One of the best Italian restaurants within the 1000 Islands
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Omer Humayun
Absolutely amazing food, complemented by equally great service, and a wonderful ambiance. We started with sourdough bread, and could have easily filled up on it. Yes, it was THAT good. I had the spaghetti aglio olio, with shrimp added. Perfectly cooked pasta, with just the right amount of heat in the oil. Shrimp were perfect cooked as well. Portion size was JUST RIGHT. She had the Artic Char. Wow. The grilled veggies were divine, and the mashed potatoes that the fillet was sitting on had the perfect melt in your mouth to texture. A great plate of food! The online reservation system made it too easy to get a table at our preferred time. If I could award 6 stars, I would in a heartbeat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sylvia S
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, just a wee bit pricey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ADHUZ TRAVEL VLOG
The food is very tasty and the customer service is excellent. The atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing. It’s better to reserve your table before hand as it’s a very busy restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Richard Kader
My opinion has turned full circle on the Riva. My last visit was absolutely the best experience since the last three times. Service could not have been better. Complete professionalism and unreal attention. Some servers just out perform others. I am referring to Samara who resurrected my confidence. She was awesome. Attentive, encouraging, informative and recommended options that put my experience over the top. I will definitely ask for her next time I dine.
It seems these messages are not read by management because I had sent reviews in with negative comments and never heard from anyone! Despite the “horrific” past dining experiences mostly with one individual server, I decided to give RIVA more chance. I would happily drive an hour to avoid the Riva. I frequent many restaurants in Ontario and the US, because of business and personal travel. I typically have spent approximately $3400 per year at the Riva, entering business colleagues, friends and family. I am not their biggest customer and I am sure my business is minimal to the bottom line. I have been going to the Riva from the very first day they opened and because of Samara, I will return.
Thank you Samara.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine Parsons
Our waitress was super bubbly, friendly, professional, and prompt. She brought every meal quickly, asked all the right questions, and was super knowledgeable about the menu. She talked effortlessly about the different choices on the menu which allowed us to make an informed meal choice. My husband and I loved our experience from wine to dessert, everything was five stars. We had the escargot, truffle fries, and split the carbonara pasta. I had a Riesling to drink from the Niagara region as well as we highly recommend the on the blood orange cheesecake dessert. We will definitely be returning for another meal and hopefully we’ll be lucky enough to have the same sweet, blond waitress.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erin Webster
Our date night at Riva was worth the trip from Kingston! Lovely Italian vibes with diverse menu and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. The food was delicious and the space felt warm and inviting. Our server was quiet but attentive. Overall, a great spot for a relaxing meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dimi papa
Food was good lots of choices Service was slow and one person at the table was missed when serving.unfortunately we didn't wait for him to be served otherwise our food would have become cold . These mistakes should not happen for the prices they demand 😒
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Linda Kahn
My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful three course meal at Riva on November 6, 2025. We each began with very nice salads, but the fish of the day was outstanding! It was a delicious trout with amazing crispy skin, and very flavourful grilled vegetables over a tasty puree. The tiramisu dessert was also excellent. Service was very warm, pleasant and attentive. Thanks, again!
It was a little to pretentious for us. Food was over priced for what we got. My husband had a salmon dish and there were some sort of green under the salmon and he couldn't chew them. The plate was just salmon on a few greens. He did enjoy the salmon. I had risotto that was ok...I didn't feel like it was totally cooked though. Reservations are highly recommended. We didn't have them but as long as we could be done and out in an hour they let us have a table that was reserved. So this was not for us. Maybe some of the other dishes were better. We are not really fancy either so we probably won't go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
holley c
I came here back in August for dinner & forgot to leave a review. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. Will be back again for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Gommer
I'm not happy to be writing a negative review about one of our favourite restaurants but I feel like it is necessary because we really really like Riva but if this were to happen again I would consider never returning. On October 25th we had a 6:45 reservation to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. We arrived about five minutes early and were informed that our table was not quite ready and offered a seat in the bar while we waited. We sat in the bar and ordered a drink but were not brought to our table until about 7:10, a full 25 minutes later. What we found odd was that the main dining area by the fireplace was almost empty. Then we waited again for about 15 minutes before a server approached our table. Let me stress that the atmosphere was very nice as always, and the food was delicious. We have never had a bad meal at Riva. But being kept waiting for as long as we were that night when I'm paying almost $300 with tip for dinner for two with a couple of drinks, is disappointing and unacceptable. It was our first experience with poor service and I urge the management of this restaurant to ensure it is our last. Mark G. Brooklin, Ontario
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Keith Collins
Unfortunately the food was a bitter disappointment and not what one would expect from such a fine building. I can say nothing nice about the food. The beautiful building and surrounding have been so let down by the catering staff. In my oponion.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Sharon de Boer
We didn't have a reservation but they were able to accommodate us. The restaurant itself is beautiful, very spacious with a wonderful patio. The food was excellent and service as well.
One of the best Italian restaurants within the 1000 Islands
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely amazing food, complemented by equally great service, and a wonderful ambiance.
We started with sourdough bread, and could have easily filled up on it. Yes, it was THAT good.
I had the spaghetti aglio olio, with shrimp added. Perfectly cooked pasta, with just the right amount of heat in the oil. Shrimp were perfect cooked as well. Portion size was JUST RIGHT.
She had the Artic Char. Wow. The grilled veggies were divine, and the mashed potatoes that the fillet was sitting on had the perfect melt in your mouth to texture. A great plate of food!
The online reservation system made it too easy to get a table at our preferred time. If I could award 6 stars, I would in a heartbeat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere, friendly staff, just a wee bit pricey.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is very tasty and the customer service is excellent.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing.
It’s better to reserve your table before hand as it’s a very busy restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My opinion has turned full circle on the Riva. My last visit was absolutely the best experience since the last three times. Service could not have been better. Complete professionalism and unreal attention. Some servers just out perform others. I am referring to Samara who resurrected my confidence. She was awesome. Attentive, encouraging, informative and recommended options that put my experience over the top. I will definitely ask for her next time I dine.
It seems these messages are not read by management because I had sent reviews in with negative comments and never heard from anyone! Despite the “horrific” past dining experiences mostly with one individual server, I decided to give RIVA more chance. I would happily drive an hour to avoid the Riva. I frequent many restaurants in Ontario and the US, because of business and personal travel. I typically have spent approximately $3400 per year at the Riva, entering business colleagues, friends and family. I am not their biggest customer and I am sure my business is minimal to the bottom line. I have been going to the Riva from the very first day they opened and because of Samara, I will return.
Thank you Samara.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our waitress was super bubbly, friendly, professional, and prompt. She brought every meal quickly, asked all the right questions, and was super knowledgeable about the menu. She talked effortlessly about the different choices on the menu which allowed us to make an informed meal choice. My husband and I loved our experience from wine to dessert, everything was five stars. We had the escargot, truffle fries, and split the carbonara pasta. I had a Riesling to drink from the Niagara region as well as we highly recommend the on the blood orange cheesecake dessert. We will definitely be returning for another meal and hopefully we’ll be lucky enough to have the same sweet,
blond waitress.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our date night at Riva was worth the trip from Kingston! Lovely Italian vibes with diverse menu and a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. The food was delicious and the space felt warm and inviting. Our server was quiet but attentive. Overall, a great spot for a relaxing meal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good lots of choices
Service was slow and one person at the table was missed when serving.unfortunately we didn't wait for him to be served otherwise our food would have become cold . These mistakes should not happen for the prices they demand 😒
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
My friend and I enjoyed a wonderful three course meal at Riva on November 6, 2025. We each began with very nice salads, but the fish of the day was outstanding! It was a delicious trout with amazing crispy skin, and very flavourful grilled vegetables over a tasty puree. The tiramisu dessert was also excellent. Service was very warm, pleasant and attentive. Thanks, again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and very thoughtful and amazing staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
It was a little to pretentious for us. Food was over priced for what we got. My husband had a salmon dish and there were some sort of green under the salmon and he couldn't chew them. The plate was just salmon on a few greens. He did enjoy the salmon. I had risotto that was ok...I didn't feel like it was totally cooked though. Reservations are highly recommended. We didn't have them but as long as we could be done and out in an hour they let us have a table that was reserved. So this was not for us. Maybe some of the other dishes were better. We are not really fancy either so we probably won't go back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I came here back in August for dinner & forgot to leave a review. One of the best steaks I’ve ever had. Will be back again for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm not happy to be writing a negative review about one of our favourite restaurants but I feel like it is necessary because we really really like Riva but if this were to happen again I would consider never returning.
On October 25th we had a 6:45 reservation to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. We arrived about five minutes early and were informed that our table was not quite ready and offered a seat in the bar while we waited. We sat in the bar and ordered a drink but were not brought to our table until about 7:10, a full 25 minutes later. What we found odd was that the main dining area by the fireplace was almost empty. Then we waited again for about 15 minutes before a server approached our table.
Let me stress that the atmosphere was very nice as always, and the food was delicious. We have never had a bad meal at Riva. But being kept waiting for as long as we were that night when I'm paying almost $300 with tip for dinner for two with a couple of drinks, is disappointing and unacceptable. It was our first experience with poor service and I urge the management of this restaurant to ensure it is our last.
Mark G.
Brooklin, Ontario
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Unfortunately the food was a bitter disappointment and not what one would expect from such a fine building. I can say nothing nice about the food. The beautiful building and surrounding have been so let down by the catering staff. In my oponion.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
We didn't have a reservation but they were able to accommodate us. The restaurant itself is beautiful, very spacious with a wonderful patio. The food was excellent and service as well.
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