Vivaro Wine Bar
Vivaro Wine Bar
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
230 within 5 kms
Attractions
187 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
77 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
4
Marvin S
Los Angeles33 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTERS:
There is no menu and no wine list, so when you get Gernaro's attention, tell him what you like or want to try (both wine and food) and let him work his magic.
Don't be timid! If you want fish, ask him what is most fresh and see what he suggests. If you want beef, give him in idea of preparation and see if he can do it. Remember, Genaro is the captain of the ship and will steer it in the direction that he wants.
LONGER VERSION:
We were so pumped to see this guy in action (#3 attraction in all the Amalfi Coast according to TA) that we walked the entire 8 KM on a very windy, narrow road from our hotel in Amalfi all the way to Praiano (didn't realize the distance until it was too late). 2 hours later we arrived (16:00) only to find out it doesn't open until 18:00, so we caught the bus to Positano and came back later.
ONce we arrived back at Vavaro (around 20:15), we were lucky to get a table, the place was hoppin for a Sunday night)!
We asked for menus and a wine list and we were told he didn't have either. Genaro looked extremely busy (yes he is the ONLY one that works there) so we just asked for a house red and a house white. Both were very good and all of his wines seemed to be local.
We noticed he kept bringing out amazing looking dishes to all the various tables, so midway through our second glass of wine we got up the courage to ask what was available for dinner.
Though we told him we wanted to start with a salad, 15 minutes later he returned with two 1/2 portions of spaghetti with clams. This was was outstanding, but we were still starving! 30 minutes later he came back with a very delicious salad with arugula, tomatoes, mixed greens and other vegetables. Awesome.
About another hour later, we asked for pasta and fish and he said "have the fish and then we'll talk about the pasta." He then brought out a sizzling platter of FOUR full fish (3 different types) with vegetables and proceeded to filet them table side. Turns out, he was right. No pasta needed.
When we ordered more wine, he just popped a new bottle and left it at our table. Excellent choice, since we quickly polished it off. Best "house wine" I've ever had!
This dude is amazing and worth the price of admission! Awesome chef, somalier, waiter, busser, dishwasher, one-man show!
Around midnight everyone from the tables migrated up to the bar and Genaro started giving us complimentary brandy and limoncello and hanging out and having some wine himself. We met lots of other travelers (this was the third and fourth return visit to Vavaro for most people) and recognized a lot of the other local hotel and restaurant who were also there to eat and drink. Very fun, celabratory atmosphere with lots of laughs.
When it came time to pay the bill, we were very pleasantly surprised to see the final tab as only 76 Euro! What a great value!
We were having so much fun we missed the last SITA bus back to Amalfi and didn't even care! When we asked Genaro to call us an overpriced Amalfi Coast Taxi Cab, he said, "no, I'll find you a ride." Sure enough, one of his friends (another hotel owner) was heading our direction and we were given a lift back to our hotel. Does it get any better than that?
If you are in the Amalfi Coast, go to Praiano and see this guy in action and eat some of his amazing food. Have you're whole night free, because you will end up staying 3-4 hours. It truly was the highlight of our stay in Amalfi...
There is no menu and no wine list, so when you get Gernaro's attention, tell him what you like or want to try (both wine and food) and let him work his magic.
Don't be timid! If you want fish, ask him what is most fresh and see what he suggests. If you want beef, give him in idea of preparation and see if he can do it. Remember, Genaro is the captain of the ship and will steer it in the direction that he wants.
LONGER VERSION:
We were so pumped to see this guy in action (#3 attraction in all the Amalfi Coast according to TA) that we walked the entire 8 KM on a very windy, narrow road from our hotel in Amalfi all the way to Praiano (didn't realize the distance until it was too late). 2 hours later we arrived (16:00) only to find out it doesn't open until 18:00, so we caught the bus to Positano and came back later.
ONce we arrived back at Vavaro (around 20:15), we were lucky to get a table, the place was hoppin for a Sunday night)!
We asked for menus and a wine list and we were told he didn't have either. Genaro looked extremely busy (yes he is the ONLY one that works there) so we just asked for a house red and a house white. Both were very good and all of his wines seemed to be local.
We noticed he kept bringing out amazing looking dishes to all the various tables, so midway through our second glass of wine we got up the courage to ask what was available for dinner.
Though we told him we wanted to start with a salad, 15 minutes later he returned with two 1/2 portions of spaghetti with clams. This was was outstanding, but we were still starving! 30 minutes later he came back with a very delicious salad with arugula, tomatoes, mixed greens and other vegetables. Awesome.
About another hour later, we asked for pasta and fish and he said "have the fish and then we'll talk about the pasta." He then brought out a sizzling platter of FOUR full fish (3 different types) with vegetables and proceeded to filet them table side. Turns out, he was right. No pasta needed.
When we ordered more wine, he just popped a new bottle and left it at our table. Excellent choice, since we quickly polished it off. Best "house wine" I've ever had!
This dude is amazing and worth the price of admission! Awesome chef, somalier, waiter, busser, dishwasher, one-man show!
Around midnight everyone from the tables migrated up to the bar and Genaro started giving us complimentary brandy and limoncello and hanging out and having some wine himself. We met lots of other travelers (this was the third and fourth return visit to Vavaro for most people) and recognized a lot of the other local hotel and restaurant who were also there to eat and drink. Very fun, celabratory atmosphere with lots of laughs.
When it came time to pay the bill, we were very pleasantly surprised to see the final tab as only 76 Euro! What a great value!
We were having so much fun we missed the last SITA bus back to Amalfi and didn't even care! When we asked Genaro to call us an overpriced Amalfi Coast Taxi Cab, he said, "no, I'll find you a ride." Sure enough, one of his friends (another hotel owner) was heading our direction and we were given a lift back to our hotel. Does it get any better than that?
If you are in the Amalfi Coast, go to Praiano and see this guy in action and eat some of his amazing food. Have you're whole night free, because you will end up staying 3-4 hours. It truly was the highlight of our stay in Amalfi...
Written 21 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel F
Oceanside, CA16 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
Gennaro is BACK!!! After 7 years and Vivaro Wine Bar closing, we found him at Holiday Hotel restaurant in Praiano.
As anticipated, we had a world class meal, served with the love and attention that makes Gennaro Criscuolo the humble legend he is.
Can't wait to go back for another meal before we leave the Amalfi Coast!
As anticipated, we had a world class meal, served with the love and attention that makes Gennaro Criscuolo the humble legend he is.
Can't wait to go back for another meal before we leave the Amalfi Coast!
Written 7 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura
New Zealand73 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
We walked right through the township of Praino before doubling back and noticing a little sign saying 'wine bar' and this was indeed Vivaro. We sat in the sunshine at about 6pm and waited..and then Gennaro appears to ask what you feel like drinking, white we say and then he returns with a cold bottle of lovely white wine, he encourages us to taste it and see what we think. Unfortunately we had only planned to stop for one drink as we had the car but we sat and enjoyed olives, chatter and this lovely wine. He told us to drink as much or as little as we liked. The bill was only €10. It was only early evening so there were about 5 other people there and they all seemed like travellers. So many people struggle with the no menu concept but they eventually settle in and then he works his magic with the wine selection! This is a lovely little wine bar and I will return for more drinks next time!
Written 31 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blackcreekers
black creek47 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This place is a one of a kind dining experience! I see several bad reviews but . Vivaro is not a Wine Bar - it is not a place to pop in & have a drink. It is a restaurant open only for dinner & you must have a reservation although I did hear he takes a few walk in's if he has room. Gennaro is the owner & chef & is a completely one man show. He seats you at your table, serves the tables, cooks all the food himself, serves the wine & even does all the dishes. I don't believe there is a wine list, part of the experience is to trust Gennaro to chose for you what would go with what he is cooking for you & It was such a treat to watch him work. & the food is absolutely fantastic! He asks meat or fish & if there are any allergies & then he cooks for your table, several courses & dessert, no menu.. It is 30 euros pp & all bottles of wine are 20 euros. He also chose our wine for us & then explained the background of the bottle he chose. My husband is a chef & we are quite fussy diners & the food & experience during our 3 weeks in Italy was a highlight of our trip. It is not a dash & dine sort of place. Make a reservation & spend the evening enjoying Gennaro & his unique style of hospitality & delicious food & wine.
Written 7 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle_LON
London, UK50 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
We managed to get a table here on our last evening and loved it.
What a special place with great wine, the manager provides great recommendations, a wonderful atmosphere and experience.
What a special place with great wine, the manager provides great recommendations, a wonderful atmosphere and experience.
Written 14 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara H
Perth, Australia3 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
My husband and I went here for dinner whilst we were staying in Praiano. Quite a small restaurant, so would suggest making a reservation prior. We were a little surprised for there not to be a menu, but we just asked by the owner whether we felt like 'seafood' or 'meat' for dinner, which after over a week of Italian pizza and pasta, we welcomed the 'meat'. We each had a 3 course meal, starting with a steak, then pasta bolognaise, then a perfectly cook veal. The size of each dish was perfect, would recommend not have a big lunch if you were coming here for dinner. Then a simple but oh so tasty dessert, and to finish off a shot of lemoncello and grappa. Along with a bottle of wine each, the meal come in at just shy of 100€.
Such amazing value for all that food.
Such amazing value for all that food.
Written 17 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick P
Anaheim Hills, California, United States5 contributions
Sept 2013
We read about Vivaro on Trip Advisor and wanted to try it. Turns out it is almost right across the street from the Tramonto d'Oro hotel (another exceptional value - great rooms,prices, stunning views).
We walked in the first night there, made a reservation for our second night and ate there the third night also. The first night was 70 euro for two with bottle of wine and the second night was 74 euros. Ridiculously cheap for the experience.
No menu but you do have input. Gennaro (engaging, modest, delightful - a one man virtuoso who does it all) asks you if you would like fish or meat, perhaps this or that for a starter, maybe a little pasta with some mussels and clams or perhaps some fresh vegetables (you get the idea). Everything is excellent and prepared to order.
You start talking to people at he tables around you and find out that several are eating at Vivaro for the second or third night. You soon find out why. You almost certainly have never had an experience like this and I highly recommend it. Eating with Gennaro was certainly one of the highlights of our trip to the Amalfi Coast.
We walked in the first night there, made a reservation for our second night and ate there the third night also. The first night was 70 euro for two with bottle of wine and the second night was 74 euros. Ridiculously cheap for the experience.
No menu but you do have input. Gennaro (engaging, modest, delightful - a one man virtuoso who does it all) asks you if you would like fish or meat, perhaps this or that for a starter, maybe a little pasta with some mussels and clams or perhaps some fresh vegetables (you get the idea). Everything is excellent and prepared to order.
You start talking to people at he tables around you and find out that several are eating at Vivaro for the second or third night. You soon find out why. You almost certainly have never had an experience like this and I highly recommend it. Eating with Gennaro was certainly one of the highlights of our trip to the Amalfi Coast.
Written 6 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel L
Singapore, Singapore16 contributions
May 2013
Vivaro is a class act. Chef Gennaro has attitude - he does not have a menu. What he serves is 'negotiated' - he strives for, and achieves win-win. Also, how he cooks is transparent - he can show how he does it. The vibes at this restaurant are tremendous.
Written 22 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fiona m
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
May 2018 • Couples
Let me say I have never been to such a wonderful restaurant where the food and service are great and all performed by one person! Gennaro took the order - " meat or fish" - easy! then cooked up a storm for us. Served a wine he chose to go with the food, topped up our water glasses regularly with iced water. Our meal was sea bass with green beans and tomatoes, then bream with ( - I cant remember!), then spaghetti alla scoglio then a dessert plate with 3 options all yummy! This place serves wine but is not a wine bar in the usual sense. It does have great wines. Best dessert we have had in 2 months in italy!
We knew before we went that it was "fish or meat" and that we needed to book. There are plenty of signs to say wine is only wiht dinner and it is a fixed price.
We didn't care. We were happy to go along. The price is a bargain :)
Gennaro is eccentric but wonderful. No one else could do this - it takes a certain laid-back approach. :))
We knew before we went that it was "fish or meat" and that we needed to book. There are plenty of signs to say wine is only wiht dinner and it is a fixed price.
We didn't care. We were happy to go along. The price is a bargain :)
Gennaro is eccentric but wonderful. No one else could do this - it takes a certain laid-back approach. :))
Written 23 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pinklady56
Leeds55 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This little place is a restaurant and not a bar, so don't come along expecting just drinks. The owner of this one man show can come across a little terse but we totally warmed to him over the evening and the man can definitely cook!!
The food was outstanding, wine delicious and it was one of the best value meals we had on our two week trip along the Amalfi coast. Would highly recommend and would love to go back.
The food was outstanding, wine delicious and it was one of the best value meals we had on our two week trip along the Amalfi coast. Would highly recommend and would love to go back.
Written 5 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gennaro is BACK!!! After 7 years and Vivaro Wine Bar closing, we found him at Holiday Hotel restaurant in Praiano.
As anticipated, we had a world class meal, served with the love and attention that makes Gennaro Criscuolo the humble legend he is.
Can't wait to go back for another meal before we leave the Amalfi Coast!
Written 7 August 2019
Hi there, does anyone know if Vivaro Wine Bar is still open? Google says its permanently closed. Thanks
Written 9 August 2018
Gennaro is BACK!!! After 7 years and Vivaro Wine Bar closing, we found him at Holiday Hotel restaurant in Praiano.
As anticipated, we had a world class meal, served with the love and attention that makes Gennaro Criscuolo the humble legend he is.
Can't wait to go back for another meal before we leave the Amalfi Coast!
Written 7 August 2019
Hello, may I ask how you booked your reservation? Email or call?
Thank you,
Bryant
Written 15 July 2018
Do they do vegetarian options? thanks!
Written 28 June 2017
Possibly - it is a special type of restaurant with no menu at all - the owner does ask about allergies but after that the food just arrives - and it is great
I am certain he can produce a vegetarian meal but the value will primarily be up to the diner
Written 28 June 2017
austinwalsh1989
Hamilton, Canada
How do I make a reservation? is there a website/email or do i have to call?
Thanks!
Written 11 April 2017
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing