Riviera Ottawa in Ottawa

Honestly such a treat. About my 5th time back and never fails to impress. Delicious food, great ambience, service and drinks. Always feels special and worth the $$

We had a great meal at Riviera. The atmosphere is unique and great with ability to watch the kitchen and bar, quietly at work. Highly recommend the bread, beef tartare and lobster spaghetti.

Absolutely delicious!!

Six dishes were ordered and all were either cold or lukewarm. The duck was otherwise nicely prepared and the mushroom toast was robust and tasty (provided that youre happy with very thick bread covered with huge mushrooms rather than a delicate and nuanced dish). Avoid the potato-cod-mussel thing which has sand in the mussels and a misguided topping having the texture of small fishbones. The chocolate cake with warm chocolate sauce was stale, dry and served entirely ice-cold. Service was marginal - some pepper would have been beneficial however none was offered. Yikes!

We had a lovely dinner on a Friday night. Connor, the wine director, was such a joy to chat with. He picked the perfect red from Southern Italy. - Beef Tartare: 10/10 loved it. - Grilled Octopus: 6/10, was tuffer than expected, and a bit charred/ burnt. - Lobster Spaghetti: 8/10 Sauce was incredibly good, lobster was great. - Steak Frites: 9/10, was incredible. The sauce was unreal, steak was cooked perfectly.

Heard such amazing things about this restaurant and it definitely held up to its reputation. Highly recommend to all for a delicious dinner! Loved every part of our meal and even the drinks! Will be coming back.

Parking: Park at ReStays on Queen of the World Trade Food

A wonderful meal. I loved the atmosphere and was surprised at how well-managed the noise level in the room was, considering the high ceilings. Its a really beautiful space - wonderfully lit and with many interesting little touches, like the bankers desk lamps on the counter. We came here for an anniversary dinner and were touched by a complimentary round of bubbles offered to celebrate the occasion - thanks Riviera! The food was delicious (grilled octopus, gnudi, tuna crudo, and lobster pasta) and the sommelier helped us to select the perfect bottle of wine for the evening. Definitely will plan to come back again in future.

Food was amazing. Service and attention detail was top notch. I would Highly recommend. Special thanks to Stephanie and her outstanding service.

Everything from the appetizers to the dessert were perfect. The food was tasty, specifically the burrata! Service was as expected for this price tag. We got to sit at the counter and see the chefs cook right in front of us, which was a nice experience. Overall, we were overly satisfied of our experience!

Amazing cocktails, food and atmosphere. White caviar was a hit. The sommelier paired our wine and meal perfectly. Wine is pricey (thats Ontarios fault)but good selection.

Delicious food, nice atmosphere and impeccable service. Highly recommend!

Too noisy. Music too loud, it alters the pleasure of the meal..which was very good for him.

Very generic food and beverage. The price is actually cheap for ottawan restaurants. Tried three items on the menu and kept being disappointed: the dessert aesthetic is laughable and the cocktails are 80% pre mixed. Service was bare minimum. Any montreal restaurants with a four star rating would top this Michelin one star. Order the bare minimum and enjoy the architecture, except the bathroom since it is super laughable too. Some guests are a bit pretentious which is expected, but I feel like this synced with the audience which this restaurant is catering to.

A wonderful birthday dinner with great service. Dishes were expertly prepared and delicious! Ate at the bar, but still comfy and interesting to watch all that was going on. Pricey but great experience.

Great resto, good food, very friendly service. Portions are good, medium pricey but worth a visit...

Beautiful place with to-die-for food. My waiter, Tim, was extremely knowledge about the vast array of drink options. I had the duck, which was the best Ive ever had! Even the complementary bread and butter were divine. Loved the whole experience!

Our evening at Rivera Ottawa started on a positive note, with friendly hostesses greeting us warmly. The restaurants ambiance was inviting and comfortable, creating a pleasant atmosphere that set high expectations for the meal. Unfortunately, the food itself fell flat. I began with the wedge salad, which tasted no better than a prepackaged grocery store option. My main course, the cod, was similarly disappointing-essentially a bland piece of fish swimming in chowder. It lacked the depth of flavour or quality ld expect at this price point. To add to the letdown, we discovered that the bottle of wine we ordered had been marked up by a staggering $110 compared to retail. I dont mind paying more for a great dining experience, but the food here didnt come close to justifying the high price. While the staff was pleasant and the atmosphere was enjoyable, these are about the only positives I can offer. Sadly, I wont be returning to Rivera Ottawa, as the food simply doesnt live up to the cost.

Beautiful place but the food and wine were not up to the prices charged. Not interested in going back Food

Great experience

I am a huge foodie, dining in top restaurants around the world. I was underwhelmed and disappointed with our dining experience at Riviera. Based on their great reviews and high rating, I expected to be wowed. Service was ok, could have been more attentive, vibe was cool but food was meh. Menu was limited and not very inventive. Caviar appetizer was good, gnuchi entree was tasteless, Rigatoni pomodoro was boring. Did not have dessert so cant comment on that portion.

Stopping by for a dish of chanterelle pasta and a small glass of macerated wine, seated at their large stainless steel counter, which winds through a room with pharaonic ceilings and luxury reminiscent of its former vocation as a jewelry store. The kind of place where I would have liked to share several dishes with a friend!

Amazing service The food was good and fresh ingredients the restaurant itself has a nice decor romantic vybes

Fantastic place for some of the best cocktails (negronis) and excellent food. The service team was very knowledgeable and helpful. Will be back!

Ambivalent. Love the place as a whole. Good food, good vibe. Server commercially driven, a tad arrogant. Likes to teach you what s good or not, what you should drink and how to do you. We are well travelled and epicurean . Have eaten at the best restaurants. After 3 hours there interacting and some $$$ spent, we felt no real appreciation in the end once bill paid (no thanks for coming).

Cocktails were underwhelming especially for the price. My partner ordered a shot of Remy Martin cognac, and without consent, the waiter brought Remy Martin XO, which was over 40$ for one ounce. When we went to pay, we questioned this and felt offended by this. The server acted like it was our fault and even went to get the manager who came over and was ridiculously unprofessional, citing you enjoyed it so pay for it . We felt scammed and Had a bad date night experience here. Won t recommend to anybody

Phenomenal experience. I sat at the bar as I was dining alone. Tuna crudo and the ricotta gnudi were some of the best dishes I ve had in a long time. I especially enjoyed trying 2 unique Negroni twists, both fresh and perfectly balanced. The service was also noteworthy, friendly and kind staff, all of them. If I m ever back in Ottawa, dining here will be my first priority

Good but not great The food was average and pricey we expected the pricey part but not the average! And for some reason part way through the meal the music was cranked up so conversation became difficult. I think they decided to become a bar at about 8 p.m. Clearly an expense account venue. 18 is better

Reminds me of Italy. The portions for some of the dishes are smaller than necessary but over all they are all full and well rounded meals. (Ask servers if you re hungry what is filling) The drinks are superb, the Bordeaux red wine is amazing, best I ve had. I ordered the lobster spaghetti it was perfect! Would love some gelato or ice cream on the desert menu, I don t fancy the desert menu currently. The bread is desert tho! Mouth watering bread The servers are also amazing and the hostesses as well, all staff are great. Vegetarian options: There s options for vegetarians, not a lot of filling ones, but they have them.

My visit to this restaurant did not meet my expectations. We ordered a seafood fountain and got a lot of ice and very little seafood for a expensive price. The waiters were polite, but the atmosphere left much to be desired: the clock that was in the hall did not work (is it really so expensive to fix the clock or remove it from the interior if it does not work) and after visiting the bathroom there was no desire to drink wine and continue dinner broken faucet and unpleasant atmosphere in the bathroom say that the owners do not want to pay proper attention to details to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for guests. Please change the washbasin in the toilet...

If you re a negroni lover, this is the place for you! Perfect for date night or girls night. The service is always fantastic and I ve never been disappointed with any of their food or drinks.

Our meal at Riviera was one of the best we have had in any major city. Atmosphere: an old bank that has been fabulously renovated to accommodate modern restaurant styles. The open kitchen adds to the experience. All staff are friendly and clearly passionate about the space and food. Service: our service was excellent. Our server paid significant attention to our needs - dropped a napkin, he was there immediately with a new one; some members taking longer to finish their appetizer, he was asking the other party members if they would like more bread. This element reminded us of a Michelin star restaurant experience. Food: nothing on this menu missed. We had the seafood tower, cod, smoked duck breast, and lobster spaghetti. Every meal had a unique flavour profile and generous portion size. The seafood tower was of noted - the two person portion is huge with an excellent variety of raw and cooked seafood. The duck was the best dish of those we ate. The cocktail menu is also extensive. We tried the lie to me, pear cocktail, and grapefruit cocktail. The lie to me was the best of the three. A true five star experience and meal!

Nestled within the storied walls of an opulent, former bank building, Riviera Ottawa exudes a grandeur that transports diners to an era of elegance and sophistication. The moment you step inside, the intricate floors and soaring ceilings immediately set the stage for an exceptional dining experience. The restaurants rich history is seamlessly woven into its modern design, creating a space where classic charm meets contemporary flair. The ambiance at Riviera Ottawa is nothing short of mesmerizing. The bar area stands out as a jewel of the establishment, boasting an extensive and exclusive cocktail menu that showcases the craftsmanship of its talented mixologists. The bar s stylish design, with its art-deco influences and luxurious materials, provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of indulgence. Our dinner at Riviera Ottawa was an unparalleled culinary journey. We began with the two-tiered seafood tower, an impressive centerpiece that featured both raw and cooked delights. The raw section included delicately sliced tuna crudo, briny oysters, and succulent shrimp, each bite a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The cooked portion offered rich, sweet crab and tender lobster, showcasing a mastery of both flavor and presentation. For the main courses, each dish was a triumph of taste and technique. The smoked duck breast was a revelation, with its perfectly crisp skin and tender, smoky meat, paired harmoniously with a sophisticated blend of pea accompaniments. The cod was equally sublime, its delicate texture enhanced by a thoughtfully crafted sauce. The lobster spaghetti was a decadent highlight, featuring generous chunks of lobster and a perfectly balanced sauce that complemented the pastas al dente perfection. And the gnocchi, with its pillowy softness and rich, savory sauce, was a comforting delight. Riviera Ottawa is more than just a restaurant; its a celebration of culinary artistry and historical splendor. Every detail, from the majestic setting to the exquisite dishes, contributes to an unforgettable dining experience. This is a place where every visit feels like a special occasion, and it undoubtedly earns its place among Ottawa s finest dining destinations.

Incredible food.

I was there yesterday for my birthday with my daughter. Thank you to the chef, his team, and waitress who helped make our visit a unique and sublime moment! We ordered oysters as a starter. My daughter ordered the duck breast and I ordered the lobster spaghetti. Flavors and delights were there. We shared the coconut cake and Dulce de Lecce ice cream for dessert. We loved it!

An unforgettable evening at Riviera Ottawa. The cuisine was exquisite, and the service was outstanding, attentive and warm. A must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in Ottawa.

What a gorgeous restaurant! It s like stepping into 1920s New York City. The food was amazing and the service was top level. The cocktails are incredible but the wine list was lacking.

We were expecting more refined cuisine, its more of a brasserie style. The food is very good, the service impeccable. However, we didnt like the setting. Beautiful room but huge. Which gives the impression of being in a station hall. Poor soundproofing, conversations resonate like an unpleasant hubbub.

The food was delicious, and the portions were very generous. Service was excellent. It is one of the most beautiful buildings weve eaten in. Special thanks to Marco and David for making the evening extra special.

Had the privilege to sit to view the open kitchen. Took my time observing before choosing the smoked duck. Superb! Bread with an amazing butter that would be hard for us mere mortals to source. A bit loud but only because it was very busy. Make a point of trying this restaurant. You won t be disappointed.

Very good restaurant. Excellent dishes, good atmosphere, very nice wine list and impeccable service with attentive and pleasant staff.

This was our first time having dinner at the Riviera Restaurant, it was a wonderful experience. Aside from the food which was truly outstanding (the mushroom on toast, cod, and steak were very very good), the service was great. The host made a point of congratulating us (it was our 35th wedding anniversary which we had indicated when making our reservation online), the servers were friendly, informative, discreet, and helpful. The vibe was loads of fun. In short, a great restaurant, we will be back.

Our served is Stuart was not professional.

Everything was wonderful!! The decoration mix between the classic elements of the previous bank, the modern lamps and classic seats create a fun, eclectic mix that goes well with the cocktail selection. We decided to have specialty cocktails created by the Bar Team, and they blew our minds. The music was so good I even asked for the playlist name to save it (unfortunately someone was individually saving each song on the queue- which didnt stop me from individually saving them in my own new playlist) The service was excellent, great service and attitude. But the food topped everything. We ordered a burrata salad, the duck and the steak & fries to share. The tomatoes in the salad felt freshly picked. The duck and the steak were both perfectly on point and with a spectacular taste

Riviera is an absolute 5/5! Everything from the food to the service, ambiance, and cocktails was executed to perfection. Every detail is thoughtfully curated, making it a standout dining experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking to indulge in a truly flawless night out!

Amazing food and drinks!

Came here for the first time to celebrate a friends birthday! The staff were exceptional. I had left some instructions in my reso and they accommodated us exactly how I had wished. We were greeted at the front door and the hostess wished my friend a happy birthday which was a nice touch! The table they had reserved for us was absolutely fantastic and super comfortable! The food was outstanding! From the starters to the mains to the desert! Wow! One thing I would like to mention is I am a vegetarian and they did not have options for me as a main course. However the server informed me the kitchen would be happy to make a custom dish to accommodate me! This really blew me away! I have dined out at many fancy restaurants but have never been told they would make me a dish to accommodate my dietary restrictions! I got a vegetarian pasta and it was absolutely delicious! Their cocktail menu is super impressive and everything I tried was 10/10! Lots of mezcal options 11/10! They had a massive liquor list which I truly appreciated as I am a bartender and am very particular with the spirits I choose to drink. Our server was very professional and did a great job all night! The ambience was very intimate and romantic! This was one of the best dinning experiences I have ever had in my life! Would highly recommend riviera to anyone!

Fulfilled my expectations in every manner. Would highly recommend this place to anyone who s looking for a legit dining experience in the city.

Good food but horrible service. Waited 10 mins before someone was willing to bring us menus and water when tables that got seated after us (sitting right beside us) got served first. Multiple waiters walked by and stood around but never bothered helping us. Very disappointed with the experience here after hearing so many good things.

Everything was perfect. Special mention to the exceptional service we received.

The mushroom toast was lovely, service was great, atmosphere was great, though the music was not to my liking.

Beautiful architecture + the drinks and food were delicious. Highly recommend!

Exceptional dining experience at Riviera ! The atmosphere was elegant, and the service impeccable. Every dish was beautifully presented and rich in flavor. A true culinary delight. Highly recommend for a special evening out.

Came back in May with a few friends, we ordered: Beef Tartare Classique with shaved Truffle & Potato Chips Mushrooms on Toast with shaved Truffle & Egg Grilled Octopus with Romesco & Blisgered Shishito Potato Crusted Fogo Island Cod with Mussels and Dill Smoked Duck Breast with Chanterelles, Watercress and Parsnip One of the best Mushrooms on Toast Ive ever had, so creamy and soft, elevated with the Truffle and Egg! The Crusted Cod was amazing good, soft, flaky with a bit of crunch on top. The duck breast was tender and juicy, pairing so well with the Chanterelles

Perfect spot for a pre theatre dinner .. the Purple Rain is always a classic .. we enjoyed the tartar and the mushrooms on toast .. one of the things I love about Riviera is they are so happy to accommodate food allergies & make sure you have a delicious meal even if you need some substitution. The staff is next level and you always leave happy. Vegetarian options: Mushrooms on toast and Gnudi were amazing Dietary restrictions: Sulphite allergy was completely accommodated ! They were able to make me the Beef tartare & the Meringue while making sure that there were no sulphites in the ingredients

Had the best time here. Sat at the bar and experienced lovely service from a few staff behind the bar. Food was great too - we shared tuna crudo, buratta appetizer and steak frites. The cocktail menu was divine and if you like negronis - so. Many. Options. The building is an old bank - it was beautiful. Also! They have a Photo Booth near the washrooms.

Always a truly exceptional experience dining at Riviera. The dishes are made with care as well as consistency, and the menu rotates frequently and creatively enough to keep me coming back. Whether watching the folks on the line work their magic or being catered to by the excellent wait staff, Riviera always shows why they are one of the best restaurants in Ottawa. Special thanks to Marcos for his dinner recommendations while sitting at the bar as well as David for his aptly selected wine and cocktail pairings.

Our most beautiful culinary experience between Quebec and Ontario in three weeks. Precise and refined cuisine with selected and clear products and tastes, without any excess or false note, in a chic and modern brasserie atmosphere. We returned there the next day without looking for another address, with the same pleasure.

We always enjoy dining at Riviera when in town and our last visit was memorable! The food was top notch as usual but the service was excellent, as they helped cater to our 11mth old daughter, and made sure we were all well taken care of. The steak frites was excellent but the mushroom toast w/ shaved black truffles and the lobster spaghetti are MUST haves! Highly recommend!

This restauarant in an old bank just has a great vibe for dinner. The oysters and pasta dishes and the choices for negroni cocktails were incredible - however the service was lacking. The server was not very attentive, and he wasnt friendly. Most of the drinks were small pours as well, which became a problem when the server was difficult to find. Overall, it is a decent but not great restaurant, where the server really impacted how we felt about the place. In my opinion, for the money spent there are better selections in downtown Ottawa.

The staff was really friendly and the food was above average. However, the inside was too noisy and the outside tables felt alienated.

Amazing place. Great service. Delicious food.

Excellent location, nice place but there is a lot to do with some combinations, for example pasta with lamb ragout, tasteless pasta but the touch to review is the MINT leaves!! And loli tagliatelle with lobster literally covered in Grana Padano cheese, at least ask if its appreciated

We walked in for an impromptu theatre dinner and were graciously accommodated at a table despite having no reservation and the restaurant being almost full. We had the gnudi (I would return just for this dish) and the lamb cavatelli which my (Italian) husband couldnt stop raving about. The Ferrero rocher dessert was out of this world. Special mention for the truly exceptional service. Were already planning a return visit!

We were excited to try Riviera on our Ottawa trip but it fell short of the many glowing reviews. The space is beautiful, set inside an old bank, which adds a unique charm to the dining experience. The menu is small but well-curated, indicating a focus on a few select dishes. Drinks: The drinks were alright, but they did not justify the high prices. While we understand that $20+ cocktails and glasses of wine have become standard in many restaurants, we expect them to deliver in taste and quality. The orange wine by the glass was decent but forgettable. The Garden of Earthly Delights cocktail, while easy to drink, lacked depth and complexity. It had faint notes of chartreuse and mezcal, backed up with cucumber and lime, and was garnished with a lime wedge. Despite finishing my drink, I was not offered a fresh one, which brings me to my next point. Service: At this price point and for a self-proclaimed fine dining establishment, the service needs improvement. The staff was not unfriendly but lacked hospitality. Our server barely greeted us, did not welcome us to the restaurant, and offered no explanation of the menu, the space, or the concept. Table maintenance was an issue, as we often had extra plates and cutlery left unattended. My empty drink sat without an offer for a refill. Additionally, a server returning from a smoke break smelled of cigarettes when dropping off items, which was a significant sensory turn-off for both of us. Food: The food ranged from fine to forgettable. Bread was dropped at our table without a word. The fluke crudo was the standout dish, featuring well-balanced flavors and a good incorporation of chili without overpowering the fish. However, more clementines or smaller pieces would have been appreciated, and the plating was somewhat lazy, simply served in a bowl. The gnudi, while tasty with peas and asparagus, was reminiscent of dishes weve had at many other restaurants. The asparagus and morels were a letdown; the sauce overpowered the vegetables, the asparagus was overcooked, and the morels, while delicious, are generally hard to mess up. We initially planned to order more but decided against it as nothing truly impressed us. Based on our experience, we were hesitant to try additional items. Perhaps other dishes are better, but the lack of service and lackluster flavors left us wanting to leave. In conclusion, while Riviera has potential with its beautiful setting and promising menu, the overall experience was disappointing due to subpar service and underwhelming flavors. Improvements in these areas could significantly enhance the dining experience.

This was the first time that I had food which made me sincerely appreciate that theres another tier to whats possible. The service was also matching the price and reputation. Prices match the level of quality and service, so plan accordingly. Reservation is recommended. One of the best restaurants in Ottawa and possibly all of Canada.

Very delicious quality food

The salt content is too high in the fries I ordered the lobster spaghetti and I would have liked to have a little more lobster in my dish. At the price it costs, the portions leave something to be desired. Other than that, it was very good.

Food was amazing!

Probably the coolest restaurant you can find in Ottawa. Ideal for date night or a special occasion. Bar side seating is a nice experience, the special cocktails are a must try, and the duck is a no brainer choice

Everything was perfect! Very attentive service, beautifully curated menu. Everything we ordered was delicious, especially the pavlova dessert The interior is also stunning.

Absolutely one of my favourite restaurants in Ottawa, and of all time. I have been a handful of times and it is always fantastic. The food is to die for - everything is fresh, flavorful and made to order in front of your eyes (particularly if you sit at the counter, which I highly recommend). The duck was my favourite item that I have tried thus far, but you cannot go wrong with any choice on the menu, food or beverage. I sampled quite a few of Stephen Flood/bar teams creations and they were all intoxicatingly good. The service is spectacular - the hosts, the bartenders, the servers, the chefs, everyone is friendly and happy to share their delightful food and drink creations with you. I have to give a specific shoutout to our server Alida and Chef Julien who most recently made a special occasion that much more special. Engaging, kind, fun, just amazing individuals who really made the experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting inside a historic heritage building (previously a bank). The place drips with decadence - a mix of new modern contemporary finishes and old thoughtfully restored pieces. Cannot recommend Riviera enough. Thank you for having me and I cant wait for my next visit:)

Just wow. We were visiting from New York City and Riviera was the gem of our stop in Ottawa. From the wonderful service by Tim and Christine to the excellent list of drinks (hello creative list of 12 Negronis!) to the delicious seafood tower - everything just worked so well together. The cherry on top was that Tim got us the recipe for our favorite Negroni on the list - the unicorn. We just made it at home and it turned out excellent. Kudos to everyone who made Riviera what it is - really well done.

Highly recommend the lobster spaghetti and red right hand! The spaghetti was a generous portion and delicious flavor. The cocktail was unique and tasty! Exactly as described. The clear ice was a nice touch! Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their cocktails and food as well! Would also recommend sitting at the bar. Great experience and vibe!

5* food in a 5* building with troubling service The evening started well, albeit confusing, as one man introduced himself as our server and then we never heard from him again. Another man came over to talk to us, but was more than slightly pretentious. Sir, do you know that chanterelles are mushrooms . Then he trying to show of his wine knowledge by describing a wine as a blend between Chardonnay and Chablis. One is a grape and one is a region! At these prices (over $100pp) everyone should expect better service.

Exceptional experience! Definitely one of the best restaurants in the city.

Riviera is really beautiful inside and it sure has a good atmosphere. I had great service and my appetizer and cocktail were awesome my lobster pasta was amazing. keep it up guys.

I tried a variety of offerings and would return for the service, apps, and beverage options.

Elegant and refined cuisine in a rather exceptional setting since it is a former bank with imposing high ceilings. There are even the remains of the access door to the trunks when you go to the toilet. The service is very professional and very attentive.

Fantastic!

Pristine high quality cocktails, and delicious food. I wanted to lick my plate after both the tartar and steak frites. Also has the largest spirit selection I have seen!

Locating top-notch seafood spots in Ottawa can be a bit of a hunt, but I stumbled upon a true gem that knocked my socks off! From stellar drinks to mouthwatering dishes and impeccable service, this place has it all. Plus, they even up their game with ice sourced all the way from Montreal now, thats a cool bonus!

Great meal. Fantastic cocktail list.

Celebrated a milestone event with friends in their private room. Space was spectacular, service was great, sommelier was very knowledgeable & helpful. Definitely will be returning.

Such an amazing restaurant! We went there for our second anniversary, and everything was awesome. From the warm greeting with two sparkling rosés and a happy anniversary wish to the very end, it was perfect. We ordered two main dishes the steak was delicious, but I was especially surprised by the lobster spaghetti. The sauce was fabulous! Beyond the wonderful vibe and great food, I want to give a special thank you to CHADI, who served us. CHADI, you made our night unforgettable with your warm welcome and kind personality. We cant wait to return! Parking: The Parliament station is also an option, which is only a six-minute walk away.

Good place if you re looking for a drink however I wouldn t recommend it for food We all had food that came with fries and they were burnt and seemed to be the batch from the end of the bag they were all small. The guy who served us did not do a good job at making us feel welcome. The bill was 550 but was not worth a penny. We were all really disappointed, it ll be the first and last time we go there.

Just wow...food, ambiance, service. Amazing.

Excellent meal with work colleagues, open on Monday!

What a special relaxed atmosphere, with such good food. My wife and I had wonderful cocktails and a lovely bottle of Cabarnet Sauvignon. My caviar appetizer, with creme fresh and dill was delicious. I also shared a bit of the lobster on homemade pasta. Full lobster claw and tail, cooked perfectly. My main of potato crusted Fogo island cod was perfection. Service was great, and multiple staff came by to greet us as we were celebrating a special occasion.

Nice atmosphere, good service, excellent food. Impressive wine and cocktail list.

Excellent food, outstanding service and a great vibe. As usual!

I was in Ottawa for the weekend and had dinner at Riviera. Food was excellent and service great. Had the octopus and mushroom toast to start, and had the cod as the main dish. Everything was so delicious! Do not hesitate to go here - make reservations though as it gets busy. Exceeded my expectations!

Unbelievable! Food was exceptional and service was even better. Loved every second, highly recommend!

wife and I had a wonderful anniversary dinner, staff very attentive, food was fantastic, staff drink recommendations were spot on. You need to treat yourselves, also prices were reasonable.

Everything about Riviera is amazing and consistent - the ambiance, the service, the food Very attentive to allergies, and special requests. Highly recommend the beef tartare & tuna crudo! Looking forward to my next time dining there!

We went to dine at riviera and it was such an amazing experience and the food was phenomenal! Our waiter Chadi was exceptional, extremely friendly and super accommodating to our needs. Highly recommend Riviera for a date night !

This is our go-to pre-theatre hang out. You can sit at the bar, have an incredible meal and one of Mr. Floods amazing cocktails, and enjoy a consistently excellent experience. The food, the service, the atmosphere, all confident and refined while still being fun and very inviting. Love it here.

Food was pretty good. Wouldnt say it was worth the price. They do have huge selection of drinks cocktails.

What an evening ! What an experience ! Thank you Gil for taking care of us and also thank you Justin for the tour Tuesday night ! From cocktails to wine selection, the food, 5 !

I ve been to Rivera many times over the years. It is a great facility, maybe the best in Ottawa. But I m never going back. Why? Lots of reasons: Two really iffy meals in two separate visits. Like, the tuna crudo was outright awful. For an example of how to do it right, go to Town off Elgin. The squash was ok, but I didn t really enjoy it. The main was the steak frites, which paradoxically was an exceptionally beautifully cooked piece of meat, bathed in a sauce that was no bueno; in fact one of my companions tried it and said it was bad. The fries were fine, but I didn t eat them (low carb person). Now, normally I do not order steak when I go out to a restaurant. In fact, I almost never eat red meat. But I chose the steak frites because the menu is unreadable; and I really, really dislike and distrust the waiter s description. I have been misled many times. I don t speak Italian and I m not gonna put up the pretence that I understand something that I truly don t. Moreover, I don t see why I have to Google a menu just to find out what the actual meal will be. It s Ottawa, not Florence. In fairness, my three companions thoroughly enjoyed their meals. But then, they weren t paying for them, and they don t eat out as often as I do. One of my companions had the meal I really actually should ve ordered, which is the Riviera s version of the Big Mac, with the grilled octopus. I have had that selection before and it truly is quite good. It s a funny thing, but even though the burger is a total replication of a Big Mac ($30), it is still better. So in conclusion, the menu has not changed much in about a year, except for the addition or removal of seasonal items. It is a good restaurant, but for $500, no, No, NO. Poor value for the cost.

Great experience! Chadi was our server and he was amazing. It was our first time here and he was suggesting cocktails for us, every drink was excellent and just what we wanted. Service was great, drinks were great, food was great. Will definitely be back soon.

Nice atmosphere and vibe. Delicious food and great variety of drinks. Excellent service! Would recommend checking out this spot in Ottawa!

The cod dish was nice moist and flaky, and my date says the duck dish was delish as was the oysters and the white fish caviar was all great

Food was absolutely divine, and the price would have been worth it on that alone however the service was what put this restaurant over the top. Perfect pacing, attentive staff without feeling rushed. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Ottawa.

Lots of fun.

Everything from food to service is excellent.

Excellent food, service, and atmosphere. We ordered the seafood tower and it was absolutely great! Every single one of the items on there was very good as you can see in the photos. Mains were cooked nicely. The toffee and ginger ice cream desert was very tasty. I would definitely go there again. All the staff are very attentive. I would book reservations ahead of time though. Food was pricey but worth the $$!

I would rate this dining experience an 11/10 Even a Karen could not find a fault. From the hostess, to the server, to the individuals clearing the plates everyone was incredibly welcoming, friendly and professional. We got the seafood tower, which is beautiful presented, and for a moment I thought I must have been in PEI because the oysters were so fresh. The burger and fries, was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best burger I have ever had. The next time I am in Ottawa, Ill see you for dinner.

Atmosphere 4/5 as it probably gets very loud as the night goes on (very echoing inside). Plenty of drink and mocktail choices. Steak frites was 5/5. Dietary restrictions: Very accommodating with allergies Parking: Street parking. No parking directly in front of restaurant as sparks street is pedestrian only

Fish and seafood dishes amazing. Duck and chocolate cake were alright. Important to note the somewhat loud ambiance music. Parking: Sparks street is pedestrian only, need to walk about 5 to 10 minutes.

We had such a great time celebrating a birthday here yesterday. The service, food, and cocktails were excellent! I loved the seafood tower; it was fun sharing it as an appetizer.

We have been to Stefano s twice now and have been so impressed. Living in a remote area, a non pub fare option is hard to come by. We were lucky to have Emily as our server on both occasions and she is an absolute delight. Knowledgeable on menu and a great sense of humour. The stuffed mushroom cap and risottos are amazing. Great spot in our tiny community.

Riviera continues to be a go-to for a nice meal in Ottawa! Oysters are always fresh, the beef tartare is my favourite and I ve had a number of mains that have always been tasty and well prepared. They have a great wine selection and make some good cocktails, last time I tried their espresso martini which was a hit!

Always great. One of my favorite go to spots in the city.

Great service and great place to enjoy some good food. For me the food was just ok, none of the dishes really wow me but nothing is bad. Kid-friendliness: They can split the burger up and share between the 2 kids.

Had a wonderful night out at Riviera! The service was excellent from the moment we stepped in. We shared a number of plates and immensely enjoyed 4 out of the 5. The smoked duck breast with parsnip was the best duck Ive had in at least 10 years, cooked absolutely perfect! The caramel panna cotta with pecorino crisp was a nice twist to finish our evening, and the Fogo Island cod was another stand-out dish. Unfortunately, the sauce with the octopus fell flat and underwhelmed us. However, the rest of the dish was executed very nicely. There is a wonderful ambiance with the high ceilings and the full-length bar seating. In the future, I would request to be further from the door. There was a slight chill as guests came and went. I would have liked to be closer to the action at the service bar or in front of the kitchen. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I definitely plan to return!

Friendly service and nice atmosphere but this restaurant has a bit of an old fashioned menu. Very much meat/fish + something on the side kind of place. Only vegetarian dish is pasta for instance. If you and your party are fine with it, then this place works though.

Fantastic food. Great service. Great space and mood. Ottawa s got a great thing at the Riviera! 5 stars - worth it!

Nothing special considering the very high price. Very disappointed to be receiving a very average meal and service but paying twice as much as you d pay at restaurants that offer much better fine dining.

Excellent spot for a lovely dinner! The atmosphere is very welcoming, food was delicious, and service was great.

A true five star experience at this restaurant last night for our group dinner. We had the steak, lobster pasta, and Bolognese, All execute to perfection. Incredible atmosphere and Will certainly be back!

The overall experience was good. The fish was disappointingly bland. Love the rest of the dishes especially the duck.

It was good. No more.

One of the top restaurants in Ottawa. Great atmosphere and food.

Friendly service, amazing menu, nice cocktails, magnificent ambiance and delicious dishes. Stayed in Ottawa for few days and we had an astonishing dinner here. It was on point!

Came for a birthday dinner. The food was enjoyable but didnt blow us away. We were here on a Thursday and it wasnt crazy busy, but the service was quite slow. They also brought my husband the wrong appetizer and it took forever for the right one to show up (they could have offered to bring us more bread while he waited). For the price we paid, I was expecting better.

Best restaurant in Ottawa.

Great food, attentive, approachable and professional service. Drinks are great and the desserts are also amazing. An Ottawa must try.

Such an amazing restaurant! The food and drinks were excellent, the steak was cooked perfectly and the lobster spaghetti was delicious! The customer service and the environment really stands out here! We requested a table instead of the counter as it was a bit uncomfortable for me. (Not the fault of the restaurant, I am fairly tall and large. A normal person would be very comfortable.) They had no problem accommodating this and we had a really nice table with a great view of the beautiful restaurant around us. We were here for my girlfriend s birthday. I mentioned this in the reservations and it seemed like everyone got the memo. Every employee we interacted with wished her a happy birthday and they even brought out a truffle with a candle at the end of the meal for her. We will definitely be back here next time we re in Ottawa! One of the best dining experiences I ve ever had!

We had a fabulous Valentines dinner at Riviera (our second visit) with our dearest friends and it was just as wonderful as the first time. Upscale, invigorating, delicious! This place oozes class and delivers a culinary & mixology experience you wont soon forget. Do yourself a favour: get the mushroom toast! Go. Its worth every penny. Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options. Dietary restrictions: Our server did ask if any of us had dietary restrictions; they were happy to accommodate. Parking: Best plan is to park across the street at the NAC parking garage. Very easy. Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs. Dining area and washrooms are completely accessible and spacious.

I came to Riviera for dinner a while ago. The high ceiling was nice and the atmosphere felt like itd be a very nice place for a business meal. One of the staff also went out of his way and brought me a cup for the unfinished coffee that I brought in. In terms of food, I had the Striploin Steak Frites with Bordelaise sauce. The steak was a very nice cut of striploin with a good thickness. It was cooked to a nice medium rare and the crust was flavourful with a tint of char. The sauce complimented the food. The fries were skinny, crunchy, and fresh with a nice salty and sage/rosemary flavour. The fries were a bit surprising together as they were skinny enough that the middle wasnt too overwhelming after but not too oily either (Double fried, long stringy that tasted quite nice with the sauce). Overall, I d give it 8.8/10

as someone who appreciates big, intentional flavours, the food here did not live up to the hype or the price. mushroom toast with shaved black truffle did not taste even like truffle. it was off putting being at a high end restaurant and being served cold bread that they did not even bother to warm up. that being said, the drinks are nice and strong and the ambiance and service is amazing. good location.

The service was excellent!

Beautiful interior, great food, pleasant service.

Absolutely amazing. Friendly staff, outstanding food, delicious desserts, great atmosphere! We were met with such warmth and attention the moment we walked in, I will not forget this experience. The food is some of the best I have ever had, and I m not being hyperbolic. My partner had sworn off sticky toffee pudding after an awful experience, but thankfully he gave this place a chance, and the pudding has redeemed itself! Haha. Seriously, awesome place, will definitely come back.

The staff was amazing and very knowledgeable about the menu. The food was excellent!

Favourite place in Ottawa!

This was our first time here and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate for us and our 2 children. We reserved a week in advance and got a call from the restaurant to help us optimize our seating for us and the kids - considering one of them in still under 1 and needed more space for a car seat. Very impressed with this level of service. The food itself was excellent. We managed to pull up our restaurant reservation half an hour earlier and didn t have to wait to get seated when we arrived. Food quality was excellent. We got the octopus as an app - delicious. Both of us got steaks for our main and they were cooked well. The fries are excellent - absolutely loved the texture of crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy inside. Yum! Overal loved the experience and we will be back! Kid-friendliness: They will accommodate seating for kids if asked in advance.

I had the duck breast and it was absolutely delicious. Great service and atmosphere would definitely come back! Parking: Would recommend parking in nearby underground parking lots

The food is so good, the service is outstanding and the wine pairings are immaculate. We are so happy with our experience at Riviera tonight. We will certainly be returning and will encourage others to do the same!!

incredible meal in a unique and historical setting. the seafood tower is a must. would definitely return

it was amazing

Beautiful restaurant in a great location for enjoying downtown activities. Some of our food was excellent and some mediocre. Serving staff were very pleasant but made mistakes on our order. Our first visit was New Years Eve which is understandably a tough/busy night. I would go back again on a regular day.

Food and cocktails were very good. Very nice restaurant to celebrate special occasions.

Good food, amazing ambiance. We started with oysters, tasted pretty standard. For the mains, we tried the steak frites. The portion is on the larger side, however, I wish they added something else to compensate for the price instead of loading it with fries, which were impossible to finish. Steak was cooked and seasoned perfectly though. We tried the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. The pudding itself was delicious it should have been the star of the dish, but I found the ginger ice cream overpowering it a bit. Drinks were nice. The interior of this restaurant is so unique and beautifully lit. The tables are spaced out, and the restaurant did not feel cramped or stuffy. I especially loved the ultra high ceilings.

Second experience at Riviera and I am still impressed by the service and quality. 5 stars without hesitation.

The former bank hall is absolutely stunning - I love that they left it uncluttered to fully appreciate the grandeur and heritage aspects - while grand, and noisy when busy (a good thing) its still possible to talk to your dinner friends. Usually when a restaurant is so stunning perhaps the food will disappoint? The food was outstanding - creative and delicious - the Mushroom appetizer and Halibut main course were standouts. Finally our server Jess pulled it all together with lovely professional and helpful and attentive service. Would definitely return.

This was the best restaurant I visited during my short trip to Ottawa, and has made it onto my personal favourite restaurants in Canada list. Its an upscale place, serving Canadian cuisine located in the core of the city near Parliament Hill on Sparks Street. Reservations can easily be made throguh Open Table. I would recommend reserving at least a week or two in advance, since it appears to be a pretty popular place (I reserved 3 weeks in advance). The service here was impeccable, and the vibe is great, making it an excellent spot for dates, special occasions, or if youre in the mood to splurge a bit on delicious food and drinks. The interior has an art deco look since the building was formerly a bank that turned into a restaurant. This place also has one of the largest cocktail and wine menu Ive seen, along with a huge liqueur collection. What we ordered: Cocktails: The Gimlet & Into the Wild Appetizers: Tuna Crudo & Citrus Salad Mains: Smoked Duck Breast & Dry Aged Steak Dessert: Pavlova with strawberries & Spiced Pumkin Creme Brulee Everything we ordered was delicious but I highly recommend the duck, and the Pavlova, which looked like a piece of art itself.

Great service and great ambiance... at $35 the burger was definitely not worth it

Complimentary bread and butter is delicious and fresh. Staff is friendly and professional. We sat at the bar and the chef preparing meals right before our eyes was very kind and eager to answer our questions about the menu. I do wish portions were slightly bigger and that there were more vegetarian options to try. I will definitely be back, as I understand their menu is always changing.

LOVE LOVE LOVE. One of the best restaurants that I love to come back to. I m from Montreal so every time I make a trip down to Ottawa this is the place that I visit. The ambiance of the place is amazing, it is a very clean restaurant with amazing staff; whether it s the bartenders or the hostess or the waitress. The drinks are always amazing and they really have good recommendations when you share your preferences. Waitress and waiters are always amazing, they took a bit long with our mains, which we didn t even realize or minded that and yet they compensated our dessert. I would definitely recommend the mushroom toast to share. I always do get the steak, but I ve also had my friend try the duck which is amazing. 10/10 on everything! Would definitely recommend to anyone who is coming to Ottawa!

Food was excellent as always. Service was a bit lacking for what youd expect of a restaurant of this caliber. Seated for our reservation 25 minutes late, they missed bringing the bread and water glasses were empty more often than full.

A cozy restaurant in downtown ottawa, pleasantly close to the parliament building. Very attentive and emphasizing waiter, who took their time for small chats, even though it was rather busy. The food itself was excellent. The tartar was absolutely delicious, however it was a little shy of truffle flavour. My steak and frites were absolutely on point and the combination of rosemary fries with sage sauce is simple, but never ceases to amaze my palate. Total recommendation!

Best restaurant in Ottawa! The quality of the food was impressive and the service was very professional. Full on a monday!

An overall good experience and solid 3.5 Let me start by saying, my waiter was amazing. I received warm, hospitable service, and the best recommendations he could offer throughout the evening. I sat chefs counter, and dont regret it. I had the following food items: Tuna crudo I found the slices to be too thick. The topping over the crudo was too salty. It was also missing acid. Roasted Squash w hazelnuts Hazelnuts seemed like an after thought... not well integrated into the dish. But the whole dish seemed a little too deconstructed. I wish there was more dressing to pull everything together. Steak frites Classic dish. I got shaved truffles on top, but the truffle flavor was mild. Im from Chicago though, and were very particular about our steak. The only weird thing was that the floor manager was standing next to me throughout the whole service and never once greeted me or asked me how my food was. He also made a comment when my steak dish came out wow, and it was just rude. I started my career in restaurants, so that was the break for me. Otherwise, the cocktails were amazing and wine selection impressive. The venue is beautiful. They probably have a great happy hour.

Everything was delicious. Fresh ingredients and freshly prepared.

Excellent cocktails, wine selection, appetizers and mains. Dessert lacked excitement. Bathrooms had no tissues or paper towels.

We came here for our anniversary dinner on a Sunday night. We had the best experience!! The dishes were all so amazing (we had tuna crudo - probably our fave, oysters, caviar, mushroom toast, grilled octopus,tagliatelle bolognese pasta and they were all delicious!!), the service was impeccable where everyone was super attentive the entire evening, the overall ambiance was great and the music too (motown, soul etc ), delicious drinks especially Pear pressure (its so good its dangerous as youll want to have more than 1 or 2 haha Thank you for such perfect night out, cant wait to come back for more!

service food Counter = you see them prep and make the food. bar = you see them make the drinks. The food was heavenly!

We were in Ottawa to both visit friends and to view the Riopelle exhibit at the National Gallery of Canada, and made a point of visiting this restaurant. Our friends had raved about the food and the cocktail service and as we looked forward to the experience our expectations were rather high; and neither disappointed. The restaurant itself resides within a gorgeous room, with beautiful details and a stunning, longish bar that made a strong first impression. That formed that background to a pleasant hum of chatter and clinking glassware that got louder as the night grew longer. We were seated in a smallish but nicely sound-isolating space for our 8-top and enjoyed course after course of delightful options. As predicted, the mixology was top-rate and the wine list nicely balanced between comfortable and extravagant bottles. Many of the reviews note some of the same items that we enjoyed immensely; mushrooms on toast, oysters with a delightful mignonette, lobster spaghetti, duck breast and cod. For me the surprise was the gorgeous little presentation of beef tartare with its wavy topping of crispy potato chips! Well make sure that well return our next trip to Ottawa. Canadas Capital city does continue to surprise and delight me with a fresh culinary scene that brings great options forward.

Excellent restaurant which offers a creative interpretation of classic cuisine such as steak tartare or duck breast. Excellent service. The premises, a former bank, is spectacular.

It will be a year ago in February since I went to this restaurant for my Birthday and the experience was so bad I still get upset thinking about it 10 months later. Hopefully this will save others time and money by hearing my story. We showed up and the place was beautiful, admittedly cold though but obviously not their fault. - we were given a table for two and the waiter scoffed when we brought our own bottle of wine for the corking fee. - waiter asked our orders while my partner was in the washroom so I had to order for him! Luckily he had told me what he wanted but then he was asking how my partner wanted his steak cooked and I had to guess - Mid order the waiter stopped me and said I m going to stop you right there. That s way too much food for you guys. As someone who has dealt with eating disorders in the past this brought me to tears and my partner came back from the washroom to me crying. - appetizers were served and since we ordered oysters we didn t have room on our table. When we asked to have the table beside us pushed over just for the appetizers to have room the waiter hesitated and said as long as you finish in the next 45 minutes because we have other people coming. We felt like we were a burden to them. - at the end of the night, we were feeling discourage and I asked to leave and get dessert somewhere else as I felt uncomfortable. My partner poured the rest of the wine in his glass and the waiter came and chastised him for pouring his own glass, telling him he poured it too big and that it would affect the flavors of the wine. Admittedly we were a bit rude at this point and said we just wanted to leave. - when we went to get the bill, they brought out a silver tray with a single lit candle on it (no dessert) to blow out for my birthday. No inherently bad but a bit weird considering most places we ve been to in the past offered complimentary desserts on special occasions. It would have been better not to have brought anything out in my opinion. - the food was mediocre at best but that may also be because I was so upset by the whole experience that it left a bitter taste in my mouth. I have been very vocal with friends and family about this experience. Many have told me I should leave a review for others as well.

Christine and Stuart are always so lovely! Made my experience with my girl friend so special. I discreetly asked for a candle in the desert and they delivered. I always want to try something new but the duck and lobster spaghetti are soooo good I can t resist. Burrata was just OK would do the tuna crudo instead. THANK YOU STUART AND CHRISTINE!! You guys made everything so so special <3

The spaghetti was hard and raw not al dente. The server explained that fresh pasta is not as soft. I have had fresh pasta and al dente pasta many times before and it has never been that hard and chewy...may be it was just a bad batch of fresh pasta. Lobster was nice and the drinks were good.

Restaurant with an amazing vibe and the best experience in Downtown Ottawa. The staff greet and receive you very well. The waiters are friendly and knowledgeable about every item on the menu. Extensive selection of drinks, everything out there is in here (we tried their sweater weather drinks in the winter and they lived up to their name).