The River Cafe — Restaurant in Dublin

We were in Dublin for a special occasion and decided to try this place for the first time. Unfortunately, it ended up being a disappointing experience. We waited quite a while before anyone came to take our order — the staff seemed more focused on refilling seats than checking in with customers already there. If we had known they were too busy to accommodate even small requests, we honestly wouldn’t have stayed. When we were finally asked for our order, my auntie politely asked if she could customise a panini — just three basic ingredients — and was told, “We’re too busy.” Not the warmest welcome for new customers, especially when the request was so simple. Myself i ordered the goat cheese ciabatta, took one bite, and immediately had to spit it out — I said it tasted off. We called the manager over, explained that I didn’t like the food, and politely asked if I could order something else instead. The manager said no. When we pointed out again that I hadn’t eaten it because she genuinely didn’t like it, the manager replied, “It is goat cheese. You should order something you know you’re going to like.” I replied that I had eaten goat cheese before and enjoyed it — this just didn’t taste right — but the manager showed no interest or care. she simply took the food away and refused to offer anything further. At the till, the ciabatta was still on the bill. We explained again that it wasn’t eaten and was removed without replacement. The manager said we should still pay because it was a “waste of food.” It was eventually removed, but the way the situation was handled left us feeling very unwelcome. We also noticed there’s an extra €2 charge just to eat in — which is fine, but for that added cost, we expected a bit more flexibility and basic customer care. This was our first visit, and likely our last. A real shame, as we were looking forward to it. would not recommend this...

Ate here about 2 weeks ago - brilliant service and really tasty food. Back today Sunday at 3pm (website says open until 5pm) and the difference was like night and day.

Was by myself and stood at door for 5 mins while staff just passed by. When I was seated, I was sat in the middle of 2 very large and loud groups, who had all finished eating, in the darker part of restaurant. Feeling awkward in middle of floor between 2 large groups, I asked before sitting if I could move over to other side that was much quieter and brighter with lots of free tables - only one couple there with full plates of food. Waitress advised "no - that section is closed" (again supposed to be open until 5) and put the menu on the table.

The table I was seated at (14 i think) was completely unstable/wobbly when I sat down and low and behold was covered with vinegar and stains - hadn't even been cleaned. The vinegar got on my tshirt and trousers, as well as stinging a cut on my arm. I looked around and surprise surprise, no staff. I just stood up and left very annoyed.

Having had such a positive experience in prior weeks, this was a massive disappointment. I won't be back. The rating for the food stands from prior visit, but the service score reflects today's...

Edit: I've been back a couple of times since the last review and the food is back to being absolutely delicious again! The amazing chips are back and I hear the Cajun chicken burger will be a weekend special so of course I'll have to come in to have it. Staff lovely as usual, coffee is always nice :)

Original review: I used to love coming here, the food was excellent and they gave you lots of it. But since they changed the menu they got rid of the Cajun chicken burger which was to die for, as were the chips which are now oddly mushy inside. Previously they were skin on skinny fries that stayed crispy throughout your meal. Now they're still skinny chips but go soggy very quickly plus the aforementioned interior mushyness.

The portions are much smaller now too..such a shame as the food was always which brought me back here as it's not the most amazing place to sit.

Coffee is still nice at least I suppose but the last two times I came here for lunch were very disappointing in...