We spent an evening enjoying cocktails at one of Canada’s best restaurants
Riviera
62 Sparks Street, Ottawa
Sunday – Wednesday 5 PM – 10 PM
Thursday – Saturday 5 PM – 11 PM
Hours: Riviera closes at 11 PM on weekends. Keep that in mind if you want to go to Riviera as part of a bar crawl.
Parking: We parked at the corner of Kent Street & Queen Street, which offers 6$ parking until midnight.
Riviera is an upscale Sparks Street restaurant located in a former 19th-century bank, just steps from Parliament Hill. The venue opened in 2016 as part of the El Camino group. Like its sister restaurants, El Camino, Datsun, and Guilia, this establishment is named after a car. In this case, the Buick Riviera. Every local foodie knows Riviera. It has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Canada over the years. In 2024, it ranked 28th. This restaurant is well-known for its food, but it’s also an excellent destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Rivera’s master bartender Steven Flood is a local legend on the Ottawa bar scene. The opportunity to try his libations is in itself a good reason to visit this establishment.
The Space
This is a beautiful historic space. The architectural & design features from the banking era are very present. For example: near the entrance, the once bank manager’s officer is now a semi-private dining space. Consistent with the building’s history, there are many banker’s lamps along the 70-foot-long brass bar counter goes from the entrance to the back of the restaurant.
It’s a large space, which can make it difficult to create an intimate setting. However, the lights are slightly dimmed and every table has a table lamp. These factors and others help to create the sense of intimacy. Depending on where you sit, you can watch the bartenders shake up cocktails or the kitchen prepare the dishes.
Seating options are abundant: wooden chairs, leather banquettes, and bar stools. There are no bad seats. We’ve sat in most corners of this establishment throughout the years, and every spot is enjoyable.
The Service
The service was impeccable during every visit. We are always treated like royalty.
We were greeted at the entrance. The staff took our jackets and gave us a ticket in exchange. We were then brought to our table. Once seated, we were offered a glass of water, which was regularly refilled by the server throughout the evening. When it was time to order, the staff knew the food & drink menu very well and gave us helpful recommendations. The waiters remained nearby to offer quick and efficient service. Whenever we finished a dish or a cocktail, the server would quickly clear the dishes.
The Menu
The cocktail program was extensive. It was separated into different sections:
- The Great Flood (signature cocktails): 11
- Negroni (10 variations)
- Baby, it’s Cold Outside (signature cocktails): 4
- Classics & Neoclassics (21)
- Shaker: 11
- Mixing glass: 10
- Free-Spirited (non-alcoholic): 5
The bar boasts an impressive selection of spirits. There are well over 100 different spirits of all kinds. We counted 26 different single malt scotches! Their Gin, Vermouth, and amari/herbal spirits list was even more extensive. This makes sense, considering Steven Flood’s focus on Negronis. Unfortunately, we did not get around to trying their Negronis yet (hopefully next time). However, we did try four of their signature and classic cocktails.
The cocktails we ordered
All of their cocktails were perfectly executed, well-balanced, and beautifully presented. The glassware was elegant, and the garnishes were nice. The cocktails in tumblers came with clear ice. Some cocktails were garnished with freshly picked flowers.
We were happy to see alcohol-free spirits such as HP Juniper & Lunette London Dry on the non-alcoholic menu, demonstrating their desire to offer guests quality non-alcoholic cocktail options.
Pear Pressure (18$): This cocktail was sweet with a smooth alcohol aftertaste. The vodka’s ethanol taste wasn’t present. There wasn’t any garnish, but the glassware was beautiful.
Garden of Earthly Delights (22$): This drink was served in a heavy old-fashioned glass. It boasted a beautiful green color, perhaps from the chartreuse. It was sweet upon the first sip, with the cucumber juice nicely complementing the botanical concept of this drink. This cocktail is worth a try because the Botanical taste of that chartreuse alongside the cucumber juice is a unique flavor combination.
Pisco Sour ($18$): We ordered this cocktail during a previous visit to Riviera. It’s a classic that was well executed and beautifully presented. It was served in a heavy tumbler with clear ice and garnished with a freshly picked flower.
Champs Elysee (22$): This is another classic cocktail. We were happy to discover that Riviera served Chartreuse cocktails despite LCBO’s halt on purchasing this product. The Green Chartreuse was more discreet than in the Garden of Earthly Delights (both in color and taste), but it nonetheless added something pleasant to the cocktail. (no photo, sorry)
The Food We Ordered
We were there for the drinks, but we couldn’t pass up on the food. The menu at Riviera was short but varied. There were vegetarian & pescatarian options as well as regular offerings.
We were first served complimentary brioche-like bread with butter while awaiting our appetizers.
Oysters With Mignonette, Horseradish & Lemon (46$): 2 types of oysters were sourced from different locations. They each had different tastes. It was fresh, zesty, light.
Beef Tartare Classique with Shaved Truffle & Potato Chips (29$): This dish was very delicious. It was well-seasoned. The tartare was served with regular potato chips that were beautifully placed on the tartare for an original presentation. (no photo, sorry)
Iceberg Wedge Salad with Fogo Island Shrimp, Bacon & Buttermilk Dressing (28$): The salad was great. We were surprised by the strong, bright flavour of the shrimp. (no photo, sorry)
Ravioli Doppio, Roasted Chestnut, Butternut Squash, Brown Butter & Sage (34$): A dish of 5 large ravioli squares, each separated into two rectangles. The exterior was salty & cheesy, which contrasted with the interior: it was filled with soft, buttery, sweet squash. Despite being pasta, this was not a heavy dish. It was light and tasted freshly made.
Riviera is known as a restaurant, but there’s a significant focus on the bar program. Considering the excellent service, the great libations, and the historic location, this is a place worth going to (more than once) for any cocktail enthusiast. We also believe that Riviera is the best bar for Negroni aficionados. If you’re only in the mood for cocktails, grab a seat by the bar or in the cocktail area.
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