When you think “pool bar,” you probably imagine soggy chips and bland sandwiches, right?

Well, let me tell you – Bar RIVA at Disney’s Riviera Resort is NOT your average pool bar. Nestled within the elegant Mediterranean-inspired vibes of the Riviera, this spot elevates the poolside dining experience into something worth a Skyliner trip – even if you’re not staying at the resort. And guess what? We’re taking you along with us for the ride!

As we were saying, you’re not going to find soggy chips and mediocre sandwiches at Bar RIVA.

From exclusive cocktails to tasty dishes, we spent an afternoon indulging in Bar RIVA’s offerings to bring you the full scoop. Spoiler Alert: we walked away quite happy.

Atmosphere

Let’s start with the vibes. Bar RIVA is a total departure from the “grab-and-go” pool bar scene you might be used to.

It’s beautifully designed, with Mediterranean-style blue-and-white décor, murals, and tile flooring that make you feel like you’re lounging in some chic European seaside café.

Despite being a pool bar, Bar RIVA offers covered seating with table service, so you can sit back, relax, and savor your meal without balancing a tray on your lap.

It’s casual but classy which is a nice middle ground for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking for an elevated yet laid-back meal.

Menu

Bar Riva’s menu feels more like something you’d find at a sit-down restaurant rather than a casual poolside spot.

And if you’re plant-based, there are options for you too.

You’ll also find options should you be in the mood for an alcoholic drink like their specialty cocktails, beer, and wine.

Eats

Here’s a rundown of what we tried:

Drinks

Bar RIVA shines with its cocktail menu. To start with, we tried two of their most popular drinks, and here’s what we thought:

Mediterranean Wave ($17.50)

This frozen drink combines Cîroc Vodka, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto Liqueur, pineapple, agave, and Bols Blue Curaçao for a bright, zesty flavor that hits all the right notes.

If you’re into boozy lemonade vibes, this one’s for you. It’s tangy, citrusy, and a little puckery – perfect for a hot day.

Plus, you can actually taste the vodka, which isn’t always the case with Disney cocktails, which is a win for grown-ups looking for something refreshing but with a kick.

Il Tramanto ($15.50)

This on-the-rocks option is made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Aperol Liqueur, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, turmeric, pomegranate, and orange.

When it arrived, we thought it was giving Bloody Mary, but don’t let the look fool you – this drink is fruity, slightly bitter, and pretty sophisticated.

The Aperol adds a nice edge, while the orange and pomegranate dominate the flavor. The turmeric? Probably just for the golden hue because we couldn’t taste it. We will give it bonus points for the mint garnish that gives each sip a fresh aroma.

Shareables

Seasonal Arancini ($13.49)

Picture creamy risotto balls with truffle, white wine, and parmesan, fried to golden perfection.

These little bites are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor.

The marinara served alongside is rich and tastes homemade – definitely a thoughtful touch that elevates the dish.

Here’s a “pro tip”: Don’t share. Seriously, you’ll want the whole order to yourself.

Entrées

Signature Burger ($17.49)

If you love a good burger, this one is a must.

It’s a thick, juicy patty topped with cheese and mushrooms, served on a hearty roll with Parmesan-dusted fries.

While the bun was a bit tough to bite into, it held up against the burger’s juiciness, so we can’t complain too much.

This is easily one of the best burgers we’ve had at Disney World – even better than the French Onion Burger at D-Luxe Burger (for comparison).

Grilled Chicken Pasta ($18.99)

The pasta, tossed in a light white wine sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fennel, spinach, and capers, is fresh and acidic, but unfortunately it’s not really a standout.

The chicken was fine but unremarkable, and we couldn’t help but wish for some Parmesan to round out the flavors. Not that this one was bad, it’s just that it was the weakest link of the meal.

If you’re craving something light, this might work for you, but otherwise we’d steer you toward the burger or arancini instead.

Dessert

Riviera Cookie Skillet ($7.99)

Now, Bar RIVA’s cookie skillet is legendary for a reason.

This pistachio chocolate chip cookie, served warm in a skillet with pistachio gelato on top, is rich, gooey, and indulgent. The gelato melts into the cookie, creating the perfect bite every time.

At just $7.99, it’s definitely worth making a special trip to the Riviera for.

Overall

Overall, Bar RIVA is far from your typical pool bar. Between the elevated menu, exclusive cocktails, and gorgeous atmosphere, it’s a hidden gem at Disney’s Riviera Resort.

Whether you’re staying nearby or just looking for an excuse to hop on the Skyliner, this spot is worth the visit.

Nosh or Not?

Spend an afternoon at Bar RIVA if…

• You want a relaxing meal with a Mediterranean vibe.
• You’re into craft cocktails with unique flavor profiles.
• A gooey pistachio, chocolate chip cookie skillet sounds like your kind of dessert.

We’d recommend another Disney World restaurant if…

• You’re looking for adventurous or bold flavors in every dish. The pasta might not wow you.
• You’re craving a more formal dining experience. This is still a pool bar, albeit a very fancy one.

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: This Is the BEST Happy Hour in Disney World, And No, We Won’t Be Hearing Any Arguments

Have you eaten at Bar RIVA in Disney’s Riviera Resort? What were your favorite items? Let us know in the comments below!

The post REVIEW: Is the BEST DESSERT at Disney World Hiding in a POOL BAR? first appeared on the disney food blog.