RIVA — Restaurant in London

As someone who has been a resident of Barnes for just over 16 year, other inhabitants will know this, we have seen a lot of boutique restaurants pop up and fade away (in some cases begrudgingly so.) So when the staff member of one of our pubs recommended RIVA as a new Italian place in Castlenaught, I was keen to experience it for myself. Perhaps the first red flag should have been the Domino's pizza the admirer was having delivered simultaneously.

To be honest the staff were just average, a little rude laughing at certain questions, no check back at all to inquire how the evening was going (one of the first rules of service btw) and when we tried to cancel our mains assuming they would be on par with the starters, no one thought to ask why. We were told they were already being prepared...

At the end of our meal we were met with an erratic attitude and a flurry of excuses.... this is not how you talk to guests, ever! She also said, "well when you asked if there is a pizza on the specials, I think maybe you don't know what kind of a place this is" and my personal favorite "I'm guessing you have a long way to walk home"... I have to assume that's because of our attire... I'm not even going to comment on that kind of profound ignorance.

Now the food: Octopus - completely under cooked and served on old rocket and pretty much raw beans - I still have a stomach ache. Followed by lamb which had no flavor and was somewhat cold and old potatoes which were completely dry on the inside. My partner's food was little more to write home about, her starter would have been better coming from the pub across the road. All of that and a stomach ache to take home for an intended £102.

The worst restaurant I've ever been to in this area for...

I think people have convinced themselves this restaurant is a great neighbourhood choice because it’s been there forever, and perhaps it was good once upon a time, however it fails on all fronts. The food is fine (I mean highly highly average) but very expensive for what it is - a very standard veal “nugget” served with a tiny bit of pretty plain pasta (a hint of garlic and chilli), meant the dish resembled a very large kids meal at the princely sum of £43. I don’t take photos of my food but other reviewers have posted photos of this dish and that is exactly what it looks like - a sea of beige (which from other photos seems to be the case for most of their dishes)! My friend asked for some matchstick fries (on the menu as accompanying side to the steak) and he was told he couldn’t have any because the chef’s fryer was only small - a confusing response! The wine was nice (but they didn’t make that)…the restaurant also lacks ambiance, it feels like your sitting in someone’s house for dinner but they haven’t renovated in about 60 years (and not in a quaint way), and being charged a small fortune for the privilege. The staff were perfectly nice but lacking warmth and charisma, and we couldn’t tell if they were impressed with our wine consumption or disapproving. So to conclude don’t be fooled by this “institution” that is supposedly Stanley Tucci’s favourite local eatery, you’ll come away feeling disappointed and...

Disappointing Experience at Riva, Despite the Hype

Like some of the more recent reviews, our visit to Riva left us underwhelmed. While the food was decent, it didn’t live up to expectations, especially given the price point. We were a group of four and spent £280 on a three-course lunch, which took over 2 hours and 20 minutes — not due to a leisurely pace, but rather slow and inattentive service. They seemed understaffed and very rushed.

The starters were overpriced for what was served, and the pasta, though fine, lacked flair and depth. The venue itself feels a little tired, and while the lavish flower arrangement at the entrance makes a statement, it contrasts oddly with the dated bathrooms, which are in need of refurbishment.

Another letdown was the non-alcoholic drinks selection — limited to Coke, lemonade, or tonic water — which felt like an afterthought in an otherwise premium setting.

By contrast, we dined at The Waterman Arms the previous day and had a far superior experience for slightly less — not to mention a lovely riverside view from the upstairs dining area.

Riva may still appeal to those who enjoy the old-school charm and ceremony of a traditional Italian restaurant, but to us, it felt like a place resting on its reputation. Sadly, it didn’t seem like we caught them on an off day — more that they’ve...