Viva in Leeds

We have passed this restaurant many times on the Stourton park and ride and always thought it looked a traditional Italian restuarant which I favour . We were recently in Leeds for the night and took the plunge. We were not disappointed . The staff were very welcoming and the atmosphere was warm and inviting . The food was authentic Italian cuisine cooked beautifully and the service was excellent . We will definitely be visiting again .

This restaurant is a well-established real, proper Italian restaurant and Pizzeria. We have visited here many times, and the quality is consistently high, the service is friendly and the food is great. We had a pizza each, and they were excellent. The atmosphere is great and if you didn't see the Leeds traffic outside, you could very easily be in Italy. We will be back again soon.

I found Viva restaurant during a visit to the UK and needing something walking distance from my hotel. Had a lovely meal of spaghetti carbonara, a small salad and the garlic bread. The atmosphere felt very traditional Italian, the dining room was cozy yet lively, and the service was very attentive and friendly. Felt very "homey" and not stuffy. Very nice meal and dining experience.

Visited with family and everyone had an amazing time. The Viva has a lovely authentic atmosphere and the staff are so welcoming and friendly. The food was outstanding, we can’t compliment them enough. Will definitely be back and would highly recommend.

Great food and very friendly, polite and quick service. Would recommend for a lunch visit or evening mean. Far better that overall experience than the vast majority of restaurants in the middle of Leeds.

We had an early evening meal before the theatre. Four of us ordered different pasta dishes and one pizza. I was blown away by the quality of the food and the service was warm and attentive. Best Italian food I've had in a long time.

Wow. Several years since last visit and it's only improved. Lovely family run restaurant.

Absolute gem of a restaurant. Staff are wonderful, funny and attentive, and the food is authentic and delicious. Such a great atmosphere, will definitely be returning. Very reasonably priced too. Highly recommend!

Such a lovely find . Got a table for 5 last minute, server was so great with the kids, the pasta and pizza was high quality Italian as we're the deserts and wine, very reasonable price too, highly recommend if in leeds

Beautiful restaurant and the most loveliest and attentive staff. Service was impeccable and the food was delicious, can highly recommend the king prawn risotto. Amazing little gem in Leeds!

Excellent restaurant. The steaks were cooked beautifully.

The pizza was the freshest I've ever had, and the tiramisu was delightfully creamy and delicious. The staff were exceptional, providing attentive service that enhanced the overall experience. The restaurant itself was charming and cozy, creating an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere that made for a perfect meal.

Such a hidden gem of the city centre. Visited here to have a meal as a couple to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary Greeted as soon as we walked through the door Food was delicious. Restaurant quietened not long after we arrived but waiter was attentive and food was prompt. Would definitely come here again

Excellent food and service. Having lived in Italy its hard to the authentic trattoria outside of Italy but Viva is the real deal. Give it a go.

Absolutely mint. The delivery was good and I loved every bite. Get the focaccia and pasta it was perfect. Got mozzarella and tomato as a starter, pure freshness. This is my takeaway now.

Thank you so much to everyone at Viva you made our wedding reception meal a day to remember. The fact that you pushed back your family holiday by a week to let us bring our wedding guest to celebrate our big day was far and above what we expected and we are so pleased we could bring our family and friends to our favourite restaurant in the city. The food quality, the service and the atmosphere really made our wedding day a day to remember. Thank you again. John and I will see you all again very soon. Enjoy you well earned holiday

Thank you so much to everyone at Viva you made our wedding reception meal a day to remember. The fact that you pushed back your family holiday by a week to let us bring our wedding guest to celebrate our big day was far and above what we expected and we are so pleased we could bring our family and friends to our favourite restaurant in the city. The food quality, the service and the atmosphere really made our wedding day a day to remember. Thank you again. John and I will see you all again very soon. Enjoy you well earned holiday

Excellent restaurant! Don't miss this garlic mushroom soup! (Delicious! No need to step on any blind spots!

I ate here on a recent visit to Leeds. I have to say the food was absolutely fantastic! One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, if ever! I had the Bruschetta Alla Napoletana to start and the Pen All Arrabiata for my main and both were delicious.

Very quiet as it was an early bird menu. Pizza tasted like it was from farmfoods but my wife's set menu was delicious. Prices have increased since our last visit.

Fabulous food, one of the best Italian restaurants I've been to. Service fast, perhaps a wee bit too fast but buzzy atmosphere and wonderful flavours.

Recommended to us by several friends who live in Leeds, and we were not disappointed. Fast friendly service, and our menu options were absolutely delicious. They were freshly cooked and full of flavour. We will be returning in the future.

Lovely friendly place. Excellent service and great food at a reasonable price

Classic Italian food served to a gorgeous standard complimented with fantastic service. Really Well priced for the quality and location, the simple setting with traditional music is great.

Cute little family Italian restaurant. All the classics on the menu and you're treated exactly how you would expect to be in a place like this. The atmosphere is warm and all the staff are very cheery and happy to serve you. Star of the show for me was the home made tiramisu! Food is great for the price point and worth a visit if you're in the mood for something classic.

Can't give this zero but when you book online and get confirmation then get told by barman that they reallocated table as you changed the booking-no I didn't- despise evidence to contrary. No surprise calling potential customers a liar doesn't go down well. Avoid if alternative is available. Staff very patronising, rude and arrogant.

The food and staff are amazing at this restaurant. Prawn Cocktail and the Tomato soup were lovely also the Salmon and Spaghetti Bolognese, we had the early Bird menu, very good value. The staff make you feel at home and the restaurant has a lovely laid back feel so you chill out straight away. We have eaten here lots of times and never been disappointed, cant wait to go back.

6 work colleagues walked in to Viva last night, no booking, got a table straight away. Even though we were 45 mins late for the early special, the owner was happy to serve us from the specials menu. 3 Courses of really great food for under £24 you just cant beat it. Fantastic service, great feed, clean plates all round = happy team

Friendly staff, quick service and superb food. Second visit and will definitely come here again.

Amazing food. Amazing experience. That tiramisu is gorgeous. Will definitely come again.

We called in here out of the blue on Saturday. We were looking for a new place as we had a bad experience the night before at another restaurant. Really friendly place,we were greeted by the staff and shown to our table. We ordered garlic and cheese pizza for started with a bottle of wine. For mains we had lasagna and ravioli with mushrooms both really tasty and very fresh. We had homemade tiramisu and warm chocolate cake. Best tiramisu I have tasted my husband doesn't usually like tiramisu but he even said when we call again he would definitely try this. (Chocolate cake was really yummy as well). We had coffee to follow and finished off meal with a lemon shot. When one of the chefs was having a break he came around the tables asking customer if the food was alright and wishing customers a good day, such a nice touch. We will definitely be back again. Really good value.

Update: After not coming for a couple of years due to moving away, I can't express how glad we were that they remembered us. I wasn't sure if it's how they greeted everyone but they noticed my Fiancés ring, and even our names and family. Stepping inside feels like you've just walked inside your friends house and Nona is going to make you all a feast! Leeds is growing rapidly, which is great to see, but it's losing its unique homely vibe. Viva is a breath of fresh air from the busy city, and for a very reasonable price! Get yourself down and support local! Original review: By far our favourite restraunt in Leeds. Decent food and drinks at reasonable prices in a family run Italian. Nothing corporate about this place. If you are looking for a break from all the typical city chain foods, this is the one!

Popped in for a late lunch/early dinner Lovely food and friendly service. Comfortable surroundings and lovely art work displayed. Left very happy having had a great experience

Why tf are you lot calling me I ain't ever been to ya place you idiots

Had an amazing meal once again, the food and service were fantastic. We were a group of 10 people visiting after a theatre show and they made us so welcome. This restaurant was recommended to us last year and this was our second visit never disappoints. Family restaurant serving the best Italian food you could ever imagine .Would make this a regular if lived in Leeds. Thank you Viva we will be back.

Nice all rounder Italian restaurant. Not overpriced and nice staff.

Beautiful authentic vibes, food was honestly delicious! The staff were friendly and the restaurant gave a romantic / chilled feel. I would highly recommend!!!❤️

Nice little restaurant. Great service from the manager. Plenty of specials on the menu and every person at our table really enjoyed the food. My steak was cooked to perfection. The Barbera wine was delightful. Great little restaurant

Lovely atmosphere, amazing food and just an outstanding vibe, really well priced for a city centre place. I always judge an Italian on Thier tiramisu and it was "Bella" Asked for a brandy with hot water and they just knew, if you know you know. Many thanks and we will return and recommend Xxx

My husband and I travel on the train from Harrogate to Leeds JUST to go here. The food is excellent and well priced. The staff are very friendly and the place has a great atmosphere. We have never had a bad meal or experience. A small rustic place with authentic Italian food..but be aware, if you don't book you probably won't get in it's that good.

Excellent meal, thank you. The fillet steak Rossini was perfect.😊

Great food and lovely service. The best tiramisu in Yorkshire. Staff were very attentive and went the extra mile for us. It’s a repeat visit for us and we’ll definitely be back again.

Best Italian I’ve been to in a while. The food was incredible and the service was great too. We had a bruschetta and duck pate for starters and a lasagna and pasta with a crab sauce for the main dishes. They were all delicious, the tomato sauce was particularly incredible, I’m still thinking about it.

A Little gem great food great service what more could you ask for.

I thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience at Viva in Leeds. Among various Italian restaurants I've visited, this one stands out as the best, particularly in terms of the food quality. For starters, I had the delicious fresh homemade soup, followed by the exquisite Lasagna Pasticciata al Forno as my main course, and concluded with a heavenly homemade tiramisu for dessert. I highly recommend giving Viva a try anytime you're in Leeds. I'm already looking forward to my next visit! I’m hoping you meet Gani anytime you visit. He’s such a lovely person.

Lacked atmosphere time we went ,but excellent meal , though medium high prices

Wow, of this place was in the US, the wait to get in would be hours! We have NEVER experienced Italian this AWESOME!

We’d been wanting to try Viva for a while and their early bird 3 course deal looked really good. It is stated that this is available Monday-Friday until 7pm except in December. So we booked for a Wednesday in February at half 6 and when we arrived the early bird board was still out on the street. We were seated immediately and given menus. We were checking out the set menu on the back when a member of staff walked by and said it’s not available. We felt a bit cheated by this so opted for just a main, a dessert and one drink each. We spent less than what we would have if we’d had the early bird set menu. It’s likely we’d have had a couple of drinks each but we decided to go elsewhere for drinks afterwards. The food (2x pasta dishes) was exceptional and just as good as food we’d had in various parts of Italy, however the portions are quite small. It’s also a very small restaurant which, when full, provides little privacy or personal space and if you’re sat in the middle you kind of feel in the way, so if that’s not your thing I’d go earlier in the day and avoid busy evenings. I’d go again but definitely for lunch to get the early bird deal and as the portions are small it’s more fitting for a lunch date.

Had the most amazing meal last night to celebrate an aunts birthday, the food was spectacular, the atmosphere nice and quiet and the staff brilliant. We all had the 3 course meal, I had the garlic mushrooms (god do I stink this morning) they were the nicest garlic mushrooms I’ve ever had, then the pollo Milanese which was equally as good (can’t compare it as I’ve never had it before) then for dessert the crepe brûlée, whoever made that needs a trophy because that was perfection in a ramekin! We also had a bottle of wine to share between three. The host/waiter was very professional, friendly and talkative and after we’d finished also got us a shot of limoncello on the house - very kind! Definetly be back again.

Highly recommend Viva Italian Restaurant in Leeds - it has such a lovely ambiance, friendly waiters and delicious menu!!

Wow. Simply wow. I found this place close to the hotel on a business trip after spending the evening with colleagues eating at the hotel, followed by the local Sainsbury’s for snacks because the food was inedible. all the others, early night. Me… I’m hungry. I go for a walk and I find this place a half hour before closing, but what a find, food is exceptional. Little restaurant, which looks from the outside to seat 10 people actually larger than expected and seats 30 confutably which is deceiving. The food was amazing. I will be bragging to my colleagues that they should listen to me in future, like I know what I am talking about. Great service happy to have a customer on his own for one table. I had a garlic bread with cheese and tomato, which was great, this was a full pizza size cut into 8 pieces. Followed by fillet steak, which comes with mixed veg, but I wanted a rocket and Parmesan side salad. All 5 star. I will definitely be back. Pair it with a pint of birra moretti ( I couldn’t finish because I was too full) and you won’t go wrong. Ok I can see they want to close up now so I am gong to head of off…..perhaps after another bit of this garlic bread……side note upon leaving they offered me a free lemon chello shot for the road. What a nice bunch. Totally made my evening…. Thank you so much

I took my girlfriend here for dinner and it was a great experience all round! We both had a three course meal and shared a bottle of wine. The total cost came to about £85 which I think is really good value for the amount we got, considering the quality of the food and the generous portion sizes. We had tiramisu for dessert which is the best I've had! The waiters were extremely friendly and their service was excellent. We did not have to wait long for our food despite the restaurant being busy and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere. If you want good Italian food, avoid the soulless high street chains and come here!

Friendly greeting. Food delicious and service excellent. Chef came to ask if we were happy with our food. Great for a meet up as just off the main shopping area.

The place and food was so amazing and the people there were also very nice. One of the best restaurants for Italian cuisine.

Amazing food and service! I normally want to try something different on the menu, if I go to an Italian restaurant, but everyone in our party ordered pasta and it was absolutely phenomenal. We will definitely be returning!

Popped in last night, best lasagne we have ever had, definitely be back next time I'm in leeds 😋 lovely spot!!!!!

First time visit on a work night out. Could not have been more welcoming and the food was excellent, the terrimisso was one of the best.

Every time I come here, I feel that the service, atmosphere and quality food are consistently good. It's an old-school Italian restaurant at its finest.

We visited Leeds just for a day with my girlfriend. After a long walk we decided to have a pizza for lunch, this is how we found the restaurant. Pizza was delicious, a real treat, same dessert and wine. But what made us feel really good there was an excellent customer service, especially from restaurant’s manager Gani - you are a gentleman sir!

Fantastic food, very efficient service, spotlessly clean restaurant and good atmosphere. Well worth our visit.

Excellent, non-pretentious restaurant in the centre of Leeds. Very friendly and recognise returning customers. Food excellent and good value.

Comida italiana para británicos que no saben lo que es la comida italiana. Una vergüenza.

We'd heard good things about Viva - family owned, long-established, great food and ambience. And so we went, and what we found was: family owned, long-established, great food and ambience. We were warmly welcomed, had great chat with the serving staff, and loved the authentic tastes of Italy. We were even treated to a celebratory glass of limoncello at the end of the meal. For those who want pizza, there's great pizza. There are classic pasta dishes. But there's also an ever-changing menu of specials. In other words, there's something for everyone, whatever their tastes, whatever their age. I was there with a group of friends and work colleagues, and - even on a damp November Monday night - we had a brilliant evening.

Amazing food, great service and friendly staff

This was my first time visiting viva, the food was stunning and the service was amazing too, such a friendly and lovely restaurant

Had a 3 course meal here The duck pate was very nicely presented garnished with salad apple and pomegranate which worked incredibly well, rolls were provided for the starter. Generous porting of chicken fir the main and was very tasty The tiramisu was light and perfect for finishing the meal with The place was cozy but was a little noisy at times but that obviously depends on others who are dining there.. the food more than makes up for this

Me and my wife both agreed this was the best Italian food we have ever tasted! We were in Leeds for one night and decided to go in here from walking past and it looked busy and friendly. Nice and clean and a great atmosphere, the food really was outstanding and just tasted so fresh and made with a passion. The service was excellent and the chef was present in the restaurant to ensure everybody was happy. Thankyou for a superb dining experience and we will be back if visiting Leeds again,excellent restaurant!!

Fantastic meal, will definitely be back!

So sorry to leave a bad review as we didn’t even eat here. Arrived at 6 for our booking on a Saturday, waited at the bar for at least 15 mins. The couple who came in behind us were seated, we were not. Not really much good in my opinion, what’s the point in booking a table if we can’t be seated at that time. We went elsewhere. Sorry but maybe don’t bother if you’re in a hurry x

Nice place. Took the kids on a Saturday afternoon. Very accommodating pizzas were yummy.

Good meal in this authentic Italian restraunt. Had salmon pasta. Lovely, just wish i had a slightly bigger portion ! Pudding was tirimissu but couldnt really taste any alchohol in it lol, but still it was nice. 4 stars. Good service. Price was fair.

What a fabulous find. Real Italian food, Reminds me of lovely times (and meals) in Italy. A gem in the heart of Leeds.

This is a real gem in Leeds city centre - a genuine independent Italian restaurant. We had a warm welcome , attentive service from the Italian owners and their staff and really really good food. It was also lovely to be able to take my 10 year old daughter out with us who they really spoiled !

My favourite Italian place in Leeds!! Their lasagne is delicious and the crab pasta is spectacular! Their cocktails are so well made and delicious! Our go-to spot for authentic Italian food!

Grumpy staff Food barely edible Wine overpriced We will defnitely not return. Save your money and go elsewhere

Four of us visited this restaurant for lunch a couple of Saturdays ago. The service was excellent, food beautiful. We would definitely recommend and we'll return the next time we are in Leeds.

I've been eating here for the best part of 20 years and it feels like home. There's always a warm welcome. It's just honest, genuine home cooked fresh food. The food itself is great, the owners are lovely and the price is right. What's not...

Had a lovely lunch here yesterday, sat outside and people watched, we had garlic bread with tomato and cheese, pasta with crab and lasagne which my friend said was the best she'd ever tasted. Would definitely visit again

I booked a table but when I arrive that was a sign on the door saying it was closed for holidays. Re open august 28th 😩

The taste is very good, every dish is also delicious, it is worth a try☺️

Had a lovely meal here love this restaurant when we stay in Leeds staff are always welcoming highly recommend will be back again when we visit Leeds again

Lovely little Italian bistro with delicious food, tasty desserts and good prices

Best Italian restaurant in Leeds!! 😍😍 everything is fresh

Outstanding food and service. An authentic feel to this place. Special thank to our waiter Gani for looking after us! Really reasonably price for the quality of food.

Lovely restaurant. Peaceful, relaxed, view of the river. Friendly, charming staff who greet their regulars warmly. Lovely food. All three courses were delisxious.

Came out on a Friday night with a bunch of friends, we were warmly greeted and service was efficient all evening. The food was really very good. I had veal which was cooked perfectly. A proper little Italian restaurant I would highly recommend.

Stopped in for an early dinner and enjoyed the atmosphere, food and service. Thanks!

Yet another great visit. The staff are all lovely and nothing is too much trouble. They make you feel very special and make your night out lots of fun. We have always enjoyed our choice of the main/ early bird menu. Cant wait to go...

Went for tea here with family and was not disappointed. We had the early bird deal three courses and all the food was absolutely amazing. Friendly attentive staff would highly recommend.

I've visited this lovely little Italian restaurant a number of times now and have had different meals on every occasion. I have not been disappointed yet, service is very good and friendly too. If you're looking for a place to eat, do your taste buds...

Viva Restaurant was recommended to us by the couple we went with as they have been a number of times before. We had an enjoyable evening. The staff were cheerful and the service was great. Would recommend this to anyone and we will come back...

We went as a group of 3 friends from work and had garlic bread to share as a starter, we all had various pasta dishes for main and then creme brulee for pudding. We were not disappointed. Food was great service was great and price was reasonable. Loved it. Highly recommended

Not positively overwhelmed by this place. Food was average and not very warm so felt like it had been standing around a bit although it wasn’t overly busy. Taste was ok but can think of better places to be honest.

Friendly staff and nice decor. I had a pizza which was topped very sparsely. Pasta portions were small. A small side portion of fries is £5.95 which seems excessive.

A great little restaurant, great food, excellent staff and service

Amazing, lovely staff, very attentive and overall great vibe! The food was great, we had the fried brie which was really nice and had a pizza each which (in my opinion) was cooked perfectly.Would highly recommend eating here!

Excellent restaurant which was very accommodating when are party kept growing

Came here with a large group recently and the staff were really accommodating and friendly. Price was really good and the margarita pizza and garlic bread I had were pretty good. I’d come again!

Brilliant restaurant, have been coming here for decades and it's always incredible. Seafood is always impeccable and the service wonderful.

Great ambiance, excellent food and great service. Everything was served fast. I recommend the pizza.