There is no excellent Italian in Omaha yet, although numerous red sauce places exist which are ok. Vivace is in the Old Market and so high end and ready for good business, meaning that they really should have a better kitchen. Good Northern Italian cooking is not that difficult for a restaurant but Vivace just does not have it together at most levels. The main plates are often contrived, pasta has been repeatedly poorly cooked (al dente does not mean 'hard to chew', oddly enough), and service can be spotty.
The bar is nice, though, with a few high tables and stools for a quite drink. Late afternoons is a good time before the dining crowd comes in.
The wine list is quite deep in Italian wines and so far, has been well kept. The servers of course are not as deep as the wine list, so if in doubt, you really need to see if the boss is about to help.
Best advice: drinks and starters or a bottle of wine and starters, which is really the only interesting and usually good eating, part of the menu.
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