Riviera has rightly secured its place as one of Mayfair’s most exciting dining destinations, pairing immaculate cooking with a South of France setting that takes you a million miles away from the busy London street it resides on. This is a restaurant that knows exactly what it is doing – and we wouldn’t expect anything less from the Emerald Hospitality Group and the Zandi brothers. From the first step inside through to dessert, the polished experience makes this a standout addition to London’s dining scene – and an easy one to recommend.
Drawing on the spirit of the Côte d’Azur across both in its menu and design, the space captures true Mediterranean warmth without losing its Mayfair edge. Its main dining room overlooks St James’s Street, with an intimate lounge downstairs and a terrace that carries through year-round. Alongside an exceptional cocktail list, there is a long and carefully curated wine list that journeys across the regions of France, with a sommelier at hand to guide guests to their perfect pairings.
Elegance and luxury are the undertones of even the simplest elements at Riviera, including the salad selection – though there’s nothing simple about the Riviera Josper Caesar Salad or the “Grand” Niçoise Salad, both of which make lettuce taste far more exciting than it has any right to be. As diners progress through the menu, dishes like the Truffle & Goat Cheese Stuffed Courgette Flower offer something further out of the ordinary, while the Sea Bass Carpaccio with truffle ponzu brings a sharper, more striking edge of flavour to the meal.
Onto the mains, the Parmesan Wheel Bucatini is a firm favourite among diners for its creamy texture, rich profile, and the theatre it delivers, but it is the Trofie Pesto that stands out for its freshness and sheer depth of flavour. It’s worth keeping space beyond the pasta – there’s Flaky Seabass and Charcoal Grilled Chicken with Tahini to dive into, though the Grilled Beef Fillet with Café de Paris Butter is the one you can’t leave without, with Riviera once again showing London how headliners should be done.
There’s always room for dessert when the menu looks like Riviera’s. The Crème Brûlée with Lavender Shortbread is the undeniable crowdpleaser, while the sweet, tangy, and outrageously indulgent Riviera Tarte Tatin is our top recommendation – and the one that will stay with you long after the night is over.
There’s very little to fault. The food delivers, the setting holds its own, and even the details – like the original 1960s escalator leading up to the dining room – add something distinctive to the overall experience. If you’re after a unique night of dining which leaves you feeling spoilt, serene, and extremely satisfied, look no further than here.
Riviera can be found at 23 St James’s St, London SW1A 1HA. Find out more about the restaurant and Emerald Hospitality Group, and book your table right here.
Dining and Cooking