Rivoli RestaurantAnniversary DinnerLovely dining experience for our 30th anniversary. Staff greeted us with a Happy Anniversary, the food was excellent and the champagne was amazing and the service was that of a five star restaurant.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMNot the usual, but still goodTypically, Rivoli is perfect in every way. However, the night we went, the food was not up to its usual caliber in my opinion. We ordered gnocchi as an appetizer, which was a bit too sweet and the gnocchi themselves were definitely way too large. In the ideal world, they would have been smaller pieces (best gnocchi I've ever had is at Zuni Cafe in San Fran, for reference). I got the yellowtail as an entree, which was overcooked and a bit dry. The staff and the ambience were lovely, as usual, and I will definitely go back, as Rivoli is one of my FAVORITE restaurants.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMThe appetizers were excellentThe appetizers were excellent we had the portabello mushroom fritters and the gnocchi. My husband ordered the shrimp and I had the tuna. He did not like the aroma of the shrimp after grilling because the edges of the shell were blackened a little. We had the caramel pot du creme for dessert which was excellent. The servers were very attentive and even noticed that I needed extra ice with out my asking for it. We would like to try some of the other entrees on the menu the next time we visit.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAll of our meals were outstandingAll of our meals were outstanding as always before. The lovely garden view on one side and the mirrors reflecting it on the other sides give a special ambiance for this place.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been here a few timesWe have been here a few times before, and every time the food is outstanding. This time is no exception. We had a delicious appetizer of gruyere souffle and exquisite scallops and grilled salmon as a main dish. The bar tender mixes some great drinks, even remembering one that was no longer on the menu but that had been there a few months ago. The waiter was very helpful recommending great drinks to accompany our meals, and making us feel very welcome.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible food, beautifullyIncredible food, beautifully presented in a lovely spot. This is one of the best restaurants in the East Bay--a great place for a special occasion.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMy favorite restaurant inMy favorite restaurant in East Bay, hands down! I can always count on wonderful food, great service, and feeling happy while I'm there. They change the menu every 3 weeks, so there's always something new to look forward to. Charming ambiance, a lovely view of an outdoor garden through the back wall of the restaurant, which is made of glass. I'm disappointed the maitre'd, Peter, is no longer there because he always treated me like a VIP, but it's an overall positive experience nonetheless. Well worth a visit and will not disappoint.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMRivoli is quite a gem. DinnerRivoli is quite a gem. Dinner was delicious and we actually wanted to come back the very next day! The mushroom fritters are a must (and my honey doesn't even like mushrooms, but he will eat an order by himself!). Our salmon was prepared perfectly--I can't stop thinking about it!This is a wonderful restaurant with wonderful staff!4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMawesome setting...fun menucharming place...nice views of garden...great energy..feng-shuiish...
food to die for...dont miss the poultry dish...w/ risoto...wonderful desserts( hot fudge sundae...yummy) and fun!!
Wait staff...very effeciant and cute!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food & service.Excellent food & service. Really nice menu (including libations), with relatively moderate price ranges. Food prepared and offered well.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was a rare combinationThe food was a rare combination of creative, eclectic and delicious. The service was attentive, informed and unobtrusive. The ambiance was beautiful and relaxed. The neighborhood is great for walking around.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMTreated my eight year oldTreated my eight year old to a birthday meal. Birthday touches -- little cut-outs on the table, candle on dessert cake -- were welcome. Caesar salad and fried mushroom fritters, as well as the service, were solid. We ordered a couple of seafood entrees which, unfortunately, seemed disjointed -- I'd call them reaches that failed. Took home the lasagna, which the children couldn't finish, and it tasted better the next day after the flavors had more time to meld. Budino chocolate cake a la mode was a winner.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect special occasion go-to.This place is the perfect special occasion go-to. The service is knowledgeable, friendly, and laid back. The food is amazing: innovative, surprising, and delicious. The whole vibe there is relaxed excellence. Fantastic food, great atmosphere, but completely unpretentious. I would spend every special occasion there if I could. They have a complete bar and make some great drinks, but may not have the complete selection of cocktails that you might find at a larger place.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food & a gorgeous settingBeautiful restaurant with one entire wall that looks out on a gorgeous and well lit garden. It was our anniversary and they had added subtle decor to our table. Very sweet. Our food was simply delicious. My pot roast with root vegetables and my husband's rack of lamb were perfectly cooked wand well seasoned. Our salads were the perfect start to our fine meal. Service was mostly great, but it was full on a Wed. night, and there were a couple of missed requests, though minor. Our server did help us choose a delectable pinot noir, and was generally very good. We live nearby and do love this place, so yes, of course we will go back.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMBETTER THAN CHEZ PANISSEALways a pleasure dining at R's. WE ARE NEVER DISAPPOINTED.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMRivoli is outstandingFor me eating out is rarely worth the cost but Rivoli is the exception. Favorite restaurant bar none. Every bite a delight. An incredible example of food cooked to perfection.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAN OREGONIAN PERSPECTIVETHE FOOD WAS VERY GOOD, THE WINES WERE GOOD THE SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT. WE WERE VISITING IN BERKELEY AND WENT THERE THREE TIMES. THE RESTAURAT IS RATHER NOISEY. NOT A GREAT SITUATION FOR CIVIL CONVERSATION.FINE PLACE TO EAT& BE SERVED.4/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a fabulous meal atWe had a fabulous meal at Rivoli; the restaurant is small so you have a lot of non-intrusive personalized attention. The presentation of the food was outstanding.
A great experience. Would go back again and would certainly recommend it.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was solid and nothingFood was solid and nothing was technically wrong but for the price I expect to be amazed. I wouldn't expect the food to be better than what you think it will sound. It sounds really good though so you won't leave very disappointed.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, good service. TheGood food, good service. The staff were extremely courteous and attentive. The restaurant is small, but it didn't seem overly crowded. The food was very good. We would definitely go back if it weren't so expensive on our budget.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMRivoli is a gem and our favoriteRivoli is a gem and our favorite restaurant in the east bay for celebrating a special occasion. During our most recent visit we were among four tables at which birthdays were being celebrated. No gaggles of singling waitpersons here, a single lighted candle tops the celebrant's dessert of choice. The food combinations are innovative and the flavors marvelous. The wall of windows along one wall spotlights a lush, green garden as lovely as any scenic vista. The staff is attentive and the decor is lovely, and the only drawback is how closely spaced tables are, which allows one to have a conversation with neighbors.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was stellar. IEverything was stellar. I hope the staff is paid very, very well, because everyone at all times was at the peak of friendliness and excellent customer service. The restaurant is smallish, and though every table was filled (at 5pm!), the sound was not loud. I noticed very good sound treatment and was pleased. More restaurants should follow their model on this front. I selected 'scenic view' because the garden, which every table has a view of, was very well kept and enhanced the dining experience. The food portions were just right, and there seemed to be enough options, including for the vegetarian crowd.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't go often but every timeDon't go often but every time I go it's great. Informative staff attentive service plus great food. Recipe for fabulous3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat service, great foodWe visited from Los Angeles and needed a place to celebrate son's 21st BDay. Found Rivoli by doing Internet search and made an online reservation. I do not think we could have found a better place. We arrived to a fully set and occasion decorated table. Food was outstanding - very creative menu, great choices. Food presentation deserves a special note. We had great time, service was outstanding. Overall great value and I am sure we will be back. I am sharing my experience with friends, Rivoli is a great place to visit in Berkeley.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've been dining at RivoliWe've been dining at Rivoli regularly for many years and regard it as one of the best restaurants in Berkeley - which is high praise indeed...3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWill definitely go again.Will definitely go again. Loved the food, service, and ambiance of the restaurant. A must-go if you live in the area!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful service, and someWonderful service, and some dishes are amazingly delicious. Others just so-so. If you get there at 5pm when they open, it's not so noisy, and you get to see the beautiful garden in the daylight.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA GREAT place to celebrate!As usual...everything was wonderful! Rivoli's is the place I choose to celebrate and we enjoyed my birthday dinner very much! My husband had the pork chop which he told me was delicious. Since it was my birthday...I decided to have what I REALLY wanted for a main course: the portobella fritters!!!! Fabulous, as always! The service was helpful and friendly. The setting was comfortable. A perfect evening at my favorite restaurant!3/2/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful Dining!Whenever we are celebrating...this is where we have dinner. My husband and I love the food, the ambiance and the service at this gem of a restaurant! We ALWAYS start with the portobella mushroom fritters! FABULOUS! He had the lamb shank and loved the tangine served with it. He joined "the clean plate club!" I ordered the vegetarian lasagna and it was delicious! We shared the warm almond cake and celebrated our anniversary in grand style! We highly recommend Rivoli's Restaurant!!!!!1/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've dined at Rivoli dozensWe've dined at Rivoli dozens of times but it had been a while since we had been there. Nothing had changed (that's a good thing), and we had a lovely evening and a wonderful meal. The menu was balanced with a nice array of choices. The wine list remains selected but outstanding.12/30/2012 12:00:00 AM