A Charming South of France Restaurant with Salty Culinary Experience
Located in the fanciest area in London, Mayfair, Riviera is a charming restaurant with cute decor that exudes elegance and sophistication. Upon entering the restaurant, guests take an elevator to the main dining area (although it was out of service when I visited), which has a large window and an open kitchen. The ambiance, combined with the DJ playing, creates a sense of being in south of France.
The staff members were attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring that every guest felt well taken care of. What I liked most was that they provided disposable wet towels. Their menus and the design of the glass for water were also charming.
However, the overall culinary experience fell short of my expectations. With the exception of the Ratatouille, the other dishes I had were disappointingly salty. It seemed that the kitchen had a heavy hand with seasoning, which unfortunately erased the skill of grilling the ingredients.
What I ordered:
Steak Tartare Brioche
Truffle & Cheese stuffed Courgette Flower in Tempura
I wish they had served two, instead of just one small brioche for two of us. The taste was nothing special. I, however, liked the combination of the savoury cheese and the honey of courgette flower. Tempura crunchiness was a joy to eat.
Grilled Octopus & Mediterranean Chimichurri with Cauliflower Puree
The octopus was perfectly grilled, but the sauce was too salty. I couldn’t taste the cauliflower in the puree.
Black Truffle Slow-cooked Baby Chicken & Sauteed Wild
Ratatouille
Once again, the chicken itself was well-grilled, and the meat was moist, but unfortunately, they sauteed too wild.
On the other hand, the side dish Ratatouille achieved a well-balanced flavor, but it’s essentially a simple baked vegetable dish. It is a home cooking recipe.
*Chocolate Cake with Coconut Cream with Lemon Glass
This was my favorite. The vegan chocolate cake was incredibly moist. What made it special was the coconut cream sauce and lemongrass. This cake reminded me of an island in Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
While the savory dishes at Riviera London didn’t quite hit the mark, the service and the standout dessert made the experience somewhat memorable. It’s worth mentioning that tastes can vary, and other patrons may have different perspective on the food.
If you’re in the mood for an elegant dining experience with charming decor and attentive service, Riviera London may still be worth a visit. Oh, and their cocktails are so cute and worth trying!
