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The River Café London Reviews
Disappointing experience
We had been looking forward to this meal. Unfortunately on the whole, we were disappointed. The service was flaky, the seating arrangement was cramped. The veal was excellent. The monkfish was far too spicy although it was not meant to be. It was practically inedible, I couldn't finish it. I mentioned it to the waitress but she didn't seem bothered! Good desserts. Totally overpriced, not worth £180.00 We won't return!
Listen, This is how it goes in the River Cafe kitchen when
Listen, This is how it goes in the River Cafe kitchen when they're devising the new menu... "Fritto Misto?" "Gotta have it. Italian classic. Simple. Delicious." "It's our bag for sure." "Simple, true. But how much simpler can we make it?" "Um, could we swap a nice mayo for something simpler?" "Like a wedge of lemon?" "Cracked it. And let's build on that theme. What if we got rid of prawns and replaced with a couple of slices of battered lemon?" "Not sure we'd get away with that. Battered lemon? Are they supposed to eat it?" "Tell 'em it comes from Amalfi." "Smart. So that's two bits of calamari, a couple of courgette flowers and two slices of lemon. OK?" "Hmmm, will they buy that?" "I hear you. Some polenta?" "Is that from the sea?" "No. We could cut it into the shape of a fish" "Darling this is The River Cafe not Findus. Just cut it in triangles." "OK. How much shall we charge for Fritto Misto?" "£29?" "Fritto Misto sounds expensive. Let's not disappoint with the price." "£39" "Done". The River Cafe is a truly wonderful restaurant where they really do take simplicity of cooking and quality of ingredients to the next level. The Fritto Misto was good but scant, mean even. The veal chop was simply one of the nicest I have ever tasted - thanks to my generous companion for the afternoon for not hogging it all himself. Crab and avacado was bountiful, fresh as a sea daisy. The fennel sausage ground up in the fettuccini was joyfully delicate although the home made pasta was a little chalky. If you're gonna charge the earth, I'm gonna get fernickety. Lemon tart had such a thin base it couldn't repel the moisture in the curd which was a shame. Soggy. But it was only £15 son what do you expect Yes the River Cafe remains a true stalwart, for people who want the best (not that they will always get it judging by today's mixed bag) and have no fear of cost. Front of house welcome you with an air of knowing you want to be there and therefore barely needing to force a welcome smile but the rest of the service is bright and breezy. I left feeling treated and thanking God I wasn't paying the bill. I took a walk down the river. It's beautiful. I passed Sam's Riverside along the way. It was busy and buzzing and it reminded me that a high quality meal can be had in cool surroundings with genuine hospitality baked in not 10 mins from The River Cafe for literally half the price. More power to them both.
Overrated Restaurant
Staying in Mayfair and with a recommendation we caught a cab to the restaurant at Hammersmith which was further than expected. Our table was on the terrace opposite an architects’ office with the River Thames vaguely visible though a hedge. The service was very good and helpful but the starters and the main course very average and disappointing. The flourless chocolate cake was very yummy. It was far too expensive for the experience. This restaurant may have been good according all who we spoke to before visiting but I could not recommend it.
Left hungry - tiny portions at extortionate prices. Overrated.
Nice food but would've been nice to have a proper portion if spending the insane expense of each meal. I left hungry after given a tiny portion for my main meal - and I just don't think this should be the case in such a restaurant. The prices are extortionate and they just need to give bigger portions to make that fair - no one should leave hungry.
Look before you leap
In this internet age it’s odd that you would turn up at the River Cafe and be shocked by the prices (as many reviews I have read seem to be). Yes it’s pricey but we knew that before we booked and ploughed on regardless hoping for a top quality experience- which we got. Couldn’t fault the food at all. I had the most delicious lobster and crayfish risotto and my sister had two starters rather than a main- the crab and the scallops. All of these were completely gorgeous and unpretentious- no foam or weird garnishes. These chefs know what they’re doing and do not need to dress the food up with unnecessary flourishes. I couldn’t decide which tart to have for desert so our lovely server suggested I have a half slither of two tarts which was great. The famous chocolate nemesis was just that- unfinishable but glorious. The only thing I found odd in such a highly regarded place was no means by which to dry my hands in the washrooms? No towels or hand dryer ? Ended up wiping my hands on my dress! Still- we loved it, thanks to the team.
Disappointing, Cliquey and expensive even for this type of venue!
We had been looking forward to coming for a family birthday and expected a real treat but overall it was disappointingly run of the mill and the prices were eye-wateringly expensive. £39 for Asparagus as a starter is an example (it was excellent but the portion was a standard size and the only addition was an anchovy butter.) Squid starter was £38 and we had better the next day at a local Turkish place for £9. Almont Tart for pudding was £15 for a small slice. There is clearly a 'set' here, regulars whose faces fit, and the owner 'works the room' with them but ignores those like us who will come to this sort of place once a year maybe, for a special occasion. The Maitre D was a a wonderful guy, really friendly, and the waiting staff were great. Overall though, the bill came to £180 per head with just one pudding from our group. This is way too much for what we got, and far more than we have paid in other fine dining venues for special occasions.
Greta to be in the sun
It is some time since I last eat here. Great to have lunch outside in the sunshine. The food was good and service swift. The prices are such that you are either rich, on expenses, or saving up to eat here.
Lunch outside yesterday at a table for two was quite magical
Lunch here yesterday was quite magical. We sat outside on the terrace at a table for two. Dear Charles took our order himself. Champagne to start. Delicious freshly made foccia. Me: Devon crab; Dover sole with roast peppers, tomatoes, olives, capers: a list of ingredients simply doesn’t do the plate justice - it looked beautiful too. Mrs Spratt: Melom with prosciutto; Vitello tonnato (thinly sliced veal). We shared a plate of three cheeses and enjoyed the chocolate nemesis with a scoop of caramel ice cream. Oh, and a bottle of Greco di Tufo. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxed and not at all stuffy. Service was delightful.
Absurdly priced
The food and service were both great. But great in the same way many other iconic London restaurants are great without making you feel like a fool for paying for £40 starters and £70 main courses for lunch. It’s a shame - it’s a great restaurant with a fabulous history but feels like they have got ahead of themselves.
Not recommended, especially if you know what good Italian food is.
What an excellent example of what good advertising can do and this restauarnt is consistently booked out! However, the truth of the matter is that it is an overhyped venue where people go to be seen. If you are looking for a great italian meal and fine dining, as promised...it's not recommended to come here. Terrible quality of ingredients, a lack of knowledge of Italian cuisine, overprices wines which gives you a headache the next morning and an interior thats is just...okay- nothing special. Save your money, London has waaay better places for you to experinece than this one
Great meal/ bad seats
Very high quality meal. Open kitchen concept is not great if you’re sitting by the kitchen with waiters bumping your chair and people hustling and bustling behind you. I was completely overstimulated. The menu was in a difficult to read font, with a lot of Italian words and the light was low. Probably a great experience if you are sitting by the window or outside.
So, the food was fine, so was the service.
That was... until the cheese plate came and there were actual MAGGOTS in the soft cheese. The servers were immediately apologetic and comped our meal. The manager told us that this had never happened before, but still -- one incident where one eats maggot-infested cheese (no, I was not lucky enough to spot the maggots before my sister and I took a bite) is one too many. Considering the amount of health concerns that this poses for how they store their food in the kitchen, I would not recommend (or, if you still want to try their objectively good pizza, maybe avoid getting the cheese plate!). Wish I had taken a photo, but alas, I was too shocked and quite frankly scared for my health that I didn't even think to.
Food was great and service was wonderful.
Looking out over the river was perfect. Nice quiet place to eat with friends
This has got to be one of our most favourite eateries
This has got to be one of our most favourite eateries anywhere...and it was a birthday treats so - excess was forecast Billecart Rose while we wandered through the menu; carpaccio, trout, lamb, affogato, ice cream, double espressos...oh and a new cookbook...I won't mention the price, but I've only ever paid more once (in Paris at Rostangs main place - and that was a third more and not as good and humourless) This is somewhere you go to like an old familiar armchair...you fit right in, Charles Pullan comes by for occasional chats (my wife adores him as he looked after her all evening when I broke my shoulder and so couldn't be there), you eat and drink your way steadily through, waiters and waitresses unobtrusively pick up, deliver, answer questions...and you have a wonderful meal and the best time ever...until the next time Oh and was that Michael Caine a table away - yup, but why do people, even there, feel the need to interrupt his meal with his friends - how would you like it...? Not sure when the next trip there will be - but there doesn't need to be an excuse! Marvellous
This iconic London eatery is situated in a somewhat
This iconic London eatery is situated in a somewhat industrial area overlooking the Thames. The two visits I made were both patio dining since they're so booked and I made reservations only a few weeks in advance. Chef Ruth Rodgers focuses on seasonal produce and really letting ingredients shine. I had a number of dishes and all were incredible. For a beautiful view, great service and food, and lively experience I'd recommend this restaurant all day. Chef has a podcast that she records onsite. Listening to her was the reason I went. The experience and food is why I went back and will now visit whenever in London
The food is fine but the service and ambience are just
The food is fine but the service and ambience are just awful. The service is amateur and forgetful and I don't think they could stuff a single extra table in the place. It's impossible not to hear everyone else's conversations (and complaints).
Attentive staff, local, fresh ingredients in a peaceful
Attentive staff, local, fresh ingredients in a peaceful setting are the standouts of this charming indoor/outdoor restaurant. We were greeted by a friendly host who seated us immediately at a quaint table nestled near shrubs along the river, a perfect setting for a warm Summer's day lunch. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu, food delivery was nicely paced and every entrée was tasty. Our favorites were the Devon crab and lobster tagliatore pasta. Portion sizes are relatively small, but nonetheless delicious. Go for quality not quantity and the overall experience of a peaceful riverside meal.
Oh yes, The River Cafe truly is as amazing as it is unique.
The food and atmosphere are simply wonderful. The service is invisible, yet incredible. The food is the star and it is the best. Go, go, go!!
The restaurant is beautiful! The food was very good and
The restaurant is beautiful! The food was very good and service was very pleasant. The pizza was a bit salty but still very tasty. The Dover Sole was the highlight of the meal.
Still amazing 25th years later..
We were there for a 50th birthday celebration. Saturday lunch. Very busy, lovely day. First went over 25 years ago. Still a fabulous experience. Some of the reviewers on here need to give their heads a wobble..this is a wonderful restaurant on every level. From reception to the tables to the service and the food .. all really great. We had the chili squid, the parma ham and the crab to start and then the rabbit ragu and the clam pasta dishes for main and the lemon almond and polenta cake to share for pudding. Every single dish and bite was so great. Not 2 star Michelin great but about the best fresh bistro type food you could imagine. This place is all about simple food with really great quality fresh ingredients. Service was cheerful and faultless. It's not cheap but don't whine about that when you arrive. You know it's not a budget meal so enjoy it as a special occasion or don't come. Lots of complaints about the tables being too close together, I'd completely disagree, I thought it made it even more buzzy. Would go again in a heartbeat .. if I could get a table!
Overpriced for what you get
The food was nice enough, but I have to say that I was disappointed in terms of value for money. I started with tagliatini vongole which had 8 clams, of which 4 were closed - not good enough for £35 and a disappointing lack of attention to detail at the pass. My main was sole; nice, but small and overpriced. Desserts were the highlight of the meal and really delicious, although no effort was made on presentation or accompaniments. I was really disappointed at the lack of attention to the dining experience: at £150 a head it’s disappointing to have cheap paper table cloths, dated decor, overcrowded table placement unchecked toilets and no genuine engagement from who I presume were the senior staff. The place was full, on a Tuesday night, but I feel it’s banking on its existing reputation. I wouldn’t return.
A security
Always safe to come back here, excellent and well-prepared food, top Selvapiana Italian oil, important wine list, and one of the most professional services that exist
Winter Menu Wow
We were a party of four who had a late lunch on the winter set menu offer. The food was exceptional and the service was great. Whilst the Al la carte is very expensive this is clearly because of the quality of ingredients, the army of young chefs they have and the very well staffed front of house. I would absolutely return and pay full price particularly for a special occasion. This really is an iconic restaurant.
The food was amazing and the presentation was magnificent.
The service was impeccable and spot on. The ambience was very relaxing and lively
Good food but a little over priced
We went here for my wife’s birthday, with our friends. The food we had was great, well cooked, fresh and tasty. I just think is was overpriced for what we had. £60 for a mains plate, £75 for a bottle of wine. I couldn’t justify coming here again.
Worth a visit
Worth a visit. Such an iconic restaurant that everyone must go to. The food is splendid and delicious. The restaurant is beautiful and the service is amazing.
Cheaper to fly to Italy and eat aithentic Italian food
Completely disappointing....I'm British and have lived in Italy for over 15 years and the claim of eating delicious Italian food in London is untrue. Far too expensive for poor quality food, lack of warmth from staff and a main course of pigeon that could have eaten in the colli euganei for a third of the price, which would have tasted much better. I will never return nor recommend.
Trading on past glories.
We have been visiting The River Cafe to celebrate special family occasions for several decades. We visited again last week to celebrate a 30th birthday. Sadly we all agreed that the magic of the place has gone. The tables are rammed too close together and the food was mediocre. The decor, which used to seem new and fresh now seems tired and in need of an upgrade. Finally the prices are stratospherically high. We will find another restaurant for our next family celebration.
Very disappointing
This was without doubt the most disappointing Michelin star experience we have ever had. The food has elements which are very good but certainly not exceptional. The clam risotto, has a very good depth of flavour from the base stock, but is very stingy on the shellfish element and is simply dumped like a flat pancake on a plate, with no attention to presentation. The grilled squid, is very tender but lacks flavour, accompanied by a well seasoned wild rocket salad. The longhorn beef, has a lovely salt crust on the three pieces on the plate but the meat itself lacks depth of flavour. The restaurant is very shoulder to shoulder with other patrons, and feels more like a diner than high end food. The carpet was also in need of a good vacuum in places (at the start of a lunchtime service). The staff were pleasant but again not to the same level of service as many other Michelin star restaurants we have eaten in. It is very expensive for the product that is being offered. I don’t mind paying for high quality food but this was really very disappointing sadly, particularly as we had travelled over two hours just to visit here. There are much better value Michelin star restaurants in London, serving higher standards of food and providing a much better overall dining experience.
As Much an Experience as a Meal
Upfront, The River Cafe is an expensive restaurant but we were looking for a high-end place with an interesting menu that would treat us to new flavors and tastes. We were not disappointed. The menu offered a variety of dishes as starters, as first courses, as main entrées and desserts. We ordered ravioli and scallops among our first dishes, they were fabulous. Our main dishes were rockfish, dover sole, and steak. These were also delicious. The atmosphere is classy and the service is top notch. You may even catch a glimpse of a celebrity. English singer-songwriter and actress Lily Allen was in the house while we dined. Paul McCartney and Elton John have dined here, too.
Down stream
My appetiser was 10/10. I had a delicious home-made pasta with small pieces of rabbit and crispy pancetta. It really was fantastic. That was the best part of my whole River Café experience, and the only element that shone. I had wanted to visit this well-renowned, reputable establishment for some time, and my overall feeling is one of disappointment. We had a great evening but quite simply, at this price bracket (and lower), you can do much better elsewhere. My main course was a large and firm piece of monkfish, but the sauce was bitter and not hugely enjoyable, whilst the side accompaniment was unidentifiable and forgettable, but pleasant. Dessert was competent, but the choices rather basic and uninspiring and totally unexciting. A slice of almond cake, a slice of chocolate torte. No creative thought or pizzazz. In recent times where baking has taken centre stage, the options were dull as ditchwater. Service was amiable, but again nothing special. If you are looking for a slow celebration, be aware that our starters were presented moments after ordering. We did ask for the pace to be slowed right down for our main course, and to give credit to the restaurant, they did respect this and brought our main dishes when we wanted them. The venue is bright and buzzy. At this price point, my expectations exceeded the reality of paper tablecloths and a lack of plush. Expect dining hall rather than sophisticated and cosy. Also, only two individual cubicles in the men’s toilets was impractical for the number of patrons. Overall, this river ebbs and flows. I wouldn’t return.
Don’t go!
The most overhyped and overpriced place serving average food…to many people crammed in a small space and blimey charging for a simple asparagus dish with béchamel sauce for £40…OUTRAGES!
What they said
Hilarious to go through the headlines of former reviews here that just confirm our experience. We were really looking forward to the visit but it was just not good unfortunately. Food was lacking taste and presentation (fresh chili had no kick, too much squid for a primi, meat looked grey, beans had no taste, pasta/secondi sauce too heavy, bread too salty, etc etc). Staff was very friendly but robot-like, didn’t show any interest in how we felt whatsoever. And not to mention the prices you pay for all. Take 50% off and it would be ok-ish - but we would still be disappointed. Totally getting the concept of home-made, basic Italian food made with fresh ingredients, but Italy would be a very sad place if that’s what’s being eaten there all day.
Mugged
Overall a disappointment. The food was average and the prices were astronomical! Rushed service, extremely outdated decor (felt like I was in a jamiriquai music video), dishes lacking finesse. The crab and artichoke starter was so unnecessary sour with lemon. Clearly a trigger happy chef with the dressing! Turbot main was well cooked but for 60 pound it ought to be. Tiramisu was leaking a pool of coffee on my plate. Saviordi biscuits probably were soaked for way too long when they prepped it, Very sloppy. As a chef travelling from another country to here I was very let down. Clearly it's just living off it's name. Sad to see, wouldn't be in a rush to go again or torecommend it. Far better options out there.
Exceptional restaurant
Exceptional restaurant. The River Cafe lived up to expectations. The food and drinks are amazing. The service is top notch too.
Taste Buds left wanting!!!
Underwhelming, very over priced - and over hyped - I was expecting flavours and sadly disappointed, family shared the same view, far better london restaurants at much better value … I enjoy my food and am adventurist… very disappointed! 2 Stars! 😢
Don’t believe the hype
Underwhelming and over priced - plenty of far better, more interesting and much better value options for Italian food in London. Don’t believe the hype.
Absolutely wonderful
I have always wanted to visit here and never had a chance We got that chance yesterday, a very rainy Thursday afternoon and the restaurant was packed and the vibe was electrifying. I loved everything from start to finish. We had the set menu and every course was perfect. I loved the lack of contrived, pretentious food. Amazing flavours to everything. Staff were all so attentive and professional. A totally 5 star plus experience for us. I hope we are lucky enough to visit again one day. Many many thanks for a lunch to remember.
Disappointed
Underwhelming. Completely over hyped restaurant. We won’t be back. Disappointed because we heard so many good things.
Great service, great food.
We had a lovely meal for two as a late Valentine's day dinner. It is obviously on the more expensive side, but you are paying for very attentive service and very good food. We opted for a pasta course and a main, which I'd recommend doing if you don't want to do all 4 courses (antipasti, primi, secondi, dessert). The pasta course is unbelievable. Wine starts at around £50 but we were able to get a nice bottle for £52 and when pub wine is £30 nowadays it felt more than reasonable. Would love to go back for the lunch set menu.
Last time we were here was almost 20 years ago.
We have no recollection of that visit. We knew of this place through their cookbooks. It is a trek to get here. There is not much to do in the immediate area. You can't actually see the Thames from the restaurant. We were here at noon on a Sunday. It seemed like there were more staff than guests for the first hour. The pizzetta was just OK. The calamari had the best looking rocket (aka arugula) we had ever seen. It was a simple and delicious dish. Gnocchi was made with semolina, not our favorite. The scallops were beautifully plated. As for desserts, we wanted tiramisu but it was unavailable, which was weird since the menu was dated for that day. We settled for roasted almond gelati, which was delicious with espresso. We liked the lemon, almond polenta cake but the blood orange was barely caramelized. It was so tart. Visually, the desserts were not complicated nor did they have complex components. The server was generally nice and attentive. I guess you have to be attractive to be a server here. Why was there a huge digital clock? We liked it, though. We like to keep track of time and didn't want to overstay our welcome. The decor wasn't the best. The plates were too simple. The chairs looked like office chairs. I guess minimalism and bold colors were the theme. It is, of course, worth a trek to eat here. They even had their own store nearby.
Very good still after all these years! Service is attentive
Very good still after all these years! Service is attentive without being crowded. Menu pays homage to the classics while being creative on its own merits. Food is consistently good without being outstanding. Good wine list of Italian labels with prices that are not outlandish. Solid performer that meets expectations.
Its been too long since we went here.
We were determined to really enjoy our meal and the experience; old hands here, true, but we were just in the mood for being pampered, having a wonderful meal and simply relaxing And so it was; a nice reception outside and the ever wonderful Charles Pullan to take us to our table; a lovely, warm evening, we chose outside. A few minutes in his capable hands and its like you have never been away You ask and everything just happens around you; no stress all evening...and it became pretty busy. The waitresses are experienced, knowledgeable, professional, yet they too are always relaxed and their attention is on you, they listen, they are not distracted; you barely have to raise an eyebrow and someone is there, yet unobtrusive We did not stint: bubbles, a decent couple of glasses of wine, prosciutto, carpaccio, monkfish, sirloin, ice cream, affogato, double espresso, 1 dessert wine - it wasn't cheap, but you just have to indulge from time to time...it was the most expensive meal we have had since Rostang in Paris a few years ago, though that was nearly twice as much and half as good...and too starchy This is just pleasure
The food was of an impressive standard! We were
The food was of an impressive standard! We were particularly impressed with the veal shin as a main course and the almond tart as a dessert. The wood-fired lobster was perfectly executed and equally delicious. The pasta, however, fell slightly short of expectations. Nevertheless, the rest of the dishes were highly enjoyable and consistently delicious.
so so good.
it was our last meal of the trip and the perfect sendoff. the menu changes daily and the ambiance is perfection. i had pasta with a parmesan sauce and asparagus. the focaccia served before the meal was *chef's kiss.* We split the lemon tart and s gelato for dessert - delish. recommend a beautiful stroll on the water after your meal!
An iconic experience, but one that we wish had been
An iconic experience, but one that we wish had been flawless. We trekked out here for dinner a couple nights ago, and while the setting was lovely, the service was less so, and it marred our overall experience. We had their earliest seating at 6:30 but because our waitress was flighty and unengaged, we were there much longer than we wanted to be. Since we weren't starving, we decided to order one dish from each section (OK, we admit we got two desserts). For the antipasti, we started with the mozzarella and caponata...it was incredible and paired perfectly with the complimentary focaccia that they bring out. The cheese was so creamy and it paired wonderfully with the saltiness/brine of the olives. 10/10! For primi, it was the pappardelle with rabbit, and again, nailed it--except that for some reason our pasta came out lukewarm, and not as hot as the sauce, which was odd and a shame. Even still, the rabbit pieces were generous and the tomato-based sauce was the ideal vehicle for the meat. 9/10! There was a LONG gap--an unnecessarily long gap--between courses when our secondi finally arrived. We ordered the branzino, which was lovely and delicate, and had a healthy amount of greens with it. 8.5/10 (there were a couple small bones that we found; our darling waitress was unimpressed when our daughter told her as much). We have saltier palettes and genuinely appreciate when salt is on the table, thank you! Dessert was chocolate nemesis, which is absolutely the most decadent flourless chocolate cake that you will ever have, wow. SO rich and good. We didn't love the toasted almond ice cream, however, because the nut chunks were too big and the consistency wasn't very creamy. While most of the food was 4-5 stars, we're ultimately settling on 3 stars (rounding down from 3.5) because of the service. She was a statuesque woman who was perhaps moonlighting as a waitress, which might explain why she didn't really seem invested in doing a good job. Dishes are expensive--after The Fat Duck, this menu was the steepest in price, so we expected a little bit more attention and care. We will say that we had a lovely meal and a nice time on a beautiful evening with heavenly weather. We're not upset about anything; we just left feeling unfulfilled. Maybe next time, maybe not.
Never disappoints
River Cafe never fails with exceptional food, drink and service every time. Excellent produce always perfectly prepared and delightful staff (including the lovely valet team).
Disappointed, overrated & overpriced
We had been looking forward to our dinner, the reputation built up over the years excited us!! We arrived on time, regrettably we booked a table outside, convinced when we booked the outside area was protected, enclosed & heated! On arrival we tried to check our coats, reception suggested we keep them as area was cold, negative start before we sat down! Booked table for 4, table shown to us was set for 4 but only had 3 chairs, poor show for this pricey overrated joint! Best part of meal was the focaccia. We each ordered a starter, 2xAperagus-bitter, i x crab very small portions for £35, i x pasta, overpriced too, probably. Mains Pigeon-Tough, tasty. 2x Veal, served cold, was supposed to slow cooked for hours?? i l complained, they took the dish away and replaced with same Luke warm portion, no improvement. For over £100 for 2 courses each not good enough!! By this time we'd had enough, paid the bill and left. Polite and kind waiter advised they did not charge for one of the veal portions. Obviously they realised the food was definitely not up to scratch! London has many wonderful restaurants, serving amazing. This one misses the boat by a mile, exists due to their celebrity clients only! Sadly we wont be back
HOW did they get a Michelin Star?
My husband and I were very excited to try The River Cafe. Our daughters had given us a generous gift voucher because it was my Birthday and they knew we had already booked our reservation. We had a booking for 18:30. We were informed from the time we booked that we would be seated outdoors....no issue for us. We arrived early at about 18:05. The hostess informed us that the dining area wasn't open but offered us the bar where we might order a beverage. We sat at the bar for at least 20 minutes. We were never even acknowledged much less offered a drink. Once our table was ready I expressed my frustration with the situation and wasw met with all kinds of "Oh Im so sorry......"We were seated outside and our candles were never lit. The food was certainly not exceptional. The lady seated next to us was offered a refund for her main (steak) as it was "sinewy". The sommelier was excellent and our waitress was OK.
Disappointed and underwhelmed
We've been meaning to dine at the River Cafe for more than 20 years and we finally got around to it this week. We went for the Winter Set Lunch menu which offered a reasonable array of choices. However, when the main (primi and secondi) dishes came they were a tad on the small side. I could have accepted this had the food tasted as good as it looked but it did not. For a start they were lukewarm rather than hot. The dishes lacked the robustness I was expecting in fact I would describe them as insipid with the overriding flavour of salt. The dolci were excellent but, that's not really enough to save an entire menu. I was extremely disappointed and, I am struggling see how they have a one star Michelin rating because compared to other one stars the River Cafe is way off the mark.
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* If ImmortalStep65 fails to secure the reservation, the bid is returned to the pool so another user can try.
4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, ImmortalStep65 receives the $200 reward which is credited to ImmortalStep65's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at The River Café London!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.
