Riverview Bistro has been our go to restaurant since they opened, but we haven't been there since before COVID lockdown last year. Went tonite 10/17/2021 for our anniversary and while the food was very good, the service....not so much. The server was pleasant enough, but not at all attentive...at least to us. The restaurant was not crowded, (only three other indoor tables filled, although one was a larger party) and it appeared that our server only had one other table with a single person who came after we had been seated. We were never asked if we needed additional beverages, or if our meal was up to our expectations, until we were almost ready to leave. I had to request bread from the bus boy, and then call the server over to get another glass of wine after being empty for a bit too long. She also didn't ask my husband if he wanted a refill on his cocktail, until I told her when she came back with my wine. Not sure if she was overwhelmed, but I believe each guest should be treated equally, even if their ticket isn't going to be the highest for the night. read more

Riverview Bistro - Single lobster roll platter and New York strip. - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

I came here for restaurant week so I'm not sure how the pricing differs for regular days. But the oysters were huge and fresh and delicious and I would not go anywhere else. Everything they served was flavorful and made with fresh ingredients. The stuffed salmon was rich and literally melted in my mouth. The fra diavolo was amazing, not too spicy, seasoned just right. The service was so smooth and friendly; always at the ready if we needed anything but not overbearing or uncomfortable. The restaurant itself was very spacious and beautiful inside. I liked how the tables weren't too close together but the vibes were still cozy. Would 10/10 go again. read more

Waitstaff A++, Food C- Plate hot, food lukewarm and just not appetizing when the mashed potatoes are a tepid dry glob. Steak was undercooked and med was raw. They tried but the kitchen staff was a fail. Would not go back there again. Sorry, but other folks were saying this is the way it is here. :-( read more

The service was good however for the prices you pay for the food is rediculous. The clam chowder was good but struggled to find more than 2 clam pieces and the snapper had some decent flavor but was dryer than I've ever had. You go to a place and pay good money and you expect to get your money worth this place your paying for ambiance only such a shame read more

This restaurants quality has gone down considerably. Clams casino was fishy, scallops were overdone and rubbery, stuffed sole was dry. Ordered Prosecco and the waitress didn't even open the bottle for us! The water glasses had lipstick on them and my friend found a bug in her water. I don't think we will be returning any time soon! read more

Delicious oysters and a Riverview Salad were my choices. Charles enjoyed pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans and a side salad. The homemade bread was hot and delicious too! Good service and I'm sure that during the day, The Riverview lives up to its' name as it is next to a River. The venue was large and spacious and had wooden floors. There was a large party adjacent to our table, however, they used folding partitions to keep it private for them and for us as well. All-in-all, a nice evening with quality ingredients and well prepared. read more

Don't let pic fool you. This is the chicken burger. Zero flavor, weird after taste. I'm not sure if the people below me were paid to write the reviews but I wouldn't step foot in here again. Don't waste your money read more

Riverview Bistro - Don't let the pic fool you. Zero flavor. Waste of time and money - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Linda was amazing and super friendly. I came here for an early dinner with a friend and she was sincere and accommodating. She even let us know we could adjust our toppings on the bruschetta in the future and came back several times to make sure we were happy! We always love the food here, but Linda added the extra attention we needed. We will be back read more

We came here to try something new. The views were nice and the waitress, very good. Unfortunately, the food was terrible! We had a large appetizer and two entrees that were all horrible. Not sure how a restaurant could serve food this bad and be in business. Let me suggest that you taste your food on occasion. It was insulting. read more

This place has seen better days. It needs a thorough cleaning. On an 80 degree plus day their air conditioner was not working enough to cool the hot interior space! We sat outside and the smell of wafting garbage was nauseating! The food sucked! Steer clear of their horrible NE clam chowder! The fried clams were scrawny strips of a supermarket brand. Accompanying the pitiful clams were only three scallops!! All in all RUN from this place and head towards Outriggers where they do seafood right! We r so sorry we strayed from Outriggers, Riverview Bistro was our punishment!! read more

My Dad and I were in the area and had time to kill. He recalled this place from a few years back so we decided to eat lunch here. I got the quinoa burger, which was vegan thankfully (they even double-checked for me), and my dad got the grilled vegetable wrap. Both were phenomenal. I requested fries as my side and they gave me tons, my dad got the greens which he said were delicious and tossed in a tasty dressing. Our waitress was friendly and the food came out quickly. We would totally come back! I enjoyed the experience. read more

We had our daughters 17th birthday dinner last night and everything was amazing. Outstanding service, fresh delicious seafood, and elegant ambiance all added up to a stellar night. Thank you so much Marisa for making our daughters birthday so memorable! We will be recommending you guys for certain!!!! Thank you for everything!!!! read more

Riverview Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

My husband and I said our "I dos" under the gazebo last year. For an entire night their staff wined and dined us like royalty. The food was amazing and all our guests raved. Then, last night, we celebrated our first anniversary with them. Our waitress was so attentive even though the restaurant was filled with other anniversaries and birthday parties. The bus-boy was helpful and on top of things too. Our meal was outstanding ( had lobster roll and short ribs) our drinks were delicious (beer, wine and one of the best espresso martinis ever!) and we cannot wait to continue to come back each year. Thank you to the riverview bistro staff for making things so special and memorable! read more

I have been coming to Riverview Bistro with my husband and friends for over 5 years now. It is a restaurant that consistently offers wonderful food in a fun atmosphere. We always sit in the bar area and appreciate the great service and drinks we get from Chris. He makes the best sangria! My favorite dish on the menu is the blackened salmon and the short rib entree is also amazing. There is a always a great crowd at the bar and many regulars. Awesome neighborhood place! read more

Just had Mothers day brunch at Riverview Bistro, it was outstanding, the desserts, prime rib, and raw bar were done right. Our server rebecca was super attentive, and always had a positive attitude. We will be back no doubt!! read more

The food was very good when it arrived an hour after we ordered. The wait staff is responsible for all tasks and are covering too many tables to be effectively attentive. This is a week night and completely in efficient. But the food was good. read more

Until last month, I didn't know this place existed and now I'm glad I did. The setting has a comfortable/homey feel and it was the perfect place to enjoy a night out. After a perfect special appetizer, we moved onto the main course. I loved my chicken risotto, the portion was so large, I had enough for three meals. Everything in my dish was cooked to perfection and all of the flavors blended perfectly. My date had the spicy chicken and it was equally as good, just a bit hot (as mentioned in the title) for me. I really enjoyed my watermelon martini followed by a nice bottle of wine. The service was outstanding, and we couldn't have been happier with our server. She offered great meal suggestions, was attentive and friendly. read more

Initially we were greeted by the hostess with an attitude. Okay, we moved forward and took a seat. Waitress came to the table once at the inception of our arrival. Took our order. Service began with our toddlers food coming out 50 minutes prior to ours. Mind you all that was ordered from us ( 2 adults) was a turkey melt with a side of sweet potato fries (which are an additional up charge of 4$) and a COLD lobster roll. The food finally comes out and the sweet potato fries were ice cold, the turkey melt was NOT melted, husband sent food back. My lobster roll (28$) was the size of a small hot dog bun and filled with two maybe claws worth of lobster (very small) covered in mayonnaise. Not impressed at all and will NOT return. Place has definitely gone downhill!!!!!! read more

Selected this restaurant based on location to meet another couple at a halfway point between us. What a great choice! The restaurant is located in a large building on the river so great views are a given. The dining room is spacious, but also has a bit of cold vibe when you first walk in. The food quickly changes that first impression. I had the meatloaf and it was the best meatloaf of my 70+ years on this earth. Wonderful savory flavor and a moist texture. Others enjoyed the Red Snapper and stuffed shrimp dishes. The cheesecake, which we were told is made in house, was delicious. Stratford is a shlep for us, but we cannot wait to take that trip again. The meatloaf is calling me. read more

Second time returning to this restaurant after a very long time. View is gorgeous and is right by the water. Unfortunately the food and drinks were not up to par, neither was the service. With that being said, as a server in the past, I have complete patience and respect for the hospitality industry during trying times. But this experience was just awful. I called ahead to make reservations and the hostess who picked up was extremely rude. I should have turned away then! The oysters and clams were not fresh - I didn't even finish them. The fried shrimp/clams meal lacked sufficient sides, very few french fries for the price. The chopped salad was a head of iceberg lettuce with hardly anything on top (tiny tomatos and few onions, barely dressed). The clam chowder tasted like cheddar and broccolli soup w/ clams thrown in. And the mojito was sent back because it tasted like sweet and sour mix ow/ ice cubes. The server also forgot some ordered items. I was upset that we poured so much money into this meal. Take your business elsewhere. read more

Riverview Bistro - Chopped salad (added fried artichokes for additional $$) - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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Last night was my second visit here (first go around wasn't great) to give it another chance. I really want to love this place but I can't. I wouldn't call the food awful but I can't say it's delicious either. Chef please learn the wonderfully simple seasoning called salt! Everything we ordered was missing it. Guacamole was definitely missing salt & lime juice. The ahi tuna appetizer was saved by the wasabi sauce on the plate because as per the apparent theme here, no seasoning whatsoever. It was clearly taken out the fridge & seared as is. I had the stuffed sole, again the sauce on the plate & salt shaker on my table saved it from being a total bust. The string beans were undercooked & the mashed potato was stiff enough to stick to a wall (must've run out of cream/milk). With minor tweaks (salt & pepper/seasoning) I can love this place rather than kind of like it. I really hope they do make the minor adjustment of adding some sort of seasoning to the food & not really on the sauces to add flavor. The patio saves it, unfortunately the food isn't good enough to get me there in the winter months. read more

Riverview Bistro - Stuffed Sole - unfortunately looks way better than it tasted. - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Really impressed. The food was excellent and the service was great. Also they have great prices - 16$ for a 3 course meal. We will be back. Oh even the bus boy water boy was so nice, chatted us up about the weather! read more

my family and I went tonight first time I was not impress. the wait staff did not smile and they made us feel like they where doing us a favor for being there. The food was ok but who has ever herd of a shrimp dish that had peas in it. the steak was like any other you would not wright home about. But even with the food not good the help was rude. you can do better with good service. I will not go again. read more

The food and service were good and all, they offered to put the rest of my food in a container to take home. That was great but they gave me someone else's order. I didn't notice until later after i left. this deeply saddened me read more

Very nice location by the water. Restaurant was very neat and tidy. Friendly staff....the lobster penne and the spinach dip was delicious! read more

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Great great lobster rolls. I got one hot and one cold. Really fresh. Linda. Our server was great read more

I have been coming to the Riverview Bistro for about 4 years. They have a great happy hour, great appetizers at half price for happy hour and a really nice menu for dinner. Highly recommended read more

Everything was excellent. We haven't been here in years, and we were not disappointed. Dawn was our server, and she was the best! Funny, outgoing, and answered all of our questions! We will definitely be back! read more

Riverview Bistro - Seafood Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

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I dunno. Maybe I don't get out of the house enough. We just dropped a couple hundred bucks on Mother's Day Brunch. Gram had an Amaretto while the rest of us had the free Mimosas. The bill arrives..... they charged an extra $1 for her glass with ice......HUH?... $5 for the amaretto and another buck for a cup of ice? As opposed to what, letting her just swig right out of the bottle??? LOL. All in all, the buffet was OK for the price of about $35 pp. Nothing exceptional. They had a good variety and if you were fortunate to get there as the new trays came out, you avoided the dry/overcooked offerings. Service was good but the foot traffic to and from the buffet room was a mess. You actually had to carry your plate back out into the foyer and fight thru the crowd who was waiting by the front door to be seated. Note to management: Even if this was the best buffet in the world, you do nothing but pi$$ people off with that $1 for a cup of ice deal. What the hell were you thinking? read more

We had our daughters wedding here on Sunday!! I can not thank Chris enough for his help and patience. Everything was perfect! The staff were amazing, the room looked beautiful and the food was delicious. They made everything so easy and took care of all our needs! Thank you so much for a great night!! read more

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I was at this place last night for a bike night/fundraiser. the food was decent and the property was very clean. I was especially impressed with how clean the bathrooms were. The major problem was how the event was organized. The charity event was going on while the restaurant was open. There were no signs anywhere or areas roped off telling us where to sit to eat or where we were allowed to hang out. we got our food and went out to the deck where there were empty tables. We sat down and this waitress literally yelled at us in an extremely condescending tone. We started to get up and then she said and I quote "don't even think about sitting at another table." I don't know her name but she has long dark hair with cheap looking blonde highlights. I know the staff was probably overwhelmed between the event and regular customers coming in, but there was no reason for her to speak to anyone that way. i wish I could say that we were the only ones she snapped at, but many people were talking about her attitude. We all felt as if she thought we were all biker trash therefore we can be disrespected. I will never go back to this place. A place that employs people like that will not get a dime of my money. read more

Had an outstanding experience as usual today, Jim did a great job with some kids to put smiles on their faces. Kelly our waitress was stellar as ever and Jeff and then Chris were slinging great drinks. We had fun appetizers and the burgers were perfect- awesome time!! read more

My family and I had the best experience today at Riverview. The safety precautions kept us feeling comfortable and safe. The view was great and our server Bobby gave us great wine and appetizer pairing recommendations...He also insisted in trying the lobster penne dish and we can't wait to try that next time! read more

Wow. I had such a great experience at Riverside Bistro. I sat down at the bar and was greeted by the friendliest, smiling bartender named Rebecca. She was attentive, outgoing and served me quickly. Will come back for this great service again and again. Thanks Rebecca! read more

Have been there several times. Today our server, Amber made it special. We sat outside and watched the boats go by enjoying some delicious food and drinks. read more

Had a great dinner on a business trip. The Riverview calamari with the raspberry glaze was so delicious. I had the marinated flank steak and the friend had the stuffed salmon. Both excellent and huge portions! It was fairly busy and service was a little slow. But our server was very friendly and prices were reasonable. Would definitely recommend you give it a try. read more

Excellent food, decent affordability, and atmosphere. The bartender/waitress was nice and did a good job! It was Memorial Day And it seemed everyone wanted to sit in bar section. It was busy so she did well considering! Had the steak sandwich and my mother had the tilapia fajita-- both were delicious! I loved the steak sandwich and the meat perfectly cooked! I ordered sautéed mushrooms/onions on side which I had to wait for but patience is a virtue. I will return! Was hesitant due to the past restaurants turnovers, but very pleasantly surprised and glad -- close to my place. Espresso Cream Brûlée was also delish! Will go back! read more

First time there and I must say HATED IT!!! We (my son and i) ordered Alfredo fettuccine with grilled chicken. Well the pasta was one big ball of sticky glop, the sauce taste as if it was from the jar and the chicken was definitely under cooked!!!! My son is STILL SICK!! THE ONLY THING THAT SELLS THIS PLACE IS THE SCENERY!! NEVER WILL I EAT THERE AGAIN!! ALL THAT GLAMOUR FOR NOT!!! read more

Had my bridal shower here. The shower was amazing because of all the effort my bridesmaids put into it, but there were several things related to the restaurant I wasn't crazy about (they put up a divider and had like 2-3 random tables dining instead of closing off entire room and had all our tables smooshed together tighter than necessary, they overcharged us, and didn't send us home with the leftover food that we paid for.. When asked they said it was all gone, but we saw a bunch left so ???? ). Overall it was decent but somewhat of a let down. read more

Update 9/2017: I came back after being away for a while and the service and quality have gone even more down hill. Dinner for myself and 2 nieces (both under age 14) came to $100 (no alcoholic beverages). Way overpriced for the food and service you receive. read more