Riva Meze Bar & Grill in Rochford

We had a lovely family meal yesterday at Riva Meze in the high street Rayleigh. One of our favourite restaurants in Essex. Excellent food and service as always. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommend a visit. Thank you Deniz and the team at Riva, see you again very soon. Richard

Loverly food Make you feel very welcome We always go with Family there

**Update** Since my original review, we have now eaten at Riva and the overall rating remains pretty much the same. The service is professional and friendly, but the food took quite a long time to arrive. The atmosphere is fine but a little muted, perhaps as it's quite a large space with high ceilings. The food is pretty good, although (in my opinion) there are better options for Turkish food nearby. *** I have given Riva 3 stars, despite not having eaten there. We booked a table for 4 people on Mothers Day, but there was a huge queue of people waiting for their table to become free. We had an 80 year old with us with mobility problems, so couldn't queue for long, so we went elsewhere. I am wary of places that overbook, especially on busy days like Mothers' Day.

We went for mother's day earlier today and as always we were not disappointed, the food is always top drawer service is outstanding the young owner/front of house is perhaps the best I have ever seen so attentive and aware of his floor and I've eaten In so many different restaurants all over the country over the years loved our latest visit and can't wait to return thankyou for a lovely afternoon

It was my first visit to Riva. I had the lunch menu, the food was really good, plenty of it and the service was equally good. Will definitely be going back.

Food was good service ok. Live music was too loud so when talking to friends ended up shouting. Paying by cash only was very disappointing with the excuse being the card machine not working. I have spoken to others who have dined here and they have been advised of the same having to pay cash!!

Great night. Excellent staff, super friendly. And the food was amazing Recommended

It's like going to visit your old friends or family, no matter what time we go, how busy they are we are always greated with a smiles. The food and service here is bespoke and very personalised. Thank you for looking after us ! see you soon!

Starters: Good Main: My lamb Beyti was just a long piece of kofta on top of a super thing piece of bread, couldn't be bother to do the dish properly. I even had to ask for the yogurt. My friend asked for chicken kofta got 4 pieces of flat dry chicken she only managed to eat 1 piece. My other friend got chicken shish kebab she said it was dry! The sides were good and cooked well. We were never offered othe menu apart from lunch one or a desert menu either. We left feeling disappointed and sad and robbed because I had seen the food photos on the website and what I got can't compare to the photos. By my experience today I can't recommend. "Yes, I do know what Turkish food taste and looks like as I am married to a Turkish man for the past 35 years"

Took for ever for the food to come and the waiters was rude not a good experience

Food was amazing, service was very good made my birthday very special absolutely lovely place

Food was brilliant, service was amazing. 10/10 definitely recommend. Staff were so good. Coming back 100%

The chicken wings are 🥵 but lovely 🥰

I had a good feeling in the shop, all the employees provided the things I needed very well, I will repeat this good experience again.👌👌

Amazing food and service always 10/10. Especially waiter amir.

The place was cold and the food was not great at all. It was also expensive. They need to make improvements.

We went here for dinner with a group of friends on a Saturday night. The food was alright, nothing to shout about, especially when we were kept waiting an hour for starters and another hour for our mains. Getting the attention to order drinks was difficult. It's a shame as a couple we went with had been a couple weeks before and said it was good. So recommended the group of us go. But they said that compared to their last visit the food wasn't as good and the service was poor. So standards obviously differentiate. I know you can't help if there is staff shortages due to unforeseen circumstances. But then I feel it's only courteous to let people know on arrival that there is going to be a long wait for food.

We got to take away from this place and it missed one item off the order. We gave them a call and stated the fact that it was missing one item. They got that missing item backgrounds of her house very very quickly and also gave us extras of another meal. Couldn't thank them enough. Really really great business and would love to go and try their food again. Thank you so much! It was greatly appreciated

Very busy night people & us waiting along time for food Staff trying to be helpful but the kitchen couldn't hand the pressure. They did take a couple of drinks off the bill We will go again

Lovely Turkish meal with friends. Even though it was a Saturday evening, the service was spot on. 👌

Food wasn't great and had long wait times for the food, when the mains arrived we sent most of them back as they weren't cooked, by that time we'd had enough, but to be fair to the staff they gave us a few free drinks and a free meze and we weren't charged for the mains, bit disappointing as we were all really hungry, we got some chips on the way home.

A very nice alternative to traditional British Quisine. Friendly staff and a very good selection of dishes on the menu. I had a mixed kebab and it came with rice and fresh salad. Great taste and a decent portion as well.

I am twelve, we parked outside to pick up, it was 1 minute wait and in within bottle of Fanta! On the house! The food was great, overall I give a five star.

Slow service but staff friendly.

Excellent Food Hampered by Long Wait Times & Poor Communication First off, the food was excellent. Very filling and expertly made. Kitchen and bathrooms were spotless. Unfortunately, we waited 45 minutes or so per course, and were thus there for 2-3 hours just for lunch. Additionally, the waitress who waited on our table spoke no English and would roll her eyes or shake her head and ignore us when we tried to ask for things. Thus ordering was frustrating and we had to get the attention of the manager / host. And this was one of the main issues - there seemed to be a breakdown in communication. We ordered some starters and only got told that they had run out of chicken for one plate once all of them were done - the manager seemingly did not know about the issue until all were done. This issue was also seen with the drinks - we ordered a drink and got it, then right as we are about to leave the manager man who speaks English tells us it's 2For1 on drinks - maybe you could have told us that during the 2 hours we were waiting for the food? This place has great food but the service leaves a lot to be desired.

Excellent polite, friendly service. Food very good, big spacious restaurant. Atmosphere was a bit quiet as not many customers because it was a wet Monday Night however nice background music. Premises very clean, toilets excellent including a very well equiped spacious disabled toilet, I am currently in a wheelchair and the venue was excellent for chair users, level entrance, all on one level (including toilets) wide aisles between tables.

The food is amazing, I asked the waiter for his recommendation and was not disappointed. It was a bit slow for my liking but maybe its intended so people can chat. Who knows but will definitely recommend.

No table ready despite booking for 14 people weeks before and confirming a few days beforehand. Service slow. Staff pleasant and not expensive

The only thing I would say let it down, ever so slightly, was that service to order a drink took a while when we got there but, otherwise, absolutely fantastic and planning a Ladies Night with the girls already!

Great service, food was on point, hot tasty and nicely presented. Portions are generous. Hummus is very tasty. I would definitely recommend it.

Food is always amazing, venue is lovely. Service is absolutely incredible, the staff can't do enough for you and nothing is too much trouble.

My favourite restaurant in Essex by far! Not only is the food amazing, the staff are so funny and friendly, the decor in the restaurant is so stunning and it’s such a nice vibe. Perfect for lunch or dinner with a partner, friends or family. I’d recommend to anyone who loves Turkish food… or a good cocktail! The cocktails here are incredible!!! I’ve been to this restaurant twice and are itching to find an excuse to come for a third visit. I’m trying to find space to fit it in in the next few weeks. Think I’m going to be a regular customer☺️☺️☺️

Sort and simple, I will highly recommend this lovely turkish restaurant to anyone. The customer service and food is always 10/10.

Our favourite place to eat! Fab Lychee Martinis to start, the food is amazing and the service is the best!

Absolute delight to have lunch here. Food is amazing and very generous portions. The staff are excellent and very helpful. Will for sure return for an evening meal. Many thanks to the members of staff for a very nice lunch.

Really lovely food 😋 friendly staff just a lovely restaurant can't wait to go again

Love this place. The staff are excellent and always happy to go off menu! Would recommend

Nice restaurant, manageable portion sizes, reasonable prices, lovely staff!

The food was delicious and we were so looked after by Denis. They could not do enough for us. We were a party of 12 for a friend’s birthday and everyone had a brilliant lunch. We will definitely be back.

Not been before. I have seriously been missing out. Food beautifully cooked, Presentation great. Atmosphere great. Service great. Loved it. Thankyou.

Lovely restaurant food was amazing, staff were very friendly and atmosphere was lovely highly recommend will be eating here again!

First time here, one of the best I've been to. Will be coming back soon

Had a visit on a Sunday night after a few libations in the Crafty Cask. Staff were superb, food was great. Will go again

Very happy to make changes if requested but go on a quiet day or service can be quite slow. Looks like takeaway meals are super popular there.

Best place Turkish restaurant I eat brilliant people brilliant place tasty food 🙏thanks for best experience

Great food and attentive staff. The lamb chops were the best I've ever had! Made my brother's birthday extra special by announcing it to the restaurant and having everyone sing happy birthday to him. We'll definitely be back!

Food was amazing, drinks are so so good. Service was lovely they are very attentive.

Our dinner was perfect, everything was delicious we all loved the experience.

Amazing food, huge portions, fantastic service. This place is great fun too. The team there were so friendly.

Everything was great even their chose of my typical Turkish main course.

Beautiful food, amazing drinks and lovely staff

Had a booking for a group of 8. Welcoming staff, delicious food. Had the Spinach and Feta Borek as a started and a chicken kofte as main. Look forward to coming back asap

A 'LIVE' Snail found in the salad. Went there for Mother's day with our sons. Chef's attitude stinks. Walked out... THANKS for spoiling my wife's day.

Great food and great service, would highly recommend and I will defo be going back.

Lovely food, great staff was very accommodating and boxed what I left to take home. X

Superb food. Service was a little slow with only one person actually taking orders although it was a full house. Even so, they were still friendly & professional. I will definitely be back, very soon hopefully, & would thoroughly recommend.

We booked Riva for my wife’s birthday yesterday, it was our first visit. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Food was beautiful, other Turkish restaurants we have visited have overcooked the chicken, not the case here, perfect. Riva mixed grill and mixed kebab were both superb. Cocktails are very well made. Highly recommend, great night.

Amazing food, great staff, wonderful atmosphere!

May have been very unlucky on this Sunday lunch time, unfortunately didn't enjoy it, the service wasn't very good, and the food seemed to be reheated and served warm, and not cooked very well, The food didn't seemed to be cooked over charcoal like most Turkish restaurants. That was my experience, maybe on another day other customers might have had a better experience.

Under all the devastation in turkey……. Riva still provided the best nite , food , atmosphere, attentive and polite always. Worth every penny, very affordable and loads of it. My prays are with you turkey …..God bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Lovely meal, booked for a birthday. We were one of only 2 other tables in the restaurant, but I guess it wasn't busy due to it being midweek late in January! Staff were attentive and helped us move table to a warmer part of the restaurant when we asked! Music was nice and loud when they brought out the birthday cake! With staff coming over to sing!

lovely meal and attentive staff

When here for the first time a few weeks ago , it was rather expensive. The food was good but the drinks were very expensive.

Had lunch today at Riva. Best food ever. Great staff, great food, great wine, fantastic

Delicious food, great service, thanks very much for having us...Happy New Year!!!

Lovely social event with friends. Food good, staff good, atmosphere good.

Lovely meal with friends. Food was excellent & staff very polite and attentive would definitely recommend

Excellent customer service and really nice fresh Turkish food. Had a really nice vegetarian lunch.

Excellent food and service, lovely meal in a great atmosphere.

Good food spacious and comfortable certainly worth a visit.

Great time lunch with my sister 'Freda' and my daughter... clean, friendly and enjoyable

Ordered a takeaway of hot meze, hummus and lamb. It was absolutely stunning and I would absolutely order again. Thank you.

Enjoyed the food and staff great. Lovely set menu too

Had a takeaway from Riva and it was delicious! Quick delivery and food was really good. Generous size portions!

Amazing food, great service! The quality of the food was so good and delivered promptly.

OMG this restaurant is lovely. The food is fresh flavoursome and well presented. The staff are polite attentive and curtious. The lunch menu has plenty of choice. Will definitely be returning.

We called in for an early dinner the other week and it was superb! Very polite and welcoming, food was amazing and will definitely be back 😋

If i could give more than 5 stars i would. I had the best experience at Riva from start to finish. I went along with my cousin for a girls night out and we will definitely be making this a regular thing. We were greeted by friendly staff who were very attentive throughout the whole meal. The food was fresh and delicious and portion sizes were big - great value for money. This place would be perfect to take a family or for a nice catch up with friends. A very vibrant atmosphere. Well Done Riva, keep up the good work 👏

Amazing food and cocktails. Every dish we had was lovely and the portions were huge! The staff were very friendly and attentive. A really lovely restaurant, would recommend!

First time ive been to the resturant the was 10/10 will recemond you guys to come and try staff very friendly

The food was delicious staff very friendly

This is the second time I've visited Riva, and it certainly won't be the last. The first time I went with my family and the second with a couple of friends. Both times were exceptional. The service is top-notch and the food fresh, delicious, and vibrant. Everything has really improved since the new management team and owners have taken over. From the welcome and first order of drinks to the main course and complimentary Turkish Delight at the end, everything was just perfect. Dennis, our waiter, was very attentive and remembered me from our first visit, even remembering my son and giving me a little something to take back for him. He loved it by the way! Thank you. Now that is personal service and it means a lot. I'm looking forward to coming back very soon and trying something different from the menu. The lamb shank is so amazing that I've had it both times now, but I really must try something new. Top marks to the kitchen for the great food. Can't wait to come back.

Just stopped on my way from helping a friend with some bits. Wanted to buy a Kebab from the shop next door. As it was close I went into RIVA. Everything is spotless and brand new. I was greeted by the chef. Not a lot of people inside, but then I realized they have just opened. As it stands they are not even a week old . I grabbed a menu and got the Chicken a la Creme and sat outside. When food came Boooom. Speachless. Could not stop eating . The plate looked great. I do not take pics of food. I'll let you be the judge but you definitely won't be disappointed Best Turkish I had in England. This place it's on its way to be packed. You must give it a try ASAP.