Quick Summary
- Located in Berawa, Canggu, the Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) offers a sophisticated yet relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere with both open-air and indoor seating.
- The menu focuses on Italian-inspired dishes, featuring fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and popular appetizers like Escargot and grilled Octopus.
- It’s known for its daily Aperitivo Hour from 4 PM to 7 PM, an extensive wine list, and a Sunday brunch with free-flow spritzes.
- Dining is a mid-to-high range experience, averaging around IDR 500,000 per person, which most guests feel is justified by the ingredient quality.
- Service is frequently praised as attentive and professional, though reservations are highly recommended due to the restaurant’s popularity.
- While reviews are largely positive, some customers note loud music, and a few isolated but severe reports allege food poisoning from seafood dishes.
- The nearby Amazona Jungle Resort is presented as a post-dinner retreat, offering a tranquil escape with an open-air cinema and wellness facilities.
What We’ll Cover
- Atmosphere & Location
- Menu & Cuisine
- Price & Value
- Service & Dining Experience
- Convenience & Accessibility
- What Customers Are Saying
- A Hidden Gem Nearby: Amazona Jungle Resort
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- Sources
Berawa is the vibrant, beating heart of Canggu, a neighborhood where stylish eateries and laid-back beach culture collide. Among the standouts is the Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa), a Mediterranean-inspired hotspot that has quickly become a go-to for its fresh pastas, lively atmosphere, and sophisticated charm. This review will take you inside, exploring everything from the ambiance and menu to the service and overall value of this must-visit Bali eatery.
We’ll break down what makes Riviera a staple for locals and travelers alike, and even touch on how a great meal here can be the perfect start to a more immersive Bali getaway.
Atmosphere & Location
The Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) is perfectly positioned at Jl. Pemelisan Agung in Tibubeneng, placing it right in the center of Berawa’s energetic dining scene. The corner location is ideal for people-watching, making you feel connected to the neighborhood’s buzz. Known as a top romantic dinner spot in Canggu, the area itself is a trendy mix of bohemian cafes and upscale restaurants, and Riviera fits right in.
The restaurant’s design is a clear nod to the French Riviera, featuring whitewashed walls, soft arches, and understated Mediterranean decor. The ambiance is breezy and relaxed, encouraging guests to linger. There are both open-air seating options to enjoy Bali’s tropical climate and air-conditioned indoor spaces for comfort.
The overall vibe strikes a delicate balance between laid-back and sophisticated. It’s not a formal fine-dining establishment, but a stylish bistro where friends gather for good food and conversation. The bar is a focal point, especially around sunset, where the energy picks up during the popular Aperitivo Hour.
Menu & Cuisine
The Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) offers a modern Mediterranean dining experience with a strong focus on Italian flavors and fresh seafood. The menu is crafted as a journey through the region, featuring delicate appetizers, handmade pastas, and hearty main courses that celebrate high-quality ingredients.
According to reviews, standout dishes include the Escargot and grilled Octopus for starters, while the fresh, handmade pastas are a central feature of the main courses. For a memorable finish, guests often recommend the cheese and honeycomb dessert. The menu is primarily focused on seafood and pasta, so those seeking meat-heavy dishes may find options limited.
As a sister location to the popular Shelter Canggu, it’s no surprise the beverage program is equally impressive. Riviera is known for its extensive wine list, curated to complement the Mediterranean cuisine. The venue also boasts a spritz bar and is famous for its daily Aperitivo Hour from 4 PM to 7 PM. On Sundays, a popular brunch special includes free-flow spritzes and cocktails.
Price & Value
Dining at the Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) is a premium experience, with pricing that reflects its quality and location. The restaurant is categorized as mid-to-high range for Bali ($$ – $$$), with an average spend of around IDR 500,000 per person.
While some appetizers may start from IDR 50,000++, main courses and premium seafood dishes command a higher price. Guests consistently praise the quality of the fresh ingredients, particularly the seafood and handmade pastas, which many feel justifies the cost. Signature dishes like the hand-cut pappardelle with slipper lobster highlight the kitchen’s commitment to quality.
Compared to more casual eateries in Canggu, Riviera is certainly at the higher end of the price spectrum. However, for diners seeking a refined Mediterranean meal with an excellent wine selection and a sophisticated atmosphere, most find it delivers strong value.
Service & Dining at Riviera Bistro Restaurant (Berawa)
The service at Riviera Bistro is frequently described as warm, attentive, and professional. Many guest reviews praise the friendly staff, with managers like “Wahyu” and bartenders like “Wira” often mentioned by name for providing excellent, personalized recommendations without being intrusive.
Reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially during peak dinner hours, as the restaurant is quite popular. While the vast majority of experiences are positive, a few isolated reports mention reservation mishaps or less attentive service, though these appear to be exceptions.
The dining experience is generally relaxed and unhurried. Staff are proficient in English, catering to a diverse international clientele. The restaurant accepts major credit cards, making payment simple and convenient for travelers.
Convenience & Accessibility
Located on Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Riviera Bistro is easily accessible by car, scooter, or ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab from nearby tourist hubs. It is less than a kilometer from Berawa Beach and a short 5-10 minute drive from the center of Canggu.
Street parking is typical for the area, though it can be limited during busy times. The restaurant’s operating hours are from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays. For convenience, online reservations can be made directly through the official Riviera Bistro website. While delivery and takeout options are not explicitly advertised, it is worth checking with the restaurant directly.
What Customers Are Saying
The sentiment from online reviews is overwhelmingly positive. Many customers call the Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) one of the best Mediterranean dining experiences in Bali, praising its authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Recurring Praise
- Exceptional Food: The fresh, handmade pasta is a consistent highlight, with many reviewers describing it as “perfectly al dente.” The Tiramisu is frequently called the “best in Bali.” Other standout dishes include the Grilled Calamari and Chicken Liver Pâté.
- Attentive Staff: Service is a major strength. Staff members, particularly Dika, Wahyu, and Tari, are often named for their friendly, professional, and attentive service.
- Great Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as cozy, intimate, and warm, making it a popular choice for date nights and special occasions.
Common Complaints
- Inconsistent Quality: A minority of reviewers found some dishes to be bland or overpriced for the portion sizes.
- Loud Music: A recurring piece of feedback is that the music can be excessively loud, making conversation difficult and creating more of a “nightclub” feel than a relaxed bistro.
- Price Point: While most feel the quality justifies the cost, some find it expensive for Bali, especially the portion sizes for wine by the glass.
- Food Safety Concerns: It is important to note that a few isolated but severe reviews allege food poisoning from specific seafood dishes. While these are not the majority, they are a critical point of feedback.
A Hidden Gem Nearby: Amazona Jungle Resort
After a sophisticated Mediterranean dinner at Riviera Bistro, the night doesn’t have to end. For those looking to extend that feeling of an elegant escape, the Canggu area offers more than just culinary delights. Just a 10-minute drive away in the serene enclave of Kaba-Kaba, a different kind of sanctuary awaits: Amazona Jungle Resort.
This exclusive retreat redefines tropical luxury, featuring 41 uniquely designed jungle apartments that blend vintage elegance with a bold, 80s-inspired aesthetic. It’s the perfect counterpoint to Berawa’s beachside energy, offering a tranquil escape into an untouched jungle landscape.
Imagine winding down from your dinner not by heading back into the hustle, but by watching a classic film under the stars at the resort’s open-air cinema. The next day could be spent detoxing in the serene wellness area, complete with saunas, a steam room, and an invigorating ice bath. Two stunning infinity pools offer panoramic jungle views, creating a peaceful oasis for relaxation. It’s the ideal way to complement a lively night out with a truly restorative getaway.
Discover your jungle sanctuary at Amazona Jungle Resort.
Final Thoughts
The Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality, stylish Mediterranean dining experience in the heart of Berawa. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a celebratory meal with friends, or simply an evening of expertly crafted pasta and fine wine. The combination of its chic ambiance, attentive service, and flavorful cuisine makes it a standout in Canggu’s competitive food scene and solidifies its place as one of the best restaurants in the area.
For an experience that truly captures the best of both worlds, consider pairing your dinner at the Riviera Bistro restaurant (Berawa) with a visit to the nearby Amazona Jungle Resort. Turning a great meal into an unforgettable escape, it’s a perfect way to balance Bali’s social energy with its serene, natural beauty.
FAQ
Riviera Bistro is on Jl. Pemelisan Agung in Tibubeneng, right in the heart of Canggu's vibrant Berawa neighborhood. It's less than a kilometer from Berawa Beach and a short 5-10 minute drive from central Canggu.
The restaurant has a breezy and relaxed yet sophisticated Mediterranean vibe, inspired by the French Riviera. It features whitewashed walls and soft arches with both open-air and air-conditioned seating. While generally described as cozy and intimate, some guests have noted the music can be loud, creating more of a "nightclub" feel at times.
It offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with a strong focus on Italian flavors, fresh seafood, and handmade pastas. The menu is not extensive for meat-heavy dishes.
Guest reviews frequently praise the fresh, handmade pastas, often described as "perfectly al dente." Other standouts include the Escargot, grilled Octopus, Chicken Liver Pâté, and the Tiramisu, which is often called the "best in Bali."
It is considered a mid-to-high range restaurant for Bali ($$ - $$$), with an average cost of around IDR 500,000 per person. While most diners feel the quality justifies the price, some find it expensive for the portion sizes, particularly for wine by the glass.
Yes, Riviera Bistro has a daily Aperitivo Hour from 4 PM to 7 PM at its spritz bar. They also offer a popular Sunday brunch special that includes free-flow spritzes and cocktails.
Service is consistently described as warm, attentive, and professional. Staff are proficient in English, and specific team members like Wahyu, Wira, Dika, and Tari are often praised by name. While experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few isolated reviews mention reservation mishaps.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for peak dinner hours, as the restaurant is very popular. You can make reservations online through their official website.
Riviera Bistro is open from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
Recurring praise focuses on the exceptional handmade pasta, the famous Tiramisu, the attentive staff, and the cozy, intimate atmosphere. Common complaints, though less frequent, mention inconsistent dish quality, music that is sometimes too loud, and a high price point. Critically, a few isolated but severe reviews allege food poisoning from specific seafood dishes.
The restaurant is easily accessible via car, scooter, or ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab. Street parking is available but can be limited during busy periods.
Yes, you can pair your dinner with a stay at the nearby Amazona Jungle Resort, located just a 10-minute drive away in Kaba-Kaba. It offers a tranquil jungle escape that contrasts with Berawa's lively energy.
After a vibrant dinner, the resort provides a luxurious and peaceful retreat. You can unwind at the resort's open-air cinema, relax in the wellness sanctuary with its saunas, steam room, and ice bath, or lounge by one of the two infinity pools that offer panoramic jungle views, turning a great meal into a complete restorative experience.
Sources
- https://rivieragroupbali.com/bistro/
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Rasmus Holst is a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of COCO Development Group, where he helps drive innovation and growth through strategic business development. He is also the Co-Founder of Estate of Bali and Regnskabshelten.dk, Denmark’s fastest-growing accounting firm, which grew to 35 employees and generated $2.5M in turnover in 2023. Rasmus is passionate about building businesses that create long-term value and impact.
