There's a reason why people who live on and around East Vancouver's Commercial Drive get attached to the neighbourhood. The city's storied "Little Italy" has long been a hub for community, socializing, and enjoying time with good food and drink.
Recently, a year-old restaurant and live music venture on "The Drive" underwent an ownership change and brand revamp. Owners swapped out its prior name, Osita, for a new one, Vivace on The Drive, and renewed a mission to hone in on showcasing European food (with a strong Italian influence) and offering the neighbourhood a reliable place to hang out.
For those who think of Federico's Supper Club reigning at 1728 Commercial Dr, there are vestiges of the longtime haunt in place, including staff with ties to the beloved venue that closed down during the pandemic. The legacy of the space as a spot for a meal, drinks, and hearing some live music also endures in its newest chapter as Vivace.
What's on the food and drink menu at Vivace?
When it comes to food and drink, Chef Rory Byrne is heading up the revamped menu, which includes Italian-centric share plates and mains, available a la carte or in multi-course meals for two.
The dishes are bold and bright, showcasing seasonal ingredients and an array of flavours. Starters like a wedge of radicchio paired with grapefruit, squash, and fig dance between sweet and bitter notes, while a crudo of Albacore crusted in black pepper comes with a light and lively cucumber gazpacho.
Byrne and the Vivace kitchen crew are turning out plates composed of traditional and modern house-made components, from the tiny, tangy citrusy pearls atop the salmon with creme fraiche on a hearty cassoulet to the handmade pasta that is deployed in a nightly special (in my case, an earthy, umami mushroom and pancetta affair with ribbons of tagliatelle).
For dessert, the Banoffee Pie has emerged as a popular favourite, with just cause; it's perfect to share at the end of the meal.
From the bar, imbibers will have their choice of libations from an extensive list that includes just shy of a dozen house cocktails, classic cocktails, shooters, botanicals (light and fresh creations), and even pitchers for group hang-outs. They are doing B.C. wines by the glass or bottle, and have several B.C. craft brews on tap (also available in pitchers).
Lively spot aims to be the 'Vibe on The Drive'
Being a welcoming local spot to grab a drink and grab a bite is at the core of what Vivace is all about, as well as honouring its ties to Vancouver's historic Italian community.
During the day you can pop in for a coffee and something off the brunch menu, which gives way to a happy hour before dinner service, and live entertainment. Expect an array of live music and stage performances to fill the Vivace room, from drag brunch and burlesque shows to jazz trios and musicians whose grooves might get you up onto the dance floor.
Vivace means "lively," and that's certainly the goal of this spot with the catchphrase "The Vibe on the Drive." This is definitely the kind of venue where the staff would love to get to know your name and your usual drink order, and where you might get to chat with the owners as they circulate in the room. You're on The Drive after all - it's just how it goes.
Vivace On The Drive is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. Follow @vivaceonthedrive on Instagram for updates and more info.
Video: Vivace on the Drive has upscale Italian food, live music, and hangout vibes
@forkingawesomevia 👀 a recently rebranded Vancouver restaurant #forkingawesome #vancouverbc 🎙️@LindsayWR ♬ On an Evening in Roma - Dean Martin
Find more delicious Vancouver food and drink video stories by following VIA's Forking Awesome Tik Tok account and signing up for our twice-monthly Forking Awesome newsletter.
