Riva
Riva

Owner/sommelier Thierry Perez and Chef Jason Travi of Fraîche have opened a new coastal Italian eatery, Riva, right around the corner from Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade. Dean Larkin's interior design highlights the large, high-ceilinged industrial space with a huge chandelier, oak floor planking, and concrete walls.


Start your meal with some selections from the Crudo menu -- Italy's version of sushi. The silky pieces of raw fluke with blood orange and sprigs of mint made for an intriguing combination. Riva also serves several thin-crust (but not too thin) pizzas like the signature Patate Semplice with potato slices, rosemary, tangy fontina cheese and sea salt; and the Tradizionale with prosciutto, arugula and pecorino.


The seafood and fish entrees include the Shellfish Fra Diavola with a half lobster, prawns, mussels, clams and squid in a slightly spicy tomato sauce. The Lamb Spezzatino is a hearty stew of braised lamb in a smoky tomato sauce over creamy semolina. The Kurobata Pork Chop with black trumpet mushrooms and broccolini is another juicy specialty.


Desserts are original versions of Italian dolci like fluffy Ricotta Fritters with Catalan cream and spiced orange zest, and a light but creamy Strawberry Semifreddo over an almond crust.


The wine list is extensive, but all from Italy, and helpfully divided into Under- and Over-$50 ranges.


Didn't have time to make a reservation? Not to worry, try your luck getting a seat at the illuminated faux alabaster pizza bar at the back. For VIP dinners, there's also a large oak-paneled room in the back that features some of the wine menus notable bottles.

Address: 312 Wilshire Blvd.

Cross Street: 3rd St.

Neighborhood: Santa Monica

Phone: (310) 451-7482

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, Mon-Fri 5:00pm-1:00am, Sat-Sun 5:00pm-1:00am

Type: Italian, Small Plates

Price: $$