The River Cafe Cafe

Italian·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The River Cafe Cafe

Bronze Award

For those whose pockets don’t extend deep enough for a meal at Ruth Rogers' legendary River Cafe, we have good news. The institution has spawned a more casual sibling – The River Cafe Cafe, no less – adjacent to the main restaurant, with a lovely riverside terrace that’s destined to be hot property in summer. We visited in the evening, when the lights are turned low and dinky tealights decorate each table, but it’s pitched as an all-day affair, and we’d argue that lunch is the optimal time to visit.

Its canteen-style interiors are clean and bright, and punctuated with strategic style choices that nod to its original site, like electric blue flooring and a shimmering stainless steel bar. Similarly to its sibling, we find ourselves surrounded by a crowd of well-heeled residents and trendy types who, we assume, want to experience River Cafe-quality cooking without actually having to pay the price.

Quips about cost aside, the food is the real deal here. Dishes are cooked by River Cafe chefs themselves and pertain to the traditional Italian way of cooking - quality ingredients served with little embellishment. Vegetables, for example, are a highlight: slow-roasted datterini tomatoes served ‘as is’ on a plate are sticky and juicy, while beautiful chunks of aubergine with velvety innards have been charred until perfectly crisp and caramelised. Good house focaccia, fragrant olive oil, cured meats and cheeses are all delicious, but you’re paying for quality rather than cookery here. For the latter, look to the 'primi’ section where you’ll find a handful of excellent pasta dishes, all about £20-25 each. Portions are dainty, but flavour and execution can’t be faulted. Al dente rigatoni with Italian sausage meat, cream and chilli, then sprinkled with tangy Parmesan, is a joy to eat. While spinach and ricotta rotolo arrives as three, soft medallions, flavoured with a subtle hint of nutmeg, and more of that Parmesan.

Dishes arrive quickly and in an odd order, which isn't a huge problem if you’re only popping in for a swift bite, and the cooking is so good, with warm Italian service to boot, that one almost forgets they’re in a ‘cafe’.

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Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Italian
Ambience
Cool, Fine dining, Glamorous
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating, Terrace, Waterside
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The River Cafe Cafe is a new, more relaxed, affordable all-day cafe attached to its namesake The River Cafe in Hammersmith. The latter needs no introduction - having cemented itself as an iconic institution of the London restaurant scene since its establishment in 1987 the Michelin-starred The River Cafe is widely considered one of the best Italian restaurants in London. The River Cafe Cafe is located in a smaller venue space next to the original restaurant and will offer guests the chance to enjoy a pared-down River Cafe dining experience at a more affordable price point and in a more casual, walk-in only environment.

The space is light-filled and airy with a minimalistic design featuring white tables and chairs. There is also a terrace on the towpath that has become synonymous with the River Cafe brand which will make this new off-shoot venue a similarly outstanding spot for al fresco dining.

The menu at The River Cafe Cafe is an all-day affair. This starts at breakfast with River Cafe brioche and cakes served alongside melon and peaches. For lunch and dinner an all-day menu is served with plates of prosciutto and mozzarella served alongside seasonal vegetables that include summery grilled zucchini and peppers. Heading towards the colder months the menu will change towards some more hearty dishes such as roasted pumpkin, squash and borlotti beans. Desserts include River Cafe classics as well as ice cream coupes with pastries, ice creams and coffee available to take away. As the day ends, guests can enjoy and pick from a selection of aperitivos, wine, and some non-alcoholic cocktails. This evening drinks menu is accompanied by an offering of bar snacks including homemade crisps and Italian olives. 

With its commitment to being walk-in only and its more affordable price point the River Cafe Cafe Hammersmith is going to offer guests a new way to experience this iconic dining location. 

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FAQs

Does The River Cafe Cafe take reservations?

No, The River Cafe Cafe is walk-in only.

Helpful? 0

Location

Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9HA

020 7386 4200 020 7386 4200

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon Closed
Tue 09:00-22:00
Wed 09:00-22:00
Thu 09:00-22:00
Fri 09:00-22:00
Sat 09:00-22:00
Sun 09:00-16:00

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Bookings not required

Reservations are not required at The River Cafe Cafe.

If you'd like to speak to someone to discuss dining or any other query, call:

020 7386 4200 020 7386 4200

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