The River Cafe

Had a great early dinner for 4 here on a Thursday night. Seasonal menu, always changing. Unique offerings like pigeon. I really enjoyed my veal entree. And Elton John was at the table behind us! We had a nice knowledge waiter. Cool ambiance without being fancy. Expensive. One of my favorite ever chocolate cake, the nemesis.

Visited The River Café by Ruth Rogers (Michelin-starred) recently and came away with mixed feelings. The restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from Barons Court and Hammersmith stations, with the entrance tucked toward the river-facing terrace. The setting is lovely—especially the terrace, which has plenty of white tablecloth seating and a relaxed, elegant feel. There’s also a nearby café serving drinks, which adds to the overall atmosphere. That said, it would have been more comfortable if the outdoor heaters had been switched on from the start rather than only after we asked. Food-wise, highlights and lows: * The Paloma Campari cocktail was excellent—refreshing, well-balanced with tequila, and nicely citrusy from the grapefruit. * Bread was decent, paired with good olive oil. * The pizzette (artichoke with cheese shavings) was pleasant but a bit bland and overly creamy. * The thick spaghetti with tomatoes was average and lacked depth. * Rabbit ragù with cylinder pasta was okay, nothing particularly memorable. * Lobster risotto was disappointing—very little lobster flavour and felt overpriced for what it delivered. Desserts were the standout: * The chocolate tart was excellent. * The almond tart was also very good. Service was friendly and efficient throughout. Overall, a pleasant experience—especially if you’re seated on the terrace on a sunny day—but the food didn’t quite live up to Michelin-star expectations. A few dishes were above average, but most lacked the standout quality you’d hope for. The ambience is a big draw, though a warmer welcome (literally, with heaters on) would make a noticeable difference.

Another Michelin 1⭐ Italian in London I had been eyeing for a long time. Loved by old-school Londoners and discreet “old money” regulars. Apparently one of the easiest places in London to spot a celebrity too… I walked out already checking when I could come back. It’s that kind of place. Honestly… everything was good 🤍 🤍 Grilled scallops with soft polenta So tender and sweet. Comfort on a plate. 🤍 Wood-fired pizza Perfect crust. Crisp outside, chewy inside. Even the vegetarian one was deeply satisfying 🍕 The pastas were a highlight 😘 🤍 Taglierini alle Vongole Hand-shelled clams, silky strands of pasta, beautifully seasoned. 🤍 Fettucine Verde Fresh pasta ribbons with slow-cooked pork ragù, wild fennel, lemon and sage. Rich but still fresh. 🤍 Dover sole Classic roasted fish with tomato and pumpkin. Very winter, very comforting. Dessert was dangerous 🍫 🤍 Chocolate Nemesis The famous one. Thin crackly top, dense and silky inside. Served with crème fraîche to balance it out. 🤍 Panna cotta with grappa and rhubarb Silky, light, gently boozy. 🤍 Blood orange sorbet Bright, refreshing, with real fruit texture. The perfect finish 🍊 No wonder it’s been loved for decades. I’ll definitely be back. And a walk along the Thames after dinner makes it even better 🌊 📍 The River Café, W6 Book at least two weeks in advance Around £100 per person with a glass of wine 🍷

Truly sensational! Piccione - chargrilled, spatchcocked Pigeon marinated in chianti classico and autumn herbs with Coco Bianchi and chicken liver crostino was meticulously executed and this particular dish so memorable. Yeah that didn't sound like food review because it was beyond just cooking and presenting tasty food. I enjoyed the precision of the cooked food. No diner would miss the point. I had to admit I was a bit skeptical when primi was served with no presentation at all, but I guess that was the chef's statement of unpretentious food. Loved the tiramisu, too, a real proper one, not any layered sugary cake using that name to confuse the market.