Riviera Ottawa

First the atmosphere--polished, casual elegance in a beautifully restored former bank with all the important architectural details allowed to shine. Gorgeous, busy bar with seating that runs the length of the restaurant adds flair and keeps the atmosphere from becoming overly formal. Seating on the floor is largely bench seats in low "booths" that allow a relaxed dining environment. Service was friendly, prompt and helpful when needed. Enough could not be said about the amazing quality of the food we enjoyed--whitefish caviar and mushrooms on toast as our starters (both very generous sizes probably made to be shared by at least two) and mains of lobster spaghetti and butternut squash ravioli. I also can't omit a mention of the extensive and creative cocktail menu and wine list. The highlight for me was the caviar starter. Memorable dinner and I'd absolutely go back as soon as possible.

Service was welcoming and efficient. Decor was nice but really could do more with the space. It looks more like an event hall than a restaurant. Bread was cold, not sure why they bother offering it. Casanova and Rubber Ducky cocktails were great. Beef tartare was good but a little too heavy on the dressing. Lobster spaghetti was delicious, but I think a different pasta would have been more interesting. Dessert menu was pretty basic so I skipped it.

We were lucky to snag a seat as the place was fully packed, but it was worth it. The drink menu is unbelievable—after struggling to find vermouth in most Winnipeg restaurants, I was thrilled to see at least 20 different vermouth options here! The service was spot-on—attentive when needed but never overbearing. The food was Exceptional! Every dish on the menu sounded fantastic, and what we had did not disappoint. I can't wait to come back during my next visit to Ottawa to explore more of the menu!

couldn’t be happier ☺️ the interior is beautiful and clean, server (tom) was lovely to us, dishes were perfectly prepared. the cocktail menu is so well crafted. my favourite thing is the wine list, great diverse and high quality options including very nice organic producers as well as classics for pairings. really thoughtful and authentic. thank you ♥️

I can't believe this restaurant has been on my bucket list for so long. Definitely a fave now. We ordered a few apps, some cocktails and mains then had dessert. The bread is to die for, all the food we had was spectacular. I'm a foodie and I have not been blown away like I was tonight in years. Such a great dining experience. And the service was spectacular. We had the blonde server with shorter hair - so sweet. Thanks Riviera! I'll be back!

I loved the space, ambiance and atmosphere of this place! I found the service to be a bit lacking and the food was just medium. The drinks were amazing though! I would return and order something else, and sit at a table next time (we were at the bar) because it really was a great “vibe” and worth another shot.

In Sparks Street with an inviting garden like entrance, this restaurant was converted from a bank. The architecture still exists but the transformation has turned the historic insides into an inviting hospitality experience. Sitting at the long bar table, the kitchen represents half of the behind the scenes which you can see the well skilled kitchen brigade preparing food while bartenders prepare drinks like an orchestra. The food itself, while we went light as a snack, was well prepared, fresh, and of course delicious. I would recommend making reservations well ahead of time, especially if a larger group however I would also recommend sitting at the bar which is a fun experience.

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

First the atmosphere--polished, casual elegance in a beautifully restored former bank with all the important architectural details allowed to shine. Gorgeous, busy bar with seating that runs the length of the restaurant adds flair and keeps the atmosphere from becoming overly formal. Seating on the floor is largely bench seats in low "booths" that allow a relaxed dining environment. Service was friendly, prompt and helpful when needed. Enough could not be said about the amazing quality of the food we enjoyed--whitefish caviar and mushrooms on toast as our starters (both very generous sizes probably made to be shared by at least two) and mains of lobster spaghetti and butternut squash ravioli. I also can't omit a mention of the extensive and creative cocktail menu and wine list. The highlight for me was the caviar starter. Memorable dinner and I'd absolutely go back as soon as possible.

Service was welcoming and efficient. Decor was nice but really could do more with the space. It looks more like an event hall than a restaurant. Bread was cold, not sure why they bother offering it. Casanova and Rubber Ducky cocktails were great. Beef tartare was good but a little too heavy on the dressing. Lobster spaghetti was delicious, but I think a different pasta would have been more interesting. Dessert menu was pretty basic so I skipped it.

We were lucky to snag a seat as the place was fully packed, but it was worth it. The drink menu is unbelievable—after struggling to find vermouth in most Winnipeg restaurants, I was thrilled to see at least 20 different vermouth options here! The service was spot-on—attentive when needed but never overbearing. The food was Exceptional! Every dish on the menu sounded fantastic, and what we had did not disappoint. I can't wait to come back during my next visit to Ottawa to explore more of the menu!

couldn’t be happier ☺️ the interior is beautiful and clean, server (tom) was lovely to us, dishes were perfectly prepared. the cocktail menu is so well crafted. my favourite thing is the wine list, great diverse and high quality options including very nice organic producers as well as classics for pairings. really thoughtful and authentic. thank you ♥️

I can't believe this restaurant has been on my bucket list for so long. Definitely a fave now. We ordered a few apps, some cocktails and mains then had dessert. The bread is to die for, all the food we had was spectacular. I'm a foodie and I have not been blown away like I was tonight in years. Such a great dining experience. And the service was spectacular. We had the blonde server with shorter hair - so sweet. Thanks Riviera! I'll be back!

I loved the space, ambiance and atmosphere of this place! I found the service to be a bit lacking and the food was just medium. The drinks were amazing though! I would return and order something else, and sit at a table next time (we were at the bar) because it really was a great “vibe” and worth another shot.

In Sparks Street with an inviting garden like entrance, this restaurant was converted from a bank. The architecture still exists but the transformation has turned the historic insides into an inviting hospitality experience. Sitting at the long bar table, the kitchen represents half of the behind the scenes which you can see the well skilled kitchen brigade preparing food while bartenders prepare drinks like an orchestra. The food itself, while we went light as a snack, was well prepared, fresh, and of course delicious. I would recommend making reservations well ahead of time, especially if a larger group however I would also recommend sitting at the bar which is a fun experience.

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