Riviera in Mayfair is classic and classy French cuisine which hits all the right notes.
Any restaurant where you get a lift to a spot overlooking central London is off to a strong start.
Riviera has the elegance and class you would expect from a French restaurant in Mayfair and given that I was running slightly late due to tube strikes, the calmness of the ambiance was appreciated.
Once I was in my seat, it didn’t take long for a glass of champagne to follow, setting the tone for a delightful evening.
We started with a simple but perfectly constructed caesar salad and a less simple but by no means less delicious seabass carpaccio in a superb citrus sauce. Those were combined to share which was an interesting and well contrasted combo.
The starters were paired with cocktails – my friend had a melon and spiced rum based Melon Rouge while I went for the mint and elderflower French Spritz.
Following that was the mains, which were paired with an absolutely wonderful red wine – French of course.
We shared a trofie pesto dish which was absolutely delightful, as well as an assortment of excellent sides but the star of the show was, of course, the fillet steak.
You think French restaurant, you think good fillet steak, so it was an absolute dream that it hit the spot. Perfectly cooked, succulent and tasting delicious.
At that point, we were pretty full, but my friend still managed to find space for some dessert – a superb sea salt chocolate mousse.
Overall, it was a wonderful night and a very good meal. Riviera London is not the cheapest option out there, but it’s certainly good value for money. It comes recommended.
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