Harden's survey result
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.
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 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).
Have you eaten at Sam's Riverside?
Restaurant details
Sam's Riverside Restaurant Diner Reviews

"The food was so well presented and delicious. The service was always available and very efficient. The view of the river was spectacular. Probably now a new family favourite. "

"Very buzzy and noisy restaurant. Food poor, ingredients pretty average and standard of cooking needs improving given the prices. Brioche bun with the burger was stale and cold (under toasted) , chips were fine, beef underwhelming (is really from HG Walter?) and the (mushy textured) scallop starter was unbalanced by too much sesame oil. "

"Excellent service, glamorous surroundings and that view of Hammersmith Bridge ensure that Sam’s remains packed to the rafters. The menu is full of well-crafted crowd pleasers. A great night out. "

"A great location next to Hammersmith Bridge, and our table had a lovely view of the river and sunset. The welcome was efficient and the service attentive and helpful. Most of the food was very good, though my sole was not quite worth the price. Good wine list. The space is very nice, loud conversation from adjourning tables did distract slightly from our enjoyment. Overall, a very good evening."

"First time visiting Sam's since its relocation from Chiswick and the standards are exceptionally high with regards to service and food. We were lucky enough to get one of the tables by the window overlooking the Thames which on a warm summer evening with the windows open was a delightful place to sit."

"I can’t really fault the current very balanced and accurate Harden’s summary save that I could see this continuing to improve still further to 5 (exceptional cooking.) My menu choices of Asparagus with Duck’s egg, Dover Sole and Raspberry Soufflé were a triumph accompanied by a fine bottle of Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons. All in an exceptional ambience. "

"we have eaten here quite often and it is uniformly very good with fantastic staff. On the one occasion we had a problem it was put to right immediately"

"Have been 3 times and previously to Sam’s brasserie in chiswick. This has been getting better and better and tonight the food was really excellent. Service a bit hit and miss but a great night out."
Prices
![]() |
|
---|---|
Wine per bottle | £41.00 |
Filter Coffee | £4.00 |
![]() |
|
---|---|
Bread | £3.50 |
Service | 12.50% |
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 |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Hammersmith and Fulham
British, Modern restaurant in Hammersmith
British, Modern restaurant in Hammersmith and Fulham
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Italian restaurant in Barnes
British, Modern restaurant in Chiswick
British, Modern restaurant in Fulham