Riva restaurant in Santa Monica

There’s finally something to buzz about on Santa Monica’s somewhat-static-of-late restaurant scene with the arrival of Riva (on Wilshire between 3rd and 4th streets), a restaurant by chef Jason Travi that embraces flavors of the Italian Riviera. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 11:07 AM PT

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Rustic pizzas are a specialty of the house. Country-fare creations include the patate semplice covered in sliced potato and a thin layer of Fontina cheese dotted with sprigs of rosemary. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The influence of the Italian Riviera permeates the crudi, including mini-rolls of baby cuttlefish punctuated with celery and toasted walnuts — all nesting in a swirl of Sicilian olive oil. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

The restaurant, a sister eatery to Travi’s Fraiche in Culver City, sports a stylish but casual air. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Bartender Eliana Freeman pours a red at Riva, where the wine list is all-Italian all the time and includes a full page of reds priced under $50, another under $75 and a fine riserva complement. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

Pastry chef (and wife of the restaurant’s chef) Miho Travi offers an elegant take on pear tartine nestled amid almond cream and butterscotch ice cream. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

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