Rivaj in East Staffordshire

We booked earlier in the week, but somehow they couldn't find the booking. Nevertheless, they did find us a table. Food was average to good, but small portions compared to other Indian restaurants. They presented us with the bill after the main course which was very strange and said they were very busy. They obviously wanted the table asap and had people waiting for it. We asked for the desert menu and did get a desert and then left. Felt that we were being hurried!

Takeaway is always great. Always early, always hot, always good quality. At busy times they'll take the order, deliver and call back later for card payment. We cannot fault them and use them at least once a month.

A fantastic curry house with friendly staff and great food with a wife choice of options... The restaurant is not licenced , so take your own drinks ( Coop store almost next door with late opening for those last minute drink requirements) . In my opinion, the best curry house in Burton .

Friday night is our takeaway night from Rivaj. Always fantastic food with great taste although occasionally if busy may have to wait for 5-10 mins extra when collecting which is not a problem when the food is so good. Great friendly service.

Take away late as usual. Poor sizes Food luke warm. Will never order again Sheesh kebab starter. Chicken tikka masala small, Nan bread. Size of a small tea plate.

This is not Indian Restaurant, it’s a Bangladeshi Restaurant Unfortunately didn’t enjoy anything both veg and non-veg Request to owner please don’t spoil Indian cuisine name Just be proud of your country it’s Bangladesh cuisine

We ordered a takeaway. We’ve been using the Rivaj for years and always highly rated them, unfortunately not the last few months. The food portions were half of what they have been previously. No salad No sauces The chicken korma came with 5 small chunks of chicken. The starter was embarrassing! Really disappointed What has happened Rivaj??? Can’t believe how down hill it’s gone!!! 😞

Visited rival with my partner.. food was ok .. however the customer service was poor .. no sooner had we started with our pickles and popadoms .. they were trying to bring out our main courses. They did return to the kitchen but shortly after they were bought back out again .. No sooner had we finished our meals .. we were presented with the bill .. minutes later we were asked if we were paying cash or wanted the card machine It was evident they wanted our table .. l don’t expect to go out for a meal and be rushed to leave after an hour and fifteen minutes .. it would have been more pleasant to have allowed us to finish our drinks before demanding payment 😟 There were other people in the restaurant who were there when we arrived .. but obviously wanted out table Disappointing night out !!!

We are regular customers, tonight we ordered a takeaway by phone at 5.30pm for a 7.30pm collection. Arrived at 7.30pm waited about 10 minutes for the food. I don't mind waiting it means the food is not standing around and is deliered as fresh and as hot as possible. The food's always good and this is also worth the wait. I heard another guy waiting saying he didn't mind wating either as it is the best Indian in the area. we had poppadoms, mixed Balti, Balti chicken madras, pilau rice and naan breads. All delicious and no complaints whatsoever. Looking forward to our next meal from the Rivaj

The food , as usual , was exceptional. However, the wait beyond our collection time was unacceptable and the staff were rude and obnoxious, offering no apology and seemingly confrontational. Very poor customer service which detracted completely from the food itself

This restaurant was recommended, we had a take away ,I'm afraid we were disappointed it was expensive for what it was and a bit tasteless.

Table booked for 10 people at 830pm, never got seated until nearly 9. Waited 30 mins for anyone to come over. Finally someone came we we ordered popadoms and pickles, after finishing another 25 mins before the whole order was taken. Very slow in coming food coming out at all different times, felt by as if an 8 year old was running the place and was well out there depth. Very small cramped place. Will not return.

We had noticed Rivaj a couple of weeks ago when shopping nearby. Thought it looked nice and worth a try. And it was well worth it. We opted for pops & picks and just a main course each, comprising of lamb vindaloo, makhoni chicken balti, puri, cheese & garlic nan and pilau rice. It was all very fresh, tasty, just the right level of spice. The staff were friendly and the service was very quick despite the restaurant being full at 6.30pm. Price was very reasonable, but of course had to take our own beer as Rivaj don't serve alcohol. Strongly recommended.

The service started off quite well however soon went downhill. The food was well presented however some of our food lacked in flavour, one of the family had to ask for more spices as it was that bland. They overcharged us and blamed the pickle tray but the pickle tray was brought out with the popadoms, we weren’t asked if we wanted it and nowhere on the menu did it state there was a charge for this. The waiter was very rude and said we had overstayed we only had a booking until 8pm and we needed to quickly leave as there were customers waiting to be seated, our main course wasn’t serving until around 8.15 so how can’t hey expect us to leave when are food was not served to us until after.

Ordered a takeaway over the phone. Was told it would take 45 mins ! Got there on time waiting another 25 mins for the food to come. This a been the case on 2 other occasions ! Got the food home and it was lukewarm. Won’t be using this restaurant ever again!

We have only had takeaway until last week and it has always been excellent, served piping hot. Booked a table for a family birthday and staff accommodated two month old in a pram as well as a 3 year old. Fabulous food and we were well looked after. Excellent value for money especially that people can bring their own alcohol if they wish.

This is the second time we’ve visited. I can’t remember too much about the first time, which was pre-COVID. Inside is lovely and modern, the staff are very friendly and welcoming. I had Lamb Passanda, which is always a favourite. Unfortunately the iamb was a little bit tough, clearly needed to be cooked for some time longer. I know it’s difficult with lamb when food is made to order but other restaurants seem to manage it. The sauce was nice but made with cashews, the almond version for me is much richer and nicer. Rice and peshwari naan were fine. You can take your own drink in, which is a bonus. Given the competition in and around Burton - Apne and Anoki are both consistently top-notch, I think Rivaj needs to raise its game a bit. It’s not bad by any means, it just needs to be a bit better. I’d come back though and try something different, maybe avoid lamb.

Have been going regularly now and I must say the food is outstanding... Together with the service which is excellent. A little treasure tucked away in Branston and well worth a visit.

I usually dine in this restaurant. I decided to order a takeaway as we were self isolating and couldn’t leave the house. The food is always delicious when we dine in, the driver followed the instructions we had provided, it was delivered within the timeframe which was given by the restaurant (45 mins). We had a mixture of starters which included the Rivaj special mix, there was enough salad and sauces provided, my wife loves the mint sauce, so she loved it! I ordered the Chicken Silsila with a Garlic and Cheese Naan, my wife has the Tandoori Special, the food was pipping hot when it got to ours, we know from dining in the food is made to order, so this was even better to get it delivered on time and HOT! We will be back next week Rivaj!

Ordered take away tonight and it took a while. On arrival the currys were still holding enough heat but rice, bhajis and breads were stone cold..Picked up before and food has been fine but poor delivery. Mixed curry was bland so won't order again but partners dish was fine. Won't do delivery from here again. Restaurant usually good so won't stop using them for that.

A lovely restaurant for quality Indian food and a good atmosphere,we also have regular deliveries food always delivered on time and hot worth a every penny.

My wife and I are regular customers at this restaurant. The best around. Friendly staff and the food is always spot on. Highly recommend.

First time visit last night with friends that go regularly and we wasn’t disappointed one bit. Everything that was put on our plates was just delicious. The onion bhaji was the best I’ve ever eaten. So fresh and tasty. I could have had a plateful of them as a main and been happy. For main I had lamb biryani, hubby had for the first time chicken tikka masala, both were very good. The service was good for saying how busy it was and the staff were friendly. A great night with excellent food. Definitely recommend.

Have ordered numerous times and ate in, food is always to a really good standard, hot and quick to ready for collection. We also find it to be reasonably priced and it’s nice to be able to take your own alcohol in too.

Table booked for 8.00pm, by 8.20 we were still waiting to be seated, we could see that all the tables were in use and no indications that any one would be available soon. We decided to opt for a takeaway, we eventually left at 9.10pm with our bag of food. When we arrived home the situation didn’t improve, the food was not brilliant, my chicken dish was bland, the pilau rice was tasteless. We will not be returning.

Visited several times. Always friendly and attentive service. The food is always well cooked, well presented and tasty. Only negative is the service is slower than the norm. That’s all that’s stopping the first star from me.

We ate here for the first time last week and were very impressed with the service and the food. So much so that we returned this weekend. Both times on a Saturday we turned upon spec and they fitted us in despite being really busy. The food is really tasty. We tried different meals both times and are not disappointed. My chicken dhansak was one of the best i ever had. Can’t fault it and will definitely be back. Recommend.

This restaurant was recommended and didn't disappoint. Although a busy evening with a large party there,the staff worked well to serve our food quickly. Very enjoyable.

We have been here several times and usually good. Last night however was poor. Popadoms can quickly but I was questioned when asking for a second pickles tray. There was 6 people eating! We then waited over one hour to be served with our main course. The waiter was assembling the Tandoori Mixed Grill Special whilst stood in the middle of the restaurant! The food was lukewarm all be it tasty.After our meal we were asked to vacate the table for the next sitting. If they had served the food on time this would not have been an issue.To me the problem is they are too busy cooking takeouts.A real shame because normally a good low priced restaurant.

I compared this place to my favourite Indian restaurant to which I have been going for around 30 years and I have to say that it came a very close second. The food was beautiful! My sheekh kebabs came out on a sizzling plate complete with onions. Really tasty. The only thing I would say is that the service wasn’t as good as I am used to, but it was nothing to grumble about. Hot towels at the end was a nice touch. Got a voucher for 20% off in January. Would definitely recommend & would go again. Well done Rivaj, it takes a lot to make me visit somewhere other than my regular restaurant but I would certainly go back!

Beautiful food, good service. Bring your own drinks, including soft drinks I believe. Gets busy so best to book.

Big fan of this place. Ordered from here many times recently and the foods been great. The only downsides i've experience are that on one occasion the food wasn't the warmest on order collection, but was still very good overall. The other was when we eat in, it took a while to get seated and there isn't a very large seated area.These are very minor negatives though, because I've eaten there nearly 10 times now and it's been fantastic! Staff have been great too!

Our second visit in a couple of weeks. Both times (Saturday and Friday evenings at 7pm) we were shown straight to our table - 4 people. Attentive staff who served us our popadoms.You take your own drinks which keeps the cost down. The food was excellent and very tasty. First time Mixed Tandoori Special and last night Chicken Jalfrezi.A hit and we will be back. Thank you.

Disappointed with young waiter who discourteously informed us on arriving we should have also 'rang' to confirm online booking??? Food was excellent and other staff members very friendly.

Slow delivery. Poor excuses. Wrong order sent!! This was supposed to be a birthday treat for me, as my husband had had to cancel a restaurant reservation due to sustaining a back injury. The manager blamed his staff and made empty promises to appease. To cap it all, they sent lamb passandra instead of roghan josh (which is what we actually ordered). My husband felt bad enough about not being able to take me out for dinner, but this abysmal service just added to his distress.

Walked in and was (greeted ?) by a member of staff who asked if we had booked a table. I confirmed that I had made a booking online,the guy asked if I had also phoned then said that we also needed to phone as well. Never heard of this kind of booking before. We did stay and the food was excellent

Six of us dined at 10 pm on a Friday night. We had booked but it was not overly busy or uncomfortable at that time. The food was excellent in terms of choice, quality, quantity, presentation and value. The staff were attentive and helpful. Service was spot-on with all the meals for each course arriving together. Although the Rivaj doesn't have an alcohol licence, you can take along your own drinks and they will supply the glasses. Next door is the Co-op which is open late and also The Blacksmith's Arms just across the road, who are happy for you to take your drinks to the restaurant, as long as you return your glasses. The Rivaj also does a take-away food service. It was a great night. Without a doubt, we will return soon.

The Rivaj food is good but don't expect the huge menu you see on the internet. You can see it being cooked through a glass wall and the cleanliness is excellent. Although not the worst in Burton for noise it comes pretty high on the list when it fills up.

We order every other week and on this occasion dined in. Food lovely taste, lots of choice. Quickly served. Husbands favourite

Have ordered food from this restaurant 2, 3 times, absolutely delicious taste. Staff preparing food just behind a clear glass so all process can be seen and traced. Food packed well for collection. medium price range quick and polite service.

Had a lovely meal with friends. Best Indian I’ve been to. Staff were friendly and helpful and the ambience of the place was lovely Will definetly return for another meal in the near future

Fantastic meal. Best naans. Brilliant atmosphere. Lovely waiters. Nothing too much trouble. Recommend salmon bhuna.

Had a great time at Rivaj excellent service and great workers 👌🏽 will be returning soon 🤤👀 love the bring your own drinks !!

Just moved to the area and keen to try out the local Indian, so glad we did! A lovely little gem, tasty food, excellent service and superb value for money. We’ll be back for sure.

Booked a table and were sat opposite each other however when the table of 4 arrived next to us we were practically a table of 6!! Far to squashed up to enjoy a meal. Our conversation became the other tables chat too so nothing personal or initmate about this place. The food was mediocre, had better elsewhere.

Not licensed so took in a bottle of wine bout in the co op next door. Decor smart but basic. Food delightful. Lamb korma was light and tasty. Egg fried rice was light, interesting (lots of green bits) and lovely. Service professional and friendly. Excellent value for money.

I don’t know what that one person who gave negative reviews is talking about. I have visited at least 20 times with my husband or friend and family . Booking is never a problem all staff especially the manager ( blue shirt) are always polite happy and amenable. I am fussy and they make me whatever I want . If my husband wants more chicken and no onions that’s what they do . They are always asking at least 3 times is everything ok and once I wanted more chicken and straight away it was brought.

Clearly, despite glowing reviews, this place is not to our taste. We have visited now probably 6 times in all, On 5 of these occasions we have found the food to be lacking in positive flavours. Once, our penultimate visit, we thought there was improvement but now find it is no better than before.

Overall it was a pleasant inexpensive meal for 6 of us. We would go again and recommend a visit to judge for yourself.

Have been here 3 times now and I just can’t fault the place! Along with the amazing food, the staff are really friendly, there’s a relaxed atmosphere and you can take your own drinks - it’s fab!

Food and service are second to none here,can not recommend highly enough. The added bonus of taking your own drinks makes this a great night out and a good place to get togety

First time eating in this restaurant. Really enjoyed the meal. The service was also good. Would definitely eat here again.

Had a lovely meal last night at Rivaj. The restaurant staff coped well with our party of 15. We pre-ordered the food only a couple of hours before and they quickly got it organised. The food was very tasty - my husband’s balti was a little bit on the cold side, but that might have been his good manners - waiting for others before he started .

We had a lovely meal with friends. When we arrived they did not have our booking, but quickly rectified and accommodate us. The staff were very attentive and friendly. The food was beautiful very tasty. Would definitely recommend.

Been tonight with a friend . We both absolutely loved the food and the staff were very good. The ladies were spotless which is always a bonus !

Were made very welcome, and food was on a par with sister restaurant Bilash Spice at Stretton. Overall prefer the ambience at Stretton as we tables rather close together at Branston

This restaurant serves one of the best curries in Burton. The staff are extremely helpful and courteous and go out of their way to help. Great food and very friendly staff.

Visited Rivaj on a Saturday night in May with my boyfriend. Restaurant is relatively small with a few too many tables cramped in. However, on entering but all tables were full which is always a good sign.

Decided to visit as we had passed a few times in the car,glad we did as the food is very good and the staff very friendly. No bar so you have to take your own drinks but you have the co op next door so they are readily available.

Overpriced to the hilt, and have to collect as make you feel guilty asking them to deliver had heard good things but if you want to pay twice as much for half as much go ahead

A friend and I booked a table mid week, so it wasn't too busy. The service was friendly and quick with drinks and poppadoms being served immediately. We didn't have a starter on this occassion, however we both had a main course with rice. I had the chicken jalfrezi with mushroom pilau rice and my friend had chicken tikka off the bone with salad and rice. The portion sizes are perfect and you can see the food being cooked in the kitchen so you know it's fresh. On all occasions I have been to this restaurant the food has been gorgeous! I can highly recommend this restaurant, plus you can take your own alcohol, so keeps the cost down.

I've heard many good things about the rivaj and can agree with all the comments. It's a lovely setting and great food. The service is great and they are very friendly. I live in branston and my only concern is they will expand and move elsewhere

Excellent local food, very lucky to have this in our village , we have takeaways as well as eating in. Excellent food and service

Great food it's the spot take aways are good as well works out cheap because you take your own drink

Great service, best curry I've had in a long time and the pickle tray was fab. Will definitely be back. Also good for take aways too.

Family meal that delivered on all levels. Service you couldn’t fault, food to get your taste buds dancing and a bill that is way less than you’d expect. The imlea special purée and the Chicken Chilli Buna were amazing 👌

Booked a table for six people, 3 of which are vegan. Fantastic food and service, family from Kent said on Facebook " it was the best curry they have ever had ".

Recommended by friends to visit. Beautiful food, very friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere. Great value for money, take your own alcohol always a added benefit . Highly recommend.

I visited rivaj as part of a family birthday meal. I was really looking forward to it because I had heard good things. All I can say about the experience is disappointing. Waiting almost 2 hours for main meals and 45 minutes for 3 starters. And when the food arrived. It was bland tasteless and small portions. Will not be returning

While travelling in the area, checked out some Tripadvisor reviews and came across Rivaj. Newly opened, bright, modern and all reviews so far excellent. Can this really be true?

Three words that say it all. I recently visited Rivaj with some of my friends. I have to say we have been to a lot of Indian curry houses in my time, but this was one of the best. The service was absolutely brilliant, but the food! It was probably the best Indian I’ve eaten. We started of with the special mix starter, which is brilliant and gave us a selection of starters. I had the Kasia lamb Jalfrezi and the taste was something else. The strips of meat just melted into my mouth mixing with the jalfrezi flavour, which has a subtle kick (if you like hot, it’s the dish for you) I had a Keema nan, which had more than enough keema in it. My friends all loved the Baltis they had. Rivaj we will be back. (Thanks for the extra mints)

We'd heard positive things about this place despite it being fairly new. Just to clarify, the service was friendly and they were fairly attentive. However, although the place was small, they could not cope with a full house- we had to wait 1 hour 30 mins for our curry. As for the curry.. mine was described as slow cooked lamb with garlic, herbs and a hot spice. How was it actually? Bland. No spice and no flavour. The rice and naan were ok but will not be returning. Such a shame.

Excellent restaurant with lovely friendly staff and the best fresh food for miles Take own drinks always a added bonus

Just had the most fantastic meal at Rivaj Branston. Highly recommend. We will definitely be going back.

Visited on a Sunday evening in September. Friendly welcome from staff as we entered and service was excellent throughout our meal. Restaurant is very clean and bright looking and had a pleasant atmosphere. Food was superb, tasted very fresh and lots of flavour. The Chicken Madras Balti was delicious, just the right amount of spices for a fairly hot curry full of flavour and a generous serving with plenty of meat. Naan bread was very good, fresh, hot and cooked perfectly. Would definitely recommend anyone who enjoys a good curry giving this place a try.

One of the best Indian restaurants I have been to. It is very new; however it is still amazing, the food is delicious and there is a medley of different flavors in every dish. The service is good and we couldn't fault them at all for anything. It is only small although it is very busy.

One of the best Indian meals I have ever had, from the moment we walked through the door, the staff were very professional. The meal was cooked to a very high standard and could not fault it in any way. The prices were very reasonable and will not hesitate to recommend the establishment.

Just had one of the best Indian meals I have ever tasted. From the moment we walked through the door, through to our exit, the staff were amazing, polite and professional. The meal was full of mouth watering flavours and at a reasonable price.

This restaurant has just recently opened and I have to say I was very impressed. We went for a colleagues night out. The restaurant was very clean and the staff were very friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The food was amazing. I would definitely recommend.