[Review] Riviera Unveils A New Chapter of a Mediterranean Culinary Voyage

Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, Riviera, is seeking to present a new culinary journey to diners in Singapore with the unveiling of a refreshed menu under the guidance of newly appointed Executive Chef Yvan Yin.

Chef Yvan Yin brings with him, a distinguished 19-year culinary career, marked by his mastery in kitchens across China, France, and Singapore. Having honed his skills in Michelin-starred establishments such as Joël Robuchon and La Cantine by Chef Bruno Menard, Chef Yvan is introducing his unique fusion of French fine dining techniques with Asian influences to redefine contemporary Mediterranean cuisine at Riviera.

Riviera’s refreshed menu showcases Chef Yvan’s culinary prowess through an array of dishes that harmonise Eastern and Western palates. Highlights include cold appetisers featuring Hamachi Carpaccio to hot appetisers like Gambas & Chorizo Iberico. We sampled the former during a dinner tasting and absolutely love the presentation of the dish, with bright, natural colours bringing out the vibrancy of the Mediterranean Sea visually:

The serving was generous for this starter and can adequately serve a few pax as a sharing platter.

Chef Yvan’s signature creations span from land to sea. Highlighted dishes that were recommended to us include his Poulet Pastilla, Tuna Chutoro & Risotto and Se Sea Urchin Linguine. We opted for the later, which presented a fine balance of rich uni flavour with the charred corn cream, all to be slurped together with strands of fine linguine. This is strong flavoured main featuring Asian ingredients and flavours with Western cooking style and presentation.

To truly enjoy Chef Yvan’s signature creations, guests can choose to embark on a culinary exploration through Riviera’s Discovery Lunch Experience, offering 2- to 4-course options starting from $58++.

For a truly immersive dining experience, Riviera presents an exclusive Omakase menu priced at $188++, available only during dinner service. The Omakase menu promises a sensory adventure, blending premium ingredients from the Mediterranean and Asian regions.

We tried the Omakase during the dinner tasting and these were the dishes presented for the night:

The protein for one of the listed courses, veal, was swapped with lamb during our tasting as the chef felt that the veal cut available that day was not as good as lamb. This was to ensure the best dining experience is delivered.

Overall, from the presentation of the dishes, the French culinary influence and classical skills of Chef Yvan is clearly demonstrated. Each dish is like a work of art and the flavours of all the choice ingredients are all harmonised, without anything being overly excessive or overpowering.

The standout dishes for us that night were the Foie Gras and Risotto dishes, both plated so beautifully that we took time to admire them a while before tucking in. For the later, it was refreshing to discover how a savoury egg yolk can enhance the flavour so much, paired with an uncommon artichoke.

Riviera also offers a wide selection of French wines and more, with wine pairing available upon request.

Food aside, the restaurant offers a stunning view of the Marina Bay waterfront, with panoramic ceiling-to-floor windows. This is a great place for a romantic dinner date or to celebrate a special occasion, against a lovely urban backdrop.

Riviera is managed by Deliciae Hospitality Management (DHM), a F&B group founded in 2010 by French restaurateur Olivier Bendel and responsible for other iconic establishments like L’Entrecôte and Sabio.

Riviera

Address:
#02-06, One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road, Singapore

Tel: +65 6690 7564

Email: hello@riviera.sg

Opening Hours:
Tues to Sat: 12pm to 2.30pm, 6.30pm to 11pm
Sun and Mon: Closed