Riva Naperville: User Reviews

The setting is nice, 5 attractive hostesses greeted us checking in, and the server got off to a good start with an enthusiastic recitation of the specials. But then a jazz group started blasting away like it was a concert and conversation was next to impossible. The server's appearances became sporadic, long gaps between sightings. Appetizers and steaks were good, but other food got very mixed reviews. We got a big laugh out of the twice-baked potato -- you need a jackhammer to crack it open. Our diners tried to penetrate the petrified potato with all available implements and gave up. Except for the noisy band, sporadic service, and mixed quality of food, the place is alright, but for the priciness and the pretentiousness, the value was not good, and we don't plan to return.

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This restaurant has great food. But an hour after I sat down (at 5) I still had only had an appetizer. Had to leave without dessert because I just refuse to sit for over 2 hours. If this restaurant fails, it wont be because of the kitchen. I have eaten here many times, but I don't know if I will be back.

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My wife and I celebrated our 5th anniversary at Riva in Naperville recently. We loved it. We've been to Riva at Navy Pier many times and always enjoyed the experience. Since we know that there is a hidden gem in the western suburbs, it is now our favorite place. Our bartender, Neal started the night off right when he offered up signature cocktails. He was upbeat and enthusiastic. We went into the dining room and were made to feel right at home. Even the busboy was congenial. Our server was very knowledgeable, friendly and seemed to really love his job. He described in detail the menu items and specials. He made great suggestions. Even thought the restaurant was busy, we never felt rushed. We had a ahi tuna appetizer and crab cake. They were fantastic. My wife had the gnocchi and I had the lamb chops-both were excellent. For dessert we had blueberry creme brulee and chocolate mousse cake. The manager even sent out a dessert wine to toast our anniversary. All in all, it was a great dining experience. You should try it.

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What a pleasant suprise is all that can truely summarize the experience that I had at Riva Naperville. The food was outstanding and the service was beyond compare. The managers were constantly on the floor smiling and catering to every table. Warning: If you go to Riva once, you will feel drawn to always come back.

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My husband and I dined at Riva in Naperville recently and we decided it was the best kept secret in Naperville. First off, no parking hassle! Riva has valet parking and a large parking structure-how convenient! The restaurant tucked into the main level of the Calamos Investment building and when we walked in we couldn't help but notice that it is immaculate. The restaurant itself is beautiful and sophisticated but completely unpretentious. Our server was friendly, attentive, but nice and relaxed. She made great recommendations and made us feel pampered from beginning to end. We started out with the scallop appetizer and it was great! I had the seared Tuna steak and it was outstanding! My husband had what he said was the best Ribeye steak he ever had. We ended up at the bar for drinks afterward and enjoyed a very cool r&b trio. Overall, it was a great experience and we would definitely go back.

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What ever you chose to order don't order the Chateau Briean because even though they charge $32.00 per person it is about the size of a small hamburger patty! Oh and it is charred

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While we truly enjoyed the look of the new Riva Resturaunt their food leaves much to be desired. We ordered the Chateau Briean (which is usually elsewhere a large cut of beef tenderloin) and at $32.00 per person we were expecting just that. However, Riva's Chateau Briean was less that the size of a small burger and to add insult to injury it was completely charred and along with charred vegetables! When I contacted Mr. Jim Hansono who is the General Manager to let him know he inidicated that he did not have to time to speak with us. So we sent them and email which was never responded too! Talk about poor customer service! Considering the price ($184.00 total) which was spent they should have the courtesy of providing a response!

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We tried this restaurant for our 30th wedding anniversary. I've come to the conclusion that for special events, you stick with what you know, and like. This restaurant is far from special. We arrived and were seated at a table by the window, set for 4 people. I asked for a table for two, which was no problem. The view looks over a man made pond, office buildings and I-88. Spectacular. As others have stated, the live band was too loud for the room. And the singer went to the Bill Murray school of lounge vocalists.

We ordered drinks; my wife a glass of wine, and I ordered a Club Soda. After 10 minutes, our drinks came. They brought me a Tonic, not Club Soda. (My Club Soda, after correcting the waitress, came in the same glass as the Tonic. Yummy.)

We ordered. My wife ordered a starter and a main course. I ordered a salad, Mussels and fish. Salads came first, and about 2 minutes later my Mussels came. By the time I got around to eating them, they were cold. Before dinner came, my wife went to the restroom, and they brought out our main courses. I waited for my wife to return before eating, and while sitting there our waitress stopped and asked if anything was wrong. I told her I was waiting for my wife to return, and she joked that I should start before it gets cold.

The fish was pretty good, but it had obviously been sitting out, waiting for the server to take it, as it was just warm.

I suppose my biggest complaint, as seen from other postings, was the service. Our waitress walking by numerous times without as much as a glance.

The value was not there. We won't return. Heading back downtown to MK this Saturday for what will certainly be another very special experience.

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This is probably the closest fine dining establishment to me. I don't know why it's not busier. Excellent carpaccio. Lobster del Mar is just fantastic. Love the Halibut too. Steaks are first rate for those who don't like seafood. Bar service, and wines are up to par. Wish the desserts were more consistant. Great location.

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Okay...I have always enjoyed Phil Stefani's restaurants (Tuscany is my favorite) so I thought it was time to try this one. I went in knowing that the prices are a little high (you can see their menu with prices on the web site) so that did not shock me. What I discovered is that you are paying more for a few things. One, the service was great, but it must be noted that it was not crowded at all. Two, the tables were spaced so that you are not fighting for breathing room with your neighboring tables. And three, the atmosphere and presentation is what I consider a little more up scale. In regards to the food, I had the Lobster Diavolo and my girlfriend had the Chicken Bruschetta (I believe that was what it was called) off of the Speicals's of the Day menu. We thought both were excellent. In summary, for us, this was a very nice place and we are glad we tried it, but will be more for special occasions. You can find the same food at cheaper prices but you will not get the other "perks" like you do at Riva.

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