Greg Cox, N&O Restaurant Critic and Food Writer
With the reopening of Fayetteville Street near and high rise condos sprouting up all over downtown Raleigh like shiitakes after a spring rain, the area has become a magnet for hip new restaurants and bars. The newest candidate for hot spot status is Riviera, which opened three weeks ago at 135 S. Wilmington St.
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A warm and cozy backdrop with just the right amount of hustle and bustle provides an ideal setting for the vibrant flavors and textures of this hip Mediterranean eatery. Watch the chef in the open kitchen as he prepares a seasonal menu of soups, salads and small and large plates like roasted eggplant garlic soup, monkfish with mashed avocados and smoked beef tenderloin. Weekly drink specials also make this a great place to come after work.
BJ Lawson, Soapadoo
My wife and I were looking for a restaurant convenient to the performing arts center in Raleigh for a pre-concert dinner, and we chose Riviera based simply upon its location and our fondness for Mediterranean food. We had no idea, however, that we were on our way to one of the best meals of our lives.
Raleigh has its share of good restaurants, including Enoteca Vin and Second Empire, but the meal and service we enjoyed at Riviera were truly second to none. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated, and the food is unbelievable. I had their triggerfish special, my wife had duck, and both of our entrees were perfectly prepared and accompanied by seasonal vegetables such as butternut squash and cranberries. They also have an exceptional selection of cheeses, and a good wine list that is well-suited for the cuisine. We ended up being a bit late for the concert, but it was well worth it—next time we’ll stay long enough to enjoy dessert, as well.
