Amazing food and service!! Such a great vibe. Thank you Vovina woo! Fav drink is jalapeño

Vovina is a lovely, intimate spot to linger over drinks and conversation. Although you have to look past the parking lot, it does look out over Marina Park, but is also sort of tucked away, which gives it a quieter, more adult vibe than many spots in Downtown Kirkland. Tables are set low, as are seats, and the colors and lighting are warm and subdued. The layout provides nooks and separation, yet doesn't leave you feeling isolated. I imagine you could have a full meal here, but the menu is more focused on small plates. We had a fruit and cheese plate, which was quite good, though I wouldn't place it in the amazing category. Drinks were also good - I had a Bee's Knees (okay, several), and my friend sipped a red wine. The service is excellent. Our server provided tastes of the various wines to help my friend decide, and checked in frequently throughout the evening. He was pleasant to chat with and graciously answered all our questions. I look forward to returning and exploring more of the wine and menu options. read more

Not sure how to give this place less than 1 star. Walked in and no one helped us get seated. Found an open table sat down and still no helped us. Went to the bar and all the staff just walked past us without even helping. Ending up waking out without any service. Puzzles me how a restaurant wants to make money when they don't serve potential customers. I cannot recommend this place. read more

Vovina is one of my favorite spots in Kirkland. From the bartenders to the food, it's always a good time. Milo, Tabatha, and Olivia are always so kind and helpful! The food is so good & the vibe is always good music. Highly recommend! read more

Arrived on a Saturday night looking to just get some drinks. They were clearly busy, but the employee was kind enough to seat us at an outdoor table that needed to be bussed as the people before us had just left. Unfortunately that's where our positive experience ended. An employee never came with menus or to welcome us. We sat for about twenty minutes talking until waters even came out, still no interaction with an employee besides this. The ladies behind us had a question for the girl seating people and the employee snapped from the restaurant door "okay, but we're VERY busy right now" and walked away. Why seat customers if you don't have the capacity to give them service? Some time later the same snarky employee who snapped at the ladies behind us came and asked what we wanted. We asked for a menu and got one for the three of us to share. We ordered three drinks and then continued to sit. At this point, we had been sitting at this restaurant appalled by the crassness and lack of basic customer service for an hour. For a glass of wine, a beer, and a triple shot. This should only take a few minutes? We eventually decided to leave. If the drinks weren't ready by now they never were going to be. As we were leaving, the snarky employee ran outside and yelled at us, telling us to let her know we were leaving. I told her we clearly were and that there was no opportunity to let an employee know as nobody made themselves available. She proceeded to scream at us from the restaurant side-door causing a scene about how busy they were and that we "left a tab open" when we never even received a product after quietly waiting a generous amount of time. I understand being busy but this treatment towards customers is horrific. This woman was rude to multiple customers on that patio and created a tense hectic environment aside from the wait times. Being verbally accosted outside the restaurant by her was wildly inappropriate. We weren't the only ones, a couple that was seated next to us mentioned to the same employee that they had a dinner reservation. This couple also was only given water, no menu, and eventually got up, abandoned their reservation and left for the place next door before we did. We ended up going to play mini golf next door and got a drink for each of us within a few minutes, and they were also packed. Won't be coming back to this place. I will be seeking an opportunity to share my concerns with management as the way this employee handled a busy night was unjustified towards ourselves and other patient customers. read more

I couldn't have chosen a better place to do my "Going Away HH"!the moment I stepped in there, I felt very welcomed plus the gentlemen's who were there made everything so great. Food came out at a reasonable time, along with the drinks. Their happy hour menu is quite awesome if you ask me- great varieties! Drinks were literally ON POINT! I will definitely return if I'm ever in the area again after my leave in Kirkland. The location of this place is amazing, thank you Vovina team for my going away so great! read more

Vovina - Wine Bars Near Me - Kirkland, Washington

We just came here for the first time to try it out, and while waiting to find a seat, one of the employees were arguing about a review a customer left about this place. Totally killed our vibe for the night. read more

Been here four times since they opened. Food and drinks are decent. But prices are really expensive for what you get even during Happy Hour It's an elegant setting and the place is always clean. Wait staff seam to be very attentive to your needs parking sucks since it's all street parking no valet parking read more

I went there to have fun and enjoy a couple of drinks with one of my friends on a Saturday night. A group of people came and sit right next to us. A female tattooed staff member came and checked the IDs of the groups (well actually checked 2 out of 4 people. Looks like she was looking for a name) and went back and came with her cellphone showing a Yelp review that customer gave and started arguing on a very offensive tone to the customer about a negative review that the customer gave in a very rude manner. She was trying to bully the gentleman who wrote the review. We finished our drinks and left and will never go back there again. read more

We got rowdy on a Friday night here and had a great time with our pup probably laughing at us. We sat outside because of the pup and it was kind of chilly, but we braved it and drank enough to stay warm. - Tots: the truffle tots were amazing, we got a non-truffle one, too, which I didn't like as much, but the rest of the party did - Meatballs: these were good, easy to share, nothing extraordinary - Brussel sprouts: these were delicious and well-baked - Flatbread: I can't recall which we got, but it was good I think it was mostly more fun than the food. The food was good, but the environment made it better. The server was very attentive and often checked on us as well. read more

Very good cocktails and tasty food. We came here several times with friends and we never disappointed about the food and drinks here. They have plenty of dishes which you can share with others while sipping on a drink and do chit chating. Service here is a bit slow though because it's always packed. read more

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How does this place get 4-stars?! If you like to just drink until you drop, this is your crowd. But don't eat the food. It's kind of hidden and very cozy...little too cozy if you have more than 10 people in there. Lots of attitude from the younger crowd that obviously just got their drinking cards. It is a funny place to watch a bunch of drunk guys pick up on the ladies that want nothing to do with them. That's the vibe there. Only saw one person there serving the food and drinks. Poor guy. read more

If I could get a membership here I would. The best jalapeño martini you will ever have! We crave them with a side of truffle tots (amazing)! I lived in Kirkland for a few years and became a regular. If you're wanting amazing service, this place is not by any means top notch. You will wait and bartenders don't really want to chat and I am okay with that! read more

Sat at the bar and had an old fashioned and a white gummy to drink. Ahi app to eat. Great service and everything tasted so good! It wasn't too busy either and I loved the ambience, dark and good music. It is a good date night spot for a few drinks and a bite to eat, would definitely recommend. read more

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My boyfriend and I took our friends there and we had the BEST time ever! Cozy little place tucked away in the heart of downtown Kirkland. What I loved the most is their Tapas menu and great selection of drinks. They have one of my favorite ciders! We will definitely make this our spot for date nights or to bring friends along! read more

Drinks very underwhelming and full of simple and flavored vodkas. All super sweet. We originally first tried this place during the midst of Covid and decided not to completely judge it based on that alone but not much has changed except the food is slightly better bar food. The real issue was the service, which seems to running theme with this place based on other reviews. Super bitchy wait staff/bartenders with attitudes. Upon entering we were told to limit it to 90 minutes. Which was fine. But when I attempted to order a drink 20 minutes before that limit, I was denied and told to go and that she would be getting our check. Meanwhile 2 other tables were there before we arrived and still ordering food and drinks as we left. They must have been regulars or special apparently. You know different rules for them. We are local and will NEVER be going back. But it's all about moving people in and out so I am sure they won't mind. read more

Love the staff and the Jalapeño cocktail!!! Also recommend the salmon sliders. Fav spot in Kirkland!

Bar tender had a chip on his shoulder. He was pretty rude all night, I tried to be nice cause I figured he was having a bad day, happens to the best of us. Went to go ask for my bill and he asked who I was paying for. I said me and the girl next to me. He asked about my brother who doesn't drink, so I was curious what he ordered, the bar tender said a tonic water. I have never ordered tonic water in my life, so I asked do you guys charge for that. His snarky comment was "does McDonald's charge for a Coke?" And turns around shaking his head while printing my bill. I told him I was just asking cause I didn't know that was something you paid for and that he needs to work on his people skills. Needless to say the 15 of us that were there will never be back. read more

I've been coming to Vovina for awhile now and everytime I come I get perfect service from everyone from breidie, tabby all the kitchen staff is so friendly and welcoming. Love coming to get food here and sit and have conversations with all the staff. 100 percent recommend this to anyone that lives in Kirkland or is visiting and wants a great place to eat or drink! read more

Vovina has a beautiful, calming, and friendly environment. The lighting, music, and low tables make it a great place to meet up with one, or many people and enjoy some good food & drinks. The servers were consistent in checking in on us, and refilling waters - and they were very nice! Happy hour from 4-6PM that has decent menu choices and drink prices. We will definitely be back and are excited to try more things in the future! read more

If you are seeking exquisite craft cocktails, delicious appetizers and eats with no pretentious attitudes at the Kirkland marina, Vovina is the spot . There are views of the water and park right from the window. The space is perfect for a small group or even a party of 8. This Boutique bar is the perfect space to be waited on intimately but not feel crowded. There is an outdoor patio complete with a fire top and extra style. The bar itself has a gorgeous wood top and the layout is friendly enough to strike up a conversation with a fellow patron. The drinks are worth the price and the attention that goes into them shows. From the spicy flavor of the jalapeño martini with a kick to the sweet and sour lemon drop with sugar rim the drinks are satisfying, well thought out and strong to taste. The weekend bartender is attentive and will ask for your preferences. You will feel welcome and cared for. Vovina is a gem, locally owned and a welcome departure from the typical bar scene. Best times to hit it are happy hour if you want the place more to yourself which is 3-6p every day and 9 o clock hour if you want to socialize. read more

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Food is great, nice drinks but the service is lacking. I've been here at least half a dozen times and it's really consistent: the waitstaff and bartenders couldn't care less about customer service and whether or not you're there. Like I never even get a smile and I go out of my way to be friendly in the hopes they will!! Seriously- there's better in downtown Kirkland. read more

I was out for ladies night and one of the girls in our group suggested we go here. I loved the seating areas and the atmosphere was very chill. I ordered a penicillin, my absolute favorite drink, and was not impressed. I've had many and know a good penicillin. I also ordered the Avocado Toast and it was just ok, not really worth the price to me. I honestly don't think I'll one back here in the near future. read more

Now that I have a more recent visit to add, it's time to review this place. Tucked in on the "marine" level here in the main of downtown Kirkland is Vovina. It's a rather unassuming place from the outside, that has a fair amount of outdoor seating for it's size and locale. The interior is a 'casual sleek', if you can try and imagine that. I absolutely love the fireplace seating area. Though it is the most popular and it does get *very* toasty sitting there. The food here is pretty good and the happy hour menu has some really good deals. It is sadly only a 4-6pm HH. They also run daily specials, vodkas of the month, etc. I met here last night with Inna, and I chose the special Lychee martini and she chose the vodka flight (3 mini martinis that pretty much equal one regular size one) (FYI: a Lychee absorbs alcohol really, really well,...in not such a good way) They are moving away from their vast vodka menu and down to a more focus on a few special and mostly well known ones. Which, I suppose makes sense from a business perspective, but its a shame they are losing their obscure and specialty choices. They also have a wider-than-most selection of absinthe. Overall, I think this is a great place to have a drink or two and some nibbles with friends (groups 6 and under would be best utilized here), and generally enjoy the view of the marina and what other offerings DT Kirkland has for you. read more

Pretty atmosphere and good drinks. Pros? Drinks are made properly and strong Glasses of wine are generous and there's a good selection I've heard the food is nummy Service was so fast Cons? A wee bit pricey read more

Kind of hard to rate this place. From a Kirkland perspective it's probably a 4, but in the greater picture of Bellevue/Seattle, a definite 3. Not many places like this in Kirkland so for that purpose it serves its role well enough. I've been here in the summer and have sat out on the patio - not bad with the right company. The interior isn't as cool as you would expect. The fireplace is a little odd, or rather the seating in that area. The vibe and service is "meh." No passion around the cocktails, wine, etc. It's almost like someone threw in a Red Robin bar crew into a nicer setting and called it Vovina. Don't get me wrong, it's a neat place but not like other hole in the wall cocktail lounges in Cap Hill, Ballard, etc. Also, went here on a crowded night (a Friday) last time and the first thing that hit me was that this place smelled like a gym. Small place, Fireplace burning, lots of heavy coated sweaty folks equaled not so pleasant aromas. read more

Dark and moody interior, low seating and tables made of wood logs, this is one of those new fusion cocktail places. The food is average and fairly pricey, so are the cocktails. But at least the cocktails taste great. I tried Strawberry Fields, Naughty Girl and the Jalapenotini which had jalapeno slices and twist of lime. All 3 were delicious, but the jalapeño martini really worked my taste buds. The service is ok, they're attentive but not super-friendly. It's a small place so our server came by often but it felt like everyone had to order at least a couple of drinks or they wouldn't be happy. If the cocktails were any cheaper I would come to this place more often. But the $13-$15 price per cocktail plus tax and tip adds up quickly! read more

Amazing hand-crafted cocktails! The jalapenotini is one of my favorites! The bite hits you at the first sip but is just enough to make you perk up! After one drink, your lips tingle a bit so I wouldn't recommend more than that. But it has an amazing refreshing taste that is so welcome in warm weather. Thai One On and Strawberry Fields is great too!!! All very clean and not too heavy. I'm not big into super sweet drinks and these fit the bill. Outdoor seating is great, inside is pretty dimly lit and intimate - good ambiance overall. Love this place! read more

Every girls nite requirea a few great cocktails. VoVina is smaller and more chill than some of the other hot spots in Kirkland. Thanks to an awesome bartender.... The French 75 and the Cupids Arrow made our night. Small plates and appetizers great for sharing. Especially the Prawns and Black Truffle nuggets. Right near the water in DT Kirkland and close to everything else when the party starts to move down the Kirkland strip.... read more

After a long week of chasing dreams it is great to experience a little bit of heaven in downtown Kirkland. You may think I'm exaggerating, maybe overly prone to hyperbole, but I'm really not that way. Vovina makes me like this. Kirkland is well known for having a tight cluster of bars, but most of them are party bars where the main objective is to get trashed and act like an idiot in a public venue. Vovina, on the other hand, is classy, low key, a great place to enjoy a cocktail, high end drafts, or a huge variety of wine selections. But that's not all, the food is amazingly good. They make a plate of steamed clams that is the most perfect plate of clams I've ever had. And for goodness sakes, stay away from the crab cakes unless you want to develop an addiction to what is the tastiest presentation of crab every devised by man. I'm a big fan of cocktails, in particular, cocktails that are crafted to create complex flavors. Vovina has several on menu, and a bunch they are trying out off menu. Off menu, I've had a cocktail made with a lychee fruit vodka from asia that tastes something between a pear and something I can't quite describe but MAN it tastes good. I've also had a great martini made with a huckleberry vodka that was quite satisfying. Another favorite, is a martini with a ginger and chili infused vodka that is the most interesting and unique drink I've ever had. Definitely not for the timid, but an excellent, dynamic and complex taste experience if you are up for the challenge. Now, if you are the more traditional sort of person that is looking for exactly that kind of thing, I am certain you'll find it at Vovina. The owners and staff at Vovina are striving to create a perfect experience. If you are looking for a traditional drink, wine, or food you'll find it Vovina, and it will be the best version of it anywhere. At the same time, Vovina is also striving to create a unique experiences. Their willingness to experiment with flavors creates cocktails and food that doesn't exist anywhere else. There are so many ordinary things you can waste your time with, but don't do that, do something different, fun and amazing for a change. read more

I love the ambiance of this place, with a great view! The service is on point, the food is varied and of high quality, but I can eat here.... the trendy, slab tables are far too low and just Not adequate for eating! It's impossible to enjoy a meal while you are hunched over, breasts exposed, trying to find your mouth with the fork. Please, I beg you.... raise the table heights! read more

Great. We really enjoyed the server, who took time to chat us up, and the happy hour food was inexpensive and tasty. Especially the pizza. Ambiance is dark and I bet this turns into a meat market late at night... when I am home sleeping. read more

It's a nice place hiding in Kirkland Downtown. Cocktails are great, The Bartender is good at his work, Everything was made to perfection. Not a good place for groups, But best place for date night. Ambience and Lighting definitely sets the mood. And, Food menu looks simple, We had chicken skewers, Avocado toast and Tots. They all tasted delicious, but little pricey. read more

It's expensive and small. If you want a really inventive martini it might be good, but if you're ordering a bloody mary I would go somewhere else. If my drink is going to be between $12 and $16 I think it should be pretty great. For the price I am not that excited, but the servers are nice and the inside is okay for a really small group. read more

Rude service was told I could not order take out because they were saving their food for a large party! Half an hour later I noticed that they were delivering food again to FlatStick pub. When I went back over there he was really rude and said that the situation changed. I would have not posted this if he would have been nicer about it. If you are not happy at your job and can't be nice, don't be in an industry that being polite is not much to ask for. Will never go there again!!! read more

I bought a livingsocial deal for this place and thought it might be a nice stop for me and my guy on the way home from work. It is tucked back in the Kirkland Marina in a cosy little corner- date place- oh yes. Upon walking in, there was Tom Petty playing on the speakers, open seats at the bar and a nice, warm atmosphere. After looking over the menu (which is loaded with yummy sounding martinis, cocktails, wines and appetizers), I chose a fresh sounding Sping Fling martini- cucumber, gin and lime- how could you go wrong? It didn't. It was SO good that it was dangerous. The bartender was nice, alittle slow moving but that was due to the excellent attention he was taking with each client. He had a vast knowledge of wines and spirits and was fun to listen to as he explained differences in the selections. We also ordered some appetizers. Black Truffle Tater Tots? Oh yes, please! Panko Fried Goat Cheese- to die for, especially with the taziki. Yum! Although it was cold the day we went, I will certainly return in the warmer months to take advatage of their patio area and some more delicious cocktails! So- with all that being said- there was one downside to this place... A client came in with a coupon she bought off of Restaurant.com. Even though she was meeting some people there and the coupon had not expired, the bartenders told her they wouldn't accept the coupon. They went on to say that Restaurant.com offered the coupon without permission from Vovina. The lady was taken aback and left in a not-so-good mood, which is understandable. Why do I call this a downside for VoVina? I think the VoVina bartenders should have offered her some sort of compromise- maybe 15% off her bill or something. They could have kept her as a client, got her friends in there, and maybe made some good tips out of the deal. Instead they let her leave, upset with them and taking her friends and money with her. That's just poor service. Overall, my experience was great and I love this place. I will go back and am even recommending VoVina on Yelp- just next time guys, think before you speak- everyone wants customers- don't you? read more

I saw the reviews for their cocktails and we decided to start our date night here. One advantage to sitting at the bar is you get to see & hear a LOT about the restaurant. We ordered, got our drinks, and my husband offers me a sip of his - "no thanks, I saw the habanero pepper on the description.". He tries to convince me that it's really not spicy, at which point the bartender confessed that they were out of that ingredient "but your really not missing anything anyway" - well then why was it so key in the description and why didn't you say you were out when we ordered it? Next up; he and a waiter get chatting about this "short cut" he's found on one of their drinks by pre-chopping and freezing. The waiters response "probably doesn't taste as good that way as it does fresh". Bartender "yeah but it's faster", waiter "well then, who cares. It's not like the customer would know any different". Wow, and this is a "craft cocktail" place?! Paid & left read more

Like other reviewers have said, it's a small place. Nice enough inside, they get a lot of natural light facing the water coming in which creates a visual effect. Definitely on the pricey side at normal hours, came during happy hour and found basic martinis for $6. Did the job haha. We wanted the fried chevre which was on the printed hh menu, but were informed they were taken off the hh menu and just hadnt updated the menu. This was disappointing! However, just a few minutes later there was a plate of the fried chevre at our table on the house! Saved! We decided to stay longer and ordered more. The truffle tots were strong and glistening, perfect for taming some of those martinis. I wanted to like this place and they made it happen. I agree about the music selection comments too, good stuff. They also have a few TVs for sports, etc but not overdone. read more

This bar is too small and don't even think about going there with more than 2 or 3 people. The bartenders are VERY rude and even told me to watch my language when there wasn't anyone else in the bar. I would recommend going here just to try one of their martinis and then head elsewhere. They do last call at 11:30 and close at midnight! Perhaps the owners are wealthy enough that they don't need to stay open regular bar hours and can close whenever they feel like it. read more

Delicious drinks... loved the Bees Knees, Strawberry Fields and the Chocolate Raspberry martinis. Yummy food (black truffle tots are scrumptious). Bartender was great, waitress wasn't. She told us the times that she'd get us water until she brought it. read more