Vivace
Historic farmhouse charm meets refined Italian cuisine, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious old-school recipes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Vivace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic farmhouse charm meets refined Italian cuisine, offering a cozy ambiance and delicious old-school recipes.
"Vivace is hands-down one of my go-to spots in Charlottesville. Consistently excellent food and ambiance."
Choose your ambiance
Opt for intimate indoor lighting or enjoy the charming outdoor patio for a different vibe.
Expect potential delays
Service can be slow during peak times due to possible understaffing. Book reservations in advance.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charming Historic Ambiance
Experience dining in a historic farmhouse, transformed into a cozy Italian eatery with a unique, multi-tiered outdoor terrace.
Authentic Old-School Italian
Savor delicious Italian meals made from time-honored recipes using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Standout Signature Dishes
Indulge in must-try dishes like the filet on risotto with asparagus or the house special pasta with Marsala sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Choose your ambiance
Opt for intimate indoor lighting or enjoy the charming outdoor patio for a different vibe.
Expect potential delays
Service can be slow during peak times due to possible understaffing. Book reservations in advance.
Don't skip dessert!
The tiramisu is a highly recommended indulgence, rich, creamy, and authentically boozy.
Consider food consistency
While often excellent, some reviews mention soupy dishes lacking seasoning. Provide feedback if needed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Choose your ambiance
Opt for intimate indoor lighting or enjoy the charming outdoor patio for a different vibe.
Expect potential delays
Service can be slow during peak times due to possible understaffing. Book reservations in advance.
Don't skip dessert!
The tiramisu is a highly recommended indulgence, rich, creamy, and authentically boozy.
Consider food consistency
While often excellent, some reviews mention soupy dishes lacking seasoning. Provide feedback if needed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vivace is praised for its charming ambiance within a historic building and its delicious, old-school Italian cuisine, particularly standout dishes like the filet on risotto and house special pasta. While many patrons love the authentic flavors and inviting atmosphere, some have noted slow service during busy periods and occasional inconsistencies in dish preparation.
"Came here for a friends birthday dinner. We really enjoyed the old building that the restaurant is in, though it can be difficult finding your party because it’s a bit of a labyrinth. We really enjoyed the complimentary bread and our meals were delicious. We will definitely be back!"
Randy Troyer
"Wonderful, relaxed 2 hour pre Anniversary dinner. Kit he being slow was no issue. We DINED ! Warm crusty Italian Bread and house salad were tasty and filled the time till the delicious and beautifully presented VEAL Picatta arrived. We enjoyed and recommend."
Kevin Wohl
"This place is soooo cute. I wish I took more pics of the outdoor vibe but I was enjoying myself too much. The food here is absolutely made from old school recipes. So much flavor in everything. I loved how the bread was warm, flaky crust and a soft flavorful doughy inside. Our server was very helpful but they seemed to only have two or so waiters covering quite a large table spread. Worth the wait tho!"
Carly Pisarri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Vivace is housed in a historic farmhouse, offering a cozy and intimate upstairs dining area, as well as a multi-tiered outdoor terrace that evokes a quaint Italian village feel. [^M1]
Standout dishes include the filet on risotto with asparagus and the house special pasta with Marsala sauce. Don't miss the tiramisu for dessert! [^data]
Yes, Vivace features a large, multi-tiered outdoor terrace that is popular for dining, especially in good weather. [^M1, R1]
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, as the restaurant can get busy.
Some diners have experienced slow service, particularly during busy periods, due to understaffing. It's advisable to be patient or plan accordingly. [^data, R5, R6]
While the menu focuses on traditional Italian cuisine, the restaurant uses fresh ingredients and may accommodate dietary needs. Inquire directly with the staff. [^M10]
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Top 10 Outdoor Dining Spots in CVille
2244 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Facebook | Website | Photo: Vivace Website Vivace Restaurant, located on Ivy Road near the University Of Virginia , opened its doors in July of 1995. Housed in the former main quarters of a peach orchard, Vivace attracts patrons with its diverse atmosphere. From the cozy intimate upstairs, which hints at the comfort and ease of Nona’s home, to the vast expanse of our multi-tiered outdoor terrace, the ambiance at Vivace appeals to all.
14 Best Restaurants in Downtown Charlottesville, VA
The restaurant is located on the former main quarters of an old farm. It is located up on a hill and features terraces and decor that transport you back to a quaint Italian village. Dishes feature local and fresh ingredients from Virginia and Italy and include such Italian staples as Spicy Italian sausage with crispy polenta cake, Bruschetta, Pizzas, Gnocchi, Fettuccini Alfredo, Chicken Marsala, and Veal Parmesan.
Tour the Taste of Charlottesville
Vivace is a Charlottesville classic, staying true to its original vision amidst trends with extraordinary success. All of their seasonal ravioli and anything dressed in their vodka-cream sauce are always sensational, always. The homestyle pizzas are also a treat – try the seasonal foraged morel and ramp pizza, the super-rich white pizza, and the classic, lush margarita pizza.
The 15 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville, Virginia (+ Other Locavore Gems)
Vivace is easily the best Old School Italian restaurant in Charlottesville, especially when it comes to pasta. All of their seasonal ravioli and anything dressed in the vodka-cream sauce are always sensational, always. We also love the homestyle pizzas, like the seasonal foraged morel and ramp pizza, the super-rich white pizza, and the classic, lush margarita pizza.
15 Charlottesville Restaurants That'll Make Your Stomach Growl
Charlottesville dining would be incomplete without trying out an Italian restaurant. I once drove by Vivace and saw the hundreds of strung lights on the outside patio and thought to myself, “What a great date spot. That looks so romantic.” Naturally, I made my parents serve as my dates and take me there next time they came to town.
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants in Charlottesville
**Voted a CharlottesvilleFamily Favorite for International Food Spot!. Vivaceoffers a taste of Italy right in Charlottesville, which is known for its cozy ambiance and classic Italian cuisine. Situated on Ivy Road, this family-friendly spot invites diners to enjoy a variety of dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Charlottesville Restaurants
The inviting atmosphere welcomes you in, as alluring smells hold you to your seat. Vivace, with a diverse wine selection featuring local Virginia-made wines, and wines imported from Italy, was voted Best Italian in Charlottesville by the C-ville Weekly.
Highest-rated Italian Restaurants in Charlottesville by Diners
- Rating: 3.5/5 (154 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2244 Ivy Road Charlottesville, Virginia - Categories: Italian- Read more on Yelp
Top 7 Italian Restaurants in CVille
Vivace is family owned and operated, and it shows in the home cooked quality of the food. The house made ravioli is out of this world.
TRAVEL GUIDE: Ultimate Charlottesville VA Guide
Vivace (2244 Ivy Road) - This was my personal favorite in the area for homestyle Italian. Vivace also has a large and gorgeous patio!
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