We decided to go to Riva Riverside Italian Dining for a relaxing and special date night dinner and had an interesting experience to say the least. We had a reservation and were sat pretty quickly by the hostess. The hostess also took our drink orders and brought them to us. That is where it all changed. We were quite hungry, and wanted to order not only dinner but an appetizer as well. We waited and waited and waited and waited. There were plenty of servers, but none would acknowledge us. We kept raising our hands and trying to get someone's attention to serve us, but no one would make eye contact with us. Other tables were getting waited on (about 6), but we weren't. Thirty minutes in, we joked about about driving to Carl's Jr and getting served would be quicker than here. We were about to give up when my partner was finally able to get someone's attention almost 40 minutes in. This is where our experience all changed again. Lo and behold, our saving grace was Jimmy, the chef. We didn't know he was the chef, we just wanted to order. He had the best attitude and took care of us the rest of the night. He apologized for the lack of service and waited on us promptly. We were able to order more drinks, our appetizer, and dinners through him. As soon as he got to the kitchen, Lacey then started to check on us the rest of the night. She apologized for not waiting on us earlier, she (and everyone else) had thought we were already being waited on because we had wine. Jimmy and Lacey were attentive to us the rest of the evening. So much so, that we didn't want to leave. Jimmy's positive attitude was so infectious and we absolutely fell in love with him. He (and Lacey) apologized for the mis-hap and comped some of our dinner such as the appetizer and the wine, I believe. Jimmy took the time to explain his culinary experience, and personal goals... we had such a great time getting to know him. Regarding the food, it was all amazing. He did such an amazing job. We loved it all so much. He then recommended a desert, also free of charge. He treated us so well. We came back another night with a gift for him, but he unfortunately was not working. We hope to see him again and hope you get your food cooked by Jimmy, as well. If you're lucky enough, you may also get served by him and get to know him. Food: Amazing Service: Not great at first, but made up for exponentially The second time we visited, we were served by Lacey again. We did not get the same experience as the first time. read more

This was our first time since the restaurant transitioned to Riva. I have to say that it did not disappoint. There were 6 in our party and all ordered different entrees - each one was delicious. The drinks were also great. Martin took great care of us from start to finish. It was a great experience and we are looking forward to coming back! read more

Out of towner here.‍ We came to the tri-cities for our wedding anniversary weekend. We wanted an upscale, nice restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and landed on this Italian restaurant from a local friend's recommendation. I called ahead and made reservations. If you do this, beware it's AI taking down your request. So, I called the phone # listed online. It took me to the Lodge (hotel) where this restaurant is located and I was then transferred to the restaurant. I let the worker know it's my anniversary we are celebrating so I wanted it to be extra special and if I could have the best window seat for our dinner. She said she made note of it. Perfect! (So I thought). We arrived a few minutes early on a glorious beautiful day. As we checked in, the manager (I assume) was helping the nightly music act with her equipment, so she was preoccupied. (Nothing wrong with that!). The concierge was going to put us in a booth. I piped up and told her about my reservation. She then took us to the window "area" mind you, there was a window seat open, but she sat the menus at the table with our backs to the river view. ‍ The manager overheard me grumbling to my husband, offered us the window seat, but at that point I was already seated and reading the menu. We stayed where we were originally seated. The music was just outside the door, kind of loud to have an intimate conversation, but that was ok b/c the musician was good. Our server, Lacey was really nice, attentive & informative. The food was delicious! Look at my pictures, they do reek of deliciousness. Because it was our anniversary we splurged and had an appetizer and dessert. Appetizer: Frito Misto, basically like tempura. Fried calamari, zucchini, red peppers, onions with a delicious dipping sauce. Was not disappointed. Dinner: I had the spaghetti carbonara, which I've never had, the egg yolk was fun to mix into the dish and create this rich, delicious flavor with the bacon. Just spectacular. Hubs had the Ricotta gnocchi and loved it. He said it would have been even better if they had a little bit more sauce from what seemed to be braised pork. He dipped some of his gnocchi in my carbonara sauce and that seemed to satisfy him even more. Dessert: the manager offered us some bubbly at the start of our dinner, but Hubs had already ordered an Old Fashion, which also did not disappoint. I opted for no booze and she offered dessert instead, which we took her up on. We shared the cannoli. I love chocolate, hubs loves fruit, so it was a match made in heaven-- just like us. It was the perfect ending to the evening. I would typical dock a star for the mishap at the beginning of our meal, but the girl was "new" and I'm sure her manager had a teaching moment with her. The service and food all but made up for the mishap. read more

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Had reservations for a party of 10. Everyone ordered drinks before dinner and it took approximately 30 minutes before everyone was served their drink and a couple of times people had to remind them that they still hadn't gotten their drink. Then food was ordered. The server went around the table, but again had to be reminded that she did not take orders from everyone. About 30 minutes after the order was placed some salads came out, but not all of them. Then entrées started to arrive again for some people, but not all. The last three individuals to get their food were served around an hour and 15 minutes after the order was placed. I ordered the chop salad and the bruschetta appetizer. The chop salad had very little salami or cheese as described on the menu. The bruschetta was actually bread slices, not toasted, with a soft cheese spread and raw mushrooms. It was not very appetizing. My husband ordered the pasta carbonara and both of us, after one bite, described it as incredibly salty. We are huge carbonara fans and have ordered it at restaurants and made it at home many times. He picked out the guanciale and left about a third of the pasta because the salt level was off the chart! If we had not waited so long for our food already and been just the two of us, we would definitely have sent the pasta back. Much better restaurants in the area. Hopefully they get their act together because the location is awesome. read more

Ate here the last 2 nights for dinner. Tuesday service and food were amazing. The spaghetti carbonara was probably the best I've ever had. Last night went for dinner and while food was okay, service left a lot to be desired. It wasn't super busy and there looked to be 3 servers. My server was almost non existent. Ordered a salad and rigatoni. About 20 minutes later get my rigatoni. I ask about my salad and she tells me "They are still making it." Not the end of the world but I would have preferred to have my salad first. Salad comes out and it tastes like it has no dressing on it. I'm trying to get my servers attention but I don't see her at all. In fact, she didn't come check on me until almost 40 minutes later. After I had finished. I'm going to think this was just an off night for the server as the server I had on Tuesday was awesome. read more

We dined at Riva this evening and WOW what a treat! It was a beautiful evening so we dined on their beautiful patio. All their pastas are made in house. My husband and I split the chopped salad to start. I enjoyed the gluten free carbonara and my husband enjoyed the spaghetti and meatballs. We both said this could be the best pasta dishes we've had! Taylor took great care of us and we will definitely be back! Riva is a wonderful addition to the Lodge. read more

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Loved the Hugo spritz! Great place to go, especially if you are staying nearby. Our waitress was amazing! read more

Riva Riverside Italian Dining - Italian Near Me - Richland, Washington

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The drinks in bar area were great. Our server Nyla came into the bar and got us when our table was ready. Nyla was great at going over the menu and provided suggestions when asked. We got the Gluten Free rigatoni noodles with meat balls and the chicken sandwich with dinner salad. We sat on the outside patio and our food was served quickly and tasted great. Nyla was always checking back periodically to see if we needed anything and reminded us to just relax and sit and enjoy a relaxing Italian dining experience just like Italy. read more

10/10 dining experience & would highly recommend. Lacey was our server & was so so great & the overall ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic with an option to sit out on the patio overlooking the river. I had the spaghetti & meatballs & it was easily the best I've ever had. also LOVED the pistachio creme brûlée. Will 100000% be back :) read more