Viva La Vida — Restaurant in Misawa

My second visit to Viva La Vida in Misawa was delightful, solidifying its place as the best Mexican restaurant in town. The food was fantastic, bursting with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Mexico. The ambiance was vibrant, with colorful decor and lively music creating a festive atmosphere that made the dining experience truly enjoyable. The staff were friendly and attentive, adding to the welcoming vibe. I ordered the birria tacos, expecting the classic crispy texture perfect for dipping in rich consomé. Unfortunately, the tacos were soggy, lacking the crunch that makes birria so special. This was a letdown, as the flavors were spot-on, but the texture missed the mark. A crispy shell would elevate this dish to perfection. The horchata was another highlight—refreshing and well-balanced, though the portion size felt a bit small for the price. I found myself wanting just a little more to savor.

Despite these minor hiccups, Viva La Vida stands out in Misawa for its quality and authenticity. The menu offers a great variety, and every dish I’ve tried so far has been packed with flavor. If they can crisp up those birria tacos and perhaps increase the horchata portion, this place would easily earn a five-star rating. I’ll definitely be back to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, and I highly recommend it to anyone craving Mexican...

Mexican Food in Misawa!

Viva La Vida is a cozy spot with about six tables and a chill, welcoming vibe accented by light Mexican decor. There’s also an upstairs VIP studio area available for 1000 yen if you’re looking for a bit more privacy or have a larger group.

We ordered a little bit of everything: totopos con guacamole, carnitas tacos, steak tacos, birria de res (birria tacos with consomé), quesabirria, enchiladas, and a margarita. Everything was flavorful and well made. The enchiladas were the best dish, and the consomé had great flavor. The tacos are small, street style corn tortillas, authentic and satisfying in portion. The guac could’ve used a little more salt for my taste, but otherwise, no complaints.

It was busy when we arrived, and we were warned of a potential long wait, but the service was surprisingly prompt. It’s self seating, and you order and pay at the register before your food is brought out. We even had time to walk to a nearby ATM (yen cash only right now, no cards accepted), and by the time we sat down, the food was already on its way.

Great experience overall. Perfect for a casual dinner or small...

My husband and I ordered the same meal and they brought the food out on ONE plate. The portion was small so we figured it was for ONE. They set it down on the table without a word. We waited for the second plate to arrive and when it didn't, my husband went up to ask. They said that ONE plate was for both of us. We weren't even given a second plate. I've never been somewhere where if I order the same meal as someone in my party that I'm expected to...