LEGO Reviews Ideas21359

Italian Riviera

Name: LEGO Italian Riviera 21359
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 21359

76 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB20253,251 pcsHigh agreement · 89%

Expert reviews

9analyzed

Owner ratings

198

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

"One of the more visually striking Ideas sets in recent memory, the Italian Riviera earns a BrickScore of 76.3 on the strength of its stunning design aesthetics and immersive build experience, though expert reviewers flag the $299.99 price as a real friction point even as 196 owner ratings average a strong 4.84 out of 5."

The Italian Riviera (21359) earns a Recommended score of 71.7, with design aesthetics (86.4) and build experience (83.4) standing as its strongest qualities according to the consensus. Reviewers consistently praise the vibrant Mediterranean color palette, the clever architecture techniques, and the warmth of details like the gelato shop, fishing boat, hanging fish, and a crab with a sweet treat. The main tension in the consensus is around value for money, which scores the lowest of any aspect at 51.6, with several reviewers acknowledging the $299.99 price tag feels steep even while recommending the set. Owner ratings are strong at 4.84 out of 5 across 196 ratings.

Where they split: The only notable divergence is between critics and owners on value for money. The expert consensus scores value at 51.6, the lowest aspect in the set's profile, while owner value signals average 4.36 out of 5, indicating most buyers feel the price is ultimately justified once they experience the build and finished product.

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LOVED (7)

01Vibrant, authentic Mediterranean color palette with terracotta, pastels, and warm tones
02Charming quirky details: the crab with gelato, hanging fish, cats, a fishing boat, and richly furnished interiors
03Innovative building techniques including a distinctive fault-line running through the center of the irregular base

+4 more with Collector

CRITICIZED (5)

01Value for money aspect score of 51.6 is the weakest in the consensus, with multiple reviewers noting $299.99 feels high
02Interior rooms feel cramped for the building scale, limiting display of minifigures inside
03The original fan designer's beach area was not included in the final production set, a noted omission for fans of the Ideas submission

+2 more with Collector

Build Facts what critics report

⏱ Build time

~10 hours or longer

🧩 Difficulty

advanced

🎯 Audience

adults

In Their Words most-used terms across every critic review

designexcellentoriginalinteriorthroughoutinteriorsdetailstechniquesprintsdisplayelementsbuildingcounttechniquepartsconstructionaestheticpricedetailedexperienceuniquecolorpalettelightyellowvariedmediterraneanappropriate

What reviewers are saying

"21359 Italian Riviera is LEGO Ideas at its very best, turning a unique concept into a wholly unique – and top-level – LEGO experience."

Brick Fanatics

"Sun-drenched coastal charm built brick by brick. A Mediterranean masterpiece that belongs on every shelf."

The Earl of Bricks

Ecosystem

French Cafe — Water technique is similar to what was seen in French Cafe but taken further with more colour variation and depth

Tudor Corner — Sits comfortably alongside Tudor Corner as a parts-rich architectural build with strong secondary value for MOC builders

🎨 Designer Alex Sahli (named by critics)

IdeasInvestment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Brick Fanatics 🇬🇧

Expert Video Source

BUY

"21359 Italian Riviera is LEGO Ideas at its very best, turning a unique concept into a wholly unique – and top-level – LEGO experience."

Key Pros

✓Engrossing and detailed build experience
✓Unique color palette (light yellow, light nougat, reddish orange) not previously used for other LEGO buildings
✓Innovative architectural techniques (30-degree angle, varied surface heights) that add authenticity

JUMP TO REVIEW

The Earl of Bricks

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Sun-drenched coastal charm built brick by brick. A Mediterranean masterpiece that belongs on every shelf."

Key Pros

✓Stunning Mediterranean colour palette - warm, inviting, and photogenic
✓10 minifigures with excellent exclusive prints and accessories
✓Multi-session build that stays engaging throughout

Key Cons

✕One duplicate minifigure feels like a missed opportunity
✕Harbour base could be slightly larger for the boats

JUMP TO REVIEW

7 more critic reviews + 45 buyer takes

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Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Critics discussed this set's investment case

Buy-now vs wait consensus, value drivers, exclusivity and resale outlook

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Minifigures & Standout Parts

In this set (10)

Tourist - Tan Suit Jacket, Dark Red Legs, Light Bluish Gray Hair

Nonna / Fishmonger - Light Aqua Apron, Light Bluish Gray Wavy Hair

Fisher - Dark Green Open Jacket, Dark Bluish Gray Legs with Black Boots, Reddish Brown Flat Cap, Orange Life Jacket

Diving Shop Owner - Female, White Tank Top with Dark Azure Sailboat, Dark Pink Legs, Dark Tan Hair with Pony Tail

Gelato Shop Owner - Female, White Shirt with Stripes and Legs, Dark Orange Hair

Scooter Driver - Female, Lime Hoodie, Dark Azure Legs, Reddish Brown Coiled Hair

Tourist - White Shirt with Mountains Logo, Dark Blue Legs, Medium Nougat Tousled Hair

Child - Boy, Grandson, Bright Light Blue Denim Jacket over Shirt with Record, Blue Medium Legs, Dark Brown Coiled Short Hair

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Reddish orange bricks (new colorway for building construction)
The color palette was changed from the original fan design's light yellow, white and coral to light yellow, light nougat and the new reddish orange. This new combination was not previously used for other LEGO buildings and gives the set its own eye-catching identity.
Masonry bricks and plates attached to headlight bricks
Used to create an imperfect, rendered effect on the building exteriors that captures the authentic weathered appearance of Mediterranean architecture. Same technique as the original fan design but applied more sparingly in the official version.
Printed pizza tile
Exclusive to this set, carried by restaurant owner minifigure
Painted ice cream tile
Exclusive printed element for gelato vendor
Painter's canvas and brush
Exclusive accessories unique to artist minifigure
Pearl gold fish
Rare colour for aquatic accessories, useful for fantasy or nautical MOCs