Riva

Riva is one of the best Italian restaurants in London, acknowledged by other chefs and critics regularly. It's style is understated and maybe perhaps be too discreet and sophisticated for some, i.e. previous reviewers here. The cuisine is largely from northern Italy and therefore different from other high street Italian restaurants. While there is a menu, it is advisable to go with the specials of the day. Highlights include polenta with salt cod, papardelle with hare ragout, and an amzing autumnal dish from northern Italy, pizzocheri, of buckwheat pasta, potatoes and cheese. The owner, Andrea Riva, runs the place very much as he would in Italy. He spends time chatting with his regular customers. The decor is sophisticated, stylish, low key.

This is not a place to order steak and chips or pizza or spag bol. This is high class Italian food from one of the best restaurants in London. It is therefore expensive. I have been going there regularly since the early 90s. It never fails to satisy and the fact that it is invariably packed spekas for itself and might explain why they sometimes don't have tables at short notice. The staff have all been there for many years which also suggests something fairly positive.
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Jeremy
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Saturday, August 27, 2011

We had dinner two weeks ago at Riva for the last time.

I have visited this restaurant often in the last three years and on some occasions had an excellent meal, but my last visit was truly awful. The food was dull , and so small it hardly soiled the plates. The owner seems totally oblivious and lacks any charm whatsoever, he cant even be bothered to say good evening.

On leaving I spoke to a friend who was entertaining two other guests, his opinion was the same, he wont be back either..
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W A Turner
4 Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Thursday, November 11, 2010

Went last about 7 years ago and had vowed not to return. A visiting relative was keen though so we went....I will try to leave it at least 14 years before the next. What was wrong? Simply, high prices for admittedly good in places, but not exceptional food, in an atmosphere of self satisfied smugness from the staff, and clients who look as if they do not need to notice the totals at the bottom of the illegible handwritten bill.

Go over the road to the Red Lion for more honest food, main courses for the cost of the starters at Riva, and a nicer less cramped atmosphere
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Dominic
3 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 2
Sunday, October 31, 2010

Irrespective of what previous reviewers have written, I think that this is a very good restaurant serving high quality ingredients in pleasant surroundings.

Having said that, you need to prepare yourself for a large bill, and you might find the staff almost too friendly. But the warm welcomes and embraces between the proprietor and regulars suggest that I am alone in that sentiment.

My advice would be that you should not go on a hot summer evening, when they usually open the glass doors at the front. Outside the restaurant has to be one of Barnes's least attractive pedestrian areas, and the less you see of it, the better. I spent the evening with a huge Londis articulated lorry parked on the road outside, directly in my line of sight, which inevitably detracted from the sense of occasion that a visit to Riva should engender.
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James - View all reviews by this user
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 7
Friday, August 06, 2010

It's hard to know which is worse - the decor or the food. Expensive and extremely mediocre. Don't waste time or money!
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SJB
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 0
Friday, April 09, 2010

I was really disappointed by the food....Do not recommend!
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Roberta - View all reviews by this user
1 Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 1 | Value for money 1
Thursday, February 11, 2010

Called to book a table and they were so rude and gave me a plain NO before even asking me what time I wanted to go. I am really unimpressed and decided I would not go there ever again.
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Mr Martin C
0 Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Friday, April 24, 2009

Prompt service but not intrusive while business discussions were going on. Delightful food; I had the roast vegetables and the steak, and a good wine list.
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9 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, March 04, 2009