Ресторан · Ottawa · ⭐ 9.3/10 · 1669 reviews · $$$ · updated: 2026-06-30 17:59:17
Address: 62 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada
Riviera: Ten Negronis in a 1930s Bank Vault
The best bar seat in Ottawa is inside a former bank. Riviera took over the 1930s Art Deco hall of the old Imperial Bank on the Sparks Street pedestrian mall and turned it into the city’s most cinematic place to drink: marble everywhere, ceilings that swallow sound, and a cocktail list famous for carrying ten variations of the Negroni at once.
The Concept
Riviera opened in 2016 as the flagship of chef-owners Matthew Carmichael and Jordan Holley, the duo behind El Camino and Datsun. Where their other rooms play loud and casual, this one plays glamorous: new Canadian cooking with Mediterranean leanings, a raw side of oysters, caviar and tartares, and a bar program — long steered by mixologist Stephen Flood — that treats classics as raw material. The restaurant has been a fixture on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list since 2017.
What to Order
Start with a Negroni — any of the ten — or something seasonal from the list. Then: lobster spaghetti, pappardelle with oxtail ragù or the dry-aged striploin in bordelaise, with the chocolate peanut butter tart as the standing finale. Bar seats face the open kitchen, dinner and show included.
The Space
A genuine Art Deco temple: soaring stone hall, brass details, marble bar, and private corners in the old Banker’s Office and Cellar Vault. After dark the room hums — politicians, dealmakers and dressed-up dates all borrowing a bit of the building’s swagger.
Who It’s For
Cocktail obsessives, celebration tables that want architecture with their dinner, and anyone hosting an out-of-towner who thinks Ottawa doesn’t do glamour.
Good to Know
Do I need a reservation? For dinner, strongly advised — evenings fill fast; bar seats reward early walk-ins.
What’s the signature drink? The Negroni program — ten takes on the classic, plus a seasonal cocktail list.
Is it dinner-only? Primarily an evening room — service starts at five and runs late on weekends.
Where should a couple sit? At the bar facing the open kitchen — the most coveted seats in the hall.
Can it host private events? Yes — the Banker’s Office and Cellar Vault take intimate groups, with larger buyouts possible.
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Tuesday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Wednesday | 17:00–22:00 |
| Thursday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Friday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Saturday | 17:00–23:00 |
| Sunday | 17:00–22:00 |
Photos
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Visitor reviews
Reviews last updated: 2026-06-30 17:59:17
Data is refreshed monthly. Sources: ottawa-trend.com and editorial picks based on reviews.
My husband and I came here and sat at the kitchen bar. It was wonderful to watch the cooks prepare the dishes so carefully. The food was phenomenal. Highly recommend this place and will definitely be back for another dat…
This is one of my favourite spots in Ottawa, the service always seems to be top-notch, and the food is consistently wonderful.
Even when I ordered takeout during COVID. I can't say enough good things about Riviera, and I…
I visited Riviera on my first evening in Ottawa, when I was in town for a conference, and several people recommended it as a must-try restaurant.
From the moment I arrived, the hostess was very friendly and seated me qu…
This restaurant is a great spot to enjoy excellent food and drinks. We ordered two flat iron steaks—one served with vegetables and the other with fries—as well as a pasta dish for my daughter. The food was cooked perfect…
Riviera in Ottawa has one of the most varied drink menus I've ever seen, which makes it a wonderful place to explore different drinks. The scallops as an appetizer were fantastic — perfectly cooked and full of flavour.…