Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Seattle, WA

North America

United States

# Vivienne's Bistro – Upscale Chinese Restaurant in Seattle, WA

Vivienne's Bistro, located in Seattle, WA, is an upscale Chinese restaurant that offers a modern twist on traditional Asian cuisine. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and attentive service, the bistro has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The menu features a diverse range of dishes, from classic favorites to innovative specials, all crafted with high-quality ingredients. With a history rooted in culinary excellence and a commitment to community involvement, Vivienne's Bistro stands out as a premier dining destination in the city. Diners rave about the flavorful dishes and inviting ambiance, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.

## History
### The story of Vivienne's Bistro
Vivienne's Bistro was founded with a vision to elevate the dining experience by combining traditional Chinese flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant aims to create a space where guests can enjoy high-quality Asian cuisine in a modern and inviting environment. Under the guidance of Chef Danna Hwang, the bistro has established itself as a leader in the upscale dining scene in Seattle.

### Milestones and growth
- **Opening**: Vivienne's Bistro opened its doors in 2020, quickly gaining popularity for its unique menu and stylish decor.
- **Expansion**: Following the success of its first location, the bistro expanded to a second site in downtown Seattle, previously occupied by another well-known restaurant.
- **Awards**: The restaurant has received numerous accolades for its culinary excellence and innovative dishes, solidifying its reputation in the local dining community.

### Cultural and local influence
Vivienne's Bistro has made a significant impact on the local dining culture by introducing a fresh take on traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant not only serves delicious food but also embraces the community's diverse culinary landscape, incorporating local ingredients and flavors into its menu. This commitment to local sourcing has resonated with patrons, fostering a sense of connection between the restaurant and the community.

### Continuing the tradition
As Vivienne's Bistro continues to grow, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of quality, innovation, and community engagement. The restaurant frequently updates its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and customer preferences, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting. By maintaining high standards of service and culinary excellence, Vivienne's Bistro is poised to continue its legacy as a beloved dining destination in Seattle.

## Community
### Community involvement
Vivienne's Bistro actively participates in community events and initiatives, showcasing its commitment to supporting local causes. The restaurant often collaborates with local organizations to host fundraisers and special events, contributing a portion of its proceeds to various charitable efforts. This involvement not only strengthens community ties but also enhances the restaurant's reputation as a socially responsible establishment.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Vivienne's Bistro as a welcoming and inclusive space that caters to a diverse clientele. Diners appreciate the restaurant's modern ambiance and attentive service, which create an enjoyable dining experience. Many locals consider it a go-to spot for celebrations, casual meals, and everything in between, reinforcing its status as a community favorite.

### Events and gatherings
Vivienne's Bistro hosts various events throughout the year, including themed dinners, wine pairings, and seasonal celebrations. These gatherings provide guests with unique culinary experiences while fostering a sense of community among patrons. The restaurant's ability to adapt its offerings for special occasions has made it a popular choice for both personal celebrations and corporate events.

## Offerings
### What Vivienne's Bistro offers
Vivienne's Bistro features a diverse menu that blends traditional Chinese dishes with contemporary flair. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques to create memorable dining experiences. Guests can expect a wide range of options, from appetizers to entrees, all designed to tantalize the taste buds.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Vivienne's Bistro is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere and attentive service. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including signature items like the Forbidden Roast Duck and Malaysian Style BBQ Lamb Chops. The restaurant also offers a selection of craft cocktails that complement the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience. Reviews highlight the quality of the food, with many praising the flavors and presentation of each dish.

### Events and packages
Vivienne's Bistro offers special event packages for private gatherings, making it an ideal venue for celebrations, corporate meetings, and family gatherings. The restaurant can accommodate various group sizes and provides customizable menus to suit the needs of each event. This flexibility, combined with the restaurant's exceptional cuisine, makes it a sought-after location for memorable occasions.

### Facilities and features
- Modern and stylish decor
- Spacious dining area
- Private dining options
- Full-service bar with craft cocktails
- Outdoor seating (seasonal)
- Takeout and delivery services

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Vivienne's Bistro highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. Guests consistently praise the quality of the food and the attentive service, while some mention noise levels and service inconsistencies during peak hours.

### Compliments and strengths
Patrons frequently compliment the restaurant's flavorful dishes, particularly the roast duck and various appetizers. The ambiance is also well-received, with many noting the stylish decor and inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the staff is often described as friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While many reviews are positive, some guests have noted issues with noise levels, particularly during busy times. Additionally, a few diners have experienced lapses in service, such as delayed check-ins from servers. However, these concerns are often outweighed by the quality of the food and the overall experience.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Vivienne's Bistro is regarded as a top choice for those seeking high-quality Chinese cuisine in a modern setting. While there are minor areas for improvement, the restaurant's strengths in food quality and service make it a standout option in Seattle's dining scene.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Vivienne's Bistro is conveniently located in downtown Seattle at 600 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its bustling atmosphere and proximity to various attractions, including Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, and the waterfront. The restaurant's central location makes it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a delicious meal before or after exploring the city's cultural offerings.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Vivienne's Bistro serve** Vivienne's Bistro specializes in upscale Chinese and Asian fusion cuisine.
**Is there a dress code at Vivienne's Bistro** The restaurant has a casual yet upscale dress code, suitable for dining out.
**Do I need a reservation** Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours and weekends.

## Visit Vivienne's Bistro Today
Experience the culinary delights of Vivienne's Bistro, where traditional Chinese flavors meet modern dining. With a commitment to quality and community, this restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional food. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Vivienne's Bistro promises a memorable dining experience that will leave you eager to return.

39a674f9-bcaf-4750-9e83-54df72194326

Went to Vivienne's Bistro with a friend Friday evening for happy hour. It's been on my "must try" list so I was thrilled to see how the food is. Service here was great! Our server was attentive, kind and gave us great suggestions on portions. We ordered the following and provided ratings: - Kung Pao of Sea & Land 9/10 (fried jumbo praws and chicken in tangy chili sauce, add a side of white rice) - HH Brussel Sprouts 9/10 - HH Green Beans 8/10 - HH Grilled Tofu 7/10 - HH Bubbles 8/10 Will definitely come back! The entree was delicious and the vibes at Vivienne's Bistro makes for a great date night or even family meal.

36fa1102-ae91-473d-b06b-5c14830a0bf2

Vivienne is a solid higher end Chinese restaurant with a decent menu of classic Chinese dishes, a modern sleek ambiance, and decent cocktails with some Asian influence. Duck washed old fashioned was easy to drink and slightly sweet finish. Lychee martini a little too sweet and gives impression of canned lychee vs fresh. Peking duck is definitely a must get if you're with a group. Succulent duck, crispy skin, good Bao. Twice cooked pork was decent - long slim cuts vs thick square cuts but good flavor. Mapo tofu had good texture and nice spicy kick. Honey walnut shrimp will hit the spot. A little too sweet as well but not unexpected for the dish. Service can be a bit sparse but otherwise good vibes.

f3f2326f-71ed-4014-a6f2-15e06b46c05c

Downtown location: The food is very good and reasonably priced. Orange chicken. Mongolian beef and broccoli chicken were all delicious. Cocktail prices were STEEP ($24 for an old fashioned ). Yikes! The service was okay however our person never came to check on us after the food was served and didn't ask us if we wanted anything more before bringing the check. She seemed unsure of herself but was friendly and efficient. The thing that knocked this to a 3 was the noise. The acoustics were so bad you could barely hear yourself think let alone talk. When this was loulay it had a much better acoustical layout. I hope they do something to improve that.

94686d81-94f2-4fea-8f47-899cb3285242

Very friendly welcome from the hostess set the mood. The restaurant is clean and spacious. Agree with other reviewers that is it somewhat noisy, but it didn't impact our experience. The reservation system has a small bug. I received à text confirmation but seconds later received a cancellation. I did not receive a response to my text query for confirmation. But did receive a text reminder of my reservation thé day I visited. The cocktails were very good. Lavender fizz was very aromatic and the Blood Orange drink was declared "dangerous". The shishito peppers were cooked perfectly and plentiful. We ordered from the flavor debut menu. The entrees were satisfying and well seasoned. The fish and tofu dish was spicy, but predominately tofu with only a few small pieces of fish. We agreed that firm tofu may have worked better in the dish, but the flavor was good. The pork belly was similar in flavor, with plentiful pork. I was expecting it to be crispy cubes of pork belly, but it resembled sautéed bacon strips. We each opted for brown rice with our entree, but had to ask for our second bowl. The ratio of rice to entree was off; the amount of rice was really insufficient for the amount of sauce. Additionally, rice is priced separately from the meal - $3 for a relatively small portion. I'd give the food and cocktails à solid 3 or 3.5. Special mention for the to-go bags. Well constructed, insulated, with a resealable Velcro strip at the top. This rounds the overall rating up to a 4.

430e798f-adc7-4018-8d87-549790cf1951

Came here strictly for the roast duck, that was recommended by my brother. We dined on a Friday lunch time. No wait. Was seated immediately. The service was excellent. The whole roast duck included buns, caramelized lemon and other toppings that really elevated the dish. Woahhh...the flavors! The crispy skin and tender meat! The caramelized lemon! I was concerned that the meal would not be filling for two persons but we did request more bao buns that came with the platter and it was sufficient. Although I came with my sibling, it's a great place for celebrations or a date night. It's more upscale Asian contemporary cuisine.

1db6a8ec-f61b-470b-a841-bc2dd2cc7409

One of my favorite Chinese/pan-asian restaurants in town. Everything was delicious and even simple classics, like the fried rice, is superb.

9d7a9227-532b-4f26-ac86-8e9ba7bc3793

I enjoyed a lot of the dishes we had at Vivienne's. I particularly liked the green beans we ordered, and the land and sea on the special menu. There were a few dishes where they had left in the spices, like a giant chunk of star anise, or chewy bits of orange peel in the orange chicken. I did like the brussels sprouts appetizer. The bbq buns were bland and oversteamed. This restaurant is a bit loud and hard to hear. It was almost funny when we were trying to order, and talking to the waiter to understand what the sizing was and what we wanted to order. It ended up being just right but it was not a place I'd go if I wanted to have a deep conversation!

a38a95b2-8702-4bfb-b8d0-d0856bf186ef

I have been meaning to go to Vivienne's Bistro in Mercer Island ever since they opened. Instead, we go to their new second location in downtown, once occupied by Loulay (RIP, the Chef in the Hat). Vivienne is amongst the few truly high-end Chinese restaurants in the area guided by the talented hands of chef Danna Hwang. Though the space is not designed for banquet tables, its decor is worthy of celebrations and date nights. Some of the tables are very cramped together against the back wall. Definitely make a reservation and request a table NOT by the back wall. Service is capable with staff members who agreeably switched our two-person table for a bigger space. Naturally, I ordered plenty of food to justify our new large table for two. :D The Food: Forbidden Roast Duck, $85 - 4.5 Stars Though I won't order a duck every time we go to Vivienne, I felt I should check it off the to-do list. I wonder if it is named "forbidden" as a IYKYK due to the situation with the former employer of chef Hwang. In any case, it is just as good as I had it before and unique with the caramelized lemon slices. Instead of six buns, I wish they give eight. There are plenty of duck to use more than eight buns. Their nomenclature is accurate calling it a roast duck instead of Peking duck - more meat, not crispy skin. Malaysian Style BBQ Lamb Chops, $38 - 5 Stars The menu says four pieces, but we got five. Yay! The marinate is savory while each piece is meaty. The grilling is perfection - caramelized on the outside, tender and juicy inside. This is a worthy dish. Salt & Pepper Soft Shell Crab, $18.50 - 4.5 Stars I am starting to think every place is making a soft shell crab dish. Two crabs are cut into four segments. Their salt and pepper version is twice fried, crispy, very unhealthy, and very tasty. Naturally, we polished off the plate. Okra Eggplant, added Tofu, $20 + $5 - 4 Stars This was my token healthy-ish dish. This dish showcased they flaming wok-hei very well. A smokiness and a fried-like chew of the eggplant skin is divine. Impressively, not too much oil pooled at the bottom of the plate. That is wok-hei done right. If I want a simple meal, this dish is easily my entire meal but no carrots (which was not on the menu). A bowl of rice is $3. Overall rating is closer to 4.5 stars. Rounding up to support worthy high-end Chinese restaurants.

2c57e39a-bbf9-47aa-b74c-70920093c80d

Stopped back by for some other dishes. The service was great and the ambiance was lively. The restaurant is popular on Friday's and Saturday's so make sure to make reservations. For the food, the pan fried buns were great but I think they needed a sauce to dip in. The triple pepper chicken was perfectly spicy and had crisp pieces of chicken in it. The nine flavor basil beef was very flavor and delicious. The only issue with the dish is there were a ton of bean sprouts and I would have preferred more of the beef. Both entrees went well with a side of white rice. Of course the drinks were still expertly crafted and went well with the meals. Overall, another great experience and will be back again soon to try more dishes.

1b18b2b0-38b8-465b-8955-a19f58aee45c

Food, Service....everything about this place was excellent! Our waiter was amazing, as was the food and the presentation! You will not Be disappointed!

Discover Vivienne's Bistro in downtown Seattle for a delightful dining experience. Savor exquisite cuisine in a vibrant setting. Book your table now.

Vivienne's Bistro in Downtown Seattle | Exquisite Dining Experience

Seattle

Vivienne's Bistro

Washington

Explore the full menu at Vivienne's Bistro in Seattle, WA. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 600 Union St, Seattle.

Vivienne's Bistro Menu – Food & Drinks in Seattle, WA

Learn about Vivienne's Bistro in Seattle, WA. A cozy spot offering delicious cuisine, friendly service, and a prime location at 600 Union St. Perfect for any occasion.

About Vivienne's Bistro, Seattle, WA

Opening hours for Vivienne's Bistro, Seattle, WA. Find opening hours for Vivienne's Bistro, Seattle, WA on 600 Union St.

Vivienne's Bistro Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Vivienne's Bistro

Cafe 5Ive

Little Neon Taco

The Dover Apartments