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Vivoli Cafe and Trattoria
7994 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA

Sometimes dinner isn’t just dinner.
I had a dear, freaking close as can be friend to reconcile with. It’d been almost a year since our last face-to-face, and for mysterious reasons, we had drifted. I’m of the opinion that pasta can change the world, so Italian was on the menu for a re-bond. Beloved Chowhound peeps have often given warm raves to Vivoli, so the date was inked.

Vivoli is in a strip mall across from the Virgin Megastore on Sunset. She’s pretty nondescript, and oh so very cozy. I waltzed in a bit early - immediate impressions:
“Wow, this place is small. This place is busy. It smells goddamn good.”
Our table was ready (yay) but had to be jostled from the back edge so I had room to squeeze past the other nearby tables. I say nearby like it’s a big thing. We’re talking the length of a matchbook here. It’s a good thing I showered.

The menu is quite lengthy and loaded with Italian standards and interesting combos. I wanted to try the Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings with Browned Butter and Sage - but alas, no, they had none. Boo. The recommended second choice delivered - details below.

Service - well, hmmm. That’s a mixed bag. Landsakes the men in here are lovely, truly Italian, and nice as can be. I adored the service - when we actually had it. Very slow, unfortunately, but I’m so forgiving because A) Piz and I had much to discuss and B) did I mention how bloody nice they are? Seriously.

Vivoli really is the neighborhood pasta place that transports you to Italy. All the dishes tasted fresh, grandma-style delish. I would definitely go again, just never when I was in a hurry.

Now, on to le details:

Drinks:

Prosecco, by the glass - house. GOOD stuff.

Bread:

Crusty, a wee overcooked, but well seasoned and served with olive oil.

Appetizer:

Baked Eggplant

– Thinly sliced eggplant slathered in tomato sauce and mozzarella. Baked up and served a tad too cold, but really flavorful. Outstanding tomato sauce - crazy fresh, with notes of herbs and spices. The consistency of the eggplant was off the hook too - not too tough, melty and delicious.

Entrees:

Mine (pictured above)
- Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with Marinara and Parmesan
Ohhhh - velvety delicious. Ravioli can be quite bland, but these pillowy creatures had a gorgeous spice, thanks to that divine tomato sauce. This is what comfort food is all about.

P’s
Wild Mushroom Risotto

– Also magnificent. Hints of olive oil danced with the woodsy, exotic mushroom flavors, and the risotto was cooked to complete perfection.

These boys can cook Italian goodies. Heck yes.

Dessert:

Blueberry Tart, with Chocolate and Caramel Sauce

– This little honey took eons to finally arrive, but surprisingly, she was worth the wait. Very delicate, not too sweet, and loaded with juicy blueberries. The tart had a strong citrus twang and the texture gave me goose bumps. Me likee.

Damage for 2 glasses of Prosecco, 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 dessert about $80, before tip.

RESTAURANT REPORT CARD - Vivoli Cafe and Trattoria, Visit 1

Ambiance - B
Service - C+
Food (Taste) - B
Food (Presentation) - C+
Wine/Drinks - B- (Nice Italians and Californians)
Value - B
Vibe/Energy/Scene - B

Overall Experience - B

Final word - despite flaws, I’m a fan. Down home Italian gems in an authentic and lovely environment.

By PoetKitty (see more of her posts). You can find more of PoetKitty's writing at her own website OMG Food!