Riva Cucina - Berkeley

Finding the location was a bit tricky at first; we ended up at the back of the restaurant! Once we figured it out, though, we were impressed. I ordered the Old... read more Finding the location was a bit tricky at first; we ended up at the back of the restaurant! Once we figured it out, though, we were impressed. I ordered the Old Fashioned, and it was fantastic. They also have a great selection of wines. The clams on the shell were amazing. Although the portions of the risotto and ravioli seemed small, they turned out to be just the right amount—not too much, not too little—and the flavors were excellent! I really love this place, though it is on the pricier side. Definitely make a reservation! I believe it's a Michelin-starred restaurant, and it can get crowded. We were lucky that it was busy when we visited on Saturday night.

The sauce is as good as my mom's! I haven't had food this fresh, authentic, and flavorful in a long time! What a hidden gem of a restaurant! I tried the Bologne... read more The sauce is as good as my mom's! I haven't had food this fresh, authentic, and flavorful in a long time! What a hidden gem of a restaurant! I tried the Bolognese sauce over gluten-free pasta, and it was absolutely to die for! It was packed with flavor without being heavy or overly salty. The antipasto platter was generous enough to serve three of us, and the cocktail selection was impressive! The cozy ambiance and the wonderful staff will definitely keep us coming back for more!

We ordered a couple of paninis and a bowl of soup to share, and everything was delicious. The panini bread was soft with just the right amount of crunch, and it... read more We ordered a couple of paninis and a bowl of soup to share, and everything was delicious. The panini bread was soft with just the right amount of crunch, and it didn't irritate my gums like some other breads do. The portion sizes were a bit small for my appetite—I finished everything but felt like I could have eaten more (though I probably shouldn't have!). The prices were reasonable, and the staff was friendly. I’ll definitely return to try their pasta next time!

Ordered the branzino w/arugula and roasted potatoes, it was flavorful and delicious. The woman ordered the bolognese and said it was very good. Atmosphere was v... read more Ordered the branzino w/arugula and roasted potatoes, it was flavorful and delicious. The woman ordered the bolognese and said it was very good. Atmosphere was very nice and upscale. For drinks, ordered an old fashioned, it was one of the best I've had. Thewoman ordered a margarita and it was also well made w/a hint of heat. Our server/waitress was great!

We just hosted a large birthday party at Riva Cucina with tremendous success. Jen and the Riva Cucina staff were amazing hosts, welcoming everyone as if we were... read more We just hosted a large birthday party at Riva Cucina with tremendous success. Jen and the Riva Cucina staff were amazing hosts, welcoming everyone as if we were part of their home. The food was amazing and the space was perfect. The birthday girl and guests continue to glow about what a perfect evening it was. Riva Cucina rocks!