Within the posh Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills lies Riviera 31, a cocktail lounge helmed by mixologist Frederic Zemmour. Inspired by photographs from the late Edward Quinn, the photographer’s prints adorn the walls and ceiling with beach scenes from the French Riviera and iconic celebrities such as Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace, who embody the Golden Days of yesteryear. There are plenty of nooks with comfy, luxe seating—leather chaises lounges, long velvet couches, outdoor patio and cabana seating—amid an elegant central U-shaped bar. Drinks boast fresh seasonal ingredients (including herbs from their garden) while bar bites feature dishes such as a charcuterie assortment and larger Mediterranean plates for dinner.
Vitals
Good for: Dressing up and dancing the night away. Plenty of private and open space is perfect for groups celebrating birthday parties, engagements or those just looking for a good time reserve private areas or cabanas and indulge themselves with bottle-service (though not necessary to make a reservation) and rounds of cocktails.
The scene: There's something different every night: Jazz eclectic on Mondays, international performers on Tuesdays, burlesque and DJs on Saturdays and more.
The bartender says: At the end of the night, while you wait for valet to fetch your car, check out the photos by Frank Worth in the lobby gallery—amazing portraits of Sammy Davis Jr., Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe are worth gawking at.
Drink this: Zemmour plays with seasonal ingredients in his cocktails, like the strawberry basil martini which includes fresh strawberries, basil and lime; or the la rosa picante, a fiery drink using tequila, rose water, jalapeno, ginger and lime.