Riviera Resto

I had heard mixed reviews about the Riviera from foodies and bar goers alike, so I didn't know what to expect upon my first time dining there. Let me tell you, this place is like no other restaurant downtown! The food ( My wife and I had Scallop Linguine and Sage Chicken) was delightful. The frites w/ aioli were filling and delicious in their own right, but I had to make room for the main entree. Our server was knowledgeable on the menu and various wines and our wait wasn't very long. I cant tell you how it is on the weekends (we went on a Tuesday), I'll have to go back to find out for myself. Our server informed us of the upstairs bar ""the Loft"" and we went to investigate after our meal. The bartender upstairs was very friendly and the vibe was very different (the music went from smooth jazz to rock) but a welcome change. I haven't been to a restaurant where you can sample fine Mediterranean food and then go play pool upstairs. My only criticism was that we were seated under an odd painting of a pregnant woman. Not a bad thing per say, just not my choice of decor for such a fine establishment.\r \r Give Riviera a try, you wont be sorry! Pros: Food, Staff, Music Cons: Not for people who don't like a transitional atmosphere (bottom bar to the top changes vibes) more

Our waiter was not knowledgeable about the menu or what was available at the Bar. We ordered the shrimp and sausage as one of our appetizers. We only recieved the shrimp, no sausage. They were playing techno music and running up and down the stairs to the club upstairs. This is not good dinner music and we had to tell the staff 3 times to turn it down.\r \r The food was prepaired well and was enjoyable. However, do to the music, waiter and lack of attention to detail I would not recommend this restaurant. more

The food is a taste of another world. This make me feel like I'm back in Europe. The flavor combinations fit so well together. The write ups of each dish almost let you sample them while you read. Seasonal fare adds so much to the dining experience. It makes me anticipate each menu change. Service is top notch. I haven't ordered the wines. Can't help you there. I'm so glad they serve lunch during summer. I don't know of other restaurants who offer this level of food for this price and the serving size is a gracious plenty. Pros: Not front door parking but it's worth the effort. more

What an awesome little place off the beaten path. My husband and I had this wonderul little restaurant suggested to us and what a treat it turned out to be. The atmosphere was quiet yet interesting. The service was wonderful. The staff were all more than friendly and made us feel very welcome and at home. But most of all, the food!! We had the crabcakes and Mahi Mahi and couldn't decide which we liked more. We ended up ordering three desserts between the two of us because we couldn't make up our minds. The Beggars Pocket was like nothing I've experienced before, just take my word for it. A combination of chocolate, apples, peanut butter, all wrapped up in a warm crispy dough. We will definately be going back. Pros: food, ambience, service more

But that doesn't even begin to describe Riviera. We heard about Tuesday Date Night and decided to give it a try ? first impression was how the management and wait staff treated us like old friends and were attentive to our every need. We recently moved from Austin and would have easily paid double for a meal of equal caliber in such a cozy atmosphere. I still cannot believe a three-course meal and bottle of wine were so inexpensive! Meal presentation, ambiance, price... Riviera's got it all. Not to mention the food! I consider myself a steak connoisseur, so decided to give the NY Strip (Med. well) a try, and was blown away. It was so tender, yet full of flavor. I would highly recommend Riviera to anyone looking for fine dining at affordable cost. Pros: Great drinks, desserts. more

This is the first time I've ever made a comment on citysearch, but the food was so outstanding I felt compelled to share! A neat little restaurant with cool art and atmosphere in downtown Raleigh. The entire menu looked great, but I went with the special - the grouper. It was so flavor-filled and so.... just absolutely delicious! My husband got the red snapper and shellfish and couldn't say enough about that either. The service was great as well. If you haven't given this place a try, you defiinitley should. It's well worth the price and a great little find! Pros: FOOD, atmosphere Cons: a little pricey, but worth it! more