Harden's survey result
Summary
“Sam himself is very much in evidence” at his “glamourous” brasserie, which has an “ideal location on the Thames” – “with a close-up view of Hammersmith Bridge” – and whose popularity is making it “a destination restaurant” for a huge fan club spread across west London. “You could describe it as the perfect local – but it’s smarter than that”, with a “lovely” (and expensively decorated) interior and “super vibe”. “The menu is full of well-crafted crowd- pleasers” and – though not hugely ‘gastro’ – its “seafood orientation” (and “wonderful seafood platters”) makes anything pescatarian a top choice. “Packed to the rafters”, it’s “a great night out”.
Summary
“A superb position by the river” helps set the scene at this “outstanding, modern and really well designed” independent venue by Hammersmith Bridge – part of the revamped Riverside Studios complex – which has “a very buzzy atmosphere inside and lovely terrace outside”. “Sam is a great host” (some regulars recall his Sam’s Brasserie in Chiswick) and inspires “prompt and caring” service from his staff who give a “lovely welcome”. “Very well-sourced seafood” is the highlight of a luxurious brasserie menu that “if not quite exceptional, is very good”. “It’s a place of real quality and a genuine alternative to the River Café down the towpath if they’re full or your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far”.
Summary
“A wonderful addition to this part of London” – Sam Harrison’s “sparkling” recent arrival (it opened in late 2019) is a real “class act”. “Beautifully designed” for somewhere outside the centre of town, it sits at the back of the newly revamped Riverside Studios, with Hammersmith Bridge in the background and a cute covered terrace to the side. The deluxe brasserie fare is “carefully sourced” and “intelligently cooked” but it’s the all-round experience created, not least, by the unusually “genuine and warm welcome” that seals the “fun atmosphere”, and which makes it “a great choice for a special night out”. “It just puts a smile on my face...”
Summary
Facing the Thames with views of (currently closed and hence very tranquil) Hammersmith Bridge, this October 2019 opening provides an all-day, 90-cover brasserie locals hope will prove a long-needed cheaper alternative to another river café five minutes walk away. It’s the brainchild of Sam Harrison, who for years ran long-RIP Chiswick favourite, Sam’s Brasserie.
For 33 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).
Have you eaten at Sam's Riverside?
1 Crisp Walk, London, W6 9DN
Restaurant details
Sam's Riverside Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A great meal at a very good restaurant- service was exceptional "
"always perfect. Great food lovely staff. we never tire of going tgere6"
"Get seated in the main restaurant area and it’s a great experience"
"Table was a booth near the kitchen so we missed the enjoyment of sitting in the main dining area."
"Lovely staff and a good setting but we were outside and it rather misses out on what should be a great location. Food is fine but the comparisons with River Cafe are really overblown - though it is much cheaper, the food is not in the same league"
"This was a special birthday where I booked the private dining room to celebrate with 14 friends. The communication prior to the event was tremendous and on the night our waiter could not be faulted. Food ordering was efficient and every dish was presented well and enjoyed. A most enjoyable evening and I will be going back again"
"Quite simply, my favourite restaurant in London. They do everything right and seem to really care that you enjoy yourself."
"Experienced a wonderful Sunday roast beef . The Rhubarb pavlova accompanied with Rhubarb ice cream was unbelievable. Service was exceptional "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £25.00 | £30.00 |  |
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| Pretheatre | £25.00 | £30.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £12.00 | £29.00 | £6.00 | £9.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
1 Crisp Walk, London, W6 9DN
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 5 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm |
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