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Review: Riva, Harold’s Cross

Riva, from www.tribune.ie

Riva, from www.tribune.ie

I went for a couple of nice meals in Riva of Harold’s Cross recently, a long overdue eatery for that area of the city, and one that I hope does very well.

The menu is limited almost entirely to pizza and pasta dishes, with the exception of a few starters and the odd cupcake, but almost everything is very very good value indeed. Pizzas come in at €10 each, with 75 cent charged for any extra toppings. On neither occasion did I have one but my mother did when I took her there for lunch and she loved it, said the base was perfectly thin and the toppings were very good quality. She also had the pâté as a starter (a relatively pricey €7 though not tiny portion-wise either) and, again, adored it, particularly the really fabulous pear chutney that came with it.

I wasn’t in the mood for a starter on either occasion but was told by others that the Tuscan bean soup is excellent value at around €5. Not ordinarily a big pasta lover, I had penne with meatballs on my first visit (€10) and spaghetti bolognese on my second (also €10). The meat was tasty in both dishes and the pasta was cooked the way it ought to be. The spaghetti, particularly, stands in my memory as a blessing from the hangover fairies for which I will always be thankful. The portions were perfect for me but, in retrospect, I imagine that someone hungrier might need that starter after all.

The wine, although, again, limited in choice, is also pretty good value I think. You can also get a fair few of them by the glass. Glasses start at €5, bottles at €20 and 50cl carafes at €15. What’s even better is the fact that Riva has no problem with you bringing your own bottle (which can be cheapy cheapy mccheap); corkage is set at €6 per bottle.

Best of all really and, again, crucial for a neighbourhood restaurant wanting to build up loyalty, the atmosphere was relaxed and the service was very friendly. On my way out the second time, I was moved to buy a box of the pretty cupcakes to bring to a friend’s party later. Exquisite, apparently, though perhaps a bit more than I would have expected at €3 each. Is that unfair?

This Riva, as distinct from its sister (and name-twin) restaurant at Grand Canal Dock, is designed to be a neighbourhood restaurant, one where local people can come in alone with a book, bring their kids and drop in of an afternoon or evening without planning ahead, where prices are set a level to encourage you to think of it as less of a treat than an expeditious and regular relief from cooking. Bring on places like this I say. No effort beforehand and a short walk home/to the local pub afterwards.

Any other good neighbourhood places worth checking out?

2 Comments

  1. I ate here once. It was lovely but they didn’t accept laser or credit cards. Not sure if that’s changed, but it’s best to be prepared.

  2. Decent enough – though I think the Riva on Hanover Quay is better (more variety in the food). Still though, this one is supposed to have more of a neighbourhood vibe. It could do with more decoration or warmth in the eating area – but decent enough overall.