Vivace

Located inside the Park Hyatt Resort in Carlsbad. This is one restaurant you must visit if you’re in the area. Italian at its best. I started off with my usual which is the Vivace. The risotto was creamy and supple served on a perfectly sized bowl. The veal was tender and delicate with buttery sweet prosciutto wrapped around it. My dessert was a peanut butter crunch that opened up a taste bud that led up to the left side of my temple. Another great dining experience was left etched in my mind. The atmosphere and ambiance is very chill and relaxing and with the live guitarist playing. Enough said. I highly recommend this place for any special occasions. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time only because they host a lot of military event. I cannot forget to thank the manager Liz. They were short staffed the night I came but she managed to pick up the slack where it was needed.

Everything is too salty! Do not come to this restsurant. This restaurant is expensive and I do not know why it has a 4 star review. Way below my expection. DO NOT COME!

My friend and I came to this restaurant after reading about many good reviews. I have to say however this is one of the worst restaurants I have been to for many years. Every dish we had was too salty. The desert was bad as well. IT IS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY COMING TO THIS RESTAURANT.

Birthday dinner for my wife; we loved how we were treated and the ambiance. Food was presented beautifully. Waiter made one mistake with an appetizer but it was corrected without question. Birthday-​girl was recognized with a dessert!

Just finished dinner. I had the prix fix dinner ($ 46) with lobster risotto… a $ 5 up charge. My wife whose appetite is like a sparrow chose a pasta dish ($ 25) ala cart. Great food, so-​so service. When the check arrived the amount was not consistent with what we ordered in fact it was considerably higher than what it should have been due to my wife’s ala cart pasta dish. I asked our waitress Joie about the discrepancy. Her response was that she was trying to save us some money by billing the way she did. (not charging for the pasta but adding in the risotto at $ 38). WTF, charging $ 38 for a $ 25 dish.
Unfortunately she ruined a great evening for my wife and I. Should we come back this way in the future we definitely will head into town and check out the local restaurants and pass on Vivace.

Even though the food, service, and the atmosphere are very good, I have to say that the rabbit with tagliatelle only had two very small pieces of rabbit and several pieces of artichokes. The taste was very good. The orders are very small for what you pay.
I compare Vivace with other restaurants of its class in San Diego, i.e. Mr. A’s and I have to say Mr. A’s wins. Also one of the chairs in our table had a broken handle which I find strange for a restaurant of its class.

Excellent food and great value for what you get. Hands down one of the best dinners I’ve had in San Diego. This chef knows how to cook authentic Italian fare.

After a relaxing afternoon, hubby and I didn’t want to venture into town, but decided to book last minute reservations on the hotel property. We called ahead and they were able to squeeze us in an hour and a half later.
We were led to a table for 2 next to a window. Nice. The ambiance is dark wood, low lighting and they had live music of soft guitar tunes. However, the ceilings are high (meaning, you could hear conversations around you) and the place looks like it needs some updating.
We started with a couple glasses of Chianti.
They have several variations of tasting menus. I went with the Vivace (appetizer, pasta & dessert).
Prosciutto di san Daniele Con Burrata-​Burrata cheese melted in your mouth and the prosciutto was flavorful.
Foie Gras Saltati E Marmellata Di Mela Cotogna-hubby’s app. Foie Gras was seared, but I found it overcooked and didn’t like it; however, hubby liked it.
Risotto All’Astice-buttered lobster risotto, fennel froth-​This was my favorite dish. Very flavorful. Hubby was stealing bites of this dish, too.
Gnocchi di Ricotta e spalla di maiale brasato (this was my hubby’s and it was delicious). Ricotta Gnocchi & braised pork shoulder.
Cheese Plate (opted for this instead of dessert). 4 types of cheeses. Surprisingly, found the Gorgonzola one of the most bland cheeses of the 4.
Final Note: As others have noted, pacing is slow. Not sure if its intentional. Our server was friendly and if we asked for something was quick to get it; however, dishes were slow to be brought out. Dinner lasted almost 2 hours. Thus, felt full by the time the cheese plate was brought out.
A very pleasant date night, but I would allot plenty of time.

Very good food and attentive service. The Octopus appetizer and Scallop entre were spot on. We were there on a weeknight so the restaurant wasn’t crowded but still it was a place we would definitely go back.

It’s very convenient when you stay in the hotel. 5 star service and home made pastas. We ordered a black pasta with seafood and a light sauce. It was ok. The grilled octopus ok too. The strawberry dessert we ordered was to die for. That made the night and the $ 150 dollar bill for one adult and one child worth it. The kids menu is very good. They offer steak chicken or salmon. And also some other choices for picky eaters. The wine list is amazing.
I enjoyed the life music. The guy had a guitar and was playing my Spanish favorites.

Came here for restaurant week recently. I had never been to the resort before and was a little apprehensive. I get this feeling that the restaurant at resorts like this are just overpriced for decent food. I’m glad to be proven wrong! The service was very amiable and the food was pretty good. Had the Albacore Tuna with sweetbreads… the sweatbreads were lightly fried and not overpowering. For dessert the apple tart was beautifully presented with a powerfully almondy gelato… that’s good thing mind you. Still, the star of the show was the Pork loin. It was cooked medium well and moist. There was some bacon belly with a perfectly over medium quail egg. Some Creamy Polenta and greens rounded this mini smörgåsbord of food. To be honest, I thought the greens were too salty… but everything else… on point!

My whole family –9 of us– was having dinner at Vivaci last night. We had the private dining room. As soon as we walked in, I noticed the stuffy air and complained to the waitress who took it upon herself to open the door to the balcony to air out the room while promising to have engineering turn down the temp of the air con. After 5 min, a few people marched into the room and, without addressing us, started closing the door that was opened earlier. When I asked, they stated that the cool air would be sucked out with the door opened. Other 5-​star establishment with proper training would have approached the customer and do the explanation first before taking action. They would apologize in advance but not in this case.
The dinner went on. My daughter left the room with my granddaughter and as they were returning to the room, my daughter overheard the hostess and a waiter talking -” I wish they will leave soon”. As the hostess was saying this, she was pointing to our room. My daughter approached them and asked, «what did you say?» To which they, after being startled by my daughter, claimed that they were referring to another customer. The real question is– should the hostess and a waiter be saying such negativity on the floor? If it was my company, this kind of negative attitude is subject to immediate dismissal. Remember this is a 5– star restaurant where people pay over $ 100 a person, not a local mom and pop café.
My daughter didn’t want to upset the mood of the dinner so she did not tell us this incident till after we left the Park Hyatt Aviara. If I had known about this right away, I would have pulled everyone out without the dinner. We have also cancelled our lunch reservation at the California Bistro the following day also at the Park Hyatt Aviara.
This property used to be a Four Seasons hotel. The service was wonderful, the staff very friendly yet professional. Business was great because of that. Now that it is managed by Park Hyatt, service has deteriorated a lot. I will not patronize this property until it is switched back to the Four Seasons again.
All my Unilocal friends and Face Book friends take note– don’t spend any money at the Park Hyatt Aviara. It’s not worth it!

Are here last night and were incredibly happy with the food, service, and ambiance. Great value considering the portions and quality of the dishes. I highly recommend this restaurant for any occasion.

Vivace has that… lets see what word am I looking for… hmm I know, Sexy. Vivace has that sexy look to it, with the décor having a rustic old European style of swag. The views alone is breathtaking if you happen to be sitting by the windows. Vivace also has that home style warmth to it, where pretty much it is like you are going to feel comfortable as you enjoy a fantastic meal.
While my stay here I had to at least try one dish these guys were offering. As you can see I stopped here a few times, because yet it was that good. The aroma alone coming from that kitchen would make anyone grow impatient.
The goods, or what I enjoyed while I was here:
1^st– Appetizers~
I had went with the «Polpo Alla Griglia» was simply amazing. This is a wood fired grilled octopus made in an olive and a Calabrese chili oil with a sweet pepper cream that just screamed out perfection. If I see Octopus with it being grilled, pretty safe to say I will always be ordering this. This is a must my friends, a must.
2^nd– Main~
I had the pleasure of ordering a Braciola di Maiale with Prosciutto. This was a pork chop sent from heaven with prosciutto guiding it all the way safe and sound to me. Oh man my taste buds are going crazy, the flavors and spices added to this made for an exceptional meal. The best part and yes there is more to this dish is it had a nice blanket of pickled cherries, along with a cranberry bean type of flavors that was just unreal with every bite.
With my glass of wine that was a nice dry Chianti which made this meal even more enjoyable, the perfect compliment we’ll say.
The downside–
The service was a little slow, but I really can’t fault them on that. They did have a conference that was being held their that week. A majority of the guest were there so they were a little packed out.
Go inside and enjoy a nice relaxing evening with some pretty good dishes.

I had the Lento option. Excellent 4 course menu. Food was wonderful. Portions are not big, but when you have 4 courses it all adds up. Was there on 4^th July and they had fireworks right there at the resort to round off a beautiful evening. We opted for the outside portion of the restaurant and it worked out really well.

Amazing meal that wrapped up a great meeting at the Park Hyatt Aviara! We enjoyed the 4 course lento menu with prosciutto and burrata to start, rigatoni as my pasta course, duck as my entrée course and the peach raspberry crostata to finish it up… divine! The service was friendly, but quite slow to get the food out… but honestly I didn’t care since it all tasted so good.

Good food, snippy service. After booking a semi private room weeks in advance, we walk in and the first thing our flustered server tells us is that she didn’t know we had kids in our party, even though it was clear in all communication with restaurant. Then when we carried one of our children in our arms to use the restroom, and his shoes fell off by his chair and she noticed them, she stated that we had to be careful because there might be broken glass in the carpet?! It is a very nice restaurant, and I can understand if there is a shoes policy, but don’t tell us that there may be hazards on the floor that could also impact adults wearing sandals!
When I explained he would get his shoes on as soon as he was carried back in, she said «okay, but I’m just telling you so it’s all on you.» Thanks — let me just sign my legal waiver during dinner.
And when I pointed out she brought me the wrong appetizer she insisted I had ordered it – I know I didn’t, but even if I did why did she have to insist in a combative tone? I understand it is hard to serve a large party, with children, but don’t offer such an option if you can’t offer match the hospitality with the food.
NY steak is good, mixed seafood is meh.

Four stars for the food because the food really IS Good.
Two stars for the service… honestly… since the Four Seasons left this property and another large hotel chain took over, the place looks a bit shabby each time we visit (been there a few times more, over the years) and the staff needs more training *how* to give excellent service.
Have I had a bad experience? Nope.
But as i said, ever since the Four Seasons Management team left, the whole ambiance and feeling has really nose dived.
Our most recent dining experience (celebrating a birthday) there was one waiter on duty and though the restaurant is sizeable, they grouped all the diners very closely together. The waiter was very jokesy/​folksey/​casual ~
Look, I don’t need a butler when I dine, but if i want the bar room noise and mentality, I’ll go to a craft beer establishment.
We’re bummed this property has turned out this way. I“m updating this review because my earlier review represents an experience that no longer exists.; - (

What a great place! Very luxurious, good friendly service, delicious food. My lawyer friend Silvina and I went on a Friday when there’s a great antipasto buffet. Shrimp, oysters, beautiful french cheeses, another table with grilled eggplant, garbanzo salad, quiche, all sorts of things, go back as many times as you want.
We were stuffed but then we had sea bass beautifully grilled with sides of creamed polenta and broccolini. Every bite was a delight.
As if that wasn’t enough. … they had a big dessert buffet with gourmet treats such as chocolate caramel pudding, tiramisu, peach tart, Panna cotta, flour less chocolate cake. We went back twice for everything.
The special buffets are only on Friday nights. The waiter said the full menu on other nights is even better! Wow can’t believe I’ve never been here before in the 3 years I’ve lived in carlsbad. … and it’s right near my house.
They are only open for dinner, closed Sunday and no weekend brunch at Vivace. My new favorite place.
And P. S. We first had the DEELICIOUS chicken legs in the happy hour bar. Incredibly good and a great crowd for happy hour.

I can’t believe that I haven’t written a review of Vivace as we’ve dined here so many times.
Our most recent visit was for Thanksgiving dinner which I know is a bit overdue. I have never been away from my family for the holidays but this year, we had to stay local and chose Vivace to have our Thanksgiving dinner.
Nothing can beat a home cooked meal during the holidays but this was a pretty good substitute. They had a $ 75 per person turkey pre-​fixe dinner menu for the occasion, however you were still able to order off of their main menu. We both chose the dinner pre-​fixe and absolutely loved it. I chose to do the wine pairing with dinner which was $ 125 but it was so worth it. Everything about the dinner was magnificent. I savored every morsel of my dinner and wish it didn’t have to come to an end.
The atmosphere here was perfect and so different from our usual frenetic holidays back home – but what a wonderful, stress free holiday. We might have to do it more often. =) I would highly recommend Vivace for a special occasion or holiday — they do it right and even though it’s a pretty penny, it’s worth it.
After dinner, I would suggest having a cocktail in the bar in the lobby area. We ended up spending another hr. listening to live music and enjoy another cocktail before heading home. Not to mention, it was decorated so festively for the holidays. It was THE perfect way to spend our Thanksgiving.