We visited Vivienne's Bistro after reading a review claiming they had the “best General Tso’s chicken ever,” and my husband couldn’t resist checking it out. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed—the restaurant is spotless, the atmosphere inviting, and the staff incredibly attentive. Our server made sure our drinks never dropped below half and checked in often without ever being overbearing, which made our meal feel extra enjoyable. And the food? That review wasn’t exaggerating. The General Tso’s chicken was absolutely the best we’ve ever had—crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. We also enjoyed the Master Chef Noodles. Every part of our experience exceeded expectations, and it’s rare to find a place where we can’t come up with even one thing to critique. If you’re in Seattle and searching “restaurants near me,” do yourself a favor and stop at Vivienne's Bistro.
Overview
Located at 602 Union St, Seattle, WA 98101, Vivienne's Bistro stands out as one of those hidden gems in the heart of the city. A blend of comfort and sophistication, this charming bistro has captured the hearts of both locals and visitors alike, thanks to its delicious menu, inviting atmosphere, and exceptional service.
The first thing that strikes you when you walk into Vivienne's Bistro is the warm and cozy vibe. The restaurant's interior is thoughtfully designed, with soft lighting, rustic wooden accents, and a welcoming open kitchen. Whether you're looking for a casual meal with friends or a romantic dinner date, this bistro offers the perfect setting for both.
One of the standout features of Vivienne's Bistro is its diverse menu, which combines classic bistro favorites with creative modern twists. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty steak, a fresh seafood dish, or a comforting pasta, Vivienne's has something to satisfy every craving. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring that you're always getting the freshest ingredients. A personal favorite is the seared salmon, which is cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and served with roasted vegetables. It’s the ideal balance of flavor and texture, and a dish that’s consistently praised by regulars.
If you’re a fan of small bites, you won’t be disappointed by Vivienne's selection of appetizers. The truffle fries, served with a zesty aioli, are a crowd-pleaser, and the charcuterie board offers a delightful mix of cured meats, cheeses, and seasonal fruits. Each dish is carefully crafted, and you can tell that the chefs put a lot of thought into creating an experience rather than just a meal.
But it’s not just the food that makes Vivienne's Bistro a standout. The service is always top-notch. The waitstaff is friendly and knowledgeable, happy to offer recommendations or answer any questions about the menu. The atmosphere is casual enough to feel like home, but the attention to detail in both food and service elevates the experience, making it feel like a special occasion every time you visit.
For those with a sweet tooth, Vivienne's dessert menu is not to be overlooked. The chocolate lava cake, with its molten center and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is a decadent way to end any meal. It’s rich, indulgent, and a perfect pairing with a glass of dessert wine or an espresso.
As for drinks, the bistro’s wine list features a well-curated selection of both local and international wines. Whether you’re a red wine enthusiast or prefer something crisp and white, there’s something for every palate. The bartenders are skilled, and you can expect expertly crafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients. For something light, try the gin and tonic with a twist of cucumber-it’s refreshing and perfectly balanced.
The location of Vivienne's Bistro makes it an excellent choice for those exploring Seattle. Situated just a short walk from some of the city's major attractions, it’s the ideal spot to refuel after a visit to the Space Needle or Pike Place Market. The bistro’s proximity to these landmarks also makes it a popular choice for tourists looking for a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and accessible.
As for customer reviews, Vivienne's Bistro consistently receives high ratings from patrons. Many rave about the friendly atmosphere and the quality of the food, noting that each dish feels like it’s prepared with care. The bistro’s consistent ability to deliver a great dining experience, coupled with its warm ambiance, has made it a go-to destination for both regulars and newcomers.
In conclusion, Vivienne's Bistro is a place that manages to blend excellent food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or celebrating a special occasion, it promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. If you find yourself in Seattle, it’s definitely worth a visit to savor the flavors and enjoy the laid-back yet sophisticated vibe of this charming bistro.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast servicePopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ DessertAtmosphere
✓ CasualPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Paid multi-storey car park ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ Valet parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Tony was a great server and Irene a very friendly hostess even making small talk with us at the table. Came here after watching the Demon Slayer movie in 4DX at Regal (so good and so fun!!) This space used to be Loulays which was near and dear to my heart but happy to say Vivienne's Bistro (this is their second location, first being on Mercer Island back in 2022) can proudly occupy it as all the food we had was very good! We did 3 appetizers: Lobster Rangoons, Kolbi, and Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil. Had the General Tso's chicken with a side of white rice and finished with the Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam. Lobster Rangoons: I'll be honest, I am not crazy about rangoons crab or otherwise, but these were quite good. Perfectly fried with flavors that lasted and had a good amount of lobster meat. I recommend it. 7/10 Kolbi Steak: Very well seasoned and a good portion size. It was cooked at the right temperature too. Not much to add, just a quality product. 7/10. Wontons in Szechuan Chili Oil: Mixed with minced garlic and cilantro it had good flavor and the szechuan wasn't super spicy if that puts you off. Personally I hate cilantro so I'd ask for this without next time but the dish works well. 7/10. General Tso's Chicken: Ah, the classic made for Americans dish that isn't actually Chinese but kinda almost has become it from osmosis of the cultures now. Well this was good. Cooked the way you'd hope it would be if the idea for it actually originated from China. The glaze is sweet, the fry is to the amount it needs. No nasty aftertaste like cheap Chinese food joints. 7/10. Pumpkin Donuts with Blueberry Couli Jam: It's mochi based so if that is off putting for you -- not my favorite -- you might want to skip it. Even so I can respect it's integrity and rate accordingly as if it was a texture I like. They are piping hot so you might want to mix it with the jam and break it open. The pumpkin is there but not overpowering. Solid. 7/10 here too. The ambiance is great. Lively for downtown and Sunday and it wasn't a wait at all without a reservation to get in. The food came out exceedingly quick and you can hear the chef in the back working with a massive flame from the wok. By far though, Tony being open to great service made this very enjoyable. He recommended movies to us -- and we talked about Demon Slayer -- and overall just a good server to customer interactions. Would have already returned for the food but the service makes it that much better. For that reason I'm happy to rate it higher because this is the extra piece that's missing from most restaurants these days and what separates a good experience from a great one! And for all this food we got it was less than $100 for two people! Overall, 8/10⭐
Had an amazing dinner at this place. Not sure what I expected, but it wasn’t this. Best Chinese food I’ve ever had! Even the vegetables were next level. My table shared the forbidden duck and the braised ribs. The skin on the duck was so crispy! It did not disappoint. And the ribs were tender and flavorful. I also had the duck fat old fashioned. It was soooo good and savory. Ting was our server, and she was delightful. Can’t wait to go back.
Forbidden roast duck ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - like how crispy the skin is - I like the citrus included Xiu mai ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - juicy and delicious Honey walnut shrimp ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - not overly sweet - love how crispy it was - wish there was more melon Pot stickers ⭐⭐ - just ok Master chef noodles ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I really liked this
We too had Issaac as our waitstaff!!! Awesome guy! We've been to Vivienne's Mercer Island and the food was great. We've been looking forward to trying this new location and finally got to have the opportunity. We had Lobster Rangoon, BBQ pork buns, Honey Walnut Prawns, Orange Peel Beef, and Green Beans, with cocktails and desserts. The prawns are the largest and best preparation we've had anywhere. Everything was super fresh and well done. Atmosphere is fun, clean and upscale. No greasy spoon Chinese food here. Highly recommend.
The BEST roast duck! The lemon is a unique touch I don’t know how I lived without. Also had delicious Lobster Rangoon appetizer (we ate two before taking the photo, sorry ), honey walnut shrimp and garlic pea vine for our vegetable. Fun cocktails too! Our server Ting was so sweet and took great care of us. Really excited to have Vivienne’s Bistro open downtown after going a few times to the Mercer Island location.