Serves vegan food inspired by the simple fare offered in neighborhood bistros from Paris to Provence - with a modern twist. Opened Feb 2015 in the East End. CONFIRMED CLOSED, SEP 2016.
Best restaurant in Rochester...and oh yeah, it's vegan - Edit
A French influenced menu perfected by Vive with vegan cheeses, socca and focaccia pizzas, amazing main dishes. Try the king trumpet mushroom "scallops". Who knew you get such deliciousness out of mushroom stems? The (not really) crabcakes "Croquette de la mar" are delicious. Portobello au poivre,oh yeah.
My goal was to eat my way through the entire menu, but they change some things up for the seasons. Good reason to come back.
Went here last month and really enjoyed it. The service was attentive but not overbearing an the food was delicious. Not much negative to say, but I did find it a bit pricey. Still haven't gone in to see what my coupon holds though so it might balance out in the end!
4/5 star food. 2/5 star service. The cheese platter was excellent and so was everything else my mother and I had ordered...the hospitality on the other hand was just embarrassing. Our waitress, Kate, did a great job at acknowledging the very few parties in the restaurant except ours of course. Our glasses remained water-free for most of our stay. Having worked in the restaurant business, I feel sorry for this cute little joint, it could use better staff. The only ounce of kindness Kate showed was on our way out once she realized that we did not tip her poorly...upsetting.
Our hostess who made the reservation chose this restaurant because of its excellent reputation. My vegan daughter and I were in heaven because the food was so beautifully presented and delicious. Even the meat and potatoes guy in the group had nothing to complain about – he had a pizza and was very happy. No longer can I consider Rochester to be a small town, this restaurant is big time for sure!
Updated from previous review on Monday August 10, 2015
Though all vegetarian, trust me that non-vegetarians will also enjoy the delicious combinations, sauces, and very friendly, helpful service. Ask your server his/her favorites and you can't go wrong. Also a very comfortable, attractive atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. Immediately one of our Rochester favorites!
I've eaten at Vive Bistro twice, once with my vegan husband and another time with two omnivores. Vive is impressive!
The grilled CB&J is to die for! Choconut butter on grilled bread and a raspberry dipping sauce. My omni friends inhaled the cheese plate, the caesar salad and the poutine. One of them went back the next day with a different friend because she loved it so much!
The cocktails are amazing too especially the toasted coconut martini made with coconut vodka and rimmed with chocolate dipped in crushed hazelnuts and toasted coconut. You will want more than one!
The atmosphere is upscale but the staff never makes you feel like you're underdressed or out of place. They are friendly, helpful and fun!
Don't waste another minute before going to Vive Bistro!
7 Reviews
First Review by Disdoula
MichaelSavegan
Points +2355
Best restaurant in Rochester...and oh yeah, it's vegan - Edit
A French influenced menu perfected by Vive with vegan cheeses, socca and focaccia pizzas, amazing main dishes. Try the king trumpet mushroom "scallops". Who knew you get such deliciousness out of mushroom stems? The (not really) crabcakes "Croquette de la mar" are delicious. Portobello au poivre,oh yeah.
Read moreMy goal was to eat my way through the entire menu, but they change some things up for the seasons. Good reason to come back.
Pros: Foooooood, Beautiful restaurant, Wonderful people
Cons: You might have to pay for parking. That is rare in
Guest
lizardlucas
Points +1301
Great experience - Edit
Went here last month and really enjoyed it. The service was attentive but not overbearing an the food was delicious. Not much negative to say, but I did find it a bit pricey. Still haven't gone in to see what my coupon holds though so it might balance out in the end!
Read morePros: Good atmosphere, Good food
Cons: Tad pricey
Guest
sortiz013
Points +16
Excellent food/Disappointing Service - Edit
4/5 star food. 2/5 star service. The cheese platter was excellent and so was everything else my mother and I had ordered...the hospitality on the other hand was just embarrassing. Our waitress, Kate, did a great job at acknowledging the very few parties in the restaurant except ours of course. Our glasses remained water-free for most of our stay. Having worked in the restaurant business, I feel sorry for this cute little joint, it could use better staff. The only ounce of kindness Kate showed was on our way out once she realized that we did not tip her poorly...upsetting.
Read morePros: Food, Decor, Location
Cons: Service
Guest
TracyV600
Points +190
fantastic! - Edit
Great selection of Vegan dishes.
Read moreDefinitely try the cheese platter to share with the table.
Guest
suzagord
Points +795
Vegan & non-vegan fabulousness - Edit
Our hostess who made the reservation chose this restaurant because of its excellent reputation. My vegan daughter and I were in heaven because the food was so beautifully presented and delicious. Even the meat and potatoes guy in the group had nothing to complain about – he had a pizza and was very happy. No longer can I consider Rochester to be a small town, this restaurant is big time for sure!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on Monday August 10, 2015
Guest
Jimmylayla
Points +16
vive exceptional for all diners - Edit
Though all vegetarian, trust me that non-vegetarians will also enjoy the delicious combinations, sauces, and very friendly, helpful service. Ask your server his/her favorites and you can't go wrong. Also a very comfortable, attractive atmosphere for both lunch and dinner. Immediately one of our Rochester favorites!
Read morePros: delicious food, best vegetarian in the area, uniformly friendly sevice
Guest
Disdoula
Points +134
The best vegan food outside of NYC! - Edit
I've eaten at Vive Bistro twice, once with my vegan husband and another time with two omnivores. Vive is impressive!
Read moreThe grilled CB&J is to die for! Choconut butter on grilled bread and a raspberry dipping sauce. My omni friends inhaled the cheese plate, the caesar salad and the poutine. One of them went back the next day with a different friend because she loved it so much!
The cocktails are amazing too especially the toasted coconut martini made with coconut vodka and rimmed with chocolate dipped in crushed hazelnuts and toasted coconut. You will want more than one!
The atmosphere is upscale but the staff never makes you feel like you're underdressed or out of place. They are friendly, helpful and fun!
Don't waste another minute before going to Vive Bistro!
Pros: Fantastic food, Incredible cocktails, Outstanding service
Cons: Small space, Not inexpensive
Guest
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