Harden's survey result
Summary
With the closure of Hammersmith Bridge, this Barnes stalwart of over 30 years’ standing is no longer an easy Uber ride away for much of the fooderati (it’s oft-cited by celeb chefs and the foodie in-crowd as a go-to Italian). Perhaps that’s why feedback on it post-pandemic is very much more limited and more local than it was in times gone by. Devotees, though, still say it’s an “old favourite”, with “the same dependable Northern Italian cooking… What more can one ask?”
Summary
A foodie mecca for more than 30 years, Andreas Riva’s understated northern Italian specialist in Barnes “feels like a second home” to its uber-loyal fan club. “The focus is on depth of flavour that’s true to their roots, not Instagrammability” – with a “wide choice of specials using ultra-fresh ingredients”. “We simply love it – as good as the best in Italy (although the closure of Hammersmith Bridge makes it difficult to get there!)” In past times, there have been gripes from some reporters that a visit can feel like a regulars’ party to which they were not invited, but this year there was nothing but praise for the “polite and easy going” staff.
Summary
Loyal regulars (who include numerous fooderati celebs) totally ‘get’ Andreas Riva’s “understated” stalwart, in a row of Barnes shopfronts: a celebrated (to those in-the-know) favourite, where “professional and accomplished staff” deliver “simple”, “seasonal and classic” northern Italian dishes, which are “perfectly prepared” and “exquisite tasting”: they say it’s “an authentic experience, without any airs”. Even fans admit the interior is “squashed” and “dowdy”, however, and that prices are very “hefty”.
Summary
Loyal regulars (who include numerous fooderati celebs) totally ‘get’ Andreas Riva’s “understated” stalwart, in a row of Barnes shopfronts: a celebrated (to those in-the-know) favourite, where “professional and accomplished staff” deliver “simple”, “seasonal and classic” northern Italian dishes, which are “perfectly prepared” and “exquisite tasting”: they say it’s “an authentic experience, without any airs”. Even fans admit the interior is “squashed” and “dowdy”, however, and that prices are very “hefty”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Riva Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Quality maintained. Of late I have been watching the staff... they are eagle-eyed and see what's happening on every table. Your visit is carefully coordinated and the staff really know what they're doing... for example deep knowledge of the ingredients, the wines. Some problem like you spilt your glass of wine? Instantly sorted out. Same service for everyone... OK if you are one of the many celebs who come here you will be directed to the back and away from too much attention... but you'll eat the same food and get the same service. Pure class."
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
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Service | 10.00% |
169 Church Rd, London, SW13 9HR
Opening hours
Monday | CLOSED |
Tuesday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
Wednesday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
Thursday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
Friday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
Saturday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑10 pm |
Sunday | 12:15pm‑2:30 pm, 6:30 pm‑9 pm |
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