River House Restaurant

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#1 of 219 Restaurants in Inverness££ - £££, Seafood, European, Vegetarian friendly

+44 1463 222033+ Add website

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Hours

Tue

15:00 - 23:30

Wed

15:00 - 23:30

Thu

15:00 - 23:30

Fri

15:00 - 23:30

Sat

15:00 - 23:30

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,495 reviews

#1 of 219 Restaurants in Inverness

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Local cuisine, Seafood, European, British, Healthy, Scottish

“Fantastic selection of fresh seafood cooked to perfection!”

“Drinks, oysters, fish stew, halibut and cheese plater all amazing.”

“This was followed by mussels Mariniere, salmon Gravalax, scallops and Langous...”

“Halibut was perfection, mussels were perfection, needed more bread to sop up...”

Location and contact

1 Greig Street, Inverness IV3 5PT Scotland

+44 1463 222033

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Details

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About

For an authentic taste of Scotland��s islands and Highlands look no further than River House, a beautiful restaurant on the banks of the River Ness overlooking the Grieg Street bridge to the Free North Church. The restaurant��s spectacular view��s are complemented by the casual sophistication of the dining room, a comfortable and unpretentious space with timeless design and a warm, cosy atmosphere which invites you to relax and really enjoy your dinner. Dedicated to sourcing the best possible ingredients from the surrounding areas, the River House kitchen cooks each dish to order in the open plan kitchen, using fresh, seasonal produce prepared in such a way that individual flavours shine through. Though mainly Scottish in heritage the River House��s recipes also take inspiration from international cuisine with, in particular, a nod to French cookery woven in to many of the creative, modern dishes. Wines are carefully selected to complement the River House menu, providing a good, but not overwhelming, choice of labels.

PRICE RANGE

£25.00 – £45.00

CUISINES

Seafood, European, British, Healthy, Scottish

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner

FEATURES

Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

1,495 reviews

Excellent

1,218

Very good

186

Average

Poor

Terrible

Bill W

Isle of Skye35 contributions

Happy Anniversary

Aug 2020 • couples

Went on Saturday 8th to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. The welcome, service, atmosphere, drinks and, best of all, the food were all excellent. I had Fritto Misto and Janet had a generous portion of scallops to start, both were very, very good. In fact Janet said the scallops were the best she had ever tasted. I had a fillet steak main course, perfectly cooked and melt-in- the-mouth. Janet had a seafood Linguine with scallops, prawns and mussels which she described as "fantastic". We finished with really good Cranachan and Espresso cocktails and the bill with a bottle of nice Chardonnay was very reasonable. A memorable meal and we look forward to our next visit.

Written 10 August 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JCA2627

Southend-on-Sea2 contributions

Amazing food and staff

Dec 2019 • none

My wife and I booked for the New Year's Eve dinner not knowing anything about the restaurant. The menu was excellent and the staff very attentive. We were welcomed with a glass of delicious Italian fizz and some appetizers. Our order was quickly and politely taken and very soon afterward our starters (stunningly delicious scallops) were served. At all times, it was clear that the staff and the chef/owner cared passionately about the customers and the food. Highly recommended and we would definitely visit again.

Written 1 January 2020

Jetqueen

4 contributions

Delicious dinner

Dec 2020 • couples

My husband and I had an excellent dinner at River House last night. My scallop and black pudding stater was utterly delicious. For mains my husband’s steak was cooked to perfection and the turbot special was fabulous. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced- thanks to the chef for his guidance - the grillo perfectly complemented both meat and fish. The atmosphere is intimate and warm- the service friendly. We will definitely be back.

Written 18 December 2020

Steven A

1 contribution

The Oyster that never was.

Sept 2020 • couples

I never write negative reviews becuase I don’t like to effect some ones business but this was so funny and cheeky that I felt I needed to post. We spent the last week traveling around Scotland trying all the seafood we could, oysters being a main feature. So it was with great disappointment that after paying the most we have paid anywhere so far for an Oyster (£3 each plus £1.50 for a dip?) what we received can only be (politely) described as underwhelming. While I appreciate size is irrelevant when it comes to oysters and taste, I do expect the oysters to be big enough to be seen with the naked eye. I rather rudely had the first (small) oyster (we chose 4 starters as well as 2 oysters to taste) but then my wife asked, “did you eat both”. I said “no” and before we could inspect closer, the waitress arrived and asked if she could take our finished oyster shells away. My wife explained she hadn’t had hers and then they both looked into the shell in question and there was a small pause before my wife asked, is that really OK? Pointing to what looked like a small stain on the shells interior (think the very smallest muscle in the pot) “Err yes, some oysters are small, but it’s still an oyster” and then she walked away. So what in one moment was so small that she didn’t think it existed was in the next minute big enough to charge £3.75 for. It’s a small issue but then it was the smallest of Oysters. By way of a post script, the best oysters we’ve had in Scotland so far were at Oban on the waterfront, from a shack and in a rough and ready pub Maillaig. Thanks Scotland. X

Written 16 September 2020

Chris S

1 contribution

Overrated

Dec 2021 • family

Took my daughters for a “gourmet fish meal” following the “outstanding” reviews. Arrived at 8:26pm for an 8:30pm reservation & were met by a hostile waitress who only asked “name” on arrival! “Your table’s not ready you’ll need to wait outside” It was hailstorm weather outside & freezing! No to be put off we returned at 8:32pm on the dot to be shown to to our cramped table. The waitress remained unfriendly & was indifferent to everyone she served in the restaurant. Waiter was friendly enough however. I thought the food would compensate for front of house……sadly we were disappointed with the blandness & frankly overpriced food. Shop bought linguine, tasteless overcooked Hake, starters could have come from Brakes. Chef de patron did walk around but by that time & experience I couldn’t be bothered trying to engage with him with my dissatisfaction. Wont be returning, top tip don’t always read just the good reviews! This isn’t a common problem with this restaurant apparently.

Written 3 December 2021

allan l

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Good or bad, each is appreciated. Firstly, the food. Here at RH we do like to keep things simple - preferring to allow the natural flavours of the beautifully fresh seafood to be the star of the show, rather than overpower with "enhancements" or "extras". Secondly, the welcome you received. Or, more accurately, the lack of it. This was completely and utterly unacceptable. As an establishment that has prided itself greatly on giving a genuinely warm welcome to all who have entered over the last 19 years, on this occasion we failed massively and for that we apologise unreservedly. Stringent measures have been carried out to ensure this never ever happens again. Allan (Alfie) Little.

Written 5 December 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ryan S

5 contributions

Best seafood dishes in Inverness!

Sept 2021 • couples

Probably the best seafood restaurant in Inverness. As an Invernessian, I hate writing a good review incase I can't get a free table, however I think it's only fair that after tonight's meal I give Alfie and his team a mention. The fresh oysters were delicious at only £1 a shuck, with the option of of variety of dressings, ( cavier, prosecco, tobacco etc) paired with the Crab thermadore we were already in heaven. Followed by the Shetland Hallibut and mussles that were cooked to perfection. We decided to stop on a good note, until we seen the desserts going past out table... we had no choice but to order a perfectly baked salted caramel and pear pavlova and Dutch apple cake. The staff were very attentive and even though the restaurant was busy, we were served efficiently . Top marks 👌 👏

Written 25 September 2021

BigBla

Inverness90 contributions

Used To Be A Favourite....

Jan 2022 • couples

Having visited several times over the years and raved about this restaurant, always claiming it to be in my top 3 of favourites locally, if asked, this was a very disappointing meal. Everything was cooked and presented well but it was just bland and tasteless. In a tiny, crowded restaurant with a visibly very busy chef it seemed awkward to complain so we paid and left but I wouldn't be that excited about returning. I had crab thermidor, halibut on winter veg with crispy gnocchi and pavlova. Crab was OK, I realise that crab is a very delicate flavour. My main issue was with the halibut, it arrived looking a little anaemic and unappetising and despite adding salt it was completely bland to the point that I said to my husband that if I couldn't clearly taste the lemon soft drink I had I would be concerned that I might have covid. Pavlova was OK, I've had it before with pears and caramel sauce and it was lovely, this one was with caramelised banana and Baileys cream. I think there were three tiny slivers of banana, almost unnoticeable so it was predominantly just meringue and cream, personally I'd take my own fruit-laden pavlova. All in all a very disappointing anniversary dinner in what used to be a restaurant we were confident of loving.

Written 5 January 2022

Robert C

Inverness18 contributions

SEA FOOD EXCELLENCE.

Jul 2020 • none

Our 1st meal out after lockdown and as usual Alfie did not disappoint. He takes fresh local produce and turns it into amazingly tasty meals. He keeps the menu small which means the attention to detail of each plate is first class. If you like sea food this place is a must, and if like my wife your not keen on fish he also does a great fillet steak. Thank you Alfie and all the staff as usual a 1st class dining experience.

Written 23 July 2020

Jochen B

11 contributions

Amazing seafood

Jun 2022 • couples

We were very lucky that river house restaurant was recommended to us. We went for dinner on a lovely Tuesday night. The seafood and also the dessert was amazing! Small but amazing restaurant with top service. We would suggest to bring cash as sadly no tips are accepted when paying with credit cards. Reservations are required, the restaurant seems to be normally fully booked. We will certainly be back when we visit Inverness again

Written 28 June 2022

Duncan B

1 contribution

Fantastic, as always!

Sept 2020 • family

First venture I've made to a restaurant since they have been open after lockdown. A part of me has been thinking the restaurant experience would be awkward and complicated with the appropriate measures in place. Was absolutely great to have a really nice and comfortable experience made purely possible by the great staff and wonderful atmosphere the restaurant always has. The food as always was fantastic, and it's still one of the few places in Inverness that doesn't fall down to inconsistency. Made possible by the continued hard work put in by the owner/chef, in my opinion it's one of the best plates of food you can get in Inverness, and coupled with the great staff in the restaurant that are friendly, professional and attentive it all adds up to a great meal every time! I would always highly recommend River House and would never hesitate to eat there! Thanks for a great meal!

Written 20 September 2020

JAMMY1963

Redditch28 contributions

Book or regret it!

Sept 2020 • couples

Had a memorable meal at this fabulous little family run restaurant whilst on a tour of Scotland. My husband and I loved everything about our visit. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome by the lovely waitress. We visited on a Thursday evening and every table was taken and yet it still maintained a lovely calm ambience with service spot on throughout our evening. All of our dishes were freshly cooked in the open plan kitchen, tasted delicious and were well presented. What made it so special for us is the characterful chef/ owner Alfie who takes time to come front of house to chat and check all is ok. Only wish we didn’t live 466 miles away or we’d be back tomorrow! Thank you Alfie and team.

Written 15 September 2020

Diana M

1 contribution

Welcoming,friendly staff and good food

Feb 2022 • family

Went here by pure accident , didn't know this place existed !! The oysters were amazingly fresh . the mussel dish it was to die for as the mussels were huge , sweet and fresh. No chew to them, however I personally did not enjoy the sauce my husband did, please don't take this as offence but I found it slightly bland for my pallet ! Could of done with a little bit of garlic etc I use to be a chef my self . I have tested many many mussel dishes but unfortunately this was bland for me and my son however I understand sometimes chefs tend to keep it simple to enhance the flavour of the product but this was not for me the sauce itself it was not terrible by all means but I felt it didn't go perfectly with the mussels again personal preference based of same dish eaten somewhere else ! The owner and the Waiter were extremely welcoming and very tentative , worth our nearly 108 pounds spent there with puddings and drinks . I will visit again next time I am in Inverness if not moving here . I highly recommend the place . maybe next time the chef can twick a bit the sauce for me I can help you haha !!

Written 23 February 2022

Millie

Woodley5 contributions

We celebrated our anniversary

Aug 2020 • couples

We celebrated our anniversary here on Saturday and the food was exceptional. I have a dairy intolerance and the waitress and chef personally came to discuss my options, which put my mind at rest immediately. We had the oysters (the grey goose vodka oyster was such a fun experience), the scallops starter was the best thing my boyfriend has ever eaten (he’s still drooling over them). The fish stew was bursting with all the seafood you could think of and the wine list was great. Thank you for an amazing night.

Written 31 August 2020

David G

Inverness831 contributions

Lovely Evening

Feb 2020 • none

My wife and I had a really enjoyable meal on Valentines night at the River House. As always the food was first rate and the scallop starters were a real treat. We each had a different fish main and they were both cooked to perfection. Puddings were a real delight too. The staff were all really nice and welcoming and the atmosphere in the restaurant was really relaxing. Another lovely experience!

Written 16 February 2020

JRR101

73 contributions

Lockdown lunch

Oct 2020 • couples

Have wanted to try the a la carte but not possible at the moment so went for the shortened menu on offer. The chef/patron acted as a genial host present but not overly so. Bread and seaweed butter, with crab on a crumpet topped with caviar for starters. All lovely. My wife had a selection of crudités which were even better and I followed up with mussels which were done perfectly with none failing to open. Keen to go back when possible for the full menu and wine (which would have been lovely). Good for couples and fine for children (of a more adventurous persuasion). Great service. Thank you

Written 24 October 2020

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RIVER HOUSE RESTAURANT, Inverness - Updated 2024 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor