Vivace Restaurant & Bar at DeBretts (formerly DeBretts Kitchen) — Restaurant in Waitematā

Vivace is now our go-to for special occassions. Gene and Mandy are the most lovely and accommodating hosts/owners, while their compassion and dedication is reflected in their staff.

Over the last few years we have had the pleasure of trying most of their menu, and have not once been disappointed. Their chef is absolutely fantastic. Vivace is one of few places I'm comfortable trying new dishes, because they take a lot of care and pride in every dish they serve. Some of our guests are gluten free or vegan (while two are gluten free AND vegan). Vivace's menu has options even then, which goes a long way when planning a gathering.

I'm not a wine or beer drinker, but my partner loves the dark beer they have. I like their cocktails, with a selection of different options and excellent mocktails if I don't want more alcohol.

The decor and layout is perfect for the restaurant - high ceilings and wooden decor isn't necessarily a combination I would expect but they certainly pull it off. I enjoy the kitchen being visible as well. The outdoor seating and restaurant location is fantastic. They have a lovely bar as well, which is somewhat separated from the main dining area - a small factor which goes a long way!

Vivace is our favourite restaurant in Auckland, and for good reason. While they're a little out of our normal date night budget, we keep coming back because it is...

My son, older brother and I arrived at Vivace on a very crowded Saturday night without a reservation. Within a few minutes, we were seated and had cold drinks served to us at a nice high top table in the bar. But the dinning room seemed so much more cozy, and inviting, so we asked if we could move. Without a thought, the server cheerfully said 'absolutely' and went to check on a different table for us. In less than 5 minutes were were sitting at one of the of best tables in the main dining room (they transferred the bar tab to the table without a fuss)

Carol was our server and she could not have been more kind and patient. She new the menu backwards and forwards (without looking) and she knew every drink and bottle of wine they had. My 19 year old son is kind of picky, so Carol had the chef make him a special place of spaghetti bolognese with meatballs (it was not on the menu). My brother had a great pasta dish.

I had the Spaghetti - Aglio e olio - chilli, garlic, parsley, lemon, olive oil & parmesan with sauteed prawns $40 - best i've ever had!!!!

The food was so fresh and tasty. The staff could not have been nicer and the vibe is just what we wanted. It was the best meal we had on our 7...

I’m search of dessert, I discovered the relocated Vivace in Fort Street. Of course, I was compelled to visit. The staff remained as excellent as I recalled from their High Street days. Interior wise, I loved the rustic charm of the wine and champagne laden wall crates meeting floor with ceiling and showcasing how serious this restaurant is with pleasing wine lovers.

My dessert of choice was the black Doris plum and pecan pudding nestled in vanilla custard and jus served with thickened cream. I also ordered a soy latte before long bring beckoned the wine list. The intention to just dabble by having a glass of red evolved into enjoying gorgeous glasses of Lealtanza Reserve Tempranillo, Fiorini Cianti Superiore, Papa Luna GSM and Domaine de Charbonierre Grenache Syrah. This led to trying small dishes of fig mozzarella and honeycomb then smoked kahawai dip with sourdough bread to wash down the goodness.

Excellent service, ambience, food and wine was experience so much so that I’ll be back...