The Original Italian Riviera opened for business in August 1985. It was started by Valerie and her parents, Anna & Jerry. The focus of the restaurant was authentic traditional Italian cuisine. Pizza, Calzone, Lasagne, Manicotti, Veal cannelloni, Spaghetti and meatballs, Fettuccini Alfredo, etc... All these items were made from scratch with old family recipes.

Ric and Valerie had been friends since 1985. They met while Ric was performing at The Sea Hag in Depoe Bay. Ric & Valerie both grew up in Los Angeles, California. Ric moved to Seattle in 1979 & Valerie moved to Depoe Bay in 1980. Ric has been a professional entertainer since 1973 - 28 years. He has performed with various groups in Japan, Canada, and throughout the U.S. Including a stint as musical director for The Platters in 1978. He has recorded three albums - "Being With You", "Pink Thing", and "Piano Moods". Ric is also a member of ASCAP and has several original songs published.

In 1993, Ric and Valerie became partners in what was to become the new Italian Riviera Restaurant and Piano Bar. They purchased the property in 1994. The dream started to become reality. In 1996, they designed the building and contracted Blue Mountain Contractors in Gleneden Beach to build the building. The construction began in September and was completed 4 1/2 months later.

The new Italian Riviera opened February 11, 1997. The focus of the new restaurant would be "Old World Traditions- New World Taste". Expanding the menu to include -- Fettuccini Gamberetto, Steak Sinatra, Lobster Linguini, etc...

The piano bar would be a classic piano bar with a baby grand piano and a free pour bar. Our focus in the bar is entertainment. We want it to be the most fun and exciting place to visit.

The Italian Riviera prides itself on five points. These are food quality, customer service, value, comfortable atmosphere, and a good time. Read Reviews

Only the best !!!! Our meat is purchased from Fulton Meats, our produce comes from Graziano, and our fresh pasta from Classic Foods. All are located in Portland. We buy our seafood locally from Ocean Beauty. We use only the freshest and finest ingredients. It may cost us more but it's worth it.

All of our dishes are made to order. This insures the best taste and freshness. In addition, we are able to be very flexible. Special orders usually are not a problem. If we have the products on hand such as veal, we can make veal parmesan which is not on the menu. Or if a customer is allergic to garlic, we can leave it out. Also, if we do not have a product on hand, a customer may call in advance and we will prepare their favorite dish.

Our cuisine reflects our heritage. Mom is from Abruzzi, Italy located Northeast of Naples (Central Italy). She makes our crepe shells used for our Manicotti, Spinach Cannelloni, and Veal Cannelloni. Each one is made individually. She also makes our Biscotti. Dad is from a little town outside of Naples called Teano. Ric's family is from Sicily and Calabria (Southern Italy).

We make everything from scratch which include: marinara, pesto, and alfredo sauces. Meatballs, sausage, bread, pizza dough, minestrone, clam chowder, Italian, gorgonzola, and Caesar dressings, croutons, garlic bread, cannoli, and biscotti desserts.

We insist our servers to be clean, cordial, and courteous. Each customer should be treated as a V.I.P. no matter of their appearance or mood. We think that each customer is a visitor in our home and should be welcomed as such. This is very important for our continued success.

In May of this year at an employees meeting on customer service at the Chinook Winds Casino, The Italian Riviera was singled out as an outstanding example of customer service. In addition, our wait staff was portrayed as the best at friendliness, prompt service, and knowledgeably.

To anyone who has eaten at the Italian Riviera the value is obvious. Our portions are generous and presentation appetizing. Our salads are large and made with green leaf or romaine lettuce. Our bread is baked fresh from an old family recipe. We make our own garlic infused olive oil for the tables. In the bar, we serve a 1 1/2 oz shot, free pour drink.

Our prices are very reasonable and competitive.

We stress cleanliness. Floors are mopped nightly, bathrooms cleaned, carpets are vacuumed, windows washed regularly, fixtures are dusted, bottles are clean, and overall appearance is beautiful. The temperature is comfortable. The lighting is subdued which means it is adjusted periodically throughout the day and evening hours.