Closings: Viva Cucina on 2nd Avenue; Da Radda on 7th Street

A for-rent sign hangs on the front of 85 Second Ave. on the SW corner of Fifth Street, presumably marking the end of Viva Cucina. 

There's no mention of a temporary or permanent closing on the Italian restaurant's website or social media properties. (Google lists them as "temporarily closed." A look inside reveals more than that.) 

The restaurant debuted here in April 2022. It was a return to the neighborhood for the family, which previously ran Viva Herbal Pizzeria at 179 Second Ave. until it closed in early 2014.

Da Radda has also closed at 127 E. Seventh St. between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

The Argentinian and Italian restaurant, which opened in the summer of 2022, seemed like a nice spot and got some press for its pizzas. (However, those two outdoor tables next to the Peter Jarema Funeral Home were a tough sell). 

The space is currently for lease with a $6,900 ask.

Openings: Viva Cucina on 2nd Avenue

Viva Cucina debuted last week at 85 Second Ave. on the SW corner at Fifth Street. 

The Italian restaurant, with vegan and vegetarian options, is an offshoot of Cafe Viva Gourmet Pizza on the Upper West Side. Justin and Lenny Iracani are running the EV outpost. 

This is also a return to the East Village for the family, who ran Viva Herbal Pizzeria at 179 Second Ave. until it closed in early 2014. 

So you can find some pizza here (with gluten-free and whole wheat crust available) as well as a variety of pasta dishes, risotto and grilled fish.

Viva Cucina's website is still under construction. You can find them on Instagram here. 

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 4:30-11 p.m. 

The restaurant takes over the space from Nai Tapas Bar, which moved to a new space across Second Avenue earlier this year.

H/T @vegan.nyx!