From the moment you step into Riviera London, you’re enveloped in a warm, welcoming colour palette that instantly evokes Saint-Tropez chic.
Created by brothers Alberto and Arian Zandi, the restaurant is designed as a Mediterranean escape in the heart of Mayfair, channelling the sun-drenched glamour of Cannes with the laid-back elegance of the French Riviera. Soft lighting, polished finishes and an effortless sense of occasion make Riviera feel transportive — the kind of place where London fades away the second you sit down.
We first visited Riviera a couple of summers ago. Sunlight pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the bar and terrace come alive with rosé and light bites, and the room feels bright and open — a breath of Mediterranean air in the midst of London. It’s a place where airy tableside conversations are paired with delicate seafood and chilled glasses, and the overall effect brings a little sunshine to even the gloomiest city weeks. It was this distinctly summery joie de vivre that drew us back in winter — to see if the allure of the Côte d’Azur could bring a similar sense of warmth to London’s darker, colder days.
We recently revisited Riviera London to experience its winter set menu, having dined here a couple of times before. The interiors remain one of its strongest calling cards: elegant yet approachable, with a gentle buzz that feels cosmopolitan without ever tipping into pretension. It’s refined, but relaxed — a room that encourages lingering rather than rushing.
A Classic Brasserie Approach with Riviera Flair
The evening began on a high note with a glass of crémant, crisp and celebratory, setting the tone beautifully. From there, guests are invited to choose a wine to accompany the meal — a thoughtful touch that reinforces Riviera’s classic brasserie sensibility and its understanding of dining as a layered, unhurried pleasure.
The winter set menu opened with the Riviera Josper Caesar Salad (£19) and Seabass Carpaccio True Ponzu (£23) Both starters were confidently executed and well balanced — familiar, but polished — easing you into the meal rather than overwhelming from the outset.
The main course was the Beef Fillet with Café de Paris Butter (£52), rich and indulgent, cooked precisely and very much the kind of comforting, flavour-forward dish that suits winter dining. Dessert followed with the Riviera tarte tatin, a classic done well, delivering warmth, caramelised sweetness and a sense of nostalgic indulgence.
Riviera London: A Taste of the South of France, Year-Round
While the food itself remained good — consistent with previous visits — there was some confusion around dietary requirements that disrupted the otherwise smooth flow of the meal. Although the online menu suggested a vegan dessert option, none was offered at dinner, and when one was requested, we were offered a sliced apple after much deliberation. In previous visits, vegan dessert was offered as a standard and for such a storied Mayfair establishment as Riviera, not having a vegan option on the menu felt like a misstep.
That said, Riviera London continues to deliver where atmosphere and flavour are concerned. The interiors remain transportive, the Riviera-inspired energy is intact, and the kitchen offers elegant, dependable plates rooted in French tradition. Riviera still has all the ingredients to offer a taste of the South of France in the heart of the city.
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