Riva Lounge is located in the luxury hotel, The Gritti Palace, but is open to the public. It's…read moreknown for being a fancy bar frequented by celebrities and the interior is quite opulent. My brother and I stopped by for drinks at night and enjoyed the quieter atmosphere. The waiter seated us on their outdoor patio which overlooks the canal and you can see the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and Peggy Guggenheim Collection from here.
In terms of drinks, the drinks are definitely a bit more expensive than other spots, so you're really paying for the atmosphere and great view. That being said, the drinks aren't bad here. I got a cocktail and it reminded me a bit of lemon Schweppes. They also served all drinks with a side of olives, potato chips, and hazelnuts.