RIVA GRILL ON THE LAKE

Ambiance: Been here a couple times and love it each time. The Ambiance is amazing. It has the view of the water, the boats, and the sunshine. I can’t ask for more.

Service: From experience the service has been great it could be better. Not all staff are friendly all the time but our server was super awesome this visit. He was on top of everything and he kept checking on us.

Food: We weren’t too hungry so we ordered from small bites or appetizer section of the menu (which still looked like regular serving).

I love Poke I was excited for the Ahi Poke Stack. The poke is delicious but was disappointed with the sticky rice. It was super cold and undercooked. I did return it and they gave me a new one but the rice was the same. Thank you to our server we got comped for the Ahi Poke, I didn’t ask for it so it was a nice surprise! We ordered the Dungeness Crab Sandwich, Soup, Garlic Bread, dessert and for the home stretch we got cocktails and wine!

Scallops arrived at the table and looked good served over risotto. Cut into the first one and noticed it was a bit rare. Second one, even worse. Friend next to me had same exact issue. We sent back the scallops as they were just too undercooked and raw in the center for our liking. Clearly, I wasn't only one at the table who was disappointed.

Server returned, said that the chef asked what temperature we wanted them. I've had a lot of scallops cooked for me and never been asked that! My answer; I want them cooked. Not overdone, not raw. Cooked!
Second time one of the two scalloos came back edible and one was still undercooked. I just gave up. Good thing I wasn't paying for the dinner because I would have asked the server to take the meal off the bill.

My other dining partner ordered filet medium rare but the middle of the steak was rare. Very rare. He didn't complain or send it back but only ate the cooked portions and left a lot in the plate. He was not pleased. None of us were.

Overall, this is an expensive place on South Lake Tahoe with a great view for Al fresco dining during warmer weather.

The service was good and our server was very prompt and but other than having a drink or two on the deck, I probably wouldn't eat here again based on my experience. It's supposed to be a higher end restaurant and I shouldn't have to deal with these issues with a bunch of friends at dinner.

Great location by the lake. Recommended for its large menu. Very quiet on arrival. Good choice of food, server was initially quite good but when asked to heat up the bisque some more became rude & even asked if we tasted it. Downhill regarding the server's attitude after that. Pity.

We came here on Easter Sunday. Even though prime rib is usually only available on Friday and Saturday, we were pleasantly surprised to be able to order it because of the holiday. The prime rib was excellent. So was the steamed clams and ribeye. We would come back.

Best woodies in town.