john wilkes

Review of The River Cafe - London

We were looking forward to a special evening, but ...

We were looking forward to a special evening, but ended up being disappointed. Starters were fine, albeit nothing super-special, but priced about 50% higher than expected. Mains: ravioli was delicious; fettuccine with slow cooked pork ragu had intermittently-overly-chewy meat bits. Dessert: panna cotta with pomegranate seeds and grappa was divine. There's an impressive wine list, mostly Italian. We chose to drink wine by the glass, mostly following the somellier's recommendation: a nice Franciacorte (our pick), indifferent other whites (his); a recommended "lighter" red to go with the ravioli (it proved to be an amazingly tannic Mimmo); and our pick of a Nero d'Avola that was better, but not outstanding. GBP171, including service, which was prompt, efficient, and friendly. No great desire to go back.