Osteria Riva — Restaurant in Sydney

As someone who rarely takes the time to leave negative feedback, I felt compelled to share my experience—if only because, days later, it still lingers in my mind.

Let me begin with the positives: as an Italian and someone who has spent a lifetime immersed in the culinary world, I can say without hesitation that the food was exceptional. Authentic, flavorful, and prepared with care. The lively atmosphere also contributed to what initially seemed like a promising evening.

Unfortunately, the service—specifically from one female server—was where the experience took a sharp decline. I speak not only as a customer, but as a fellow restaurateur and someone who has spent years in the hospitality industry, both front and back of house. I own and operate my own restaurant and catering business, and I understand deeply the importance of professionalism, warmth, and respect in guest interactions.

The attitude displayed was unnecessary and frankly unacceptable. Simple questions were met with abrupt, dismissive responses. It wasn’t just inattentiveness—it was a clear lack of regard for the guest experience.

If this were my establishment, such behavior would be addressed immediately. At the very least, this individual would be reassigned to roles where guest interaction is not required until they fully understood what hospitality truly means.

To the owner: I sincerely hope this feedback finds its way to you. You have a wonderful product in your kitchen—please ensure that your front-of-house team reflects the same...

There aren't many really good restaurant options in Bondi Junction, but Osteria Riva is saving the day! They serve proper, authentic Italian food with a nod to romagnola cuisine. I've lived in Italy so I'm a bit pedantic when it comes to Italian cuisine, and unfortunately many places in Sydney just serve Italian-inspired food tailored to Australian tastes. But Osteria Riva doesn't compromise on authenticity. Most of the staff have been there at least since I've moved to Bondi Junction and started going to this restaurant (over two years), which is always a good sign. Another good sign: the menu is short and sweet, suggesting they might use mostly fresh ingredients. The specials are lovely, I just wish they had 2 pasta dishes like before (now they only have one) - follow them on Twitter for pictures of their blackboard. My favourite dish is also one of their classics: pasta con ragu d'agnello. The lasagne dish is good too, albeit a bit too salty, and most of the dessert specials I've tried were fab too (e.g. pannacotta con Nutella!). Nice wine selection. Friendly waiters who I sometimes practice my slightly rusty Italian with. I've taken several friends there and they were very impressed. Caveat: this restaurant is becoming more and more attention so it's harder and harder to get a last minute table so you definitely have to book, even on a random...

As a somewhat regular, safe to say Osteria Riva has lost a returning customer.

Rung up 15 mins prior to book a table for two, advised that there was a table available for 1h 15m and mentioned to the male receiver that that was perfect as all we wanted to have was steak - he then took my name for the booking. Rocked up on time, tried to signal the man behind the bar to order (other two waitresses were occupied) and we were met with "I'm not a waiter". Ended up ordering with a waitress: the risotto special, Fiorentina steak and a salad. After ordering waitress came back to the table and said we couldn't have the Fiorentina, so she suggested the tomahawk but had to double check. Came back again and said "you can't have meat" - which completely defeated the purpose of our visit (to clarify, this literally meant not even the 250gr cut). Spoke to the presumed manager (who isn't a waiter) who pretty much denied saying the table was available for 1h 15m and reduced it to 1h. Apparently meat takes 45 minutes to cook, and since that is the case the manager didn't have the courtesy to mention that over the phone since we came just to have steak? Definitely will not be returning to...