Disney4me Posted 2 hours ago Report Posted 2 hours ago When you think “pool bar,” even in Disney World, you’re probably thinking of food that tastes good when you’re starving after swimming for hours, but otherwise is a bit mediocre. Full spread from Bar Riva Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort is a pool bar that’s a bit more elevated than others, but does the menu match its decor? We decided it was time to find out, so we headed over there to grab some of the most popular eats on the menu. What we found wasn’t exactly what we expected, but there is ONE item available that we won’t be able to stop thinking about. Atmosphere Bar Riva is far from the typical “grab-and-go” pool bar scene you might be used to. It’s designed beautifully with Mediterranean-style blue-and-white décor, murals, and tile flooring that easily make you feel like you’re somewhere in Europe on vacation, not in Orlando, Florida. Bar Riva Bar Riva offers covered seating with table service, so there’s no need to worry about balancing a tray on your lap while you try to eat during your pool day. That’s already a big plus in our eyes! It’s stunning in here! It’s casual yet classy, making you feel like you’re in an elevated space without feeling underdressed in your bathing suit or cover-up. Menu Bar Riva’s menu feels more like something you’d find at a sit-down restaurant rather than a casual poolside spot, which is also what sets it apart. On the menu, you’ll find salads, pita, a burger, pasta, and even a seasonal pizza. ©Disney There are also shareables available, such as cheese and charcuterie, arancini, shrimp, and chicken strips. There are also plenty of options for the kids, which means picky eaters will be easy to please. ©Disney We can’t forget about dessert! While there are only three options on the menu, spoiler alert: one of these won’t be leaving our minds for a loooong time. ©Disney As for drinks, you’ll find a few fun non-alcoholic options, as well as multiple cocktails, frozen cocktails, sangria, and wine, as well as beer, hard cider, and seltzers. ©Disney Now it’s time for what we’ve all been waiting for — the eats! Drinks We grabbed the Coco di Paradiso for $16.50, which is Plantation Pineapple Rum, Aperol, Coconut, Pineapple, Lime, and Soda Water. Coco di Paradiso This drink wasn’t as sweet as we would have liked, and the alcohol flavor overall was stronger than we felt was necessary. The pineapple was fresh and soaked up a lot of the drink, which we enjoyed, since it had both the flavor of the drink and the sweetness of the pineapple when we took a bite, but that was the highlight. We probably wouldn’t get this one again. Eats We also snagged the Panzanella Salad for $13.79, which is made with Tomato, Burrata, Cucumber, Focaccia, and Red Wine Vinaigrette. Panzanella Salad The arugula was unfortunately very wilted, but the cucumber added a nice crunch to balance that. The salad itself was very savory and had a lot of pepper, which occasionally provided a little kick, but the sweetness from the tomatoes did give it a nice sweetness, balancing those salty and sweet flavors. A closer look The burrata was very creamy, which made it so you could almost dip your bites of salad or shrimp into it. While the shrimp was very tender and flavorful, the croutons were slightly soggy and had no crunch or flavor, which disappointed us. Overall, we weren’t impressed enough to get it again, but we didn’t dislike it entirely. Burrata We also grabbed the Seasonal Pizza for $17.49, which has Fontina, Mozzarella, Roasted Broccolini, Lemon Ricotta, and Arugula-Oregano Pesto. Seasonal Pizza This was the dish we were most excited about. The pizza had a very thick layer of cheese and a really crunchy crust on the outside that had some flop to it, which we enjoyed. However, the strongest flavor was definitely the pesto, and we weren’t the biggest fans of the roasted broccolini. It just didn’t feel like it belonged with this pizza, but it did have a crunchy snap, giving the pizza a little more texture. Would we get it again? Debatable — it would depend on whether we’re in the mood. Lots of pesto! We finished our meal off with the Riviera Cookie Skillet for $7.99, which is a Warm Riviera Cookie topped with Pistachio Gelato. Riviera Cookie Skillet This is the kind of dessert you try and immediately think of the people you want to bring here to try it again — we would get it again, and again, and again! Riviera Cookie Skillet The cookie was so warm and gooey, and the gelato melted perfectly. It seeps into the cookie, combining the flavors, but the cookie still retains its crunch, which is impressive. This is totally worth going out of your way for, though it is on the smaller side, so you’ll likely want it all to yourself! Nosh or Not? Spend an afternoon at Bar Riva if… You’re doing a resort day at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and you want lunch that doesn’t require shoes with laces or emotional resilience. This is an open-air pool bar with a breezy, “sit down, hydrate, pretend you’re on the French coast” atmosphere. You’ve got a mixed crew: someone wants a cocktail, someone wants “real food,” someone is a picky eater, and someone is just sun-tired. The menu hits that sweet spot with a classic Signature Burger, big salads, pasta, and shareables like seasonal arancini. There are also plant-based-friendly options like the grilled vegetable pita. You’re on the Disney Dining Plan and want a snack-and-lunch spot that can still play along. Yep, Disney Dining Plans are accepted here. We’d recommend another Disney World restaurant if… You need Mobile Order to keep your party from dissolving into chaos. Mobile Order is a no-go here, so expect standard ordering. You want air-conditioning, quiet, and “no one is dripping pool water within a five-mile radius.” This is open-air and pool-adjacent by design, so it’s relaxed, but not exactly hushed. You’re trying to keep things ultra-budget-friendly. It’s not the priciest resort meal, but it’s also easy to watch the total climb once you add a couple of cocktails and a shareable “for the table” that is actually for you. Overall While we think this is a great spot if you’re staying at Riviera Resort and want a menu with lots of different options, except for the Cookie Skillet, we don’t think it’s worth going out of your way for. It’ll hit the spot on a hot pool day, that’s for sure, and we appreciate the elevated options, but it likely will be far from your best meal of the trip. Bar Riva We’re constantly eating our way around Disney World! Be sure to read through a few of our most recent reviews below and stay tuned with us for even more to come. REVIEW: We’d Leave the Disney World Parks for This Hotel Restaurant Need Disney Restaurant Advice? We’ve Got EVERYTHING You Need to Know The ONLY Disney Dining Planning Tool You’ll Need Is Here – Get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! See Our Complete Disney World Restaurants Guide The Best Magic Kingdom Restaurants The Best EPCOT Restaurant Restaurants The Best Hollywood Studios Restaurants The Best Animal Kingdom Restaurants The Best Disney Springs Restaurants Check Out Dozens of Disney Dining Tips and Tools Learn All About Tipping at Disney Restaurants How to Use Mobile Order in Disney World Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the latest Disney food news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you eaten at Bar Riva at Disney’s Riviera Resort? Let us know in the comments below! 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