Old Montreal Has Its Very Own Prosecco Bar For The Summer

A new prosecco bar is hoping to become a lively summer drinking spot right alongside Montreal’s Old Port.

Riva opened up at de la Commune in recent days — located on the west side at the corner of St-Laurent. It’s billed as a prosecco bar — so, expect plenty of sparkling Italian wine, although offerings go beyond that to cocktails, champagne, and other wine options.

It comes from restaurant marketer PJ Goupil (who has worked on various hot spots including downtown haunt Kampai Garden and bar Mayfair on the Plateau), in conjunction with his media agency, Agence Fox.

The bar is outdoors with plenty of picnic table seating — and communal a van converted into a bar, dubbed the “cocktail truck” is the bar’s drink-serving centrepiece. The venue will also host events throughout the summer, having kicked off with Formula 1 parties — correspondingly, Riva’s website says it’s aspiring to replicate that atmosphere at future events.

Riva isn’t only doing drinks — a snack-friendly menu features aperitivo-esque snacks, a charcuterie board, and Roman pizza (al taglio), as well as a couple of salads and desserts. Social media posts indicate that chef Fabrizia Rollo (of Mile End fresh pasta-and-more spot Fabrizia) is directing the food options at the new bar.

STATUS — Riva is open at 2 de la Commune from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

• Riva [Official]