River Café

$$$ • Canadian, Wine Bars, Gluten-Free

Hours today·

Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM More

About River Café

The River Café offers a delightful dining experience with good food, great service, and a warm, cozy atmosphere. This charming restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a special destination. The outdoor seating creates a fairy tale ambiance, surrounded by nature and local flora. Customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service, with staff knowledgeable about the menu and the origins of the ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes, including the highly recommended Halibut Cakes, which showcase Canada's beautiful cuisine, and a stunning pastry trio known for its unique flavors.

Recent reviews highlight the wonderful Sunday brunch, which features inventive presentation, great flavor, and interesting textures. Dishes like smoked salmon tartlette and Lambtastic sausages received praise, and the brunch includes enjoyable drinks like rose bubbly and strawberry rhubarb simple syrup with bubbly water. The restaurant remains a favorite for lunch, with highlights such as Haida Gwaii halibut fish cakes and poached eggs served alongside excellent drinks, including local apple cider. Many guests mention their desire to return, especially during special occasions or visits in the summer.

The experience extends to special touches that make visits memorable. One guest described their very first visit as phenomenal, noting the thoughtful card for a birthday signed by the staff, professional service, and incredible food. The tartare was described as magical, and the atmosphere was warm, beautifully lit, and welcoming, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Visitors often enjoy the cozy interior with a log fire, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of dishes, such as eggs Benedict, croque madame, smoked salmon tartlette, and haddock fishcake, all praised for their taste. For dessert, some found the chocolate pavlova and creme brulée a bit too sweet, but overall, the quality remains high. Additionally, the restaurant offers a Tasting Menu, which has received praise for its new and incredible flavors, textures, and spices, served at a relaxed pace. Staff, including a charming and knowledgeable principal server, enhance the experience with excellent recommendations, especially for wine pairings with steak options like tenderloin and strip loin.

Overall, the River Café is praised as a top spot for celebrating special moments or enjoying a delightful afternoon, confirming its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the world.

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River Café Menu
River Café Menu

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River Café Reviews

4.1
714 ratings
5
60%
4
15%
3
9%
2
8%
1
8%
Food
4.2
Atmosphere
4.6
Service
4.1

Share your opinion about River Café

First time dining here for breakfast/brunch. I would highly suggest coming here early to avoid any wait. Food and service was excellent 👌. Would come back here again based on this experience
A few of us grabbed a table at River Cafe on a Saturday evening a couple weeks ago and the view over Prince's Island was honestly worth the walk through the park alone. We split the bison tartare and the wood fired trout, and everything came out tasting genuinely rooted in local, seasonal ingredients rather than just claiming to be. Our server took time to walk us through the wine list without being pushy about upselling, which made the whole pace of the meal feel relaxed. We...read full review
Melanie, thank you for making my husband and I’s honeymoon a rememberable one! Walked in without a reservation, seated table side next to the fire and started our dinning experience with a little bubbly to keep the celebrations going. We want to thank not only Melanie, but the Chef, Sous Chef, prep-line, back of the house, and help for making the River Cafe one to remember. We will so be back!

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Hours

Monday 11AM - 9PM
Tuesday 11AM - 9PM
Wednesday 11AM - 9PM
Thursday 11AM - 9PM
Friday 11AM - 9PM
Saturday 10AM - 9PM
Sunday 10AM - 9PM
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