Riva's

- 1117 Missouri St, Houston, TX 77006

Welcome to Riva's, a cherished Italian restaurant that has become a true culinary institution in Houston's vibrant Midtown. Situated in a charming, ramshackle house, Riva’s offers an experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary. Unlike the trendy spots that prioritize aesthetics over substance, Riva's is a place that puts the quality of its food and the warmth of its service first. It's a restaurant that has stood the test of time, drawing in a loyal following of locals who appreciate its unwavering commitment to authentic Italian comfort food. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a cozy, inviting atmosphere that makes you feel like you're dining at a friend's home, complete with a friendly and accommodating staff.

Riva's has a distinct and appealing vibe that sets it apart. It’s known for its home-style Italian cooking, with generous portions that ensure you leave feeling satisfied. The menu is a delightful journey through classic Italian dishes, featuring an array of pasta, casseroles like Lasagna and Eggplant Parmesan, and savory grilled options. Whether you're craving a rich and creamy fettuccine or a perfectly grilled salmon, the menu has a dish for every palate. The kitchen consistently delivers on flavor and quality, earning praise from customers who rave about the deliciousness of the food. It's the kind of place that reminds you why you love Italian cuisine.

This restaurant is more than just a place for dinner; it’s a destination for a memorable night out. With a great wine list, an onsite bar, and a charmingly romantic setting, it’s perfect for a special date or an intimate gathering with friends. The staff is consistently described as amazing and attentive, and their dedication to providing excellent service is a major reason why so many people are eager to return. For anyone in Houston looking for a place that combines fantastic food, great value, and a genuinely warm atmosphere, Riva's is an absolute must-visit.

Riva's is conveniently located at 1117 Missouri St, Houston, TX 77006, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Houston's Midtown, an area known for its lively and diverse dining scene. One of the most significant advantages of this location is the ease of parking. The restaurant features a decent-sized, free parking lot, a rarity and a huge convenience in a bustling neighborhood. Free street parking is also available, ensuring that you can easily find a place to leave your car before enjoying your meal.

The establishment is also highly accessible, with several features designed to accommodate all guests. It offers wheelchair-accessible parking, restrooms, and seating, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free dining experience for everyone. The combination of a central location and excellent accessibility makes Riva's a practical and welcoming choice for any gathering, from a casual lunch to a romantic dinner.

• Dine-In, Takeout, and Outdoor Seating: Riva's provides flexible dining options to suit your preferences. You can enjoy your meal in the cozy indoor dining area, savor the beautiful weather with outdoor seating, or order your food for takeout to enjoy at home.

• Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch: The restaurant serves a full menu for both lunch and dinner, catering to all of your midday and evening cravings. Additionally, Riva's is known for its popular Sunday brunch, which features a dedicated menu with delicious offerings like omelets and Eggs Benedict, served with mimosas.

• Catering: For special events or corporate lunches, Riva's offers catering services, bringing their beloved Italian comfort food to your location.

• Happy Hour: Enjoy special deals on a great selection of drinks during happy hour. The happy hour drinks and wine list are particularly noteworthy, making it a great spot for a post-work unwind.

• Bar Onsite: With a well-stocked bar, Riva's offers a full range of beverages, including beer, cocktails, and hard liquor, to complement your meal.

• Fast and Friendly Service: A standout highlight is the restaurant's incredibly attentive and friendly staff. Customers consistently mention the fast service and the genuine hospitality, noting that the staff goes above and beyond to make them feel welcome and comfortable. This level of service is a major reason for the restaurant's loyal following.

• Great Wine List and Cocktails: Riva's boasts an impressive wine list with a diverse selection of wines, many of which are very affordable. The cocktails are also praised for their quality, making it a great place for drink connoisseurs.

• Delicious Desserts and Coffee: No Italian meal is complete without dessert. Riva's offers a selection of great desserts and coffee to finish your meal perfectly.

• Cozy and Romantic Atmosphere: The ambiance at Riva’s is described as casual, cozy, and romantic. It strikes a perfect balance, making it suitable for a variety of occasions, from a laid-back meal to a special date night. The charming aesthetic, sometimes decorated with festive lights, adds to its unique charm.

• Inclusive and Welcoming: The restaurant is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, creating a truly welcoming environment for all members of the community. It also caters to groups, making it a perfect spot for celebrations.

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Riva's using the information below:

• Address: 1117 Missouri St, Houston, TX 77006, USA

• Phone: (713) 529-3450

There are many reasons why Riva's is not just a good choice, but a fantastic one for Italian dining in Houston. While other establishments may focus on a fleeting "aesthetic" for social media, Riva's stands out for its unwavering commitment to the quality of its food and service. The food is consistently described as "absolutely delicious" and "AMAZING," with customers specifically raving about the incredible flavor of their fettuccine. Unlike places where you might pay more for a lesser quality meal, Riva's provides a dining experience that feels like an excellent value for your money. The generous portions, which often include soup, salad, and garlic bread with entrees, ensure that you get a satisfying and complete meal.

Beyond the food, the service is a major highlight that truly makes the restaurant worth choosing. The staff's attentiveness and friendliness are consistently praised by patrons. This genuine hospitality, coupled with the owner's personal touch, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps people coming back. The added bonus of a great wine list and a popular Sunday brunch menu with mimosas provides even more reasons to visit.

Riva's is a Houston institution that has mastered the art of simple, delicious, and authentic Italian food. Its cozy, romantic, and welcoming atmosphere, combined with the exceptional service and incredible food quality, makes it a must-visit. It’s the perfect place to create new memories over a delicious meal, and its reputation for quality over fleeting trends makes it a reliable and wonderful choice for any dining occasion.

Riva's

1117 Missouri St, Houston, TX 77006, USA