“It is the Earth that chooses and decides. We follow her mood and her power with respect, joy and gratitude”

Overlooking the splendid Piazza 25 Aprile, Alice Ristorante, after 12 years, became VIVA, the name of the new restaurant that is an acronym of the name and surname of Chef Viviana Varese.

VIVA is living matter, colour, and life. Iridescent blue radiates as the common colour thread of the new concept, presenting the brand values in a finely designed environment. This Michelin starred Chef uses each and every colour to celebrate world diversity and all its nuances. The same goes for the seasons, the dishes, people and ideas. 

The new restaurant interior design has been entirely created and curated personally by Chef Viviana Varese right down to the tiniest detail, reinforcing the themes that have always been the essence of both her cooking and her life. Viviana shared her “creed” with her great friend and artist, Marco Nereo Rotelli, who created for her a series of art entitled the name VIVA. 

Viviana always believed in young people, seeking out new talent that will work alongside her on her journey of creative and business, evolution is of prime importance.

Her Sous Chef and Head Patisserie, Chef Ida Brenna and her Sous Chef Matteo Carnaghi have been at her side for some time, the Chef will be handing over the front of house duties to two new talents. The role of Restaurant Manager will be fulfilled by Luis Diaz, who won the title of best Italian Maitre in 2017 in the emerging Sala competition, and Gianluca De Marco will be his number 2.  Helping us explore the prestigious wine list, including 700 labels including over 50 different champagnes, will be young sommelier Federica Radice.

Great care has been taken in choosing many vintage French wines, choices enriched by the expertise of the great wine collectors Michele Marcucci and Andrea Farinetti. There will be an opportunity to taste many rare Marsala wines of different vintages from several famous producers including De Bartoli, who has created a personalised label dedicated to VIVA. 

Bartender Jessica Rocchi will be the new young talent running the Cocktail Bar. VIVA will be bringing us a new world in a glass, with the launch of cocktails where classic products – like the various “Amari” made using herbs, roots and plant extracts – will bring fresh life to botanical cocktails and newly created drinks.

VIVA is Viviana Varese. The space, dishes and atmosphere tell the story of her journey, made up of impulses and balancing acts, dedication and passion, movement and substance. Because Viviana Varese is audacious, real and enthusiastic. And, today, more than ever, she is VIVA, she is alive.