CLOSED DOWN FOR REFURBISHMENT UNTIL END OF APRIL 2008 (APPROX).
Italian food, with its bright colours, and powerful flavours, doesn't lend itself to gourmet cooking in the way that complex French or Oriental cuisine can. So when an Italian restaurant in England receives a Michelin star, you suspect it may be something very special indeed.
And the River Cafe is one of those restaurants that makes you want to get a 150-hours-a-week job as an investment banker, just so you can afford to eat there every day. The food is as simple and unpretentious as Italian should be, with great kicks of lemon, parmesan, tomato or chili. Sourcing is the key here, and the sheer quality of the ingredients shines through in every mouthful.
Richard Rogers' unassuming dining room is light, comfortable and looks out onto a charming little riverside park. It's a perfect venue for summer dining, and since there is no booking on the outdoor seats, it is often possible to get a table even at the weekend.