9 Reviews:
Viva Restaurant
Head down and see why everyone is talking about Viva. This beautiful trattoria Italian style restaurant, is owned and operated by renowned, award winning chef, Joseph Parlapiano previously from the original Reflections by the Swan in South Perth and Parlapiano Restaurant, both of which have won numerous accolades. Joe has put his heart and passion into his cuisine and service, once again boasting fantastic and freshly prepared authentic Italian food from all regions of Italy.
The Restaurant
Viva prides itself on quality food and customer service making it a very fun and relaxed atmosphere to dine. Viva is packed with fantastic value starting with a fabulous $25.00 two course lunch special which is popular with groups of ladies as well as the corporate market. Viva offers an extensive, well priced ala carte menu and allows BYO wine only with a $5.00 corkage per bottle.
The Cuisine
Chef Joseph Parlapiano has recently returned from a trip to Italy where he reaquainted himself with the traditional dishes you expect as well as some new twists on the old favourites. If you want to enjoy delicious authentic Italian food, look no further than Viva. From wood oven pizzas, to Perth's best gnocchi and a risotto to die for, Viva truly has it all.
Mon-Sat 6pm-late, Lunch on Friday
eatingWA Restaurant Reviews 9 reviews
August 26, 2007
- Overall
Having enjoyed our dining experience at owner Joe’...
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Having enjoyed our dining experience at owner Joe’s previous restaurant, Parlapiano Ristorante, we were looking forward to his new venture at Viva in Applecross. While Parlapiano’s in South Perth was a fairly formal affair, Viva is a real family restaurant. This is a total departure from before and one we enjoyed. Viva’s atmosphere and food is that of family and friends. Good old fashioned, large servings of Mum’s home cooked fare plus other great Italian treats accompanied by a constant hum of people enjoying themselves. Whilst Viva is fully licensed, with an extensive wine list, you can also BYO wine at a modest $5 per bottle corkage.
While we waited for our food we shared some delicious Italian bread with garlic and herbs and in no time entrée was served. Our friend chose Nonna’s Famous Meatballs cooked in a tomato and basil sauce, served with grilled polenta. This dish can only be described as “gutsy” and would suffice for a main dish. It was enjoyed with gusto. At $14 it is excellent value. We shared an entrée of crispy shallow fried calamari served on a bed of rocket and parmesan salad with lemon wedges and tartare sauce. Again, a huge serving (at $14.50) and we were pleased we’d decided to share. The calamari was perfectly cooked, crispy and deliciously tender inside but not greasy - the peppery flavour of the rocket salad juxtaposed the slightly salty flavour of the calamari.
From where we were seated we could see the glow of flames in the woodfired pizza oven. It added to the cosy atmosphere whilst it was howling wind and rain outside. The friendly staff made for a convivial atmosphere.
Our mains were again huge servings. No magnifying glass is needed here to find the goodies as is the case in some ‘nouvelle cuisine’ establishments! Our friend enjoyed the special of grilled Butterflied Prawns, although he was a little surprised for the need to shell them himself. The finger bowl should have alerted us to this! At around $26 it was again good value for a decent serving of fresh seafood. By all reports they were scrumptious (albeit a little messy).
Our other friend chose the Pesce Di Giorno (fish of the day) which on that night was Pink Snapper with a herb topping served on potato mash. It was very tasty, but a bit on the dry side – such a fine line for chefs to perfect - and was also a little overpowered by its herb topping.
I had one of my favourite foods – oven braised rabbit served with home made potato gnocchi; a perfect choice for a cold winter’s night. It had a nice gamey taste complimented by the perfectly cooked gnocchi.
My wife was looking forward to wood-fired, oven roasted baby goat served with pumpkin mash and beans. Some of the goat had a touch of burnt flavour through it whilst other pieces were delicious and melted in the mouth. Unfortunately the “masher” in the kitchen that night also was a bit below par as the pumpkin mash and our friend’s potato mash revealed quite a few lumps in them. It’s amazing that something so simple can sometimes spoil a whole meal.
Desert looked scrumptious but we were all full from the generous servings – next time we will indulge.
Even though there were some small hiccups, overall we thoroughly enjoyed the night and look forward to returning to Viva on a Monday night when suckling pig is offered along with live entertainment (every alternate Monday night so check the dates). Then we will be able to see what we missed for dessert!
March 15, 2007
- Overall
VIVA Restaurant Little piece of Italy right her...
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VIVA Restaurant
Little piece of Italy right here in Perth!
You know a restaurant is good when people of the same ethnicity as the food pack out the place!
Chef and owner Joseph Parlapiano really knows how to treat his customers. As soon as you arrive he leaves the kitchen to come and welcome his guests. You can see the passion in his eyes when he describes to you what’s cooking in his kitchen.
Viva has a warm, relaxed feel with all the fruits of Italy displayed proudly on the walls inside and out of the restaurant.
When doing reviews, my girlfriend Daneka and I enjoy getting different meals so we can really explore the menu. Although on this particular occasion we both couldn’t go past the Baby Goat for our main meals. The meal was absolutely beautiful. The meat was unlike any I have ever tried. It was really strong tasting and extremely tender, served in thick gravy like sauce which was infused with rosemary, garlic and wine. On the side was my favourite, creamy pumpkin mash, and freshly steamed beans. Look guys, the meals were so good I dreamt about it for days after (sad I know).
If baby goat is not your ideal meal, there are plenty of other options. The pastas are mostly home made and they have an amazing selection of pizza and seafood. In fact for entrée I got the Calamari Fritti which was a perfect way to start my dinner.
Being the big lad that I am, I need to keep my weight down and I’m constantly criticized by the club nutritionist for my over eating habits. I hope the club doesn’t expect me to be at my goal weight in the morning! Joe doesn’t hold back when it comes to the quantity of the meals, you definitely get value for money!
One last thing, if you want to try something new; you have to check out Viva’s ‘Whole Suckling Pig’ and live music every second Monday. I would say you should book in advance as places would fill quickly. We’re going to book ourselves for sure!
Happy eating!
Quinten Lynch
April 13, 2010
- Food
The food is always pretty good here, a generous si...
- The food is always pretty good here, a generous size and quite well priced. The pizzas could be better, have had far far better woodfired pizzas in perth. I usually order the spaghetti marinara which is wonderful.
- Service
Having been here numerous times with my family, we...
- Having been here numerous times with my family, we were a bit taken aback when we were informed that we all MUST order a main meal each. I have a younger brother and sister who normally share a pizza between them, but they were not allowed to do this so we had to take a whole pizza home. Wasteful!
- Ambience
Lovely, it's quite quiet even though there is usua...
- Lovely, it's quite quiet even though there is usually a crowd, the place is decorated nicely and it's comfortable.
- Overall
While the food is great and the service is always...
- While the food is great and the service is always polite and cheerful, the new 'rules' they have put in place actually spoiled the mood of our evening and we will be hesitant to go back. They also charge extra if you want to take home your leftovers.
October 25, 2009
- Food
The garlic bread to start was soft, delcious and p...
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The garlic bread to start was soft, delcious and plentiful - luckily my husband saved a few pieces as his chilli mussell entree (normally served with bread elsewhere) had no bread. Surprisingly, a finger bowel wasn't provided. The mussels were delicious - fluffy and well marinated. My smoked salmon with capers, onion and walnut was scrumptious.
Just as we laid down our cutlery, the mains arrived (no time to rest in between courses). The chicken with king prawns arrived with no prawns, delivered apologetically to the table soon after. It was beautifully cooked and delicious. My veal parmegana with spaghetti was tasty but there was toooo much and too saucy. We needed doggy bags. The steamed vegies were great - just steamed, no oil. - Service
Immediate, polite service as soon as we arrived....
- Immediate, polite service as soon as we arrived. Our predinner drinks were taken but not delivered, arriving after wait staff being reminded. Service through the night was friendly and unobrusive.
- Ambience
A little noisy (typical of restaurants we visited...
- A little noisy (typical of restaurants we visited in Italy), the restaurant was buzzing with happy diners. It had a wonderful cheery, atmosphere which we just loved. Our table by the window was perfect and we couldn't hear any other conversations around us.
- Overall
Overall, this is a beautiful restaurant and conven...
- Overall, this is a beautiful restaurant and conveniently located to parking. The wait staff are friendly and attentive, the seating comfortable, the decor just lovely, the food authentic and delicious (though my parmegiana was too saucy) but quantities are far too big. Not happy about being charged a "Saturday night surcharged" of $2 per head or having to pay 40 cents per take away container but the experience was well worth it. Will definitely be back to get through the VERY extensive menu.
October 10, 2009
- Food
My next meal was most certainly a meal remember! A...
- My next meal was most certainly a meal remember! A group of 10 order mains and breads- which were all very well presented and most were impressed with their meals. I ordered the veal which was delicious- tender- melt in your mouth. Served with potatoes and spinach. My only critism was that the spinach was too salty and the veal scalloppini was.... too tasty. It was swimming in just a little too much sauce- which made it a very rich meal. Other worthy mentions include: seafood pasta, steak with mash, chilli mussels and salmon. The bruchetta is a must, but skip the chicken parmigiana. Order dessert to share- large portions and rich! Very generous portions- many of us required a doggy bag! We'll be back for sure.
- Service
We were promptly seated and our menus presented to...
- We were promptly seated and our menus presented to us one by one by the wait staff- a nice personalised touch. 2 wait staff were allocated to our tables- drinks and food. Service was fine - though clearly order your water. We were served $9 bottle water from Italy when asked for tap!
- Ambience
Clean and generally well presented- lots of Europe...
- Clean and generally well presented- lots of European decor to help emphasize the Italian feel. Nice nooks for romantic dinners and spacious settings for larger groups- not over crowded which was nice. We could actually talk to each other- imagine that! Pity about the chairs- a little uncomfortable
- Overall
A great experience. We'll definitely be returning-...
- A great experience. We'll definitely be returning- I just hope that the standard of food is consistent. Worth almost every penny!
June 1, 2009
- Food
Food at Viva is delicious and the portions are qui...
- Food at Viva is delicious and the portions are quite large. We have sampled quite a number of pasta and risotto dishes which are all very authentic and tasty. The garlic bread is extremely yummy as well! Viva also has a beautiful array of fine desserts and refreshing cocktails.
- Service
The wait staff at Viva are fantastic, prompt and f...
- The wait staff at Viva are fantastic, prompt and friendly. In particular wait person Terry who always accommodates our needs. Another bonus is that you never have to wait long for your food. The chef goes out his way to greet us and see how our meal were, which is a very nice gesture.
- Ambience
The restaurant is decorated with a Tuscan feel. It...
- The restaurant is decorated with a Tuscan feel. It is a warm and inviting dining experience.
- Overall
I regularly go to Viva for dinner and often order...
- I regularly go to Viva for dinner and often order take away. I highly recommend Viva to anyone who appreciated good quality Italian food and great friendly service.
February 20, 2009
- Food
This happens to be one of my favourite places... I...
- This happens to be one of my favourite places... I love the authentic Italian appeal and the decent prices. The food is great quality. I have been there with different people and they have all been satisfied with their meals. Definitely love the chilli mussels and salmon. All great :)
- Service
Service is great, and professional. They ask you i...
- Service is great, and professional. They ask you if you would like bread which is homemade and cut in front of you.
- Ambience
Very homely and welcoming. Great Italian vibe :)...
- Very homely and welcoming. Great Italian vibe :)
- Overall
Love it, have been happy with it every time I have...
- Love it, have been happy with it every time I have been!
January 31, 2008
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Overall
Love it, love it, love it! Authentic Italian food...
- Love it, love it, love it! Authentic Italian food - a good choice of homemade pasta. An extensive menu, so you could try something different every time. Staff make you feel right at home.
June 21, 2007
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Overall
We dined here on a Friday night, found it was a li...
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We dined here on a Friday night, found it was a little quiet for a Friday night.
I like the window boxes with flowers outside the restaurant and the fountain outside the front door, it's very European. The softly lit path leading to the front door added to the nice atmosphere.
The menu was quite extensive. I was especially drawn to their homemade pasta! There were quite a number of pizza and pasta dishes. The mains also included capretto and rabbit which were interesting additions.
We ordered an antipasto as an entree to share between the three of us. It was fresh and delicious, the calamari was crispy.
We also shared a gnocchi and a pizza as mains. They were both excellent and tasty. The gnocchi was definitely homemade and the fillings on the pizza was adequate.
After all that, we still managed to share a dessert platter. The blueberry tart was yummy. The choc cheesecake was rich although that was expected. With the pastry cannelloni filled with custard, I was hoping it be fresher than that, it must have sat in the cake cabinet for the whole day.
The service we've got had been wonderful. The staff were friendly and helpful. Overall a fantastic dining experience, although I would like to see that they use tea leaves rather than tea bags. Perhaps next time, we shall try the suckling pig!
p/s: The toilets were nice and clean! :)
Contact Information (08) 9364 8688
- Viva Restaurant 24 Kearns Crescent, Applecross 6153
- (08) 9364 8688
- Visit Website
- View Map
- Italian
- Casual Dining
- Licensed BYO
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