2 New Restaurants Join Universal CityWalk Line-Up

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA — Two new eateries, helmed by seasoned chefs — one with Mexican offerings, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, and another with Italian-inspired cuisine, VIVO Italian Kitchen — recently opened along Universal CityWalk in Universal City.

Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, which moved into the former site of Camacho’s, is spearhead by Executive Chef Gian Caterina, who hails from Brazil.

The vibrant restaurant is serving up a menu with such selections as pomegranate guacamole; carnitas nachos; Queso Fundido with melted Oaxaca, Chihuahua and cotija cheeses; tacos made from hand-pressed tortillas with options for pork, achiote-braised chicken, six-hour braised beef, crispy fish or vegan chorizo— all served with Mexican crema, refried or black beans and Mexican red rice.

Antojitos, with an indoor "centerpiece bar" serving more than 150 varieties of tequila, features open-space seating, private dining rooms and an outdoor patio where guests can enjoy live music from local Latin artists and mariachi bands, management said.

VIVO Italian Kitchen, meanwhile, took over the fomer site of Wolfgang Puck's, and boasts a modern setting and an open-expo kitchen, plus indoor and al fresco dining.

Under the stewardship of Executive Chef Cyndi Tran, who specializes in fine Italian cuisine, the eatery offers such menu items as Tuscan kale and white bean soup, garlic mushroom sauté, mussels marina, house-made meatballs, a variety of Paninis, hand-tossed, hearth-baked pizzas and homemade desserts.

The restuarant also offers a full bar featuring a variety of Italian-inspired cocktails and a broad selection of wines, managers said.

Antojitos Cocina Mexicana and VIVO Italian Kitchen accept reservations and cover a percentage of valet parking at CityWalk.

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