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Rivera Restaurant Reviews List
Rivera Restaurant
Best New LA Restaurant 2009"
John Mariani -Esquire
“I ate at Rivera more times than I really needed to. I couldn’t help myself.”
S.Irene Virbila -Los Angeles Times
“Sedlar has been exploring the culinary relationship between Spain and the Americas for his entire professional life.”
Patric Kuh -Los Angeles Magazine
“The tequilas, infused with vanilla, passion fruit, or rose blossom, are irresistible.”
Best of LA 2009 -Los Angeles Magazine
“Best Los Angeles Latin Food”
“Best Los Angeles Celebrity Chef”
Citysearch 2009
Chef John Rivera Sedlar celebrates Latin food in all its diverse varieties. RIVERA’s menu reflects decades of Sedlar's passion for Latin culinary history and gives new relevance and relish to familiar foods from the sultriest of latitudes: tamales, mole, ceviche, feijoadas, fideos and jamones. The restaurant offers a unique tequila program, mixology by innovator Julian Cox and wines from the regions of Spain, Portugal, Madeira, and more.
See more Rivera Restaurant details
147 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 147 reviews
5 stars
(58)
4 stars
(62)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(8)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(106)
- special occasion(65)
- hot spot(41)
- neighborhood gem(38)
- notable wine list(38)
- vibrant bar scene(36)
Rivera Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Absolutely delicious, exotic food. Sweetbreads melt in the mouth, and the pork entree was nearly like candy. Great service even though we came in late."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 2 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Left after appetizers... BOO
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Place looks awesome from outside, kitchen is visible from the street... walked in and ordered a few drinks... drinks were good! Cuban food.. thought it would be a lot more exciting than what we got! We were seated next to a couple whom I felt like I was closer physically to the person next to me than my fiance across from me. The place is small, I would recommend the place for a first date. We ordered 2 appetizers, both SALTY, boring and ridiculous small! We looked around at what others had ordered, and it was definitely not looking too hot... so we bailed... Left and went to another restaurant and ate our hearts out. Pricy, small plates, and too freaking LA for my taste!"
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was excellent. We had the beet and orange salad plus the mussels for appetizers. The salad was outstanding but the mussels had the best broth I have ever had. Wonderful! The ribeye steak I had was very good. My dining companion enjoyed her scallops. We shared a sorbet for desert. The poblano chile sorbet was unusual and very good. Strawberry was also good. The guava was okay in my taste. We ate in the Toro room which is quieter. The rum drink was great too."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene
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Review 4 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Exvellent cocktails! Amazing service!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 5 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious noms!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food had thoughtful/artful presentation, great flavor fusion, presented by knowledgeable staff. We had the mushroom carpaccio, stuffed peppers, duck/black bean/blue corn tortilla dish, ribeye and for dessert, the olive oil cake and the rum cake. We tried 2 mezcal drinks - the Paloma was AMAZING, as well as a rum with bitters. Service was impeccable...we had enough alone time to enjoy our meal/date. Everyone was gracious and the host opened the door for us on the way out. I loved that when the bartenders made the drinks, they turned all the bottles so the restaurant could see the labels and they took little tastes of each drink to insure quality."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 6 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great drinks and food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had forgotten how good the food was at Rivera. While we normally don't have mixed drinks, their tequila drinks were outstanding. It was really an outstanding dinner overall and our out of town friends really enjoyed it."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 7 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Delicious!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great spot for a great meal! The service, food and ambiance are terrific!!"
Dined on 6/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wow!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"There were 4 of us and we did the 10 course meal which were very small portions, almost bite size, and the bill was almost $500. That was with two drinks only!"
Dined on 5/31/2013
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Review 9 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This is by far the best Latin restaurant in LA."
Dined on 5/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 10 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I would try again
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for my husband's Birthday. My husband was very happy with his Sea Bass entree. Sadly, the Pork cooked in Banana leaves that I ordered was not good. It was very dried out, and tough. The stuffed peppers appetizer was excellent. Sadly, the service was slow as well.
Even thought it was not great I would give the restaurant another try, and I would order something different to see if we have a better food experience."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 11 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Much too noisy for my evening group
Food was mediocre"
Food was mediocre"
Dined on 5/29/2013
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Review 12 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good gift
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We got a gift certificate for this restaurant as a wedding present and while I may not seek this place out again, we really enjoyed the meal we had. The cocktails were the highlight with tangy, spicy spins on classics."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, special occasion
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Review 13 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always excellent food and service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"And now that it has been around awhile, you can actually get a table at dinner hour without a two week wait. Just as excellent each time I go. Definitely try the soft shell crab and the mussels appetizers."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 14 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exquisite!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was my first time dining at Rivera and the experience was incredible! The food was exquisite from the starters to the main dishes. The stuffed Spanish peppers, corn cakes w/ soft shell crab, and tortillas florales were amazing! The Puerto Rican Mofongo, duck enfrijolada, and Yucatecan puerco pibil was simply devine and the service superb! I will definitely be returning to Rivera soon."
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 15 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
LESS IS MORE
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The small plates are far superior to the entrees. Across the board. Remember that at Rivera and you can have a fine meal."
Dined on 5/18/2013
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Review 16 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fantastic food and cocktails!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We LOVE this restaurant! The gazpacho and sweetbreads are wonderful, and the duck is amazing! Also, every cocktail we tried was delicious!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 17 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time here, Food and service were great"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 18 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a Great Time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is incredible, dishes I have never seen before and flavors you won't forget. This is the second time I have eaten there and am already trying to find an excuse to go again! You won't be disappointed!!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
cocktails are so inventive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The tequila cocktails are so different. They take time to appreciate, but when it is over I wanted still more. So different.
The appetizer of the small peppers was awesome. the fish on the mofungo was very nice. We chose this spot for our anniversary and it was perfect"
The appetizer of the small peppers was awesome. the fish on the mofungo was very nice. We chose this spot for our anniversary and it was perfect"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 20 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"John Sedlar's downtown restaurant is terrific. He is a warm host, going from table to table as well as overseeing his kitchen. The "Nuevo Latino" food is both familiar and unusual and the drinks are dynamite. The arepas with soft shell crab and black quinoa was so delicious. Even the tortillas are amazing with the flowers pressed in and the green "butter" which is similar to a slightly spicy, but very unctuous and smooth guacamole. My scallops were delicious, as was my husband's pork and my daughter's steak. We would definitely go again."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 21 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chef Sedlar shows greatness!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chef John Sedlar continues his tradition of showing great inventiveness, imagination and culinary skills at his flagship Rivera Restaurant!"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 22 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Love everything about this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
"Love everything about this restaurant!! Fabulous food and service."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 23 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Attitude from waiters and
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Attitude from waiters and bartenders. would not go back. apps were good, main course was not."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
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Review 24 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had an excellent experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had an excellent experience. Absolutely no complaints here! Well done Rivera!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very disappointed after all
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very disappointed after all of the great reviews this restaurant has had. The food was just so-so."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2007
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Review 26 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
High prices, microscopic portions!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Warning: overpriced and underwhelming! My dinner companion's $28 "entree" consisted of a two-bite portion of fish and a small piece of chorizo placed in one corner of rectangular platter. You will leave here broke and hungry. Adding insult to injury, our waiter was on the haughty side and seemed very ticked off that we didn't order more. But our dinner, drinks (and only one of us ordered a drink -- the other had tap water) and tip already cost us $95, yet one of us felt the need to make a fast-food stop two hours later."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
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Review 27 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
You won't be sorry!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Really enjoyed this restaurant. We were attending a show at the Nokia Theater and this was EASY (5-7 minutes) walking distance to the theater. Tequila selection in the bar is extensive and the bartender was really good at helping to select the right tequila for me.
Our server was great, realized we needed to get to the show and she kept the dinner flow steady but not rushed. Food was presented beautifully, and it was all wonderful!
Our server was great, realized we needed to get to the show and she kept the dinner flow steady but not rushed. Food was presented beautifully, and it was all wonderful!
Highly recommend Rivera for a nice evening downtown...special occasion, with clients, or with a couple friends...."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 28 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Such exciting food. It is
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Such exciting food. It is a real treat to eat here."
Dined on 04/18/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 29 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing, authentic, delicious.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing, authentic, delicious. One of my favorite restaurants in LA County. It's no wonder I've been there for my college graduation and birthdays ever since. Thank you for another great meal."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Bittersweet
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We love this place! We like to do the small plate selection and usually order four for the two of us and share them all. The cocktails are wonderful, John Sedlar is a genius, such a full menu and everything is done to perfection. We especially loved the lambchops and desserts are always wonderful. However, we were moved away from our choice of tables for someone else who was more "special" which really gave us a negative experience, the "L.A." favoritism we hadn't seen before either at Rivera or Playa. In addition our server made no acknowledgement, just continued to serve as if nothing had happened, then made himself scarce."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 31 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Food and Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great place to go to early before a game or concert at Staples or Nokia. Valet park, get your ticket validated, and pick up your car after the event for $10. The food is great, with a nouveau-latin theme. Go for the appetizers, tapas-style. The only disappointment was the one entrée we ordered (cod)-- it was tasty, but quiet Spartan for what we paid for it. Impeccable service."
Dined on 04/16/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great bartender, and snail
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great bartender, and snail dish. Other food was uneven."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 33 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful, unique food with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wonderful, unique food with fabulous service!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 34 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great wineo
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love the sommelier, makes the list come alive!wine"
Dined on 03/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 35 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall it's a great place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Overall it's a great place and we had a good experience. The wait staff is fantastic!
If you have dietary restrictions that are medically related, I would call ahead to see if they can accommodate you because they don't do any substitutions, even in the cocktails.
The food is fantastic as well!!!"
If you have dietary restrictions that are medically related, I would call ahead to see if they can accommodate you because they don't do any substitutions, even in the cocktails.
The food is fantastic as well!!!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 36 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The drinks were really delicious
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The drinks were really delicious and interesting. And we enjoyed a great dessert, as well, the chocolate cake. Overall, though, I felt the food was not special enough to warrant the prices, and the portions were very small too. We were still kind of hungry when we left and spent close to $150.00."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
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Review 37 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorite restaurant in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our favorite restaurant in all of Los Angeles!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 38 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
A big disappointment
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went for a nice dinner with my daughter and her husband and my son as we live nearby. I chose the dining room because it is quiet and elegant. We were seated in a nice round booth and the room was pleasant. It all went downhill from there. Our water glasses were filled immediately and we waited for our waiter and waited for 15 minutes. We finally ordered and got our food. The fish special with plantains and tomatoes was not flavorful and in fact didn't go together. The chicken tasted like boiled chicken they had dumped a can of black beans on. The only good thing was the tortillas and they only served 4 for 5 people and grudgingly brought butter. I will not go back for this bad food and lousy, arrogant service."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2011
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Review 39 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The appetizers were the high
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The appetizers were the high point. The entrees were forgetable. I don't need to go back"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2008
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Review 40 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Sunday night and not very
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Sunday night and not very full and still it was super slow service and very inatentive. Ended up late to our next event. Busboy kept on filling our water glasses but we never got attention from our waiter."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2006
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Review 41 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The small back room doesn't
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The small back room doesn't have the same feel as the front room and seems a bit ordinary. Everything else was good."
Dined on 03/24/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 42 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Food was disappointing. Under
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was disappointing. Under seasoned throughout with the gazpacho and bread being the highlights. The bread we had to ask for along with salt and pepper, which I don't think you should even have to ask for if the food is seasoned properly, twice. Service was vague, well meaning but ineffectual. It seemed a lot of people not knowing what's going on, especially when it came to salt and pepper. A real let down overall with the reviews of this restaurant being so high."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2004
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Review 43 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The cocktails are creatively
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The cocktails are creatively visual as they are delicious. The Lamb was cooked perfectly. I loved the artistic plating with every dish. The service and attention was fantastic, can't wait to come back again."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 44 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 45 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nuevo Latino Warrants a Visit
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Enjoyed terrifically novel cocktails and deliciously interesting new Latin cuisine. I like spice, my guest doesn't, we were both very pleased. Service was impeccable. We'll be back."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 46 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Perhaps the best Spanish/Latin
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perhaps the best Spanish/Latin food in LA."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 47 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great cocktail list, I just
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great cocktail list, I just wish someone had bothered to ask me if I wanted another. The waiter was friendly enough, but I would've preferred he recommend a drink or wine with my meal. Otherwise, I can't wait to go back and try some adventurous dishes."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 48 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Rivera has a few different
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Rivera has a few different "atmospheres" depending on which room you're in; there's a large, lively main room and a quiet, restrained side dining room, which is very comfortable. (Walls made up of backlit tequila bottles--evidently the regulars' private stash--are an unusual and surprisingly elegant touch.) We were there for lunch and both enjoyed nice salads (mine an ahi tuna "nicoise"). Portions are not large and prices are on the high side for the nicely presented but not particularly innovative, Latin-tinged cuisine. But you're paying partly for the ambience, which is perhaps more businessy than hip. There's an extensive if generally overpriced wine list, strong on California and with some interesting bottles from South America."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 49 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Awesome and inventive attention to detail. Can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 50 for Rivera Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent food, best bartenders
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent food, best bartenders and liquor selection in LA."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2006
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