It's the experience over the food. Sitting outside with the views is a great experience. Birthday party, bridal/baby shower, or any event that you attend or have at RVB is going to be great. For events, the food is better than you would expect. But as an indoor sit down restaurant, I wanted a little more from the food not just event/catered foods served individually... Overall the food was good/okay. Other than the eggplant fries, nothing screamed come back for more. Service was okay. She definitely wasn't knowledgeable about the drinks and she couldn't bother to ask the bartender (I didn't realize there was a whole bar/ bar section until walking out) I asked if one of their drinks had a specific ingredient and the response was I don't know. And my aunt wanted a mocktail ( non-alcoholic cocktail) for her bday since she doesnt drink and the server said they didn't offer any. Any bartender knows at least 1 mocktail recipe, but like I said she couldn't bother to ask and I didn't realize there was a bar on the other side or I would have just went over and asked myself... If someone had an event here I'd be happy to go, but as a non-event diner I'm not in a rush to go back... read more

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100% Recommend! We just hosted a baby shower at RVB and everything was perfect! It was so easy to book and the flow was absolutely wonderful on the day of the shower. Everything was set up so we can decorate an hour before the event. The food was amazingly delicious! The prices can't be beat for the service and food received. Wonderful Staff! Highly recommend! read more

Riverview Bistro - All set up! - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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All our food was lukewarm warm to cold. Andrew was apologetic but the other staff was not . read more

Riverview Bistro - COLD FOOD - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

My first time at this restaurant location and won't be the last. I ventured down from the Hartford area for our on-site training w our company i work for. This location is a perfect spot which is located on the River with beautiful views of the water and would be especially perfect on a gorgeous day. They have an outside patio w plenty of seating. This restaurant opened its doors in 2012 and still has a wonderful touch with all their customers. The food, service were top notch. We had the buffet of foods preordered that were all so good. Very fresh and all the right temperatures w no compliments. We had Caesar salad w bread, green beans, seasoned potatoes, penne pasta and chicken Marsala. They offered us mini cannolis for our dessert w coffee for a final touch. Come check out this restaurant. read more

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Came here for a pre-Fairfield university graduation dinner. This was our first time here, although one in our party stated that she'd been here years before. Our waiter was excellent. Both professional, and with just a hint of humor! The food is exceptionally good and reasonably priced (actually significantly cheaper than we were expecting, awe's upon the quality and quantity). I personally had the lobster roll. Pretty damn good. The stuffed soul? Everyone stated that it was excellent, and that they didn't need all three! Love this place. If I lived nearby, I would certainly make this a regular venue. read more

Riverview Bistro - Lobster Rolls x 2 - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Eleven of us went to Riverview for their Easter Buffet. As expected it was very busy but the service and food were great. The food was at the right temperature and they kept bringing out more whenever any item was getting low. The manager or owner,I'm not sure of his position,was out on the floor moving around and making sure everyone had drinks and were happy. Amazing but all eleven of us were happy with the selections. read more

Ordered 4 items takeout and there were literally 7 issues. Zero quality control. Ordered two cheeseburgers. Both had no cheese. Both cheeseburgers were supposed to come with two sides. They came with none. The steak was supposed to have a side of Caesar salad instead of mashed potatoes and that substitution was ignored. Nearly $100 wasted. Won't be ordering from here again. read more

I hosted a baby shower here and unfortunately it was a very disappointing experience. While the wait staff was pleasant and did their best, the food was just ok. The real issue was the manager, Chris. He was rude and dismissive during all three of our phone conversations. I have never been made to feel like such an inconvenience as a paying customer. His attitude was completely unprofessional and set the tone for the entire event. Mind you, he never came out to talk to me or discuss the day. We had two guests with allergies, which were communicated a full week in advance. When I asked Chris what accommodations would be made, he told me he didn't know and needed to "check with the chef." One guest ended up sending her meal back because it was inedible, and no alternative was offered. They gave her a plate of lettuce and a few slices of shaved cheese. This was extremely disappointing and unacceptable for a planned event. Not to mention embarrasing! Who pays $34.95 for a guest to have plate of lettuce?! Oooh wait...I did! Additionally, guests from a bridal party repeatedly walked through our event space, despite being assured someone would be stationed at the door to prevent this. The coffee bar offered tea bags with no hot water. When I asked for a cup of hot water, nothing was ever brought out. The atmosphere is nice, but that's truly the only positive. Between poor management, lack of organization, and terrible handling of dietary needs, I will not be returning - not even for a glass of water on the hottest day of the year! read more

Came here for dinner on a weekend after the cherry blossoms. The place was exactly what we were looking for - inexpensive, comfortable, and cozy. Although the restaurant was busy, we chose to dine indoors. The service and food were exceptional, with fresh ingredients and served in a timely manner. Notably, they provide accommodations for gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free diets. We highly recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning. read more

Exceptional service, delicious food, and a venue we'll choose again. We hosted an anniversary event in the private room at Riverview Bistro, and the entire experience was outstanding. Chris and his team delivered superb service from the beginning to the end of the evening--always on point and attentive to every detail. The selection of hors d'oeuvres was excellent, and the main courses received many compliments. Overall, the celebration turned out just as we had hoped. One small area for improvement: the restrooms could use a bit more attention. But this easy-to-fix detail did not compromise the experience. Overall, I would absolutely use this venue again and will certainly dine here again. Highly recommended. Janine read more

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We had a reunion there and it went very well. Staff was great. Food was good and the ambience was wonderful. We had a reunion there and it went very well. Staff was great. Food was good and the ambience was wonderful. read more

Had never eaten here, hadn't always heard good things. Friends of ours invited us out for dinner this past Saturday at RVB. Gotta say I was impressed. We sat outside and had an outstanding view of the water. Another thing I really liked was they had music playing from a playlist and it was perfect. Not too soft that you cant hear it but definatley not too loud so that you cant converse. There was a wedding going on but the restaurant had them in their own area inside and other than their guests coming out to take in the view, you didn't know they were there. Waitress came right over and got our drink orders. She was very pleasant and eager to please. Our appetizers and dinners orders came within a very reasonaable time. It was busy but they were not rushing us at all. I look foward to eating here again read more

I've been here twice. Both for special occasions. The first was for a bridal shower so we had a separate open area for the event. And most recently the Mother's Day brunch. This place is not meant to be buffet style and the way the did it really just gave me indigestion. They had seatings at 11, 11:30, 1, 1:30, etc throughout the day. We had the 11:30 seating. By 11:40 the line to the buffet was wrapped around half the dining area. Food was crammed together in the bar area, and it was just a traffic jam. And they had 2 hour limit (I understand you want people out), but standing In Line for 5-10 minutes each time to grab anything from the buffet line was terrible. And no separate line for dessert, breakfast items, raw bar, so if you wanted anything you had to get in the massive line. Also they had unlimited mimosas for the adults, but no orange juice for the kids, that had to be ordered separately. Given children were half price at 24.95, it would have been nice to have a drink option for the children that wasn't soda. And they refused to let me kid carry my mimosa even though I was carrying three plates (1 for me, 2 for children). Maybe this is a state regulation, but remember when I said there was one line? Yeah, the mimosas are at the end of that line. Good luck getting a drink And tableware, we had prime rib but only butter knives. Overall execution poor for a buffet. The food was good, what I ate of it, but the entire experience gave me indigestion. View outside is nice, and worth at least a look. And there were lots of people taking pictures Buffet price was 49.95 a person and children were 24.95 read more

Went for Easter dinner. Food was good. Service was good. However, we wanted to split our bill between myself and my wife and instead of splitting the bill they double charged my wife's card and overdrew her checking account. read more

I love this place. The service was excellent and the seafood platter was just as good. Came by with a group of friends and everyone enjoyed their food. Oh...must try the chocolate martini...delicious Sorry no pics, too busy eating and drinking, I forgot. read more

The breathtaking Riverview Bistro in Stratford, Connecticut opened in 2012 and is an oldie but goodie. On a warm summer day, nothing can match their spectacular, charming, and picturesque patio overlooking the Housatonic river. The breeze was delightful. They offer all the classic items like salads, wraps, burgers, steaks and seafood. Of course my favorite was the magnificent oysters! My friend enjoyed her extraordinary grilled vegetable wrap. Derek, the waiter provided good service and everything was very clean. Great spot for lunch on a gorgeous summer day! read more

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We're semi regular at RB and love the food and service. On our most recent visit my wife ordered scallops but requested the chef sauté them to get a nice sear on both sides. When the order arrived, the scallops were perfectly seared and the plate presentation was over the top. Kudos to the chef! Marco was the bartender that evening (we always dine at the bar) and as always he provided excellent service and conversation filled with jocularity. read more

We went there for a bereavement lunch it was the most disappointing and disgusting place food was cold,, not enough of food they severed the food when it was supposed to be self serve n the kids food never made it to the table never again will we be there. N so expensive for no reason. Less then 40 people n bill was over 1500. They should be ashamed of their service. read more

Riverview has a very nice happy hour six days a week. My review is on their house made Reuben pastrami sandwich. I have ordered the Reuben 3 times and love it! Extremely tender, juicy, and truly delicious. Keep returning. I'm not a big eater so I will eat a quarter or half a sandwich and take the rest home to eat a little bit later. So delightful! I hope I will be able to post a photo as well. Go there and order it very soon. Sue read more

Random Saturday family dinner, sat outside it was a beautiful day by the water! For apps we had the fried calamari, seared ahi tuna both worth a try we had the sauces on the side. Dinner was seafood risotto, delish! Lobster penne vodka, (we thought it would be a traditional penne vodka) but still good. Chicken florentina and seafood with linguine. The linguine dish could have used a little more sauce otherwise great. Warren was an attentive server they were very busy and if they are servicing outside they have long walks to the inside. Food here never really disappoints. read more

Riverview Bistro - Lobster Penne - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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Food was cold and stale. Service was slow. Outdoor should have more mosquito repellent along the perimeter dining. I got bitten by two mosquitoes while dining on the outside patio. read more

If the manager would staff properly we would have been properly served. But without a hostess or busboy and only two servers on a very busy night we were mostly ignored as our server couldn't keep up with the amount of tables he had. read more

The food is excellent, however, the manager was so rude to us when one of our dishes was prepared incorrectly that we will never go back. It's a real shame. He was actually yelling at us and saying that we did not make that request, but we certainly had. Too bad a lousy manager causes this restaurant to lose customers. They really need to think about how to treat the public. read more

Everyone in my family loved their food. The food was well made and served with a great waitress.

I went for dinner on here on Friday May 30th. Our Waiter Warren gave us excellent service and the food was excellent. I will say if you get the Lobster Penne and like mushrooms , you should get the side of mushrooms and add it to the dish. Even without the mushrooms the meal would have been great. I just really like mushrooms. I will definitely be back for the Atmosphere . read more

Food, service and ambience is all great. A bit pricy, but worth it for special occasions (or if a little pricy is okay for you). Beautiful dining by the river in good weather. Thumbs up! read more

Warren was so professional and accommodating. He attended to our every need and made the night special. We will definitely come back and recommend this restaurant to our friends and family. read more

The quinoa burger is excellent! Very tasty and fresh. The meatloaf is the best ! Wonderful ambiance.

Overall this was a pretty good experience; however it was a little on the pricy side. We started with drinks which were pretty good however my boyfriend's drink was supposed to come with Jim Beam honey and they were out. They made it with regular Jim beam instead, not sure if they discounted it or anything. I had a very fruity rum punch. It was so sweet you couldn't even taste the alcohol. For the main course I ordered the seafood linguini, one of the specials of the evening. It was very tasty and the sauce was well balanced with flavor and creaminess. There was a fair amount of seafood too - mussels, scallops, and shrimp. My boyfriend had the lobster penne, which he said was delicious as well. Both dishes were served with a side salad before. The greens were crisp and a fair amount of additional toppings were added like tomatoes, croutons, and cheese. The service was average and there was a part of the restaurant sectioned off for a gathering or banquet. Towards the end of our dining the noise level was fairly loud since there wasn't a separate room. They have a pretty big variety on the menu. Would like to see a little better service given the price of the overall experience. We were never asked if we wanted our drinks or water refilled. We didn't receive any bread before our meal and saw that other tables had some, so maybe you have to ask for it? If so I think that's kind of silly especially if the bread plates are already placed on the table. I would return again if I get the chance, and also ask for bread next time too. read more

Riverview Bistro - Lobster Penne - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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The female bartender was fantastic her cocktails were spot on and her enthusiasm was refreshing.

The service at the restaurant was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Overall, it was a mixed experience, with excellent service overshadowed by mediocre food. read more

Riverview Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

What a terrific restaurant! So many delicious selections to choose from. Loved their specialty drink menu too. Warren, our server, made our wonderful dinner even more wonderful with attentive service & helpful suggestions. Can't wait to go back & hopefully Warren will be our server again. read more

Bad, bad, bad Sunday lunch ... not busy at all. Scallops were void of any sear, no flavor. Mashed potatoes were probably from 2 days ago served cold. The green beans were perfectly crisp - hence the 1 star. Escargot was definitely from a can - tasted awful Very uninviting interior and will not be back. Waitress was fine because it's not her fault but it was hard to eat anything that she brought to table. There are many restaurants in this area... go somewhere else. read more

Our church Women's Day group have been patronizing this restaurant for the past five or six years. We've always enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. This year, the food was not good. Our group was disappointed. We asked for bread and were told they don't serve bread with lunch. Keep in mind this was a Sunday afternoon. They had 1 waitress for our group of 21 people. We had made a reservation. We couldn't fault her. read more

Good seafood, good service , great deck overlooking water and marshes, great table social Distancing, shade in the afternoon. Atmosphere and service 4*, food 3.5*., view 4.5 *. Great place for seafood meal, with a view honoring social distancing and not packing them In. read more

Decided to have a late lunch and we wanted to eat while enjoying the view. I must say the water view was enjoyable. The restaurant has an option of sitting at the patio or I side with air conditioning. We chose to sit at the patio. We were quickly taken to the patio and drink choices were made. We ordered the Sangria, my girlfriend enjoyed it but I did not think much of it. For appetizers we ordered half a dozen oysters and some New England Clam Chowder. Both were good, I definitely enjoyed the Chowder. Next came the entrees I had the fried shrimp & scallops platter and the girlfriend had a spicy chicken dish. She enjoyed her meal mine was ok. The shrimps were good but the scallops were a bit on the oily side. The fries seemed to be over fried and were not good. Overall the place is ok but not memorable. read more

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Food was excellent, service was good waitress was pleasant enough , just a little lacking in the personal touch , didn't offer more water , seemed to be just going through the motions maybe tired, although she did take our group picture, when requested. . Other than that the Atmosphere was festive , Christmas music was very nice . Would definitely come back for a return visit . read more

Blessed with a beautiful view of the Housatonic River, a great outside patio & plenty of parking, Stratford's Riverview Bistro (RVB) packs the crowds in for casual dining, particularly on the weekends when the weather gets warm. Over the years I've eaten in both the cozy bar area & in the cavernous dining room & I prefer the bar side which at happy hour often fills with thirsty regulars of a certain age enjoying generous pours. RVB's menu is predictably seafood centric. Their basic fresh raw bar offerings are reasonably priced as is their salads, sandwiches, & pasta dishes. During my most recent lunch time visit my fried cod fish sandwich complemented by a dill inflected tarter sauce & served on a regular sized hamburger roll with ff's on the side was competently prepared if a tab bit boring. The bun's interior was nicely grilled & the lettuce tomato & onion did not overwhelm the square of nicely fried fish. But it was surprising to learn that there was not a pickle to be had in the house :-( . My companion was happy with her rather modest salad & big & beautiful bowl of mixed seafood over spaghetti. The take out selected for later meals (shrimp cocktail & a flat bread) were surprisingly on the small side but very well packaged to go. Final note on the service: Lunch service was professional & pleasant with average wait time on our meals. Warm weather weekend, late afternoon/evening dining service can slow down considerably when the crowds descend. RVB is certainly worth visiting for al fresco dining if you find yourself passing by or are in the area. read more

Amazing dinner and great dessert! Came here for dinner with my husband and favorite couple. Our server Lindsey was excellent and the food was exquisite! If you're in the Stratford area come by! Great food and atmosphere! read more

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Specifically informed the server of a food allergy and asked for my salad to not include raw tomatoes. One server for a group of 20+ people. He did the best he could. Food wasn't that good - and the seafood burger special ordered by 2 people I was with they both didn't like. read more