Vivilore - Independence

When it was time to order, I found it difficult to choose from the menu, where most items ranged from $16 to $30. This was a bit more than I had expected, but s... read more When it was time to order, I found it difficult to choose from the menu, where most items ranged from $16 to $30. This was a bit more than I had expected, but still reasonable. Wanting something light, I opted for the salmon and herbed cream cheese bruschetta, minus the bread due to my gluten intolerance. My companion ordered a house-made chicken salad sandwich with a side of potato salad. The portion sizes justified the prices completely. My dish featured four thinly rolled slices of salmon with cream cheese, served over shredded romaine, topped with house-made pickles, pickled red onion, sliced hard-boiled egg, crumbled goat cheese, and capers. It was accompanied by a slice of orange and watermelon. The chicken salad came on thick, toasted bread, also served with fruit and pickles. We both enjoyed the pickles, though we agreed they were a bit too spicy. We considered dessert, but since we were already taking half our meals home, we decided to pass. Dessert options included lemon cake with mascarpone filling, flourless chocolate torte, or crème brûlée.

The service was fantastic, and our waitress was outstanding! The food options were excellent, and we had a wonderful time. We dressed up and enjoyed a tea party... read more The service was fantastic, and our waitress was outstanding! The food options were excellent, and we had a wonderful time. We dressed up and enjoyed a tea party in the garden, which is stunningly beautiful! There was even a lady there to take pictures for us. It’s a perfect spot for lunch, and I hear that reservations are required, adding to the elegant atmosphere. Inside, there's a shop with a variety of eclectic items.

The service and food at Vivilore were excellent! The menu is a bit on the pricey side, but every now and then, it's worth treating yourself. Plus, their gift sh... read more The service and food at Vivilore were excellent! The menu is a bit on the pricey side, but every now and then, it's worth treating yourself. Plus, their gift shop is packed with a variety of unique antiques.

I ordered the seafood special, and it was fantastic—probably the best scallops I've ever tasted. My daughter opted for a huge salad that was really impressive,... read more I ordered the seafood special, and it was fantastic—probably the best scallops I've ever tasted. My daughter opted for a huge salad that was really impressive, and the crab cakes were tasty as well. A delightful surprise was the Old Fashioned my mother-in-law ordered; it was easily twice the size of those we've had at other similarly priced restaurants lately. Others at our table enjoyed chicken and various other dishes, but what really stood out to me was the personal touch the restaurant offers. Our server—who I’m pretty sure served us years ago—genuinely cared about the place, bringing a warmth and intimacy that’s often missing in casual upscale dining. Many restaurants feel sterile and insincere, don’t they? As a sweet gesture, they placed a candle in a crème brûlée to celebrate my daughter’s birthday, which I found very thoughtful. The quality of the food was a wonderful surprise for a spot in Independence, and we truly appreciated it. We’ll definitely be back!

This place is a hidden treasure! If you haven't visited yet, you're really missing out. The seating both indoors and outdoors is fantastic. Be sure to try their... read more This place is a hidden treasure! If you haven't visited yet, you're really missing out. The seating both indoors and outdoors is fantastic. Be sure to try their mushroom cheesecake—it's absolutely amazing. I've loved everything I've tried here. After your meal, make sure to visit the shop above the restaurant; it has a variety of fun and unique items.