4 /5 Eric Chan: Riviera is undeniably a beautiful restaurant, especially if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot for a date. The ambience is one of its strongest points. Soft, low lighting and a calm atmosphere make it feel refined and relaxed, and the dining room has a lovely elegance to it.
Food-wise, there were definite highlights. The starters were all genuinely delicious and well executed, setting a strong tone at the beginning of the meal. The pasta was also very good, with great texture and flavour, and the turbot was cooked well, delicate and properly handled, which isn’t always easy to get right.
That said, the overall experience was let down by the service. For a restaurant at this price point, service felt surprisingly cold and almost absent. No one introduced the menu, walked us through the dishes, or offered any guidance on drinks. We were largely left to figure everything out ourselves, which made the experience feel transactional rather than hospitable. It wasn’t rude, just noticeably disengaged.
Riviera is fairly expensive, and while the food quality largely delivers, the lack of warmth and attentiveness in service creates a disconnect. With more thoughtful, proactive service, this could be a standout dining experience. As it stands, it’s a lovely setting with strong food, but service that doesn’t quite match the ambition of the restaurant.
