Vivante Restaurant & Bar was incredible from start to finish.
I had the scallops with risotto, Parmesan, asparagus, mushroom, delicata squash, and apple juniper mostarda, and it was absolutely excellent. The presentation was beautiful, and the flavors worked together perfectly. I also had a great salad and a drink called Marshmallow World. It was strong, unique, and really well done.
The service was top-notch, the atmosphere felt upscale and relaxed, and the whole experience matched the quality of Hotel Carmichael. After dinner, I stepped outside and there was live music on the patio, which made the evening even better.
Highly recommended. I’ll absolutely be going back.
Vivante, I gave you a second chance thinking maybe my first experience was a fluke. But not. Such a lovely place in the middle of great town of Carmel and beautiful design, nice bar and outdoor sitting area and beautiful bathrooms. But your chairs in the restaurant luck comfort and not good for low back at all.
Where you really lucking is food, how disappointing(((( Even though your prices are not to cosmic, I still expect a decent quality. Your produce is not good quality and it’s hard to make a good tasting food out of bad produce. Salad: beets and parsnips are not sweet and undercooked and sauce is sour with already sour goat cheese, what happened to sweet and sour combination in this dish? Salad definitely was not tasty and please do something with it. Your Brussels sprouts are way to crispy to the point you are chewing on some very burned leaves ( send your chef to other restaurants to learn how to make it delicious, because I had heart burn from one bite) I had to send it back and replace for asparagus side just to be disappointed even more: stringy, not fresh, cheapest asparagus you managed to cook for your customers- 5 skinny strings for 8$. What happened to green, crunchy, fresh ones? And the same stringy asparagus was cut into my risotto which ruined it completely. The only good thing were scallops, they were delicious. But your vegetables and the way you cook them need the whole different approach.
Service: when your waitress comes back from her smocking brake when she brings you food, it’s disgusting, it smelled like ashtray and it lingered even after she left. Food was served at random times and we were the only eating table at the time. No salt and pepper, no bread and butter, water is ok so that’s a plus.
If not the cheaply made and improperly prepared food and “smoky” service I might give it another shot but I am afraid two times was enough. Highly not recommend.
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re truly sorry that your experiences with us did not meet expectations, especially after giving us a second chance. We appreciate your kind words about our space and atmosphere, but it’s clear we feel short of where it matters most — the food and overall dining experience.
If you would be open to it, we would appreciate the opportunity to welcome you back and provide the experience we should have delivered the first time. Please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to personally arrange your next visit.
Vivante Management - 317-688-1025
Thank you again for your feedback, and we hope to have the chance to regain your trust.
Giovani Buchanan2026.03.24
I promise you i don't even write reviews but I would feel bad if I didn't tell someone not to go here. Do not go here. Server was super strange, asked me a question about holiday plans then cut me off on my response. I got the burger and it was garbage, I could tell the buns were the brand from a local supermarket like Walmart, thick tall burger that you can't really even eat correctly because it's too big, burnt, some strange tasting sauce with some stale mushrooms. Even if you want something nicer like steak you can go anywhere else, spend the same money, and be much better off.
This was my second time here. As always, the food was delicious. We went in for happy hour because online it says 4-7pm. Upon arrival, we were informed happy hour ended at 6pm. The server went to get manager who informed us (while showing us a printed menu) that she couldn’t do anything. She apologized. After some frustration on our part, she somehow managed to get us one drink at the happy hour price but wouldn’t do anything for the food. All she told us was that she would get in touch with their marketing department about the online times. Again, the food is great but I wish they would honor their own published menus even if it was a mistake. I will think twice about going back
The dining experience at this establishment is characterized by exceptional service and a welcoming atmosphere. The staff members exhibit a commendable level of professionalism, ensuring that patrons feel comfortable and attended to throughout their visit. This commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the attentiveness and friendliness displayed by the team, which significantly enhances the overall dining experience.
The culinary offerings, particularly the Eggs Benedict and French toast, exemplify a high standard of preparation and presentation. The Eggs Benedict is crafted with precision, featuring perfectly poached eggs atop a toasted English muffin, accompanied by Canadian bacon and a velvety hollandaise sauce that complements the dish exquisitely. Similarly, the French toast is executed flawlessly, showcasing a golden-brown exterior and a soft, custard-like interior, enhanced by a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup. Both dishes reflect a commitment to quality ingredients and skilled culinary techniques.
It is advisable for patrons to prioritize these menu items when visiting. The combination of attentive service and expertly prepared dishes creates a compelling reason to return. To fully appreciate the offerings, one should consider making a reservation during peak hours to ensure a timely and enjoyable dining experience. Engaging with the staff regarding any dietary preferences or inquiries will further enhance the visit, allowing for a tailored experience that meets individual needs.
Breakfast at Vivante was nothing short of a civilized indulgence, the sort of experience that reminds one how elevating a well-executed brunch can be when every detail is attended to with care.
I arrived as part of a small group invited to a morning seminar, and from the moment we were seated it was clear this establishment understands hospitality at a higher register. The service was unhurried yet impeccably attentive — polished without ever being intrusive. There was a calm confidence in the staff’s manner that immediately set the tone for a leisurely and refined morning.
I selected the quiche alongside the red deviled eggs, and both were exceptional. The quiche was delicately custarded, rich without excess, and beautifully balanced — the kind of dish that feels both comforting and elegant. The red deviled eggs were a standout: decadent, thoughtfully composed, and executed with restraint. Each bite felt intentional, indulgent in the most tasteful way.
What impressed me most was the atmosphere of ease and discretion. Conversations flowed naturally, coffee was refreshed at just the right moment, and the entire experience unfolded with a sense of quiet luxury. It was the ideal setting for meaningful discussion, perfectly suited to a morning gathering of thoughtful minds.
Vivante offers more than a meal — it offers an experience rooted in gracious service, refined flavors, and an unmistakable sense of occasion. A truly lovely choice for breakfast or brunch when one wishes to linger, converse, and be well cared for.
—CB
Very disappointed . We thought we were dining in an igloo. Instead, it was an outdoor shed. Waiter had hard time opening door. We thought he was going to pull shed down. Very cold inside. They did turn on space heaters, however, why weren’t they already on before we got there. Food was ok. Not as good as we expected. Took long time to get.
Would never recommend the “igloo experience.”
Food is pretty good. Service is slow and poor. You have to ask for salt and pepper for eggs at breakfast, ketchup with hamburger, crème and spoon for coffee. Where do they go to fetch this stuff? Takes a long time and food is cold by the time they return. Room is drafty and tables are uncomfortable because of large round pedestal supports that don’t allow your feet to rest anywhere near the table. Disappointing again this year.
Hayala was amazing! She battled the cold snow and freezing temps to serve us. She was helpful with decisions on ordering and gluten free options and drink recommendations. She was super sweet and kind and did great 👏 👏 👏
I was here for dinner. I was hoping for French food since this is a French restaurant, but it seems like that's because a lot of the wine is French, not the food. The food was fine, but overpriced for the portions and taste. The decor and ambiance is nice, but the people at the bar were very loud. The wine glasses and silverware all had hard water stains on them. We asked to speak to a somalier, but it sounded like they either didn't have one or our waiter wasn't sure what a somalier was. I had a better experience here a couple of years ago during Devour Indy, but I don't think I'll go back after this visit. It just seemed like an overpriced hotel restaurant.
We spent a wonderful time there before the concert at Allied Solutions
Performing Arts Center. Our server Aimee T was so kind, jovial, and attentive! She took our picture, made good recommendations for
beverages, and made us feel warm & welcomed.
What a great respite from the rain as we waited on concert doors to open.
Comfortably classy! Seriously, can’t say enough about the good vibes we felt.
We had the shrimp appetizer, wine, and coffee.
Thanks again for the pre-concert core memory!
Olivia was phenomenal! The food was fine but her service was amazing. She provided us with terrific wine recommendations, kindness, and a great experience. Ask for Olivia if you come to this restaurant and you will not be disappointed!!
Thank you for your kind words! We can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
Claire Sawyer2025.10.11
Olivia was an incredible server — friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic. She created such a welcoming atmosphere that made it easy and fun to explore different wines. The vibes were fantastic, and I couldn’t recommend this place more!
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that Olivia made your visit so enjoyable with her friendly and knowledgeable service. We can’t wait to have you back for another fantastic visit!
Jennifer Warf2025.09.13
Update: Vivante is definitely not a one shot good review... we keep going back and they keep serving up awesome. Tonight 9/12/2025 Friday, they had music out on the patio, and happy hour specials until 7:00 p.m. More pictures added. The shrimp cocktail was amazing and looked the same as it did when we ordered it before. They are consistent.
My husband and I enjoyed appetizers on the patio on Thursday night, and our server was amazing. Then, we came back on Saturday night and had dinner inside, the service once again was amazing. The Brussels sprouts were divine, and the crab cakes tasted delicious. Loved it!
Thank you so much for joining us not once, but twice in the same week! We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to our team.
Anisa Glymph2025.09.12
I came here for lunch with a friend and loved it! I had the French onion soup and the Caesar salad with chicken - both were delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful, upscale, and perfect for a nice lunch or a night out. Definitely a gem in Carmel!
Verified Company
