River Cafe

Food: Hit and miss.
Service: Took a long time between courses, and service was generally abrupt. No gender balance in staff members, as they were all male.
Atmosphere: Nice.

Let me start by saying that the river café has been a favourite of mine for some time now. So when I went there for dinner I already had a 5 star review in mind. This time however, my experience wasn’t up to my expectations, for a couple of reasons.
So my boyfriend and I went for our anniversary and we did the festival of food menu which includes bread, an entrée platter, main of choice and petit fours.
The waiter was very prompt taking our order. We waited a little time for our entrée which was fine, however it arrived and we had no had our bread course. I mentioned this to our waiter to which he apologised and admitted he forgot. The bread arrived shortly after, still warm, which I love. The entrée platter was delicious! Pork and fennel sausage, arancini and prawn tail. Yum!
We finished our entrée and another waiter took our dishes — and he dropped my bfs glass which smashed all over the table and I was hit (but not hurt) by glass. Obviously this was an accident, the waiter apologised and moved us to a nice corner table, which we thought was an upgrade. Then we realised it was next to a door, which wouldn’t shut and on a cold winters night it was a bit chilly.
Our mains came, my boyfriend had a seafood bowl and I picked the chicken. I always have the beef cheek but I was convinced to try something different. Shouldn’t have, the chicken, which was to have a marscapone filling, appeared to have no cheese in site. So it was ok, but nothing special. My bf said the seafood was good.
For dessert we had the included petit fours and upgraded to have a proper dessert, I had a chocolate cake, which was nice, the salted caramel sauce on the side was delish and my bf had the crème brûlée, which he said wasn’t as good as one I made at home.
So all in all it wasnt as good as I expected. I will go back, because I know this restaurant is amazing, we just struck some bad luck. So I give it 4 stars based on probably a 3 last night but a 5 normally.

Had lunch here on a Tuesday and it was very quiet with few full tables scattered around the restaurant.
The River Torrens was looking a bit shabby and I could imagine how beautiful the setting would be at night with the lights.
Service was attentive for the food. However, I thought the wine service would have been better if our drinks were poured. Considering the wine was not cheap I thought this strange. We were left to pour our own water too.
After entrée, sides with our main meals and dessert too we certainly left with our stomachs full. The food was delicious and I’ll be back to see the night lights.

Enjoyed lunch here on a Friday so we were expecting a busy atmosphere and we were right. But once seated we relaxed and took in the pleasant setting in front of us which was the River Torrens and the city skyline. If you are looking for a lunch spot where you will be in and out within the hour then this is not for you. This is not a negative it is just the way I found the restaurant, it is perfect for those willing to sit and relax and be served on in a very professional and pleasant manner. I didnt quite get that welcoming smile when we walked in but that was soon forgotten. As the other reviews have suggested, it is far from a café, it is of the same calibre as the Red Ochre situated above and the food is excellent. I had the Crab Linguine, wow! Will be back.

Such as nice restaurant even though it’s really just a café. In other words as Laura said, it is a fancy place that is being far too modest when describing itself as a café.
This white building is secluded among the River Torrens, and lies far from what feels like civilization– even though you are technically still in the CBD. Brilliant!

I don’t what it exactly is however there is something just magical here! It probably has to do with the river… and the stars over the river… and this particular side of the river… and the water in general…
All I know is that there is something beautiful about this restaurant, I mean café, which therefore makes it perfect for any date or meal.
Ps. Food is fine, it passes with flying colours.

A pretty fancy ‘café’, I would more likely call it a restaurant, a nice one at that.
Located on the River Torrens in the CBD, River Café has outdoor seating pretty much on the water and great food to match.
The waiter service is top class and their meals are amazing. I’ve had chicken Maryland, tajine and delicious desserts.
The décor is nice, with the kitchen in view, white tablecloths and wooden furniture.
Above on the second level is the Red Ochre Grill, which is part of the same establishment but gets another review ;)