Interview with Arian Zandi, Co-Founder of Riviera

This week we caught up with Arian Zandi. co-founder of Emerald hospitality group, to talk about his newest restaurant Riviera. Arian along with his brother Alberto, have set the dining, bar high with their outstanding Riviera, Zuaya, Como Garden and El Norte restaurants in London.

Can you tell us a little about Riviera, and what was the inspiration behind the restaurant?

Riviera is our newest brand. It draws inspiration from the South of France. For us, this is a region that celebrates life. Friends, family and lovers gather there to enjoy and celebrate their relationships. This is what Riviera stands for. It is a place that is designed to create new memories with your loved ones.

What’s your favourite dish from the menu?

My favourite dish is Riviera’s sandwich. I believe it is interesting to have such a simple dish like a sandwich be converted into a delicatessen. Riviera’s sandwich has home made potato bread, Mediterranean snow crab, salmon and French soft cow cheese. A testament that everything is shapable.

Are you working on anything new, that you can tell us about?

Yes we are! We can’t share details of it yet, but we are working on two new London openings.

Best piece of advice you have been given?

Age doesn’t determine when you should start a business.

How do you best distribute your time between your four London restaurants and do you have a favourite? 

I distribute my time according to the maturity stage of each business. Like a child, a newborn requires more attention. I don’t have a favourite one to be honest, they all mean something different to me, as we built them in different moments of my life.

If you had a free day in London to do what you want, where would you go?

I love nature, so if I have a free day I try to go and spend it in the countryside. It gives me perspective and peace.

For more information and to book a table at Riviera visit www.riviera-london.co.uk