Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Leeds City Centre — Restaurant in Leeds

Adequate but not fantastic for a tv chef franchise

Arrived early and greeted by pleasant staff, the table was ready as expected be for a booking.

We were immediately seated, handed the menu and asked what drinks we would like, again as it should be in a restaurant.

While awaiting the drinks and starter & mains chosen, the waiter returned to inform us if a list of starters & mains which had "sold out" ... pretty poor for prime time Saturday evening dining and yes, both my choices were unavailable.

That said, my alternative choices were available, we shrugged this little setback off and continued my good ladies birthday celebration.

The starters arrived accordingly and were delicious although basic, a little garnish wouldn't go a miss and it was after completion of these that we started to feel rushed. I was still chewing when the table was cleared and the mains arrived moments later.

We felt the lobster linguine was delicious and excellent value for money at £21 however £17 for what came out as a bowl of stewed beef, onion and carrot not so good value as any potato or veg side were £4 a portion. I plumped for crushed roast potatoes equating to a very expensive stew at £21.

The desserts were typical restaurant desserts nothing extravagant but exactly as expected.

Now, this is where I have to support the reviews on how loud and congested this restaurant is. We appreciated we were seated near the cocktail/prosecco bar but the volume of and style of music was not appropriate for a so called Italian restaurant, neither was the projector style tv showing NASCAR racing and UFC kickboxing.

We did take advantage of the very nice sounding cocktails and these did indeed surpass or expectations resulting in indulging in several while at our table. This was surprisingly relaxed and un-rushed bearing in mind the speed the table had previously been cleared.

We by no means want to make this a bad review but an honest one, the food was very nice although being my 2nd choices and the staff wonderful but as expressed in the heading simple improvements can be made both cheaply and effectively and none of the above would deter us from visiting again now we hold different...

I’ve had the privilege of visiting some of the most iconic cities in Italy—Naples, Rome, Capri, Milan, Florence, and Venice—where I enjoyed some of the finest traditional Italian cuisine. With that experience in mind, I can confidently say that Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar is the closest you can get to authentic Italian food outside of Italy, especially here in Leeds.

The flavors here are nothing short of spectacular, capturing the true essence of Italy with every bite. Whether it’s the richness of the pasta, the perfect seasoning on the pizza, or the freshness of the ingredients, every dish is a masterpiece. The attention to detail in both the food and presentation makes dining here a special experience.

Beyond the incredible food, what really sets this restaurant apart is the exceptional service. The staff is not only friendly and welcoming but also extremely knowledgeable about the menu. They are more than happy to offer recommendations, ensuring that you select the perfect dish to suit your taste. Their genuine passion for Italian cuisine really shines through in the way they engage with diners, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

I’ve been to many restaurants in Leeds, and I can say without hesitation that Riva Blu is the best. It’s a hidden gem that brings the flavors of Italy right to your plate, combined with the warm hospitality that makes you feel like a valued guest from the moment you walk in. If you’re looking for an authentic Italian dining experience, look no further—this place is truly outstanding.

Thank...

What can I say? The restaurant is gorgeous. Everything was delicious. I ordered lasagne and the classic caesar salad and my wife had carbonara and the salad too, and everything was very tasty. We paid for 2 courses, 2 salads (there was plenty of salad on the plate), 1 coffee, and 2 juices (apple and orange) £90. The salad was very tasty and there was plenty of it. The crusty bread crumbs, the cheese, the dressing, everything was very harmonious and really tasty. The only thing was that the lasagne was unusual. There wasn't a lot of lasagne in the plate and there was more gravy. Nevertheless, it was really good. Probably Italians cook this dish in such a way, because real Italians work in the restaurant. They made the juices unusually too. Serving was in glass glasses, similar to those in which alcohol is served. The glass was freshly squeezed juice, with a few pieces of ice and lime. It was delicious. The waiters are positive and full of energy. We also bought coffee which was tasty and not bitter. The atmosphere is pleasant. The menu is clear. The tables were clean and well maintained. Spoons, forks, knives were clean too. Order for two of us brought hot within 20 minutes. We did not have to wait long. The hall is big. There are a lot of tables as well as visitors. At the end of the hall they also have a large oven where they cook apparently bread, or pizza. I saw a big fire in the kitchen, so they were cooking something there. Anyway, it looks like we've got a restaurant we'll always come to. I suggest you try it. You won't regret...