A long overdue review as I came here in May for BRW to go. We got 4 BRW prix fixe menu for $40 each for us and my parents and added a lamb shank from their regular menu as well. The mushroom soup was light and flavorful with every sip due to the porcini broth. Since I rarely fry things myself, anytime I see arancini available, I almost always get them and these definitely did not disappoint. Three of us got the crab raviolis which just like the soup was delicious from the first bite to the last. The porchetta was good but personally I preferred those crab raviolis instead. Since my dad loves lamb shanks, we had to order one to try and it was dad approved. For dessert, it was 50/50 chocolate torte and blood orange panna cotta. For chocolate lovers, that torte is decadent and satisfying. For non-chocolate lovers, that panna cotta was a great alternate, but again for me, chocolate was the way to go.
Dr. David J.
I remember when Riva opened, in 2006 I believe. After my first visit, we became inseparable. There were days i'd go for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. It was also not uncommon for me to pop in for dessert even later in the day (early evening). Jennifer and Massi always made me feel like family and I now live in Chicago, where we have nothing like it. If you are blessed enough to live in the area, please stop by and give them a try. You won't regret it.
Chip MailG Gerken
Showed up at 5:10pm on Friday after checking the website and Google search said they were open 4-8. NOT. Blocked door; take out only. And surly guy at the door.
Kevin Espinet
The listing does say "take-out only", but the pictures and other reviews in the Google listing suggest an actual restaurant. It looks like they're still in COVID hysteria mode. This listing is false advertising because they don't offer the atmosphere they claim to and that's disingenuous.
James K.
I got delivery from Riva for Berkeley Restaurant Week and I thought it was a good deal with good food. I got a couple of the restaurant week "sets" to try a few items with family, and separately added the brussels sprouts and the squid ink pasta. The brussels sprouts was cooked just right - soft enough but still has a crunch, and the flavor was perfect. The squid ink pasta was lovely with the smoked salmon flavor and a nice acidity also from the tomato and a sweetness from the onion. From the two three-courses RW menu - I got the mushroom puree / soup, the risotto arancini, crab ravioli, the porchetta, the panna cotta, and the crostata. I quite liked the mushroom dish - it was scrumptious and I liked that the texture was more broth than cream/thick. The crab ravioli was delicious, and the porchetta had a yummy flavor but was slightly overcooked for me. Overall I enjoyed a lot of the flavors and was glad to try Riva.
Melissa N
I have not dined-in yet as they were pick up only when I ordered. The pick up service was excellent and easy! The intoxicating smells from the food filled my car's atmosphere instantly. I went from 0-100 in terms of hunger. Absolutely delicious! Prices more than fair. Honestly, a great hidden, random treat for myself.Will definitely be returning again. Hopefully, to dine-in next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Linda W.
Phenomenal. Just finished our New Years Eve deliciousness, and everything was outstanding. We ordered on the special NYE menu (and it was) and also on the "standard" menu (and it was too), so the two of us had zillions of dishes to share and enjoy. Believe me, we did. Thank you, Riva Cucina! We are so fortunate to know you!
Rachel W.
This is a very good place for dinner but today was my first time there for lunch. An excellent choice. A quiet neighborhood restaurant with delicious food and excellent service. I will be back.
Thomas V
We ordered take out from this place and enjoyed our lasagne and minestrone. Authentic and reasonable priced. Large sized portions.
Excellent tasty food. Five star service. Expensive
Paco Gandullia
Amazing food and amazing owners!!Delicious food, great prices. Overall amazing!!
Frosty L.
Love this place on every visit. Can't wait to come back when it opens for indoor dining.
JD Smith
We just hosted a large birthday party at Riva Cucina with tremendous success. Jen and the Riva Cucina staff were amazing hosts, welcoming everyone as if we were part of their home. The food was amazing and the space was perfect. The birthday girl and guests continue to glow about what a perfect evening it was. Riva Cucina rocks!
Peter R.
What a little gem in an off the beaten path of Berkeley. Everything was wonderful here, with the pasta as standout. The Bolognese was the real deal and delicious. We had the funghi pasta that was outstanding with delicate homemade pasta ribbons...the porchetta was superb, with the crackling just the right thickness. I thought the pricing was very reasonable and a value. Portions were generous but not obnoxious. We had a group of 6 and we shared everything, and there wasn't a miss on any of the dishes!
A long overdue review as I came here in May for BRW to go. We got 4 BRW prix fixe menu for $40 each for us and my parents and added a lamb shank from their regular menu as well. The mushroom soup was light and flavorful with every sip due to the porcini broth. Since I rarely fry things myself, anytime I see arancini available, I almost always get them and these definitely did not disappoint. Three of us got the crab raviolis which just like the soup was delicious from the first bite to the last. The porchetta was good but personally I preferred those crab raviolis instead. Since my dad loves lamb shanks, we had to order one to try and it was dad approved. For dessert, it was 50/50 chocolate torte and blood orange panna cotta. For chocolate lovers, that torte is decadent and satisfying. For non-chocolate lovers, that panna cotta was a great alternate, but again for me, chocolate was the way to go.
I remember when Riva opened, in 2006 I believe. After my first visit, we became inseparable. There were days i'd go for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. It was also not uncommon for me to pop in for dessert even later in the day (early evening). Jennifer and Massi always made me feel like family and I now live in Chicago, where we have nothing like it. If you are blessed enough to live in the area, please stop by and give them a try. You won't regret it.
Showed up at 5:10pm on Friday after checking the website and Google search said they were open 4-8. NOT. Blocked door; take out only. And surly guy at the door.
The listing does say "take-out only", but the pictures and other reviews in the Google listing suggest an actual restaurant. It looks like they're still in COVID hysteria mode. This listing is false advertising because they don't offer the atmosphere they claim to and that's disingenuous.
I got delivery from Riva for Berkeley Restaurant Week and I thought it was a good deal with good food. I got a couple of the restaurant week "sets" to try a few items with family, and separately added the brussels sprouts and the squid ink pasta. The brussels sprouts was cooked just right - soft enough but still has a crunch, and the flavor was perfect. The squid ink pasta was lovely with the smoked salmon flavor and a nice acidity also from the tomato and a sweetness from the onion. From the two three-courses RW menu - I got the mushroom puree / soup, the risotto arancini, crab ravioli, the porchetta, the panna cotta, and the crostata. I quite liked the mushroom dish - it was scrumptious and I liked that the texture was more broth than cream/thick. The crab ravioli was delicious, and the porchetta had a yummy flavor but was slightly overcooked for me. Overall I enjoyed a lot of the flavors and was glad to try Riva.
I have not dined-in yet as they were pick up only when I ordered. The pick up service was excellent and easy! The intoxicating smells from the food filled my car's atmosphere instantly. I went from 0-100 in terms of hunger. Absolutely delicious! Prices more than fair. Honestly, a great hidden, random treat for myself.Will definitely be returning again. Hopefully, to dine-in next time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Phenomenal. Just finished our New Years Eve deliciousness, and everything was outstanding. We ordered on the special NYE menu (and it was) and also on the "standard" menu (and it was too), so the two of us had zillions of dishes to share and enjoy. Believe me, we did. Thank you, Riva Cucina! We are so fortunate to know you!
This is a very good place for dinner but today was my first time there for lunch. An excellent choice. A quiet neighborhood restaurant with delicious food and excellent service. I will be back.
We ordered take out from this place and enjoyed our lasagne and minestrone. Authentic and reasonable priced. Large sized portions.
Great service!
Restaurantji Recommends
Excellent tasty food. Five star service. Expensive
Amazing food and amazing owners!!Delicious food, great prices. Overall amazing!!
Love this place on every visit. Can't wait to come back when it opens for indoor dining.
We just hosted a large birthday party at Riva Cucina with tremendous success. Jen and the Riva Cucina staff were amazing hosts, welcoming everyone as if we were part of their home. The food was amazing and the space was perfect. The birthday girl and guests continue to glow about what a perfect evening it was. Riva Cucina rocks!
What a little gem in an off the beaten path of Berkeley. Everything was wonderful here, with the pasta as standout. The Bolognese was the real deal and delicious. We had the funghi pasta that was outstanding with delicate homemade pasta ribbons...the porchetta was superb, with the crackling just the right thickness. I thought the pricing was very reasonable and a value. Portions were generous but not obnoxious. We had a group of 6 and we shared everything, and there wasn't a miss on any of the dishes!