Viva la Vida

I had lunch for a friend's birthday here for the first time last week. It was so good that I went back for dinner 2 days later and brought 5 friends. It was even better the 2nd time! The atmosphere is so bright and happy and beautiful with attention in every detail. Super comfy chairs and booths and a beautiful bar. Fun salsa music playing at an acceptable level! Now let's get to the food.....IT IS AMAZING!!! We ordered almost everything on the menu and legit everything was delicious. We had no complaints! My favorites are the empanadas (BEEF WAS SO JUICY AND TASTY!), ceviche, ropa vieja, and the steak palomilla. But it doesn't end there, we got one of each dessert and they were ridiculously good! Plus cuban coffee to top it all off. Viva la Vida will be my new GO-TO restaurant when

Viva La Vida in Sarasota is such a gem. The vibe and aesthetic are on point—bright, airy, coastal, and thoughtfully designed. It feels welcoming the moment you walk in, and the space alone makes you want to linger a little longer. The food was absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. I was especially impressed with how accommodating they were for gluten-free needs. I asked for my sandwich without bread, and instead of feeling like a compromise, they elevated it into a genuinely satisfying, flavorful meal that felt intentional and complete. That level of care really stood out. Between the atmosphere, attentive service, and excellent food, Viva La Vida nails the full experience. I’ll definitely be back—and highly recommend it whether you’re gluten-free or not

Viva La Vida: A Must-Visit Gem in Sarasota ​If you’re looking for bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, Viva La Vida in Sarasota is a total standout. We recently dined there, and it’s safe to say this spot has earned a permanent place in our local rotation. ​The Star of the Show: The Churrasco ​I ordered the Churrasco (Skirt Steak), and it was easily one of the best I’ve had in the area. The steak was grilled to perfection—tender, juicy, and packed with that smoky char you want in a great cut of meat. What really took it over the edge was the homemade chimichurri sauce. It was incredibly fresh and flavorful, providing the perfect zesty kick to the rich steak. ​I paired it with the traditional rice, black beans, and sweet plantains, and every side was seasoned beautifully. It’s rare to f

We are First time guests. The food exceeded all expectations. I think the Cuban sandwich was the best I’ve ever had. The staff is warm, friendly and attentive. Pricing is very reasonable and plenty of parking in the plaza lot. A definite good choice for a friends night out.

AUTENTICO! delicious Cuban food like Abuela used to make in Miami. From a REAL Cuban and his Americana Esposa. Alejandro REALLY cares about his clients and will visit with you if you ask. His servers are on top of every need before you ask. Open for lunch and dinners starting January 2026. I'll be back to enjoy Viva La Vida in Sarasota. At the corner of Clark and Beneva its worth a drive from anywhere.