VIV Wine Bistro — Restaurant in Key West

We had reservations here at 5pm. We arrived at 4:58pm. Upon entering, every table was occupied with a “food tour”. There were 3 places at the bar open but dirty. There was a tour guide and a woman preparing a cheese board. We were not acknowledged at all. We waited there 5 min and then left and went to Vino’s on Duval street. Best decision and we spent over $120 drinking at Vino’s. The lack of customer service, preparation, and awareness will get me to never attempt to go here again.

In response to the business’s response- the woman did in fact see us, as she looked up twice. This is why we waited to see if we would be acknowledged. It’s not my responsibility to say the first hello and ask about my table. To even suggest this shows that you seem to tolerate this lack of service. I am the customer. To also suggest I “relax” is quite condescending. I was relaxed but did not enjoy being ignored when I made specific reservations before our dinner reservation. I would apologize to the customer and give myself no excuses if this was my business, but again, given my experience, I expect...

Really, really enjoyed Viv. I’m from mostly San Francisco and Manhattan, where there are several very nice French wine bars, but I live in Miami now and this is the first really nice one I’ve found in South Florida.

Loved the wine selection, the French sausage/tomato/potato dish, the mixed green salad was very inventive and I added a tasty charcuterie of Brie and Chorizo.

So much else to try. Highly recommend it.

UPDATE Aug2022: have been back half dozen more times. Still terrific. Menu has expanded to include full entrees, also delicious. Charcuterie/cheese plate is fantastic (girlfriend likes them better than even in NYC, where she lives). Julie behind bar is sooo nice and knowledgeable. Really one of my fav places in all of Florida.

UPDATE May 2023: one of the best restaurants in all of Florida. Not even kidding.

UPDATE January 2024: suggestions to order: Italian Canapé ANY of the boards Cucumber Salad people swear by the Duck Salad

UPDATE August 2024 Another phenomenal charcuterie board by Julie. Other regular patrons told us the Meat Trio...

Ok selection but no natural wine by the glass, overpriced for same I can find elsewhere, rude owner.

We went specifically for natural wine, however there was none by the glass; I guess because there may not be a big enough market for this in the Keys. Some good natural wines by the bottle, but very expensive compared to other places where I can find the same selection.

The French owner was very rude to us when we spoke to him in french and when I asked whether it was his bar. We were with our baby, but she was fast asleep in my arms, we weren’t there for long and we left as soon as she woke up. I assumed an entrepreneur would be proud to claim his business, but he was pretty pompous ...or maybe he just doesn’t like Canadians...or babies?

Il nous a vraiment fait une face de boeuf.

Update: the response to my review from the owner (months later) kinda...