Cucina Vivace, Arlington, Virginia Restaurant Details

Food:

Cucina Vivace serves the best Italian food in the area, bar none.

Food:

Not worth your time! Although, we had only simple dishes, linguini, speghetti, and lazagna w/chicken breast, our expectations were that they would be tasty and well prepared...we were disappointed. Had to send back the linguini because it was mushy. The speghetti, although the pasta was prepared perfectly, the sauce was nothing special with some crushed red pepper in it for spice. The lazagna was also pretty plain and the chicken breast was nearly flavorless. The only good thing I have to say about this place is that the service was very good, the staff was attentive. I've been to Italy (north and south) and this wasn't it...I've eating at lots of American/italian places too...and this couldn't touch most of those either...Don't waist your time here.

Food:

THE FOOD:
The CV menu changes seasonally, which is a sign of a cook/manager who actually cares. The menu is diverse without being over-long; I was delighted with my stuffed quail, and I would be very comfortable bringing my vegetarian friends here. The best gnocchi I've ever had outside of my Italian girlfriend's mother's kitchen.
THE WINE:
The wine list is terrific: many interesting, surprising, thoroughly enjoyable choices. The by-the-glass list is extensive, and they offer both 3 oz and 6 oz pours, which means you get to try more wines without getting too drunk to enjoy the food. The prices are remarkably affordable, especially for this area.
THE SERVICE:
The service was excellent: low-key, attentive, thoughtful, without intruding on our meal in any way. They really seem to know their stuff, so I would feel comfortable asking them questions about the menu, wine pairing, etc.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
Classy, sophisticated, but again: low-key. Comfortable, simple, elegant class. As soon as we walked into this wood-paneled, candle-lit, simply-furnished place, I felt relaxed and at ease.

I highly recommend this restaurant, especially to wine lovers, and also to anyone going out on a date.