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The River Café
🍽️FoodClosed · Opens 12:00 PM$$$$ · Premium

The River Café

4.2 ·

Discover The River Café, the Hammersmith kitchen that helped shape modern British-Italian cooking. Enjoy simple, ingredient-driven dishes from the wood-fired kitchen on a Thames-side terrace, cosy with heaters and blankets even in cooler months.

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Reasons to go

  • Founded in the 1980s by Ruth Rogers, whose kitchen has been a launching pad for several well-known British chefs.
  • It has held a Michelin star, reflecting its influence on modern Italian cooking in London.
  • The open glass-walled kitchen and riverside terrace on the Thames make the dining room itself part of the draw.
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Full description

The River Café has been serving simple, ingredient-driven Italian food from its glass-walled Hammersmith kitchen since the 1980s, and its terrace on the Thames remains one of the most requested tables in London, even in cooler months when reviewers mention heaters and blankets keeping the outdoor seats cosy. The cooking favours a handful of excellent ingredients treated simply over elaborate technique, which is part of why it's remained a benchmark for so long.

At 4.2 stars and premium pricing, it's well suited to a celebratory lunch or dinner, especially for those who want a special occasion with a view rather than a purely indoor fine-dining room. It leans slightly more relaxed than other restaurants at this price point.

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Address

Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, London W6 9HA, UK · Hammersmith
Website
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Hours

🎫

Booking

Booking required

Duration

2h15

Best time

lunchtime, afternoon, early evening or evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

  • Book ahead and request the terrace if the weather allows, since it's the signature setting
  • dinner reservations, especially at sunset, are the most sought-after
  • dress reasonably smart, as it attracts a well-heeled crowd
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Reviews

This was a special celebration and I recommend this venue if you want to have an outstanding experience. The location on the banks of the river is lovely. The food is outstanding and the service equals it. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. Everyone was happy to discuss the menu and advise on combinations. I…

J

Judith Garwood

2/5

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