Christopher's Restaurant & Catering — Restaurant in Riverside

First impressions kind of stick with you and set the tone for your visit. We arrived at about 12:30/ 1 pm, for brunch, mind you they close at 2, we were a party of 2 and there were 2 tables available that would have sat 4-6 people. The owner greeted us and looked around eyeing these 2 tables while assessing the customers who might be finishing up. This was understandable. He asked us to wait a couple of minutes and continued visiting with his customers. Meanwhile (5 minutes, give or take), the two servers greeted us and desired to seat us but couldn't without owners' permission / fear of his displeasure. He finally comes back and takes a moment to look over the very same floor and decides to split the 4 top into two 2 tops, carrying one halfway across the dining room. The server sat us at the one table along side of room at our request. She the greeted us and took drink order, then we were approached by owner to move to other table in middle of room because he had a party of 3 walk in and "he couldn't set them in middle as it was crowded, but he could where we were". We requested to stay where we were, and he huffed off. While readjusting the table in the center to accommodate the 3... mind you, the round table is still available, and it is nearing closing... we then hear him conversing with customers about our desire to not be close to others as though it was offensive. It was merely a privacy and health precaution as one lives with elderly and fragile woman.

It appears this place is loved by locals. We came because of location and reviews, but did not feel welcomed, but rather an inconvenience and a bother to him.

Our server, Victoria, was great. She tried very hard to care for us in an uncomfortable situation. She was efficient, kind, and courteous. Thank you.

Thank you to kitchen staff for your efforts in helping me to have safe food to eat. I appreciate you and all your efforts.

The food we ate was good. Although, the staff was not prepared for persons with food sensitivities or allergies. It appeared to fluster the whole house when I presented requests to know and understand how they handled food... for gluten sensitivity and severe fish allergy. I eat out a few times a week, and I know what to look for concerning what I can and can't eat just by looking at a menu... ie. "fried fish- don't order anything fried, grilled fish - request option of special prep in clean skillet," but it is helpful if staff is trained and informed as well.

We also noted that the owner was checking in on every table (maybe 15 in total) and chatting, but he never once checked or stopped by or had shown any concern of our food or time in his establishment.

I normally review a meal or place as to whether I would eat that meal or dine there again... was it enjoyable enough to note "yes, I would." I struggle to say that for Christopher's... but the next time I am in town, I will consider a...

My daughter and I both had dinner there. It was busy but we were seated fairly quickly. We ordered our items, and my daughter requested coffee, apparently that was an issue. We were told initially how difficult it was to make coffee, and by the time we left we had been told in passive aggressive comments how inconvienent the coffee was, five separate times. I went to unroll my napkin that had silverware inside. My spoon was stuck to the napkin, and there was a discoloration where it was stuck, so it was clearly something other than water. I received a replacement napkin, no spoon, after we had to tell the server. We ordered entrees that we're to come with salads and bread. The salads were large, and the only issue I saw with them is that spinach was mixed in with the greens but the spinach leaves had thick, long stems still attached, so it made it a bit awkward to eat. We never got the bread. My daughter had the risotto and it was undercooked. I ordered sauteed veggies over quinoa with some sort of sauce. It was like eating soup with a fork, there was so much liquid that the quinoa was floating. This liquid tasted straight vinegar and soy sauce, and was incredibly overpowering. The veggies were plentiful but very overcooked to the point of mushy. For dessert we ordered cobbler and they were excellent. Really large portions, very rich. They have blueberry, cherry, and apple. I tasted the blueberry and had the cherry. Very delicious. It's very difficult to find vegan options in the Dayton, Ohio area, and we knew they had some. I would not order the meal I had ever again, but I absolutely would save room for the...

This is one of my favorite places for an enjoyable meal in the Dayton area when we're visiting family. We have been here three times now and have enjoyed each visit.

Each time we have stopped by, we have been able to be seated quickly in spite of the fact that they have always been on the busy side. In addition, we have consistently experienced very good service from friendly and gracious servers. The restaurant environment is also enjoyable as the decor is pleasant. They seem to occupy a double storefront in the conventional Kettering strip plaza where they're conveniently located, and their dining area is compartmentalized accordingly. We've sat in both dining areas and they have slightly different feels. I have a slight preference for the area when you first enter as the seating arrangement is a little cozier and more intimate as I recall.

Their menu features some wonderful comfort food and is also rather creative. Our favorites so far have been the Roasted Beet Trio, the Salmon and the Sausage and Pierogis. The former features greens, onions, feta and pecans in addition to the beets. It's very tasty. The house dressing, a Mango Chardonnay Vinaigrette, also deserves mention. But my highlight is the Life Changing Bread Pudding. That's not too far off when they describe it that way. It is excellent. There are several other decadent desserts as well.

The prices are great values. We have been able to stay around $25 per person with food, drink, tax and tip factored in. This is a very good price for the treat of eating here. We'll continue to look forward to chances to go to Christopher's when we...