Riva Blu, a Birmingham city centre restaurant located on Pigeon Park for more than four years, is set to close its doors this Sunday, June 21. The Italian-inspired venue, which replaced Gino D'Acampo's restaurant on Temple Row in January 2022, will make way for a new dining concept.
New Japanese concept confirmed
The restaurant has confirmed that the site will be taken over by KIBOU Kitchen and Bar, a Japanese chain that already operates a popular branch in Solihull. KIBOU is expected to open this autumn, with an exact date to be announced. The new venue will serve Japanese dishes including sushi, sashimi, and small plates, alongside Japanese whisky, sake, and cocktails.
Staff support and gratitude
A spokesperson for Riva Blu expressed gratitude to customers and staff, stating: "After many memorable years welcoming guests in the city, Riva Blu Birmingham will serve its final guests on June 21, with the restaurant closing from June 22 as the site prepares to make way for a new dining concept."
The spokesperson added: "Our team has been at the heart of the restaurant throughout its journey, creating the vibrant atmosphere, generous hospitality and memorable experiences that Riva Blu is known for. As the restaurant closes, our priority is supporting our people, and we are working hard to retain as many team members as possible across the Individual Restaurants collection."
They continued: "We are also currently supporting a small number of colleagues through a consultation process and remain committed to treating everyone affected with care, respect and support. We are incredibly grateful to the guests who have chosen to celebrate, connect and dine with us over the years. It has been a privilege to be part of Birmingham's thriving hospitality scene, bringing a little slice of Italian energy, warmth and occasion to the city."
The spokesperson concluded: "We would like to thank everyone who has supported the restaurant and look forward to welcoming many of our guests at our other restaurants across the region, where the same passion for great food, hospitality and bringing people together remains at the heart of what we do."
