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Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
7.7
Pizzeria Vivoli offers classic thin-crust pizzas, pastas, and grilled items in an old-school Sunset Boulevard setting. Its menu focuses on familiar Italian comfort dishes served through the late evening. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming for families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Classic Italian comfort dishes served late into the evening.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting familiar plates.
When to visit: Pre- or post-event evenings.
What to order: Margherita pizza, chicken parmigiana, Alfredo.
Insider tip: Half-and-half pizzas help sample multiple topping styles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Sunset Blvd and adjacent residential streets; valet is sometimes offered during busy evening hours but not always guaranteed.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and relaxed attire fit the family-friendly, old-school atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate; the dining room stays lively, especially during late-night hours, but conversation is generally manageable at tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on event traffic along the Strip.
Weekday lunch: Minimal or no wait; service moves quickly during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pizzas, pastas, and appetizers are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — menu leans traditional with dairy-forward dishes; a few salads and simple modifications may work.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available; gluten-free pizza crust availability may vary, so call ahead to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Suitable for a casual, low-pressure meet-up; the setting is informal and comfortable rather than romantic or polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes; walk-ins are common, but expect short waits on weekends or after local events due to Sunset Strip traffic.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very; the menu appeals to children and families, and the relaxed environment works well for all ages.
Best For
Better for: Late-night comfort dishes, family-friendly meals, and groups wanting familiar Italian classics without long waits.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined or modern Italian cooking, quieter ambiance, or extensive vegan options.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.4
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a long-running Sunset Strip Italian spot where thin, crispy fries show up alongside pizzas, burgers, and late-night plates. Regulars pair pies and pastas with shoestring or loaded fries, leaning on the restaurant’s long hours for post-show snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoestring French Fries, Loaded Chili Cheese Fries, Burger with Fries
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood Italian grill on Sunset with dedicated fries offerings and late hours.
Who should go: Groups wanting pizza, pasta, burgers, and fries in one place.
When to visit: Evenings or late night after nearby shows and events.
What to order: Shoestring fries, loaded chili cheese fries, burger-and-fries plate.
Insider tip: Use online ordering for late-night fry runs to avoid waiting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Sunset is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid lots run $10–$18 depending on event nights.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans, tees, and sneakers fit in, but many guests dress slightly elevated for Sunset evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak dinner hours; conversation is possible but expect bar-level background noise.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, longer on event nights or after nearby shows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options—pizzas, pastas, salads, and fries can all be ordered without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—basic fries and a small number of customizable items, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crusts and several entrées available; fries are generally safe but cross-contact may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and lively on the Sunset Strip; the atmosphere is energetic, portions are generous, and the menu is easy to navigate. Not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—walk-ins are common, especially late at night. Expect a wait during weekend prime time or post-event surges.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families; the menu is broad, the room is casual, and kids tend to enjoy the pizza-and-fries setup. Earlier evenings are best before the late-night crowd rolls in.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Italian comfort food with reliably crispy fries, big-group seating, and a one-menu-fits-all setup.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, refined Italian cooking, or strict vegan/gluten-free protocols—other spots may suit those needs better.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.4
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a neighborhood Italian workhorse where thin-crust pies and house pastas sit alongside a full lineup of lasagnas. The Lasagna Alla Bolognese in particular has a loyal following, with a cozy dining room and long hours that make it a dependable Sunset Strip standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Alla Bolognese, Lasagna Pollo Alla Griglia, Lasagna Veggies
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Sunset Boulevard Italian grill with multiple lasagna variations and all-day hours.
Who should go: Families and groups craving pizza plus serious pasta
When to visit: Evenings for relaxed dine-in or late pickup after shows
What to order: Lasagna Alla Bolognese, garlic knots, a shared pizza
Insider tip: If you’re lasagna-focused, ask which version is showing up strongest that night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset can be tight during peak hours; meter spots open up after 8pm, and nearby residential streets offer limited evening availability. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top work well, but guests often lean slightly polished for evening dinners.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are generally comfortable, though weekend nights can get a little louder with groups and families.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without a reservation, occasionally longer after nearby venue events.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian lasagna options and multiple pasta and pizza selections.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on cheese or dairy; vegan customization is minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partial—gluten-free pasta is sometimes available, but lasagna options are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, for a relaxed and unfussy first date. The room is cozy, the menu is comforting, and it feels low-pressure without being too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights or after the early dinner rush. Weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. The menu is approachable for kids, the room is family-friendly, and staff are used to groups with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Consistent lasagna varieties, long hours, and a comfortable neighborhood feel that works well for families and casual groups.
Skip if: You want a high-end, date-night Italian experience or a strictly traditional Bolognese execution—other upscale canyon or Melrose restaurants fit that better.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.4
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a long-running Sunset Strip trattoria where big portions of classic pizzas and red-sauce plates meet a warm, family-first dining room. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot where kids can split a pie while adults work through antipasti and a carafe of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Calamari with Lemon-Tomato Sauce, Ferrari Pizza, Cioppino with Shrimp, Clams & Mussels
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Sunset Boulevard standby for classic Italian comfort dishes and family-style meals.
Who should go: Families wanting big portions and familiar Italian favorites.
When to visit: Early dinner on weekdays to avoid peak weekend crowds.
What to order: Ferrari pizza, fried calamari, cioppino to share.
Insider tip: Ask about half-and-half pizzas if your table can’t agree on toppings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset and adjacent residential blocks is available but can be tight during peak hours; limited metered spots nearby. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and relaxed outfits are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate—bustling during peak dinner hours but still manageable for family conversation.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; parties are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of pizzas, salads, and pasta dishes can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and customizable pizzas without cheese, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available; gluten-free pizza availability may vary by day—ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or low-pressure dates rather than romantic ones; the vibe is warm and lively, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. For weekend dinners, arrive early to avoid the peak rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—ideal for families with kids ages 3 and up. High chairs and shareable portions make it easy for young diners.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, classic red-sauce comfort dishes, and group-friendly dining in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, modern Italian cooking, or a quieter, date-worthy environment.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.4
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a long-running Sunset Boulevard trattoria where big, classic pies and red-sauce plates are served in a casual, family-oriented room. It’s the sort of place where kids split a Margherita while adults linger over Garibaldi pizzas, salads, and pastas without feeling rushed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garibaldi pizza with prosciutto and mushrooms, Margherita pizza, Cioppino seafood stew
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Sunset Strip standby pairing classic pizzas with a relaxed, family-focused dining room.
Who should go: Families wanting big portions and familiar Italian favorites.
When to visit: Early dinner on weeknights for faster seating and service.
What to order: Garibaldi pizza, Margherita pizza, cioppino to share.
Insider tip: Take advantage of lunch specials if you want pizza and pasta on a budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Sunset can be tight after 6pm; nearby residential blocks offer additional options but watch posted signs. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, tees, and sneakers are common; families often come as they are.
Noise level: Moderate. The dining room has steady energy but you can still hold a family conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; walk-ins are the norm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection. Margherita pizza, veggie pies, salads, and several pasta dishes work well.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for cheeseless pizzas and check for vegan-friendly salads or modified pasta preparations.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is often available; gluten-free pizza crust may be offered but availability can vary by day, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s comfortable and casual, better for low-pressure, getting-to-know-you dinners rather than something more polished or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common. Weeknights are easiest; weekends may require a short wait, especially for groups of 4 or more.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Ideal for kids 5+ who can share pizzas and pastas. Booth seating helps families, and staff are used to younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Classic, hearty Italian-American comfort food on the Sunset Strip without the touristy markup. Works well for families who want something reliable and generous in portion size.
Skip if: You’re looking for modern, chef-driven pies, a quieter date-night vibe, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.3
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a long-running Sunset strip-mall spot where Roman-style pizzas, pastas, and risotti draw both neighborhood regulars and pre-show dates. The room is casual but warmly lit, making it an easy, less fussy Italian dinner before a concert or comedy set.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quattro Formaggi Pizza, Seafood Risotto, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A neighborhood Italian on Sunset where pizza, risotto, and late hours line up with casual dates.
Who should go: Couples headed to shows who want a hearty Italian pre-game.
When to visit: Go before primetime on weekends to avoid long waits.
What to order: Quattro Formaggi pizza, seafood risotto, tiramisu.
Insider tip: Sit on the patio for people-watching if you’re dining before a show.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small lot in the strip mall with limited spaces; street parking on Sunset can be tight after 7pm, so give yourself extra time.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; date-night outfits fit in, but jeans and a nice top are totally acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation but expect some background energy from pre-show crowds.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially before concerts or comedy shows.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; easy walk-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of vegetarian pizzas, pastas, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited; some pizzas can be modified but there’s no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free crust is available for most pizzas; pastas vary—ask staff for current options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate enough for conversation without being formal or intimidating. The warm lighting and easygoing service make it a comfortable setting for getting to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekends or ahead of big shows on the Strip. Arriving before 7pm improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly for early dinners. The menu has safe options like Margherita pizza and simple pastas, but the room gets louder and more date-oriented as the night goes on.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, classic Italian dinner with generous portions and late hours—ideal for pre- or post-show dates without the fuss of trendier Sunset spots.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, avant-garde Italian cooking, or a quieter dining room focused on long, lingering conversations.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.3
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a long-running Sunset Boulevard trattoria known for classic thin-crust pies, big pasta plates, and white-tablecloth comfort in a casual room. With years of steady crowds and a large menu, it’s where neighborhood families and travelers land for familiar Italian flavors and pizza on real plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Margherita, Pepperoni Pizza, Pizza Vegetariana
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Decades of classic thin-crust pies in a laid-back trattoria setting.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting familiar Italian with pizza.
When to visit: Weeknights or early evenings to avoid peak tourist rush.
What to order: Margherita, pepperoni, a veggie-forward Pizza Vegetariana.
Insider tip: Ask about nightly specials; servers often steer regulars to off-menu pies.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Sunset can be tight after 7pm; metered spots open up later in the evening. No dedicated valet, but nearby public lots a block or two off Sunset are the safest bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans, tees, and sweaters are common, but many diners lean slightly polished due to the Sunset Strip location.
Noise level: Moderate. You can hold a conversation at most tables, though peak weekend dinners bring a steady bustle.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes without a reservation, especially during the 6:30–8:30pm window.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with immediate seating for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — multiple pizzas, pastas, salads, and sharables built around veggies and cheese.
Vegan options: Limited — pizzas require customization and only a couple salads naturally fit vegan preferences.
Gluten-free options: Offers gluten-free pasta and can prepare certain pizzas on gluten-free crust, though availability may vary by day.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something relaxed and low-pressure. The white-tablecloth touches add a bit of charm without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common. Expect a modest wait on weekend evenings but easy seating at most other times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. High chairs, simple pastas, and shareable pizzas make it an easy choice for families with kids of any age.
Best For
Better for: Classic, familiar Italian dishes with generous portions and a dependable neighborhood vibe — ideal for groups and family-style dining.
Skip if: You want chef-driven, wood-fired pies or trendy, scene-forward Italian; several Melrose and WeHo spots are better fits for that experience.
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill
8.6
Pizzeria Vivoli & Italian Grill is a family-run Sunset Strip trattoria where classic pizzas share the table with pastas and parmigiana, and the kitchen stays open to midnight. With a long-running local following and owner Donato Ciaraulo often in the room, it’s where late-night pizza feels more like a sit-down Italian dinner than a grab-and-go fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pizza Margherita, Pizza Ferrari, Lasagna Alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A long-running, family-owned Sunset Strip trattoria with legit pizza.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting sit-down late-night Italian.
When to visit: 11 p.m. hour for a real late dinner with pizza.
What to order: Margherita pizza, Pizza Ferrari, Lasagna alla Bolognese.
Insider tip: Ask about nightly pizza-and-pasta combos before midnight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Sunset and adjacent residential streets; valet often available at neighboring venues but not guaranteed. Expect moderate difficulty after 7pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and tees are fine, but many guests lean slightly polished due to the Sunset Strip location.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic room with steady music and conversation, but still workable for small-group talk.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 9pm; closer to 10–15 minutes in the final hour before midnight.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — the draw here is dinner and late-night; minimal wait on weeknights overall.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—Margherita, four-cheese, pastas, salads, and appetizers all work well.
Vegan options: Limited—most dishes rely on cheese; possible to build a custom vegetable pizza without cheese, but not a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pizza crust available; several mains and salads naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a casual, warm, slightly nostalgic Italian spot that signals comfort over flash. Not ideal for ultra-quiet or high-glam dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially late-night. Walk-ins are common after 9:30pm, with shorter waits the closer you get to midnight.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—friendly staff, classic pizzas and pastas, and a relaxed room. Best for ages 5+ during earlier dinner hours before the late-night crowd builds.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down late-night pizza with full Italian entrées in a family-run setting—warmer and more personal than counter-service slices.
Skip if: You want fast, grab-and-go slices or a trendy, scene-driven late-night experience—this leans classic, not flashy.