I have been driving by this place for MONTHS after a tornado ripped thru this part of Temple. After…read morerefurbishing I heard they changed it up a bit so I suggested to the hubs that we try them out for date night - and MAN were we Supremely happy we did!! This little place is completely redone inside to look like a high class bar and dinner venue!! We stared w the Ahi Tuna Crudo - super fresh Ahi tuna beautifully presented with a surprising and refreshing arrangement of pickled celery, and sweet Italian peppers, served over a delicate avocado puree and tiny dots of citrus ponzu. The plate was Beautiful! Our next adventure; lightly charred pieces of octopus atop slightly pureed cannelloni beans. Now this is an unlikely and unusual pairing, but it WORKS!! SPLENDIDLY!! And again, the presentation is beautiful Generous portions of octopus with a char that gives it a slight smokiness and perfectly cooked to make for a tender bite and with the puree? Not since Italy have we been so amazed!! The saltiness with hints of chilis in the background, the texture of the beans, the slight chew and smoothness of the octopus; an elevated flavor combo that knocks it out the Park! As we wait for our main courses the restaurant fills with patrons and I'm gazing around, noting the Huge pizza oven. It's rustic and beautifully made; tiny tiles overlaying its upper surface making for a gorgeous and impressive visual in the midst of the bustling kitchen. I love that it is used as a WALL of sorts on its outer edge. I also love that one has a view of the kitchen via a smallish viewing glass next to the oven. Another site is the bar! Now mind you. This is TEMPLE. But this bar, and really the entire inside of this establishment is something you'd expect to see in the bigger cities like Austin or Dallas!! It's Truly a class act!! White linen clad tables, servers dressed black and white, beautiful decor. Not something you would expect in this area!! Our awesome server Austin takes excellent care of us; taking the time to stop in often to chat and share with us his wanderings, life experiences, and Menu Expertise!! We love the interaction! And then Austin brings out our MAINS!! And OH MAN GUYS.... First up is the Osso Bucco. I've had Osso Bucco in many places; I've MADE Osso Bucco. This is PERFECTION. Not too much demi which is almost ALWAYS the case, in stead of Drowning in the sauce this dish gives just enough so that you can scoop up perfect bites of light and creamy polenta. Not a trace of its gritty source this polenta is airy and buttery smooth promoting mere corn to another level altogether. The Real Star here tho is the Veal Shank. We are presented with lavish portion - the shank bone is served with a tiny bone fork alongside; given to scoop out the unctuous velvety richness that is the inner MARROW!!! And when I say wow? I mean WOWWWWWWW The flavor of the shank is a consume of beefy richness with hints of herbs As much as I LOVE LOVE LOVED the veal tho? The homemade pasta stole it for me honestly. Now, my hubs and I are blessed enough to go to Italy a couple times a year, and we have YET to taste pasta like this!! La Riv makes their own pasta in house and GUYSSSSSSSS we tried the Pappardelle with beef rib; Gorgeous braised beef chunks swimming in a delicate jus and herb ricotta to mix in. The beef is melt in your mouth tender while the Pappardelle has a slight bite telling you it is FRESH!! I LOVE the texture of this pasta. It is my favorite of the pasta cuts and I just could not get enough!!! But I had to hold myself back so I wouldn't eat ALL of hubs dish!! We absolutely Love this little Gem on W Adams in Temple. It's unassuming but I Guarantee will knock your socks off!! The staff are wonderful, and your taste buds will be treated to a Real Italian Flavor Adventure!!

My second visit to La Riv was much more disappointing compared to the first time. See my first…read morereview for my perspective on many different dishes, as this time I only got one for myself. I had the Bucatini a la Riv, which is a pasta that comes with pancetta and prosciutto meat. There were a lot of small bits of meat, and they made the whole dish taste very greasy. I had a sheen of oil on my lips, and it was not a pleasant taste. There was definitely too much meaty oil in relation to the actual pasta. This was a portion on the smaller end for $30, and this is one of their cheaper pastas that contains meat. Our server was friendly.