Viva

Viva South Padre Island is a must-visit dining destination, offering not just breathtaking views but also an exceptional culinary experience. The menu boasts a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and innovative flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

We started our culinary journey with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, a delightful appetizer that offered a perfect balance of crispiness and sweetness, paired beautifully with the refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad. The combination of juicy watermelon, salty feta, and crisp sprouts was an explosion of flavors and textures.

For the main course, we opted for a variety of dishes, each more delectable than the last. The Ribeye Tacos were a standout, with tender, juicy meat packed into soft tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro and onion. The Texas Redfish, a local specialty, was cooked to perfection, with a delicate flavor and flaky texture that melted in the mouth. The Cauliflower Steak, a vegetarian option, was surprisingly satisfying, with a rich, meaty flavor and a beautiful charred exterior. The Cilantro Rice and Chiles Torreados added a nice kick of spice to the meal, while the Teriyaki Ribeye and Shrimp Skewers offered a sweet and savory combination that was simply irresistible.

The real star of the show, however, was the view. As we dined, we were treated to a breathtaking sunset over the ocean, with vibrant hues of orange and pink painting the sky. The ambiance was relaxed and elegant, with gentle sea breezes and the sound of waves crashing against the shore providing the perfect backdrop to our meal.

The service at Viva South Padre Island was impeccable, with attentive waitstaff who were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to accommodate special requests. The portions were generous, and the presentation of each dish was carefully considered, making the entire dining experience feel truly special.

In conclusion, Viva South Padre Island offers an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of fresh, locally-inspired dishes, an incredible view, and exceptional service makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers. Whether you're a local looking for a special night out or a visitor exploring the island, you're sure to leave Viva South Padre Island with a full stomach and a heart full of wonderful memories.

Update: try to get waterside seats by calling ahead. The inside seating area is open air and very loud with music— so much so that it was difficult to hear each other or our server.

Original review: One of the best places we’ve found on the island for quality food in a pleasant environment with a gorgeous sunset view. Excellent choice for date night! We enjoyed the burger, mahi mahi ceviche, cauliflower steak, and mojitos. Service was pleasant and attentive, without being pesky. We’ll be back. One thing to note: the birds that settle into the nearby trees at sundown can be outright noisy for about a half hour. Best to leave right at dusk or come once it’s completely dark, the birds have quieted for the night, and the sunset eaters have left.

We ate here on a Friday afternoon as a group of 6. We are “mild” foodies, who enjoy food and drinks that are a step up from the usual bar scene in SPI. Viva did not disappoint.

Service was prompt, and all of the specialty cocktails we tried were delicious. The atmosphere is upscale casual, and the tables and seating are very comfortable. The large fans on the covered patio were much appreciated in the high humidity. The guacamole was fresh, and the chips arrived warm. The tacos all had fresh ingredients and lots of flavor.

5 stars, we will definitely be back on our next SPI trip.

Looking for a waterfront restaurant in the South Padre Island area we were fortunate to find Viva!
With a view of the bay on a warm March day and a cold cocktail in hand we settled in to a bar like table in the shade of an umbrella.
Our server Manny was awesome helping us to decide our drinks, appetizers and main course.
The nacho combo (steak and shrimp) along with the shrimp tacos were excellent - fantastic flavor and the service was quick, friendly and efficient.
We would definitely return and highly recommend Viva!