The Riviera

What is The Riviera? Perched along Lakeshore Avenue on Ward's Island, The Riviera anchors the Island Riviera Resort with a relaxed, sun-drenched maritime aesthetic. The sprawling waterfront compound balances a cozy indoor dining room with a lush garden patio and a breezy lakeside terrace overlooking Lake Ontario, complete with the pink Runaway Cafe airstream and Castaways Rumshack. It gives ferry-bound Toronto day-trippers an unpretentious waterside perch that trades mainland concrete for cottage-country ease.

The Riviera Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out an accessible lineup of comfort classics alongside an unexpectedly broad spread of vegan and gluten-free choices. Start by sharing the loaded Riviera Nachos before zeroing in on the Island Smash Burger, griddled crisp around the edges with melted cheese on a soft bun, or the hearty plant-based lasagna. Cold drinks are essential here; order the spicy Riviera Caesar or the tropical Algonquin Island cocktail, then round out the afternoon with a Berry Cheesecake Sundae.

Know Before You Go Reaching the restaurant requires a 15-minute ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Ward's Island or a quick water taxi dash, followed by a short stroll east. Walk-ins can usually grab a sunlit patio stool during weekday afternoons, but reserving ahead is essential for weekend group dining when island crowds peak. The patio opens daily at noon, with kitchen operations closing earlier at 7:00 p.m. from Monday through Thursday.