The only reason I can't give Riva 5 stars is because it is VERY expensive. That said, loved everything.
The food and service were both excellent!
Lovely ambiance for sure - right on the water with beautiful views. Although many of the diners had meals that looked tasty around me, my dinner was lackluster to say the least. I did, truth be told, order chicken, which I usually won't do at a $34 price since, well...it's chicken. But it sounded good on a rainy day and the server ensured me it was worth every penny. It was 2 chicken medallions, dried out and flavorless atop mashed potatoes and a few stalks of limp broccoli. Ugh. I mentioned it to the waiter, who offered to get me more chicken, but I found it hard to believe that it would come back any different and I didn't want the others in our party to have to wait for me to get a new dish. I was a little surprised a discount wasn't taken. Would I go back? Probably for lunch and the views. The prices are high for sure, but the salads looked good. Give it a try...just don't order the chicken.
Food was uncooked and cold. My wife barely touched her food and overall we were displeased by the the food alone. Everything else was ok. We were surprised to see hardly anyone in the restaurant. It was enough that I would not return
Food was very good but expensive. Service was also very good and the views of the lake are nice.
Food was average but the price was high for a buffet. My daughter was served spoiled milk and the manager refused to acknowledge. Won’t ever be back!
Awesome service and great service. Will be returning soon.
We went for easter brunch. So many food options (the waffles and French toast were made to order so nothing got soggy) everything was delicious and there were bottomless mimosas! So good!
Wonderful!! Perfect setting and very relaxed with a delicious meal.
Service is great as always and food is great
Food was fine. There were a lot of guests so service wasn’t prompt
I have been going to Riva Grill for a few years and every time I have been extremely happy. They have menu options for everyone. I have ordered something different every time and have liked everything I've had! We will definitely be back!
Riva has a very nice view of the lake and the ambiance is somewhat nice. The food was edible, but not very good and represents poor value per dollar.
Good food. Great server.
Very nice !
Clam appetizer was good but lacked salt seasoning. Scallops in entree were great but couldn’t find any evidence of crab in the “crab” risotto. Very bland and flavorless (tasted like cream and rice).
WE had a reservation for 6:00 pm on a Saturday night and we were sat pretty fast, which was nice. Our drink order and appetizer order was taken fairly quick and delivered timely. Then the rest went down hill!!! Our waitress got very busy, and forgot to refill our waters, take our appetizer dishes away or check on us after that. She came over to us after my husband waived her down to ask after 40 minutes where our meal was, and she said it was due to come out soon. All the tables of people after us that were seated were well in to their meals at the time we asked about ours. It took another 10 minutes after that for us to get our meal. The food was so-so, and not overly hot, three of us had salads so not sure why it took so long. The bill had 3 items that were overcharged from the bar tab. Will not be going back, which is sad because it should have been special due to it being my 25th Wedding Anniversary, which I shared with them on my reservation, and nothing happened!!
We have eaten at riva's many times. This was really the first time we not overly happy. The table they put us at was right in front of the wall for the servers and against the upper rail. The constant foot traffic and getting bumped throughout dinner was really annoying. These tables are a totally bad idea for location, and I will always strongly deny any attempts to be sat there again.
We made reservations for a birthday dinner. We notified them that it was a birthday and asked for acknowdgement of this with a birthday dessert/candle, wishing him a happy birthday. This did not happen. When we realized that it didn't seem like it was going to be acknowledged, my husband went up to the hostess and asked her to remind our server and was told that she would. Still.....no acknowledgement.....very disappointed.
Also, we noticed that all the tables around us were asked if they wanted breadsticks....we were never asked this and were never given any.
Perfect!! Food, service, cocktails, atmosphere.....all we’re phenomenal 😍😍
Tadty creative food the fish tacos were exceptional
This was an awesome spot for picture taking and live music! It was a perfect spot for an after skiing.
We have dined here many times and almost always like the food although it is a bit on the pricey end. Unfortunately I felt our waiter was a little pretentious and strange. First, as soon as we sat down he wanted to take a drink order and my daughter felt suddenly pressured to come up with something while he stood there. Eventually he said he would come back (or maybe next time give people a few minutes before asking!) Also, I ordered a green salad and asked if I could have a different dressing since it came with a red pepper vinegrette which I do not like. He actually told me "No, that is the dressing it comes with." I asked again if they had other salad dressings and he relunctantly told me they had blue cheese or ranch and kind of gives me a dirty look. Really? Nothing like feeling judged by your waiter. I think I will rethink going there again after this experience.
Our waiter, Aaron, was amazing! He reccomended a Cocktail, the daily special (prime rib) and a dessert. We took his recommendations and were Not disappointed! We came for an anniversary dinner. The place was pretty loud but over all it was good. I would go back but probably only for a special occasion because of the price.
Phenomenal food and great service as always! Can’t wait to come back in August.
We went with a group of 5 for our last night in Tahoe. Beautiful place on the lake but unfortunately it was dark so could not enjoy. The dining room and bar area were great! There was one waiter in our entire section and he managed to wait on everyone without making it seem like he was overwhelmed. Would def recommend!
Fun place great location. Food overpriced and service was spotty!
Great live music by Ike & Martin !
We enjoyed our lunch on the deck last summer, and thought, although wintry, we'd treat my sister and brother-in-law to a nice lunch on the way to Emerald Bay. We had a great waiter, the food was excellent, the portions were large, and the price was reasonable. There are lower cost alternatives, but we feel that the Riva Grill combines an excellent lake view, comfortable seating, nice clientele, good food, and excellent service to offer and excellent value. You can bet that we'll return.
We had a large party and were glad to be accommodated at this restaurant. The food was very good, but the service was a little spotty. They could have improved on keeping our water glasses full and checking for additional drink orders. The dining room was a little noisier that expected, but it was not horrible. I would still recommend the place, especially in the summer when you could sit on the lake.
We went during a holiday weekend...meaning it was busy and the staff was working hard. The overall is good and food was great. Large portions and quality. Seemed a bit commercial so unless you are going just for the view I would suggest another place in S Tahoe. There are a ton of smaller more local places if you ask around. Definitely try Chimayo if you are thinking mexican or interesting takes on the taco.
Very nice woodwork on site
Food above average and great wines.
Special mention to our waiter. Very kind and helpful.
Our table was beside the kitchen so it was noisy but the positives overcome this inconvenient.
Try to get a table by the windows, the view is stonishing.
It was a wonderful Birthday dinner!
Great entrees. Pricey but consistent with other Lake Tahoe fine dining restaurants. Seemed odd that after superbly prepared scallops and sides that the dessert list was highlighted by fried Oreos. Expected something a bit more elegant. Good live music in the bar that cascaded through the restaurant but not distracting. Overall would go back if there weren’t so many other great choices in South Lake Tahoe.
My wife and I had a beautifully romantic valentines dinner next to the big rock fireplace at a table for two with a server who seemed completely focused on satisfying our every need
Had a great time here with my love. Food and atmosphere is great. Service was excellent. Will definitely be back for more good times.
Never a disappointment!! Wonderful pick for a couple of Wet Woody's, Valentine's dinner, and a gorgeous Tahoe sunset for dessert! Consistently top notch service and food
Took my husband here for his birthday lunch; first time visit. Noted it was his birthday when made Open Table reservations - however no acknowledgement.
Had bloody mary and wet woody....decent drinks but little pricer than I would have thought. Lobster bisque was good. Prime Rib Dip sandwich and Scott Burger were good but felt overpriced. when finished mentioned to server it was his birthday and asked if they had any birthday treats - gave me choice of mud pie or cheesecake. chose cheesecake. he brought it over, 2 forks with slice of cheesecake, and just dropped off on corner of table as he walked by to another table. Not very 'celebratory'.
Spent more on a lunch than we had on his birthday dinner at an italian bistro.
Great service food was excellent
Too much noise from bar area, food serving size too small for price. Had two chicken sandwiches that were too soggy to hold.