
    Rosa R.

    This restaurant served some yummy food ! I had the picata and hubby had a calzone which were so good. Service was good and fast! We brought our daughter here for her bday and she got a yummy cherry ice cream treat. I recommend this restaurant!

    Mexican mule
    Arianna S.

    I was looking for a chill Saturday and decided to try this restaurant out.! I ordered a Cesar salad and some meatballs, I mainly went to have a drink (lol) . The salad was over dressed and the meatballs were okay. The real star of the show was the bartender and the cocktails prepared. Keem was very attentive and very knowledgeable about the specialty drinks. If you're in the area or leaving the park, stop by and enjoy a meal. P.S. They do validate if you valet your car!

    Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken
    Deanna R.

    I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and really liked it! Not the most authentic Italian restaurant, but still tasty and a great restaurant option in CityWalk! Great ambiance and service. We were seated quickly after our arrival.

    Menú
    Monty H.

    Amazing pasta and great pizza right on the Universal City Walk! We walked up and down the City Walk looking for a good place to eat and we definitely found it with Vivo. Went with the bolognese, spaghetti and the pepperoni pizza. Pasta cooked to perfection, al dente just the way it should be. Great flavor and great portions. The pizza was also delicious! Service was on point and the have some nice patio seating. Check this place out next time you are in Universal and want some great Italian food!

    Pizzette Bianca (my hand for size reference)
    Coria L.

    This is my go-to spot before HHN every year because I found it to be the most affordable with the highest quality. This time, my roommate and I decided to have dinner here and check out their happy hour (M-F 3pm-6pm) before a movie on Saturday (December 6). When we arrived around 4:30pm, there weren't that many people but it did become fairly busy around 6pm when Universal Studios closed for the day. Our bartender, Shannon, was very friendly and knowledgeable in the offerings and honestly had such a lovely presence. We spoke with a man named Jonathan (seemed to be a manager but not completely sure) who was standing at the end of the bar and overheard us debating on whether to get a happy hour pizzette or a pizza off the regular menu. We appreciated his input and opted to get 2 of the Pizzette Biancas (mozzarella, fontina, stracchino, crema, pepperoncini, red onion, oregano). The pizzettes are smaller than the regular pizzas but the regular pizzas aren't that big either (we've had the Funghi Pizza and the Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza on previous visits and those are delicious too). The crust is thinner than a regular pizza here but the flavors are all there. We also ordered a Chicken Picatta and Jonathan asked us if we were splitting it. It came out on two separate dishes per our split request and we were impressed (honestly, I thought they were just going to give us an extra plate or something and it would have been fine but that extra touch really elevated our experience). The happy hour is a little limiting as they only have wines, pizzettes and a couple salads on there but considering the location---what a steal. Do yourself a favor and order yourself a carafe of wine off the happy hour menu and you'll definitely be getting your money's worth with how big the carafe is for $8. Off on the regular menu, they had two seasonal drink offerings and their Spiced Apple Cider hits the mark on a chilly night with the perfect amount of sweetness that isn't overpowering. We also had their Cranberry Prosecco drink off their seasonal menu and the presentation itself was interesting. If you order from a table, it seems you get your own split but if you're ordering from the bar, they'll pour it from a bigger bottle without that extra prosecco. The cranberry rosemary is actually completely frozen inside the glass so you'll want to sip slowly and let it melt a little to get the full effect but we enjoyed that drink as well. Some random notes: The parmesan cheese is freshly grated cheese at your table (or bar) and the grater is this giant metal cone so it's kind of cool but also appreciate when it's real cheese shaved onto your plate. Also, ask for a side of caesar dressing to dip your pizza bread in----it's homemade and delicious. Thank me later. This is forever be our go-to spot when we're visiting Citywalk or Universal Studios. All around five stars for food, service, and ambience.

    Open kitchen
    Ed W.

    As annual pass members, we usually come here after or before a trip to universal studios. Unfortunately, there's not that many choices for good food at city walk. Vivo is probably in a class of its own. From the steak, to the pastas and pizzas... they are all great choices. Their pizza rivals the pizza from Naples by Disneyland. Calzone and gelato are a must. The whole restaurant, including ambiance and staff are very welcoming for families with kids. Today, our server was Austin. Incredible attention to detail and efficient. Double espresso is with a pistachio gelato is a great desert choice. You also get a 15% discount with the platinum annual pass. Your family will enjoy it.

    Garlic cheese bread board
    Chloë J.

    Quite possibly my favorite meal while visiting California. No boxes needed, everything was devoured. Great service at the bar and a wonderful Sangria I might add. The Alfredo with shrimp & penne a la vodka with shrimp were both amazing. Feels very classy but don't be shy to walk in with your universal attire as this spot is on the city walk right outside universal studios.

    Chicken Picatta
    Cassidy I.

    VIVO seems like the nicest restaurant on CityWalk. I have some mixed feelings on it, particularly on pricing and portion size. I ordered the chicken picatta for $27. The spaghetti portion was so small! As was the chicken. For this price, I'd expect around double the amount of food, particularly for the pasta. The pasta was very overcooked, veering into mushy territory. The sauce was nice, for the most part, but split and became oily over the course of the meal. The flavor was nice and creamy and buttery with a strong lemon flavor with a hint of white wine. Our waiter was great, he came by to check on us several times and had a lot of energy.

    Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken
    Francisco M.

    This location has some elegant decor and chill atmosphere. It's a good place to feel fancy while at city walk. The service was great and quick. The noise volume is low so you can have easy conversations. The fettuccine alfredo was pretty good. Although I don't get it too often so I can't compare thoroughly. The portion size was just right. I finished my whole plate and was adequately full. This place is pricey but that's expected for restaurants at City Walk already.

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    VIVO Italian Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - VIVO Italian Kitchen

    Do they take reservations or is it walk up only?

    no reservations

    What time is happy hour?

    Monday-Friday. 2pm-6pm. The pizzas are so yummy.

    Do you allow a dog in your patio? It will be inside the stroller the whole time.

    California doesn't allow pets inside restaurants unless it's a service dog.

    Does VIVO serve cacio y Pepe? It's not listed on the online menu but is mentioned in reviews.

    It is on their dinner menu. Here is a page with pdf menus.… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

    L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

    4.3
    (2.6k reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$$

    The best authentic Neapolitan pizza I've had in los Angeles. The crust was incredible, the cheese…read morewas perfect, and the arugula prosciutto pizza was outstanding. The Caesar salad was really good, and the branzino was honestly one of the best I've ever had - great presentation too. The kitchen staff in the back were some latino dudes but tbey clearly know what they're doing because the food tasted very authentic and well executed. I'm giving 3 stars for service because we waited way too long for our bottle of wine. When it finally came out, it wasn't the bottle I ordered, and our waitress Lauren insisted it was the same thing, which felt insulting because it was obviously not the same vintage - it was off by two years. At that point, I just wanted some wine already, so l let it go. That said, the ambiance was great, and the food alone makes this place worth visiting.

    Would I recommend this restaurant? Not really…read more From the outside, the restaurant looks okay and doesn't particularly stand out, but once you walk inside, it's very cute and nicely decorated. The atmosphere is pleasant. Sitting outside in their back patio was enjoyable, while the indoor dining area is cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Everything looks appealing and well-presented, but unfortunately, much of the food lacked flavor. I ordered the Pappardelle Genovese pasta, and although it looked delicious and had plenty of meat, it was surprisingly bland. I even added sea salt to try to enhance the flavor, but it was still only average. The pizza wasn't bad, but it's not something I would order again. The drinks were fine and looked cute, but nothing particularly memorable. My favorite item was the beet salad. It was delicious and well balanced, with mixed greens, goat cheese, hazelnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette. That was definitely the standout dish of the meal. Overall, the ambiance, decor, and presentation were better than the food itself. While it's a nice place to visit and enjoy the atmosphere, I probably wouldn't return for the food.

    Photos
    Interior.
    Interior.
    Truffle Pizza
    Truffle Pizza
    Interior

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    Interior
    Pitfire Pizza

    Pitfire Pizza

    3.9
    (1.8k reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Delicious, delectable, and downright tasty. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a…read moregood time!

    There is a small public lot located behind the building. Its $0.40/30 minutes or $6.40 from…read more7am-9pm. Or you can pay metered parking on the street. I did see a parking structure across the way, but unsure how much or if its a public parking structure. They have an outdoor patio with plenty of heating lamps if its a cold night as well as an indoor area. Their seasonal items are indicated in a blue font on the menu. Their CO2 stopped working for their fountain drinks, so I chose water. You order first, get a number, find a table, then the food comes to you. Water is self serve as well as the utensils and plates. Majority of the tables had plates already set up on the table. Food ordered: spaghetti with chicken meatballs, garlic knots, brussel sprouts, and a kids pizza. Kids pizza was a decent size, diameter was about 8 inches, light crust, had enough sauce to cheese ratio. Brussel sprouts were delicious and had a nice crisp to it. Garlic knots were gigantic, but I wished there was more sauce that came with it. The portion of the spaghetti is enough for a really hungry person, but if you decide to grab a few other items, its enough to share with another friend. Also, the meatballs were huge! The table we chose wasnt cleaned very well. The plates that we sat at had parmesan cheese sprinkled on it. I didnt say anything to the service staff, but no one didnt come check on us if we needed anything throughout our stay there.

    Photos
    Come try our new menu items for Spring!
    Come try our new menu items for Spring!
    Grilled Artichokes with Pesto Aioli
    Grilled Artichokes with Pesto Aioli
    Rigatoni with Kale & Walnut Pesto

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    Rigatoni with Kale & Walnut Pesto
    MA'S Italian Kitchen

    MA'S Italian Kitchen

    4.6
    (1.8k reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Private events

    Tucked into a cozy corner in Burbank , this small Italian pasta spot delivers an experience that…read morefeels both intimate and memorable. The space itself is charming, with options to sit indoors for a warm, rustic ambiance, at the bar for a more lively vibe, or out on the patio for a relaxed, al fresco feel.The staff is attentive without being overbearing, genuinely welcoming. The food is where this place truly shines. Every pasta dish tastes fresh, rich, and made with intention--perfectly cooked noodles paired with flavorful, well-balanced sauces. A special touch that doesn't go unnoticed: the complimentary garlic bread. Served warm, buttery, and perfectly crisp on the outside. Overall, this restaurant proves that you don't need a large space to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Between the high-quality dishes, inviting atmosphere, and standout service, it's a place you'll find yourself wanting to return to again and again.

    Solid Italian restaurant with really good food. The complimentary garlic rolls were warm but not…read morehot. Otherwise, we really enjoyed our meal here! The bruschetta chicken was juicy and flavorful. The pasta with it was light and delicious. The chicken parm was quite good, but the bolognese sauce was the star of the meal. This was one of our favorite meat sauces we've had in quite a while. We finished the meal with a complimentary budino that our server brought to us as first time guests. The butterscotch flavor was light and creamy, so good! It was the perfect sweet treat to end the meal. Service was very good, our primary server was on top of things and the other people helped him out as well. Manager checked on us too. The restaurant is fairly small and was pretty full. From the outside, it's very unassuming but inside was nice and felt cozy.

    Photos
    MA'S Italian Kitchen
    MA'S Italian Kitchen
    Pasta all'amatriciana

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    Pasta all'amatriciana
    Miceli's

    Miceli's

    3.6
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    For the past 15 years, I have driven past Miceli's and never been. But I had the opportunity to go…read moreand it did NOT disappoint. This is such a classic, old school Italian restaurant. It is pretty cool because all the servers are singers and you will get to enjoy a show. A live piano player and live music. This was a good time. The staff are super kind. We ordered calamari. They were regular. Nothing to brag about. And I ordered the lasagna which was very divine. It was cheesy. Plentiful. Perfectly seasoned. The food is TOO GOOD. There's PLENTY of seats and a mini size parking lot.

    We were nearby in NoHo for a play and decided upon Italian for dinner via the AAdvantage program…read moreand this place was in their network. I did not see a designated parking lot (just street) but there was plenty of street parking available with no meters on Sunday. The dining experience is cool as it has that old world charm to it with the checkered table cloths in classic Italian style. As for the food, it was just mediocre. We started off with the antipasto salad and that is a total waste of money for what you get (16.95). It was on the smaller side and was not a traditional antipasto salad. It had the salami and cheese on the bottom of the plate (in whole slices) along with some regular lettuce on top with two green onions and some green olives on the side and some red onions (at 1st I thought that our server brought us the wrong salad). As for our entrees, I ordered the spinach lasagna and it was ok. The portion size was small but since lasagna is generally heavy I was able to finish it. BFF ordered the baked mostaccioli with Italian sausage added to it and his was a bigger portion. We had two soft drinks and some water with our meal and the total came to 110.00 incl tip. Ouch! Our server was friendly but not overly and the service was good. I really wanted to like this establishment but the food did not impress me at all. Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in LA and I rarely make it to this area; therefore, I highly doubt I will be back.

    Photos
    Beautiful ceilings
    Beautiful ceilings
    Miceli's
    Sitting area

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    Sitting area
    Apollonia's Pizzeria

    Apollonia's Pizzeria

    4.1
    (1.4k reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$

    I wanted to try Apollonia's Pizzeria for a long time. I finally caught them at their ComplexCon…read moreFamily Style booth, and it was a phenomenal sampler. I tried a special slice called The Crenshaw Vodka Slice, which is a Sicilian style square vodka pizza. I don't know if they sell this at their main store since I haven't been there yet but the slice features pesto and a rich vodka sauce. The highlight is the layer of cheese baked right onto the crust. It gets incredibly crunchy and adds a lot of depth to the airy dough. I'll write an updated review when I visit the actual brick and mortar shop.

    This pizza spot was really good and definitely worth a visit. One thing to know before you go: they…read moreonly accept cash, so come prepared. If you're ordering a whole pizza, expect a bit of a wait, but they usually have slices ready to go. I wasn't the biggest fan of their thicker-style crust, but their thin-crust option, which they call the "triangle pizza," was excellent. My recommendation is to keep it simple and order a plain cheese slice or pie--it was delicious on its own. They also had a ricotta pizza that tasted great, and their vodka sauce was amazing. The only downside is the limited seating, so it's best to have a plan to eat elsewhere or take your pizza to go. Overall, the quality of the pizza makes it well worth the stop.

    Photos
    Apollonia's Pizzeria
    Square Pie by the slice only, available Friday Lunch
    Square Pie by the slice only, available Friday Lunch
    The Venustiano without Italian Sausage. Photographed with spicy arrabiata sauce, fresh mozzarella, garlic and organic grape tomatoes & basil

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    The Venustiano without Italian Sausage. Photographed with spicy arrabiata sauce, fresh mozzarella, garlic and organic grape tomatoes & basil
    Gino’s East

    Gino’s East

    3.8
    (1k reviews)
    3.7 mi
    $$

    The food is excellent, but what sets Gino's East apart from any other place is the people. The…read moreservice is excellent. The restaurant inside is intimate, but also fun and has a great menu. It's a slice of what makes Chicago great without having to leave Southern California. Also, everyone is lovely, but should out to Michael B who is the kindest and most considerate person I think I've ever met. Gino's East has it all. But if you go, remember good pizza can take some time so manage your expectations and be nice to the staff. Everyone is hardworking and dedicated to making your experience great!

    I used to live in the suburbs of Chicago, and frequently going to Gino's on weekends with family or…read morefriends--especially when we had visitors--was always one of my favorite things to do. So when they opened a location in Sherman Oaks, it honestly meant a lot to me and my family. It brings back a strong sense of nostalgia every time. The food quality has never disappointed. Even when they change up the menu, it still delivers--and sometimes they'll even make items from the old menu depending on the kitchen, which I appreciate. If you're going with a group, I highly recommend the Sticks and Dips as an appetizer. I also love their mozzarella sticks. I've personally only ordered their deep dish pizzas so far, and they've been consistently great. I'd love to try their chicken sandwiches at some point, but the deep dish alone keeps me coming back. The service has always been warm and welcoming. The staff is friendly, and when the owner is around, he even comes by to check on you personally, which says a lot. It was honestly really upsetting to hear they were recently robbed--you've got to be a real jerk to go after a local business like this.

    Photos
    Small bar area
    Small bar area
    Gino’s East
    Gino’s East

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    VIVO Italian Kitchen - italian - Updated July 2026

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