We were invited as media for coverage. All opinions are my own, and may differ from yours.
Late last year I had the opportunity to sit in on a press conference for the Universal CityWalk expansion. The news was exciting: Universal CityWalk was growing – BIG time. Over the course of this year many of those expansions have come to fruition, including the ones highlighted below: Hot Dog Hall of Fam, Antojitos, Menchies, Bread Box, and Vivo Italian Kitchen.
It will take you a few visits to CityWalk to get through all of these yummy new restaurants, but it’s definitely worth it! Antojitos offers not only great food, but entertainment from a mariachi band. My little guy had a great time jammin’ to the music with our fantastic host.
We had the opportunity to dine at Vivo Italian Kitchen where authentic Italian cuisines are served among a contemporary decor.
One of the first things I noticed upon walking into Vivo Italian Kitchen was the pasta making station with fresh pasta hanging on racks. Our family sat in a cozy circle booth towards the back with a bird’s eye view of the Expo kitchen. We watched the cooks hand-crafting dough, sauces, and so much more. And oh the smell……simply delicious!
Thankfully we ate just as Italian’s would with multiple courses, while enjoying some wine. We started out with a Hand Pulled Mozzarella dish that included olive tapanade and olive oil. We then tried one of our favorite appetizers, house made Burrata in three different choices. Talk about delicious! I could have continued eating that, but I knew we had more dishes to come. For the main course I enjoyed Vivo’s Pamigiano, while Nate chose their Pork Loin dish and the kids had the traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Vivo Italian Kitchen chose some homemade dessert options for us, however we were not digging either option. Overall we had a wonderful experience at Vivo and look forward to returning. I would definitely say Vivo offers a more upscale restaurant option to Universal’s CityWalk, but appeals to everyone from couples to families.
Angela says
I love Universal City Walk. I look forward to going back there in the Fall.
HilLesha says
I love Italian food. Sounds like a wonderful restaurant!
Anne says
Looks like a nice Italian meal, perfect for after a busy day at the park.
ellisfan14 says
that mozzarella looks SO delicious!
K. Finn says
I haven’t been to Universal in a long time, but I definitely have fond memories. I think I would like to try Antojitos when they have that mariachi band.
rj7777 says
This looked fun and great food too. Thanks for sharing your pictures too. You have a great looking family too. Rita Spratlen
Jennifer H says
Thank you Rita!
nicole dziedzic says
I would love to try some new restaurants with my family. The Mexican food restaurant looks so colorful on the outside. What a attractive building. I bet the food there is just as good. Great experience.
Rebecca Parsons says
Looks so good. i have never been to Universal but have always wanted to go.
Owen's Mom says
What a fun experience!! Now that my baby is more mobile I am starting to plan out some family vacaions. Universal is definitely on the list and the Vivo Italian Kitchen looks delicious!! Can I just have one of each dessert?
Mariah says
When we visited Universal in May I noticed how much the CityWalk area had grown. I would love to go back and visit with just my husband!
Jennifer H says
Absolutely – there’s so much more to see! 🙂
{Erica}EverythingMomandBaby says
You can’t go wrong with fresh pasta! It sounds like a place I’d love to visit and take my family to.
Ashely S says
I was just at Universal’s CityWalk back in July! Love that place 🙂