The River Café
“Veteran Italian riverside venue of indestructible appeal” - AA Inspector
LONDON W6, LONDON POSTAL DISTRICTS
Our Inspector's View
Not many would have predicted when Ruth Rogers and the late Rose Gray opened here in the 1980s that their cheering Italian café on the riverside in residential Hammersmith would still be going strong, well into the 21st century. And yet. The timeless appeal of Mediterranean food constructed from unimpeachable ingredients, to which only the least complicating treatments are given, tells a story all of its own. A quartet of whole young squid emerge from the chargrill with their sea savour intact, the dressing a little rocket and chilli and as much lemon as you feel like squeezing. Similarly, the flawless crisp-skinned sea bass cooked over coals with wood-roasted yellow peppers, olives and spinach is a banner-waving exemplar of the style, as are meats such as marinated lamb leg with braised chicory and grilled peppers. Finish with moistly alluring pear and almond tart alongside a slick of crème fraîche.
Awards, Accolades & welcome Schemes
3 Rosette Award for Culinary Excellence
Facilities – at a glance
Private dining
Features
- Seats: 120
- Private dining available
- On-site parking available
- Wheelchair accessible
- Steps for wheelchair: 1
- Accessible toilets
- Assist dogs welcome
- Lunch served from: 12.30
- Lunch served until: 3
- Dinner served from: 7
- Dinner served until: 11
- Wines over £30:
- Wines by the glass: 14
- Cuisine style: Italian
Also in the Area
About The area
Discover London
The UK's capital was founded by the Romans shortly after they invaded in 43AD. Since then it’s evolved into one of the greatest cities on earth. From a bloody, squalid history to the vanguard of fashion in the Swinging 1960s to the buzzing metropolis it is today, London has something for everyone. There are very British pursuits like the Oxford and Cambridge boat race, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and an impressive collection of traditional English pubs. And that’s not to mention world-renowned arts venues, galleries and museums, award-winning theatre and unrivalled shopping – all found within a few Tube stops of each other.
London’s royal history is not to be missed. Visitors can roam around one of Britain’s finest medieval castles and royal prison, and learn about the final days of Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London or, for the less bloodthirsty, visit the Queen’s London home, Buckingham Palace. Don’t miss out on exploring the capital’s Royal Parks – from St James’ Park and Hyde Park in the centre to the majestic Hampton Court and wilderness of Richmond Park in the southwest.
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