
Riviera Ottawa
A high-end Canadian dining experience in a stunning former bank, offering creative cuisine, exquisite cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Riviera Ottawa

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A high-end Canadian dining experience in a stunning former bank, offering creative cuisine, exquisite cocktails, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends due to strong demand.
Try Raw & Appetizers
Sample raw dishes like Hamachi Crudo and appetizers such as mushroom toast.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Canadian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elegant Ambiance in a Historic Bank
Dine in a stunning former bank building with soaring ceilings and art deco vibes, perfect for special occasions.

Creative Cocktails and Impressive Drink Selection
Explore an extensive cocktail list with creative and spot-on suggestions from attentive staff.

Chef's Counter Experience
Witness precision cooking and collaboration at the chef's counter for a dinner-and-a-show experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends due to strong demand.
Try Raw & Appetizers
Sample raw dishes like Hamachi Crudo and appetizers such as mushroom toast.
Weekday Visits
Consider visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed dining experience.
Explore the Back Area
Don't miss the fun photo booth located in the back area.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends due to strong demand.
Try Raw & Appetizers
Sample raw dishes like Hamachi Crudo and appetizers such as mushroom toast.
Weekday Visits
Consider visiting on weekdays for a more relaxed dining experience.
Explore the Back Area
Don't miss the fun photo booth located in the back area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Riviera Ottawa is celebrated for its exceptional service, outstanding food quality, and sophisticated ambiance, making it a top choice for special occasions. Guests rave about the creative cocktails and expertly prepared dishes. However, some reviews mention occasional issues with food temperature and service timing, with one diner noting an undercooked pasta dish that was poorly handled by management.
"5 stars all the way. Riviera is really one of the best restaurants ive ever visited and that’s why we always come back. Everything from the service to the food and the drinks is carefully crafted and delicious. Also, I specified that it was our couple anniversary and our server offered us a glass of sparkling rosé as we were welcomed and we really enjoyed this little attention. The atmosphere is also a big highlights of this restaurant with beautiful decor and nice ambiance. Overall, it’s a 10/10 experience and I recommend this restaurant to anyone who pass by Ottawa. Thanks again for having us."
Benjamin Ross
"We enjoyed our dinner at this popular restaurant. The service was attentive, and the food was both delicious and refreshing. The dessert, however, was a little too sweet for our taste."
Lei L.
"Had an amazing dinner at Riviera, which has been a restaurant that I’ve been meaning to try for a while now. Service was phenomenal, the servers are very attentive and gave a lot of great suggestions. Cocktail list is huge and the cocktails we got were really creative. Oysters were very fresh and we loved the hot sauce that came with it. The ravioli was amazing, probably my favourite dish! The filling was delicious, ravioli was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was so light and complimented the rich ravioli. Steak frites were also really good. Steak was cooked perfectly to medium rate, fries were really crisp, and the fried sage leaves added a nice flavour to the fries. They also have a Photo Booth in the back which is really fun!"
Tara Thachet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Riviera Ottawa boasts a sophisticated and elegant ambiance, housed within a former bank building, featuring high ceilings and art deco-inspired decor, making it ideal for special occasions.
Yes, its stylish and refined space with dim lighting makes it a perfect spot for a romantic date night.
Popular choices include the Hamachi Crudo, ravioli, steak frites, and grilled sea bass. The oysters are also frequently recommended.
Yes, the restaurant offers a very detailed and comprehensive drink menu, particularly known for its creative cocktails.
Yes, you can sit at the chef's counter to watch the chefs work with precision, which is described as 'dinner and a show'.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Yes, there is a fun photo booth located in the back area of the restaurant for guests to enjoy.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Ottawa has 8 of Canada’s best restaurants—our critic tried them all
https://ottawacitizen.com/life/food/local-food-reviews/dining-out-riviera-woos-with-power-player-fare-and-capital-city-cool. December 2016: “The frequently tweaked one-page menu is not about pushing boundaries, but rather delivering very well-made and familiar but dressed-up comforts. I’ve started with the most punchy thing on Riviera’s menu — some heat-forward confit tuna belly ‘nduja’ (normally a spicy Calabrian spreadable pork indulgence), slathered on Riviera’s oh-so-fluffy brioche bread ($8).
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Located in the busy heart of downtown Ottawa, not far from Parliament Hill, Riviera is a unique restaurant that stands out. Upon entering a beautiful old bank building that has been turned into an elegant dining spot with tall ceilings and fancy floors, guests experience a blend of history and modern style, providing a special experience every time they visit. Since it opened in 2016, Riviera has quickly become a favorite for both locals and tourists.
These Ottawa restaurants were listed among the best in Canada: I re-ranked them
Canada's Best 100 Restaurants list's first choice for Ottawa restaurants is my third, but that's not a dig at Riv. Instead, it's more a matter of what you value, and where that value ranks for you (or me) as the diner. For me, Riviera does a lot of things right, and they definitely land at the top of my list when it comes to aesthetic (Riviera has one of the most gorgeous dining rooms and bars in Ottawa, and maybe even in the country).
15 Best Ottawa Restaurants To Explore And Dine At In 2024 (+ What To Order)
Housed in a heritage bank building, Riviera is considered the most stylish of Ottawa’s restaurants when taking inspiration from the art deco retro vibe, surrounded by magnificent interiors and dimming lights, which is perfect for a fancy date night. Serving cuisine that emphasizes local flavours, Riviera is a big favorite of Ottawans without a doubt. Settle down with Lobster Spaghetti, Braised Lamb Shank, and Steak Frites.
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Riviera’s stylish and refined space, just steps from Parliament Hill, is a feast for the eyes with its soaring 25-foot ceilings, luxe art deco vibes and breathtaking 80-foot brass bar. The menu is equally decadent, featuring fresh takes on classic upscale fare, updated regularly to showcase the best local ingredients. Be sure to peruse the extensive cocktail list for the perfect complement to your meal.
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Located at 62 Sparks Street, Riviera Ottawa is a super cool airport lounge-like restaurant that will make you feel highly sophisticated. They have a super simple menu that gives you only the best options and offers lunch and dinner. Their simple menu doesn’t include their drink menu, as their drink menu is very detailed and comprehensive and you just can’t scroll through it.
Ottawa: Our favourite addresses
A landmark restaurant in Ottawa, Riviera is the third opus of the El Camino group (El Camino, Datsun, and more recently Giulia). However, this is a departure from ethnic street food to a more upscale, refined cuisine, described as “new Canadian cuisine”. The vast space with soaring ceilings formerly housed a jewellery shop, as well as several financial institutions.
Awards: Ottawa's Top 10 Dinner Date Spots
Riviera offers high-end, creative Canadian cuisine and drinks in the refined interior of a former bank building. The high ceilings, cozy leather seating, and dim lighting make it the perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion. They were also listed as the top restaurant in Ottawa on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2024, and placed 28th overall in Canada.
Ottawa makes best restaurants of 2024 list
Located on Sparks Street, the upscale eatery serves a variety of seafood, pasta and meats. According to the restaurant’s website, the “stylish” spot in a heritage bank building offers food and drinks that take inspiration from the “retro vibe.”. “And then there’s dessert, with many treats to ponder, though you’d be a fool to miss the meringue pie,” it reads.
Where to eat and drink in Ottawa
Situated inside a former bank building with a modern and elegant interior, Riviera is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. It features a revolving menu of delicious dishes, with past menus including seafood chowder, roasted duck breast and braised lamb shank. Riviera is also known to serve some of the best cocktails in Ottawa.
Ottawa Restaurants | Top 25 in 2025
Found near Parliament Hill in what used to be a bank building is Riviera, a spacious Ottawa restaurant with impressive ceilings and unique private dining options. Book a banker’s office or cellar vault for your next group dinner for an especially memorable evening or just dine in the main dining room for a relaxed meal.
9 Must-Try Ottawa Restaurants for a Satisfying Dinner [2025]
Riviera Ottawa is all about a casual but fancy dining experience that makes you feel right at home while still treating you to something special. Starting with the menu, it’s a seafood lover’s dream. You’ll find fresh oysters and their popular lobster spaghetti, perfect for those who love a bit of indulgence.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Ottawa
Riviera in Ottawa is one of our favorite places to eat because it’s super cool, stylish and has a great vibe. The restaurant is in an old bank building, so it feels fancy but not too fancy. The food is fantastic, with dishes like steaks and seafood, and they make their own pasta, which is delicious!
Ottawa’s 10 Oyster Bars That Are Totally Shell-Tastic! [2025]
Riviera Ottawa combines classic culinary craftsmanship with dishes that pack a refined punch. Their menu boasts a carefully curated selection, with oysters being an undeniable standout. Served with mignonette, horseradish, and a squeeze of lemon, these oysters are fresh and expertly shucked.
Best of Ottawa 2020: Fine Dining
Riviera Ottawa is located in an old bank that has been converted into a charming restaurant. The ceilings may be vaulting but the atmosphere is cozy Euro bistro. The delicious meals are Canadian cuisine with a hint of Mediterranean.Photo: Riviera via Facebook
Catch a Glimpse of Ottawa's Culinary and Nightlife Scene
If you’re a food enthusiast, Ottawa’s dining scene will surely captivate you. Riviera Ottawa offers a menu that’s a testament to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Meanwhile, Fauna Ottawa is a must-visit for those who appreciate farm-to-table dining.
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With an upscale, contemporary ambience, it seamlessly blends modern European and Canadian flavours. Its recognition on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants and Top 100 Romantic Restaurants lists in 2023 underscores its excellence.
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From elevated versions of mushrooms on toast with shaved black truffle to dry-aged striploin steak frites, you'll easily find something at Riviera that will have you mmm-ing until the last bite.
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Riviera Ottawa is one of the best restaurants in Canada, and it’s right here in Ottawa!. The interior is gorgeous, and the food is even better.
Best Restaurants in Ontario according to Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants – 2019
Ph: (647) 490-5040 Brothers Food and Wine (63): 1240 Bay St, Toronto. Ph: (416) 804-6066 Il Covo (64): 585 College St, Toronto.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit