Reviews for Vivilore in Independence, MO
Walked in with very little idea what to expect. Which is, firstly, that you should have a reservation. The decor could be... overwhelming if it wasn't so well put together. The restaurant is also an antique store, so a lot, if not all, of the decor, isfor sale, along with another floor or two of antiques, which I did not visit. Back to the lack of reservation - the managersaid they could serve the two of us in half an hour, and we were welcome to view the garden in the meantime. The garden isgorgeous, with plenty of shade along the walkway, and outdoor seating and it was somehow cooler there than anywhere else onthis summer day. When it was time for us to order, it was a tough decision. Menu items range in price mostly from $16-30. Itwas more than I'd anticipated, but not unreasonable. I wanted to eat light, and got salmon and herbed cream cheese bruschetta,minus the bread, since I'm gluten free. My companion got a housemade chicken salad sandwich with a side of potato salad. Theportion sizes completely justified the price. I got 4 thin slices of salmon rolled up with cream cheese (the server said thekitchen had fun making that) on a bed of shredded romaine, topped with housemade (bread & butter style) pickles, picked redonion, sliced hard boiled egg, crumbled goat cheese, and capers. There was a slice of orange and of watermelon on the side. Thechicken salad was on thick toasted bread. It also came with fruit and pickles. We both decided the pickles were tasty, but toospicy. We considered dessert, but were already taking home half of our meals, so we declined. The options were lemon cake withmascarpone filling, flourless chocolate torte, or créme bruleé. Read more
Prior to this week, I last visited this restaurant several years ago. I had fond memories of the ambiance and setting, and it... was exactly the same. Quaint and quirky/artistic indoors and very cool garden/patio seating outdoors. I honestly appreciate theamount of effort required to maintain this place. Food options were diverse and ample. Service was nice, although predictableand almost humorous with chronic up-selling. I had a seafood special which was nice, probably the best scallops I?ve ever had?my daughter had a huge salad that was actually quite epic. Crab cakes were nice. One thing I really appreciated was the size ofthe Old Fashion my MIL ordered. It was easily twice the size of those at other similar priced restaurants we?ve visited lately.Others at dinner got chicken, and something else. I liked the personal feel to the restaurant. The server (who I swear was thesame one who served us years ago) had an actual investment into the place. Gave bit of interest/intimacy/personal flair that Ifeel is uncommon for casual upscalish dining. Most have an antiseptic/forced fake nicety, no? Anyway. They put a candle in acream brûlée for my daughter?s birthday which I thought was cool. The quality is unexpected ?for Independence? andappreciated. We will be back. Read more
Service and the food were wonderful! A little pricey but sometimes you just have to indulge. Their gift shop is filled with all... kinds of cool antiques. Read more
Amazing atmosphere, excellent servers, and best food in the Kansas City area. The outdoor gardens are fantastic every season.
Best dining experience EVER! The food is superb and the atmosphere is outstanding! We are going to put this in our permanent... dining rotation! The antique shopping is wonderful and then top it off with a stroll through their garden courtyard. Perfectionall the way around! Read more
Excellent place to eat. Quirky decorations inside lend a whimsical atmosphere. The food is superb. Pricing is higher than casual... places; most entrees $25-50. Plus appetizers, dessert, drinks. The drink menu is stocked with a variety of mixed drinks, wineand some beer. But the best thing is eating outside. Very good atmosphere though apparently it can get dark outside when it?snot summer. The biggest downside is that it?s not close to a highway so it does take a few more minutes to get to it. Read more
I love eating here! The food is always delicious! Service is spectacular and the atmosphere takes you to a small European... bistro. Must try for brunch or romantic dinner. Beautiful outdoor patio. Romantic and sensuous indoor seating with opulentdecor. Don?t miss this hidden gem. Read more
The service was great. Our waitress was exceptional! Great food choices. What an amazing time! We dressed up and had a tea party... in the garden. They even had a lady who took pictures for us! The garden is absolutely beautiful! A great place for lunch. Ihear you must have reservations, which makes it all the more elegant. They have shopping on thr inside with lots of eclecticthings. Read more