Hotel Riviera Restaurant in East Devon

We visited the Riveria for lunch today, our first visit for 8 years and I have to say that I was very disappointed. I ordered cod and chips at a hotel next to the sea but I was given a piece of battered fish straight out of the "Bird's Eye" mould and not freshly cooked as I expected from a hotel of some repute. This was nowhere near the quality I enjoy regularly from my local Wetherspoons!

We arrived into Sidmouth on a coach tour with Shearings at 1:30pm and everywhere was packed for lunch; so much so, that some places put out ropes and turned patrons away. Walking along the promenade we decided to give Hotel Riviera a try as they had crab on the menu. A Portland crab sandwich was £17.50 each; a little pricey but was absolutely delicious. We stayed for drinks and coffee after lunch too, such was the relaxed ambience. What made our experience memorable was the service by all the staff! We were greeted as we entered by Roslyn who was kind and assisted with my mother-in-law and her walker getting us seated inside. We were then served by a delightful young lady named Grace who went above and beyond. The hotel and F&B department are doing a great job and this is clear in the politeness and efficiency of everyone from maintenance to managers. My only suggestion is to ask folks to not smoke by the bar door as the wind brings the smoke scents back into the restaurant. But other than that, we were very happy with our experience and our crab indulgences!

Travel back in time, to an age of elegance, an era, when people 'dress', for dinner, cocktails in the bar, before, to the sound of tunes, on the piano. Service is of the highest quality, with attention paid to the smallest detail. And food, is excellent. This is how we feel, when dining at The Riviera. It was lovely to see and be reminded by John, who recommended us and also gave top quality service.

Fantastic dinner, beautiful presentation and tasted absolutely delicious. The staff were so helpful served with style, I felt very special with lots care and attention making my evening dinner a wonderful and very enjoyable experience. The owners have a very high standard the tables were immaculate. Definitely be going back for dinner, lunch again.

Looking for a short stop for coffee we decided to try the hotel as it's position on the seafront was very attractive. Having taken a seat looking out to sea, we waited and waited and waited to be served. During that time two other potential customers came and left due to the wait. To make things worse a waiter was in full view all the time chatting to two ladies, it would appear just passing the time of day. Ultimately I approached him to enquire if it was table service or whether I had to go into the hotel to order, He replied I will be with you shortly. He continued to chatting to the two ladies for another 5 minutes and then came and took our order for two coffees. The disappointment continued as the coffee was extremely weak and tasted like instant coffee with hot milk. The good part is it did come with two delicious biscuits. The final insult was a bill for £11.40 for two coffees. Never again, be warned.

The terrace at the Riviera has to be one of the best outdoor spaces in sidmouth. The staff are professional, polite and discrete. I love to come here for a drink and some quiet contemplation. They serve a great G&T or glass of champagne (plus other things). Will try the restaurant soon.

We visited on a Monday lunchtime (21st September) sat on a table on their terrace . First warning was that the table was vacated by someone who had waited a long time for no service . We were told they had stopped serving lunch but afternoon tea was at 3 ( it was 2:10) so we waited. The table next to us asked about the sandwiches they ordered 45 mins ago - they appeared immediately, table in front asked where their food was - it appeared upon asking . At 3 I summoned a waiter to place an order - he brought me a bill ( we had no food or drink so I guess it wasn’t ours!) and he said that afternoon tea had moved to start at 3:30. At no point after about 2:15 to my summoning this waiter had any staff enquired if we wanted anything . The afternoon tea is £24 each - we were prepared to spend about 70-80 on this plus champagne . We left in dismay. They had plenty of staff apparently just standing about from my observation - but no management . We walked round the corner to the Dairy Cafe where we had a superb lunch with a very personal touch and homemade scones with Devon jam and cream at a fraction of the price . Go there instead - you will love it. They got a big tip !

Firstly I would like to say how good the food and service was. My dissatisfaction is that we were sitting at a table outside when the wind blew the umbrella, which was down, into my wife’s new glass of wine and knocked it over. The waiter was great in cleaning up the mess. My disappointment was that we were charged for the replacement glass by the management. We paid our bill and tipped the waiter but frankly I am disappointed with the managers attitude to customer service. Paul

For the past ten years or so we have visited friends in Sidmouth and whilst we do not stay at this Hotel we always look forward to a drink on the terrace on arrival, after a very long journey. This year drinks were served, although the service was not as friendly as previously and we were saddened at the sarcastic comment when paying that made us feel we had obviously not spent enough money! We ignored this and returned the next day for lunch. After a considerably long wait (20 minutes) my husband went inside to seek service. He was told someone would come and take our order. After another 20 minutes wait no-one arrived and so we left. Whatever has happened to the lovely waiters of yesteryear? We heard a resident complaining that people were using the Hotel facilities and leaving without buying anything, perhaps they were just experiencing the same poor service that we did.

We (4) visited the restaurant on Sunday 31st August and was very disappointed with the set menu. Over priced for what was a tiny piece of lamb, mostly fat and bone described as a rack of lamb and shoulder. The family named veg was buried and consisted of a flat potato skin and a teaspoon of so called ratatoui. I was still waiting for a serving of veg to arrive. £42 for that? We weren't even asked how it was when plates were taken away. Although after complaining we got a discount of £26 I really don't think a highly rated venue like this should be serving such poor quality food. We're not people who expect piles of food but we do expect decent portions and meat not gristle. It didn't live up to their fancy descriptions at all.

I enjoyed sitting with friends for a drink in the late afternoon. Although there were quite a few people, it did not seem crowded

I don't normally make any reviews but my lunch I had today at the Riviera, gave me a good reason to make one.I had lunch at the Riviera with my family yesterday and most of us ordered Sandwiches that weren't too bad. But really not worth the £8 each. Especially when they were using what appeared to be dry shop brought granary bread and wafer paper thin sliced beef...I pay £8 in London for top quality artisan sandwiches that are superior in comparison to the £8 ones at the Riviera...why is this? Not really any excuses. The poor elderly are certainly being ripped off. I however had the burger that had their name on it...I was very much looking forward to this but to much disappoint. The so called freshly baked bun was not anything to be proud of...it looked like a Morrisons white burger bap...the Burger was certainly not made on premises...even though for £15 it really should be...no excuses. It even looked like a birdseye frozen burger...I work in Hospitality as a Head Chef and dont understand why such a burger was on sale at £15 when this particular burger looked to only cost costs just £1.50 £2.00 to make...period. For a price of £15 You expect a decent burger. A proper in house made burger with homemade house slaw not brought in...a brioche bun from a good bakery...not a Morrisons burger bap...and perhaps some good pickles...And the fries could be alot better too...I know for a FACT this is not asking for much and can be achieved with a good profit margin made after still...So why are people being ripped off? People like me who enjoy eating out and don't mind spending their money can clearly see things here just simply are not up to scratch and people are being ripped off for the low quality and hight price paid . To the owner, please review the quality of the offerings and look for decent suppliers, they are out their and it CAN be done...I do this for a living...This place has so much potential for its food. 9 times out of 10 this isn't entirely the Chefs fault, its the unrealistic food costs they have been given by the owner and limited suppliers they can use. Until next time. I hope to see some passion in the food upon our next return.Kind regards, Chris Taylor

Had lunch today brilliant burgers very helpful staff Emily moved us inside with no hassle when had problems with sea gulls john was very friendly in the restaurant bar throughly enjoyed our visit two mature couples will now go back to stay for a long weekend next year thanks guys

Lovely place to sit outside and watch the world go by on a sunny day. Most of staff very friendly but some up their own ass.

Went to the hotel recently on one of their two special “Christmas Dinner” evenings. We arrived in the bar to find it completely empty apart from our group of four. There was someone playing a piano but far too loudly considering we were the only people in the room. We were struck by how quiet the bar was and in the 20 minutes or so we were there, no one else joined us. We hoped that the restaurant might be a bit more lively, but when we entered, there was just one elderly couple finishing off their meal and they left around 8 pm after which we were the only people in the whole restaurant!! The ambiance was non existant and very disappointing compared to what we had expected, i.e. a lively dining area full of happy Christmas diners, chatting and laughing. It was deathly quiet and the billed piano music was only in the bar. Another couple did come in to eat later but that was it. I would have to ask why the hotel restaurant was empty on the last Friday before Christmas?!Overall the food was excellent and the service was good (but a little pretentious and over the top),but what really spoiled the evening was the hotel charging us the full amount for the meal for two members of our group who had to cancel at the last moment due to illness. When booking, the hotel’s confirmation letter stated that any late cancellations would incur the whole fee (£44 per head), and I fully understand the reasons for doing so, but in this case there were many empty tables and dozens of empty seats so the hotel cannot argue that it has been deprived of any income by two of our guests not turning up. Overall a very downbeat experience and not one likely to get people in the Christmas festive spirit! There are plenty of other places in Sidmouth with a bit more life in them!!

The white 1930’s façade of “The Riviera” is a gem on Sidmouth’s seafront - you almost expect Hercule Poirot to come bustling out.. Inside the ambience is bright but more 1960’s.The staff are friendly and efficient but – taken simply as a dining option – The Riviera is significantly overpriced.Certainly my wife enjoyed her sole but my lamb cutlets were unremarkable. Even allowing a premium for hotel surroundings, the food and, on normal restaurant multiples, more particularly the wine, was much more expensive than justified.

Wow! The Hotel Riviera certainly got it right! Visited on a fabulous sunny Sunday in September and after checking out the menu decided to take a seat on the terrace. Very clean and inviting area. We were immediately welcomed by Harry and offered drinks, and a menu. After a short time we decided to go for a light option, which for me, was a beef and horseradish sandwich. This came with the customary salad garnish, and crisps. Very tasty and well presented. Harry checked back several times to make sure all was well. He was friendly and polite, without being OTT.A very positive experience which I'd be happy to repeat, and recommend to others.

Visited here for the first time today, and sat outside in the glorious sunshine.Harry our waiter was absolutely fantastic, nothing was too much trouble, he was so polite and attentive.Food was lovely, I had the steak ciabatta and the steak was cooked perfectly.Can't wait to return

I was staying elsewhere, but I just wanted to come and sample this iconic hotel in Sidmouth.I chose a good day, so I was able to sit outside and watch the world go by.The interior of the hotel is fabulous,and you could literally let your imagination run away with itself, thinking of years gone by when all the gentry stayed here for their summer breaks.SIMPLY FASCINATING.

Superb service with live piano at the bar:I took my mother here and I have to confess we have been coming here since 1981.The food is excellent the atmosphere gentile and the five course meal good value. While not cheap at under £50, the five course menu regularly changes and is a very enjoyable way to spend an evening. We retired to the bar and were serenaded by the piano player who was fantastic and a good reason to attend the Riv anyway! one word of warning the wines can be a little pricey bu the quality of the house wines is worthit.

called when visiting Sidmouth for the day it was lovely and sunny so a table on the patio was just the job. we both had a sandwich each which were delicious one being crab the other turkey with cranberry sauce would call again if in area

We went when in holiday. Sidmouth is s very nice town with lots of good restaurants. If in the area pop in. We just dropped into this place. Good service and food. But very quiet. I think some background light classical music would be nice Otherwise we had a great meal

Excellent (though expensive) Easter Day lunch here - expect to pay about £70 a head including a little wine. However, the service, ambience and food are superb. The dining room is charming and light and the staff are professional and welcoming. It would be lovely of they offered flambe dishes (Crepes Suzette, Steak Diane) which are so rare to find now and belong in dining rooms such as this. Top marks for the perfect Melba toast and exquisite linen, however.

sat in the front of this great hotel waiter service great waiter HARRY TURNER this nice polite young man put us at ease ask for 2 coffees then when they arrived i asked to change to cream tea but no tea as i already had my coffee he went out of his way calling us sir and miss not like some that give you then leave he spoke to us for a few moments and we learnt a bit about him, very mature for a 19year old knows what he wants in life hes an asset to his or any other employer 10/10 oh also believe its a dog friendly hotel check before booking

Weather permitting, you could just about imagine yourself in the south of France when visiting the Riviera: the name, the white building, the palm trees, the white tables and chairs in the courtyard, and in the restaurant, an attractive dinner plate at each setting only removed after the amuse bouche.

Nice hotel on Sidmouth seafront sat outside looking at the view of the bay & cliffs Having a nice relaxing drink with good waiting service

Took my husband for his birthday. We had a lovely lunch. The starter of chicken Parfait was beautiful very smooth served with the brioche bread, beef cooked to your liking, dishes of perfectly cooked vegetables. Not microwaved.

Really super weekday lunch for two. Excellent table with sea views. First rate attentive and friendly service. Food was superb: starters of chicken parfait, fishcakes, mains of sea bream. Very reasonable for this standard (£75 for two including drinks). Will come again.

We ate here twice on a four day visit to Sidmouth because the food was so good. Having a pre dinner drink in the bar is a must, the barman was friendly and helpful, without fail every member of staff were a credit to the hotel (another special mention to the lovely waitress). The food was just fantastic and good value for the whole eating out experience. First class - thank you to all.

Lovely tea with a friend for her 97th birthday..made really special by the staff especially Robert .. Special tea.sandwiches .scones and cakes..really a special afternoon.

Was very excited to be bought a voucher for afternoon tea here. When we arrived the service was very good and efficient and whole experience was really good

Regular visitors here and normally happy with the service. However on this occasion we had to wait in excess of 45 minutes for sandwiches. The waiting staff didn't explain the delay until at least 30 minutes had elapsed and we weren't offered more drinks until the meal had been finished. The food when it came was excellent as always but let down massively by the service in this occasion.

Staying in the hotel , we decided to eat all are meals in the restaurant , and what a good choice that was, food lovely staff excellent, catered for all our needs

It was a beautiful sunny day in Sidmouth, and I was up from West Sussex to visit my mum and give her a special treat. The Rivera is especially positioned right on the front, with great views of the coast line. We ordered the 2 course lunch, which is a fantastic

El comedor de este hotel no es ultra moderno (cromo y vidrio), pero quizás algunos ya un poco anticuado. Sin embargo, está impecablemente presentada, impecablemente limpio y funcional. Parece ser favorecido por una clientela de más edad. Hay un amplio personal para atender a todas las necesidades y el servicio es excelente.

Durante su estancia en Sidmouth queríamos probar un par de restaurantes diferentes. Reservamos para cenar en el Hotel Riviera y disfrutamos de un bien pensado 5 platos. El restaurante es un restaurante de hotel, mucho más siendo residentes con diners. Podrá disfrutar de un café en el bar de cócteles después. Todo el lugar está muy bien cuidado y comer aquí evoca buenos recuerdos de viajes anteriores a los buenos hoteles de todo el país.

Tenemos varias veces aperitivos en el salón y decidir pasar unos días celebrando el cumpleaños de mi esposa nos dio la oportunidad de comer en el mismo día aquí. Reservé con antelación y pedimos una mesa de ventana. Cuando llegamos y nuestra hija tuvo se unió a nosotros nos llevaron a una mesa encantadora en una ventana. Todo acerca de la Riviera es de primera clase. Personal atento, pero no agobiante. La comida es excelente y muy bien presentados, los platos calientes. Vino se presenta con mucha variedad. Disfrutamos mucho de esta experiencia que reservamos para comer el domingo al día siguiente, el solomillo era perfecta con crujientes roasties y yorkshire postres y verduras adecuadamente crujiente.

Mi marido y yo tuvimos un excelente almuerzo de domingo, la carne asada y el Dover tanto cocinado a la perfección, con una muy buena selección de diversos vegetales. Desde los entrantes a la pud todo estaba muy bien presentado. Todo el personal era encantador,...

Simplemente dejó de probar un café en un hotel donde los padres de mi amigo solía alojarse. Sentamos frente al patio, ya que era un día agradable. Tuvimos que pedir un menú y tuvimos que pedir el servicio. Camarero era abrupto y brusco con ninguna...

El servicio en el restaurante es insuperable. El personal es atento, considerado, muy bien informado sobre la comida, pero no en la manera de su disfrute de la comida. Tuve que preguntar 'Patata' y la Anna miembro de personal tomando nuestro pedido era capaz de dar una buena explicación en el lugar. El primer plato era un cangrejo ternera (servido con tostadas como barquillos Melba) que tenía un sabor muy bien equilibrado. El motor de arranque que tuve fue que tenía una mama pigeon fantástica textura y sabor. El único plato de otoño fue la de tomate sorbete corto, sirve entre el entrante y plato principal. No soy un cocinero así que no sé cuánto azúcar tiene que ir a un sorbete, pero éste era un poco demasiado dulce para mí. Campo principal era Devon cordero, que estaba perfectamente preparada para los requisitos individuales. Tuve la tarta de natillas y helado para el postre, que eran muy delicados en sabor y bastante maravilloso. Toda la comida que trajeron a la mesa fue muy bien presentada con gran atención al detalle. En un nivel muy personal, el único inconveniente del restaurante es el más antiguo, la decoración del hotel escuela con alfombras estampadas, iluminación y colores brillantes que colgante irónicamente todo parecía insípido muy recién hecho. No se puede tener todo.

Delightfully traditional and on the esplanade in Sidmouth, this hotel serves expensive but quality cream teas on the terrace. We shared one between us, so had one scone each, a small pot of strawberry jam each and shared the clotted cream and fresh strawberry. Hubby had a pot of Earl Grey tea which came with extra hot water without us having to ask and I had a fruit tea. Not cheap at £13, but a lovely holiday treat. The hotel toilets were spotless.

Enjoyed an excellent afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the sea front. Excellent service and food. Not cheap but worth the treat.

We stopped at The Riviera for a light lunch and horoughly enjoyed the experience. The extensive lunch menu was much appreciated and although a little more expensive than other places was well worth it. We also enjoyed a glass of local white wine with our food. The terrace has the feel of the Mediteranean and on a sunny day is very well placed for watching the world go by. I should also mention the staff who were a credit to the hotel, very attentive to our needs.

I visited Hotel Riviera with my wife and two children and ordered two Ham Salads, was told in a patronising manner by the manager that 'Our food is freshly prepared so it may take 15 mins'. When it arrived it wasn't freshly prepared, I cook with salad 4 to 5 times a week and that salad was at least a day or two old. The ham was from a packet and it all came to £32. £16 for a lunch was definitely not worth it. Terrible.

This place advertises a variety of cocktails- We decided to try this to start off our Saturday night in Sidmouth as visitors to the area. We went into the bar and it was empty. There was no drinks menu and when we asked if there was a cocktail menu we were greeted with a 'shrug' and said what did we want and he would try to make it-- we decided to just have white wine and a Guinness. We were given some lovely 'nibbles' to eat with our drinks- sadly the Guinness has its taste 'tainted' with a metallic taste- (My partner used to work for Guinness so is aware of its correct taste). We left Very disappointing and expensive!

We have visited Hotel Riviera for a few years now, stopping by mid morning for refreshments in the courtyard. This time we had coffee, elderflower bubbly, and strawberries with cream which we enjoyed. Although a little expensive, we don't mind as we are aware of this and enjoy the atmosphere and location. This year we decided to return for lunch, I had prawn sandwiches served with crisps and salad which I enjoyed. My husband had the fishcakes, he enjoyed the first one commenting on the amount of different fish it consisted of. However, when he bit into the second one it was cold, as if it had come out of the freezer and not been heated up enough. He brought this to the attention of one of the waitresses, who took it away to be replaced. After a considerable wait, a new full meal was delivered to our table, which was unexpected as we thought only one would be sent in place of the one that couldn't be eaten.. On cutting into the first fish cake my husband took a bite from the middle and this also was cold! I tasted it myself, and it was indeed cold. With closer inspection only the edges were warm and the centres cold. We told the waiter that it was again cold, he took the plate and asked if he wanted anything else in place of it. My husband declined the offer, as to get it wrong twice was unacceptable, and a long time had passed. Not until we requested the bill was an apology made, no explanation was given until I said the first fishcake was hot and the other three were cold. The waiter agreed that they were cold, having used a food thermometer, pulled a face and shrugged his shoulders.We expected better service and quality from a five star hotel, a negative experience could have been neutralised by better customer service, we could have come away feeling that our complaint had been listened to and acted upon. As it was, we came away thinking we'll give Hotel Riviera a miss next time we are in the area.

Coffee is delicious here - served by attentive staff and no pressure to move yourself if you are enjoying the ambience after finishing your coffee. One of the staff even procured an umbrella for our table as the sun was very strong the morning we visited.

We visited Sidmouth for a short weekend break and went here for dinner on the Saturday evening. We first went to the bar for drinks and with a warm sultry evening, the air conditioning was most welcome and the excellent bar was enhanced by a pianist tickling the ivories. We eat from the a la Carte Menu, although the table d'hote was comprehensive and good value. My Dover sole was a very good size and beautifully cooked - I'd recommend it! The White Rioja complimented our fish very well indeed.There is no official dress code, but smart casual is the minimum. We loved it, as its "old fashioned special" Drinks on the front patio overlooking the ocean is an alternative to the bar and indeed we had our coffee and liqueurs served there after dinner on a lovely balmy evening - lovely!

There we was, 3 elderly ladies and a fourth in a wheelchair just off the coach on a day trip to Sidmouth and hoping for a good day.The sun was shining and we was looking for a cup of tea and couldn't resist the RNLI coffee morning on the terrace of this lovely hotel.We stopped for a look and a cup of tea with biscuit not expecting to stay on for lunch but we were so comfortable and well looked after by the staff that we decided to treat ourselves.And it was a treat!!We sat in the sun under our parasol on Sidmouth Esplanade and felt so good eating our lovely lunch served by excellent smart well trained staff and felt so pampered and lucky to be there that this is a moment in time that I will never forget.Sidmouth to me is my best place anyway.Now I will look forward to my next visit and another chance to lunch at this beautiful hotel with its luxury decor (including lovely toilets).If I was ever going to push the boat out for a special occasion or celebration this would be the place. Wonderful.

Just called in here for a drink and were given a little plate of nibbles - lovely. The staff were very friendly and chatty, a bit different from Sidmouth Harbour Hotel!

Ate on the terrace in the sun. Excellent Sea Food Platter accompanied by a crisp chilled white wine, Eton Mess and superb coffee - celebrating my husband's birthday in the town where he was born, where we both worked in the 60's and were married in '66.I am in a wheelchair and found staff exceptionally helpful - ramps to front entrance and I was taken up in the lift to toilet for the disabled on first floor. Facilities were the best that I have used. Well done - especially for the pull down arm rest and wash hand basin and correct height for wheelchair users.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening meal, wonderful flavours and presentation, plus the waiting staff are exceptional.Breakfast was a delight, again beautiful presentation delivered by great staff.

Had a super evening meal. Went for our wedding anniversary. Lovely setting, food was faultless. Drinks in the bar first, all very relaxed, with excellent service.

We really enjoyed our lunch in the restaurant earlier this week. The 4 course set lunch was of the highest quality with wonderful flavours and presentation. The service was excellent too. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and the gewürztraminer we selected went with lunch perfectly. This is a traditional restaurant with modern dishes that make this the best place to dine in Sidmouth.

This is a classic and elegant hotel on the sea front at Sidmouth. The service was excellent, prompt and courteous. To be recommended. The food was good but the beef sandwiches were wafer thin and although reasonably tasty they left me hungry. For the price and quality of the hotel I had hoped to leave with my hunger sated. I will return to try once more and hope to leave sated!

We often pop in for Sidmouth crab sandwiches as they are so yummy served in the comfortable lounge.Staff always so friendly and professional.We particularly appreciate the all round freshness of the ingredients including the salad variety with grapes etc-a good deal of thought goes into thisWhen weather fine-eating on the front terrace is really great just on the sea front.This place is a gem

We had enjoyed the family meal here , it was excellent. The food was delicious and the service was friendly . The atmosphere in this restaurant is good and the cost of the meal was very reasonable. Would not hesitate to recommend.

I'm so glad I stopped en route to Paignton for lunch. It was very cold and windy so looked for 1st place with a menu that grabbed my attention, and boy did it grab! I was shown through to a beautiful dining room with lovely crisp white table linen and incredibly friendly and helpful staff. I explained that unfortunately I only had an hour so I wouldn't be able to have the 4 course lunch, and gave them my order. While I waited a very short time for my starter, I munched on beautiful melba toast with fresh local butter.I'm not going to bore you with an item by item description of the incredible, honestly superb, local produce I was served. Suffice to say that I didn't want to leave, wished I was staying there instead, I'll be back as soon as possible, AND, you have to taste the cheese fritters and then the liver - you won't ever forgive yourself if you don't! Wow, excellent in every way.

Mother's Day Lunch - Perfect! Incredible service without the pretentious feeling. Amazing lunch, 5 courses all lovely. Can't believe the service, everyone was fantastic. Nice atmosphere, elegant and classic. Remember years ago when going to a hotel restaurant was only for a very special occasion and you felt like royalty? This place gave you that feeling. Would highly recommend as a special treat for normally critical people like my family.Probably won't appeal to everyone though. The only small critism we had was the restaurant was cold, but the lounge and bar areas were lovely and warm.

The food here is amazing. Three of us had two breakfasts, Saturday lunch and two evening meals here, from the set menu and a la carte and absolutely everything we had was incredible. Imaginative, tasty food, well presented and good portion sizes: not too large or small. The service is also second to none with genuinely friendly and attentive restaurant staff.

We stopped by here whilst walking our dogs. This is a lovely location (right on the sea front) whereby you can sit outside (weather permitting). The service is very good, tea is nice and there are also water bowls for the dogs. I understand that the hotel's restaurant offers evening meals for non residents. I may return soon!! Watch this space!

I had stayed at this hotel in 2013 and enjoyed the food so this time I returned with my mother for two lunches.The first we chose from the bar menu and the other day we ate in the restaurant.I was pleased to see that the schooners of sherry and the melba toast in the restaurant were still being served. In fact absolutely nothing had changed in the intervening two years.Same waiters and decor.We chose crab salad and fish and chips from the bar menu and as there was no one else eating in either the bar/lounge or the restaurant we asked if we could have our meals in the restaurant but this request was greeted with a firm no.The crab salad though delicious was expensive at £20+.We had to keep turning from our view to attract attention to get some service despite being the only customers in. We ordered desserts which took an age to come, expensive again at £7.60 each but delicious and worth the wait especially as we were in no hurry.The second day we both chose the two course £25 lunch and enjoyed sitting in the bay window of the restaurant with it's starched white linen and great view.Unfortunately this time my meal was very disappointing. It was described as asparagus and wild mushroom tart. When the waiter came over to ask if all was okay I expressed my disappointment and mentioned that the tart was cold. The asparagus and mushrooms served with it were hot. He went away to ask the chef and came back to say that the tart could not be heated because it was a custard base and would turn to scrambled egg if warmed. I thought this strange and left most of it.My mothers rib eye steak and our desserts were delicious.The head waiter was having a bad day and brought us the bill for the full amount without us asking for it. He looked as if he couldn't wait for us to leave so that he could go home.

We popped in for a quick sandwich this lunchtime after a walk along the beach. We had to wait 30 mins for the sandwich (which was quite nice) which the staff apologised for and said it was an administration error. Three scoops of ice cream took 15 mins. Funnily enough the bill took no time at all to arrive but when it did inluded 3 drinks that were not ours, an overcharge of £12. We live in Sidmouth and will not be returning, let's hope visitors to the town do not have the same experience. Have to say that the staff were very pleasant and apologetic.

We had our morning coffee here each morning of our holiday, it was like going back in time to be served by wonderful, polite staff, so much so we have decided to stay at the hotel next year

Hotel Riviera offers a fixed price dinner menu and à la carte and I am reviewing the 5 course fixed price menu at £42 per person. We dined in the restaurant for 4 nights whilst staying at the hotel and the first thing to say is how busy it was each night.The dining room is a charming and traditional one that offers views of the seafront from some of the tables. I liked the fact that there was plenty of room between tables wherever you sat. The seating is comfortable and the tables a good size.Orders for dinner can be taken either in the cocktail bar prior to being brought through to the restaurant or at the table which ever you prefer. The process is done very efficiently and you are able to select wines from a most extensive list.The evenings we were there the 5 course menu offered a wide range of dishes with a good selection of fish and meat main courses and vegetarian option too.An amuse-bouche was always offered and was an ideal bite sized dish to start your meal. French toast was on the table to nibble too. The starters were all lovely and they were followed by a choice of soup or sorbet. The main courses were excellent and our favourites were the loin of lamb; guinea fowl; Turkey schnitzel & Venison...as you can tell there was plenty of choice. We also enjoyed the fish dishes.The food was perfectly cooked and well presented and the pace of delivery very good even on the busiest of evenings in the restaurant.Desserts were a mix of many dishes including sponge dishes; fruit based dishes; chocolate dishes; homemade ice creams & sorbets...lovely presentation too.The final course was the West Country cheese selection and what a choice it was too. The service throughout was excellent and we can understand why they have been awarded 2 AA rosettes. The attention to detail is key to the success of the restaurant.

Sitting outside on the terrace, in the sunshine, twice this year, with a sea view, and watching the world go by. Very pleasant and attentive staff, good Caesar salad and ploughmans. Could wish that people with ostentatious cars, not connected to the hotel, parked elsewhere as they selfishly block the view. Sidmouth has no shortage of parking facilities. Another annoyance is the wasps, and I think the hotel might look into dealing with that problem imaginatively.

Classical English Sunday lunch with friendly staff, excellent food and a decent wine list. We would go back!

Called here after being turned away by the dreadful Pea Green Boat. We received excellent service and enjoyed wonderful food in a beautiful, traditional residence. The waitress, Susanna, was outstanding.

Visited here on a grey August day for afternoon tea and had our spirits lifted, delicious food and first class service, our dog was also made to feel welcome and refreshed with bowl of water. Prosseco to die for ☺

Fantastic service and food. Elegant surroundings . Luxury feel with wonderful staff in nice quiet and peaceful restaurant.

I had a lovely afternoon lunch - coffee excellent, cheese and onion sandwich was delicious. Service second to none.

Popped in with friends for a bank holiday Monday bar snack as we sometimes do on our way back from Torquay and something was amiss today. Staff were as attentive as ever and all immaculately turned out, but the food was not as good as it was. Sandwiches were tasty as was the scampi and chips but the portions and the garnishes were mean. The huntsman's ploughman's luncheon was unacceptable! Dry ham, boring pork pie and unexciting poor quality bread roll. No chutney or coleslaw which was badly needed. Real shame as we love the Riviera and it's not the standard we have come to expect. We asked the restaurant waiter on leaving if a new chef was in place and he snapped at us no - why? We left it at that.

We booked an evening meal here whilst staying at another hotel and we certainly didn't regret it.The service was absolutely excellent - as good as we've had anywhere.The food was very good - our filet steaks were the stand out for us both.a complimentary and very tasty amuse Boucher and a wonderful cheese board.The room and decor is immaculate as you would expect at a hotel of this qualitbut a bit dated probably reflecting the clientele they usually cater to - however highly recommended.

On a post Christmas December day we visited this hotel as non residents once again. With the sun shining on the hotel frontage we enquired if we could have coffee outside? The front of house staff were more than obliging. A table and chairs were prepared and our order duly taken. Our request for festive mince pies were baked especially for us by chef and delivered fresh and hot. The staff are always smiling and attentive but unobtrusive. Nothing seems too much trouble. If you would like to experience hospitality at it's best, come here. You won't be disappointed.

had the festive evening meal. Fantastic portions, lamb was excellently cooked, soup was really tasty, obviously home made, and the cheese board was like shopping at Waitrose, with huge slabs appearing on my plate. Unfortunately it was just a bit too generous, probably better if the Chef left us wanting more. I would definitely recommend this place, the best we have been to in Sidmouth, but perhaps be prepared, get a dog and be prepared to spoil your pet with a doggy bag after !

We stopped here for a couple of hours on a Saturday afternoon for a light lunch and a few drinks. The experience was rather hypnotic, with a sun starting to lower, the haze around the cliffs, a solitary salad laid before us on an outside table overlooking the sea, a glass of wine, two pups sitting, sniffing the air, waiting for the scent and hoping for an Enid Blyton type adventure to begin? It was charming and my wife and I loved it!The hotel was quiet, and nicely so on this occasion. November and International Rugby may also have been contributing factors?My salad was good, £11.50 seemed rather expensive, but views always cost.Salad, two glasses of wine, one sparkling water and double espresso (+ complimentary bowl of water for the hounds of Exmoor and the waiter taking our photograph - no charge, that's meant as tongue in cheek!) came to £32.00.For some reason I felt charmed with this hotel. I even enquired about tariffs before leaving, and for me, that's rare! I only stayed for an hour or so, but could have happily stayed the night, put the hounds on watch, and just let the night gradually unfold. When my wife and I returned to Cheltenham that evening, we did talk about staying over Christmas, but that would depend on whether the hounds of Exmoor are permissible and if we could manage the quantity of food on offer for the Christmas festivities and the cost of £250/350 pppn., the Christmas stays did seem rather expensive? All very clean, good service etc., would need to stay longer to give a fuller review and whether Christmas in Sidmouth and the room tariffs at those prices would tempt me???Sidmouth looked really beautiful and I am sure we will visit again.The pups (Border Terriers) also loved it. They aren't really hounds, but they imagine they are!

I generally find two or more AA rosettes to be the most reliable restaurant indicator and was not disappointed in this case. My wife and I both enjoyed our recent lunch here very much. We opted for the four course set menu and found the food excellent in every respect. The service was efficient and friendly, attentive without being overbearing, striking exactly the right note for us. We also liked the tasteful and relaxed ambiance. Will definitely be returning, probably frequently.

Could not fault the quality of the food but you will have to wait and wait and then hope you get all your dishes at once. Our waitor forgot our vegetables and by the time they arrived we had just about finished our main course. Also, no potatoes were brought out despite being mentioned as part of the vegetables - the waitor did not charge us for the veg in the end but that is hardly the point!

My wife and I took advantage of the table d'hote menu - 5 courses for £42. The food was excellent and well-presented. The staff were attentive without being intrusive. The hotel has a traditional style and is all the better for that! It is many years since we were last there and it was good to note that standards have been maintained.

This restaurant is excellent in every way, professional service, very good choice of menu and wine list. Can not find a fault with it. Loved it.

Spent a Saturday night here having the 5 course meal for £42, it was worth every penny. The food is out of this world and the staff were fantastic. What more could you possibly want?

Called for lunch on the Saturday of the folk festival. Crab sandwiches and champagne. Perfect.I have stayed here many years ago but asked to see the rooms as my partner has not, we were shown around immediately and made to feel very welcome. We will be going to stay soon. Ok so it's not cheap but you get what you pay for.

Date visited: May 2014Number of diners: 3 (J, S, M)Cuisine: BritishWe ate:J - Asparagus with hollandaise sauce, Peach sorbet, Beef Wellington, Red wine poached pear with chocolate sauce and chocolate ice cream, Cheese and biscuitsS - Chicken, apricot and beetroot paté, Swede and sweetcorn soup, Rack of lamb, Egg custard tart with nutmeg ice cream, Cheese and biscuitsM - Lobster and crab paté, Peach sorbet, Beef Wellington, Egg custard tart with nutmeg ice cream, Cheese and biscuitsWe drank:Champagne, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blendWonderful location on the Esplanade in Sidmouth, sea views from the dining room. Food was excellent quality, beautifully presented and great value for money. Quiet but calm atmosphere in the dining room with attentive staff. We would return.

Returning for dinner at The Hotel Riviera after a longer than normal break was a pleasure indeed. A little bit of old England with friendly efficient service, wonderful food and wine and a relaxed environment. The efforts and dedication to quality of the owners of over 4 decades shining through. Highly recommended.

On my return visit for lunch I thought the food was excellent and the service was most attentitive and professional. My calves liver was memorable as was my wife's Sea Bass. We both enjoyed really good desserts which were beautifully presented and very pleasing to the palate.