Riba Cafe

I wasn’t really impressed with this place. Well, that’s what I get when I neglect some of the not-​so-​positive reviews here. Place was good both in terms of location and interior design, I love those weirdly placed tables and chairs. As for the food — it’s really not worth it — it was expensive and did not wow me at all. It’s obvious that they try hard to impress you with an excellent presentation of the food and unique atmosphere but maybe it’s just not my type of spot. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, so that would be mine.

I’m really surprised by some of the negative reviews here. I ate here on Wednesday and was really impressed by not just the building but by the outdoor dining setup, extremely well presented plates and most importantly the price I don’t think there was a main more than £20. I agree that the café and in fact the inside part of the restaurant is a little odd in its setup but if the sun ever comes out this summer this is one place you will want to visit.

Any restaurant located within the Royal Institute of British Architecture is bound to impress, and RIBA Café is no exception.
While you might not even know that there was a dining area within the very official, government-​looking building, RIBA’s sky-​high ceilings and open floors make for a very unique dining experience that can accommodate either a pair or a large party.
While a bit pricy, RIBA’s dishes play off of the aesthetic craftsmanship of British architects, and even the starters are a thing of beauty. And while the food might not taste quite as good as it looks, the well-​dressed and attentive staff make the experience all the more enjoyable.
Overall, head to RIBA for a very unique dining experience that is well worth the cost, however, it’s unlikely it’ll become a weekly occurrence.

Returned here after an industry function to try the afternoon tea menu on the recently revamped terrace. The champagne afternoon tea starts with a wooden presentation box of the Twinings teas on offer to choose from. After sniffing and shaking through the 9 or so varieties, my friend and I both plumped for Earl Grey tea. Next out was a glass of champers before the tiered platter that housed the goodies.
Finger sandwiches of egg and cress and ham, cheese and pickle were fine, but nothing special. My friend was right to be dismayed at the lack of smoked salmon as we were both looking forward to it!
Mini chocolate and lemon friands were light and delicious, as were the tiny strawberry tarts. Lastly the mini scones in plain or raisin varieties were yummy slathered with jam and cream.
Good bits: sunny terrace, tinkling water feature, cool venue with art deco design.
Bad bits: service was unutterably slow and we could have done a runner many times.

Come here for the sense of calm, the high ceilings and the architectural flourishes. But not for the food or weird layout of some of the tables.
A good meeting place.

I felt a bit like Goldilocks after the experience at the restaurant. The food was adequate, the portions were inadequate, the prices in the restaurant were disproportionate, but the building was just right. Go for the polished atmosphere (sleek, half-​moon, rich, brown leather banquettes, architectural espresso cups), the beautiful friezes and the impressive building. Consider not eating in the restaurant itself to mitigate the prices, although eating at tables set up along a corridor is not terribly pleasant. The two stars are for the food only.

The RIBA café and restaurant came highly recommended when I first heard of it. It is housed in the Grade II-​listed Royal Institute of British Architects; it did live up to my expectation when I first visited the place. Housed in a stunning space, with lofty ceiling, full height windows and a great alfresco terrace; the setting is simply perfect!
Food wise have a look at the website and the menu! There are some exciting combinations of food to choose from for a reasonable price. Expect £25-£30 per person. My favourites are tortellini of black leg chicken onion ragout to start follow by roast pave of Scottish salmon crayfish sauce and finish with caramelised banana, clotted cream ice cream. Yum Yum!