River Café
London, United Kingdom
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
It should go without saying, but be sure to ask for a seat on the terrace at this icon of London's Italian restaurant scene. The on-view kitchen with its wood-fired oven dominates the stylish and buzzing riverside room and the menu bursts with authentic Italian flavours which make one’s mouth water in anticipation. The honest, hearty dishes have a rustic Italian simplicity, relying as they do on the quality of their ingredients, whether that be clams, crab or wild sea bass. Arguably the best Italian wine list in London is the icing on the cake.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Bright Blue Carpet and Barbie-Pink Pizza Oven: The River Café’s dining room features a distinctive bright blue carpet, while the wood-fired pizza oven is boldly painted in a Barbie-pink (fuschia) color, creating a playful, whimsical atmosphere.
- Menu Changes Twice Daily, Cooked Fresh Each Day: The restaurant prepares its menu twice daily—for lunch and dinner—with all dishes cooked fresh the same day, ensuring hyper-seasonality and nothing pre-made from the day before.
- Staff All Prep Ingredients, Including Waiters: Every staff member, including waiters, participates in ingredient preparation, fostering a deep, shared understanding of the menu and a sense of inclusion in the cooking process.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- San Marzano Tomatoes
Used in signature pasta dishes like Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil, these tomatoes are slow-cooked to create a sauce of subtle depth and complexity, with infused olive oil for richness. - Langoustines (from Scotland)
Featured as char-grilled main courses, these shellfish are prized for their delicate, sweet flavor and are often simply prepared to highlight their quality. - Veal Chop (Costoletta di Vitello, from Amalfi)
Wood-roasted with rosemary and lemon, this cut is chosen for its tenderness and flavor, reflecting the restaurant’s focus on premium Italian ingredients. - Chocolate (70% bittersweet, for Chocolate Nemesis)
Used in the restaurant’s famous dessert, this high-quality chocolate is the centerpiece of a dense, rich cake that has become a signature. - Lemon (for Polenta, Almond and Lemon Cake)
Provides intense citrus flavor in desserts, balancing sweetness and adding brightness to the cake.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menus
- Tasting Menu: £195 (6 courses), £245 (8 courses)
Signature Dishes
- Wild Sea Bass: £42, Crab: £45, Clams: £38
In The Media
The River Cafe - Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler
Find The River Cafe London, England ratings, photos, prices, expert advice, traveler reviews and tips, and more information from Condé Nast Traveler.
cntraveler.com
The River Café - Review - Hammersmith - London - The Infatuation
Aug 1, 2024 ... In London, but stashed away next to the river. The River Café lives in its own world; we all just get to visit. Food Rundown. Antipasti. Breathe ...
theinfatuation.com
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: How I shared a stove with Rose Gray ...
Feb 28, 2010 ... The River Café was the most talked-about restaurant in London. I knew that Rose and Ruth were giving me a chance because I (like them) was completely untrained.
theguardian.com