14

RIVEA LONDON
CHEF: Alain Ducasse + Alexandre Nicolas
171 Knightsbridge SW7
Bulgari Hotel + Residences
Michelin Stars: N/A

In London for a myriad of appointments and meetings, we decided to visit RIVEA during lunch. Our only hesitation was that RIVEA had only been open for a couple of months prior to our visit, but our concerns were quickly laid to rest.

Located in the Bulgari Hotel, guests are greeted and escorted down a spiral staircase into the restaurant. Once seated RIVEA service was efficient without feeling intrusive and the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and able to describe courses with aplomb.

Inspired by the food markets of the French and Italian Rivieras, RIVEA’s Mediterranean influences are unmistakeable. At lunch, there is a set menu of small plates — two starters, one plate and dessert selected from the A la carte menu with bottled water and tea or coffee for £35 ($57). Of course, cocktails and wine can be ordered at additional costs.

One of the dishes I was excited to try was the Rivea Salad Wrapped in Socca (above), a Provencal crepe made with chickpea flour and stuffed with a crispy niçoise salad. Other standout dishes were the very tender Warm Octopus + Potato Salad, the Gamberoni, Delicate Lobster Gelée, and the Roast Duck, Quince + Beetroot.

Despite Alain Ducasse’s Michelin-star reputation, lunch at RIVEA was relaxed with food and service that was exceptional. While the ambience was a bit sedate, I enjoyed the quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of a normal London day.

Warm Octopus and Potato Salad
Gamberoni, Delicate Lobster Gelée
Roast Duck, Quince + Beetroot
Seared Beef Fillet, Vegetables + Girolles