Rivers Edge Cafe in Epping Forest

Me and 3 members of my family came here for a breakfast and it is truly a nice place to eat, there is a nice atmosphere and a wonderful smell when you enter. Our food was delicious and we definitely would come back. Even though we came from about 45 minutes away and it was worth the drive. My food was about £9.50 and it really did fill me up. Tip - if there is no parking spots at the restraint park at the pub next door. You will have to pay £2 though for parking.

We went to the river palace cafe this morning, thinking we would get a good breakfast going by past reviews. Ordered the early breakfast which was very poor in quality and variety 👎🏻 bacon & sausage sandwich low quality bacon and no flavour to the sausage, scrambled egg on toast…. Awful the egg was microwaved to death, hard and rubbery, I also added bacon & mushrooms when it was brought out to the table I saw a hair straight away within the egg so went back to the guy who sheepishly said oh and took it away, the man in the kitchen and four others decided to look over it and then I saw him remove the bacon and place on another plate, made new scrambled egg on toast but again over done in the microwave. I then watched as the woman who had been cleaning the toilet went into the kitchen touch food areas, a guy and a chef removed some cardboard out to the bins then back into kitchen at no point did any off them wash their hands, no hair nets or beard covers being worn. One guy went into the kitchen started eating food from on the side and other older man all in black was with him drinking whilst all the time on their phones, smaller man after eating in the kitchen then went out for a cigarette and on return to the kitchen did not wash his hands. When it came to paying they had the audacity to charge us for the replacement scrambled egg on toast 😡 I would NOT recommend going there and I will not be returning. You need to be aware that your customers may come from a food hygiene working environment and are fully aware of how a kitchen should be run. I find it very hard to believe you are 5🌟rated having witnessed your hygiene practices.

First time here . The place seemed clean. Decided to and was asked how many items of each would like . So I chose one egg ( size of a quail egg) 2 bacon. Tin tomatoes ( which was totally dried out) and mushrooms ( could not give them a quantity ) Sorry ! 2 slices of thick bread with some type of cheap fatty spread. My friend had a sausage sandwich with onions( must not forget the onions) one cup of tea . One green tea £19.85 which would be fine if it was quality. But I just felt totally confused about the prices for this poor food. Plus why wasn't I offered a bill ??? . Just to stand at a till and shouted £19.85 . Is this to save the planet on paper?? Or is something else going on ???? No bill ? No visit ?? Not very transparent in my experience. I could not even see the figure on the till . Looking at the other reviews ?? Was I over charged??

We come here most weeks as its the best cafe around. Big portions, well cooked, lovely location, good service and a nice atmosphere. Reasonably priced too. Highly recommend.

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK YOUR BILLS used to visit this place quite regularly always questioning. The amount paid never asked for a bill which is a mistake. The one time I did ask I was overcharged for things I didn’t even order or receive. When I confronted the big guy behind the till he’s on no apology. No I’ll take it off but all the computer just done it. It’s hard times for a lot of people and some people. This is a treat to be able to go out and eat last thing you want is to be ripped off.. The location is fantastic because the council Car Park , but unfortunately we will not be returning and will definitely not recommend anyone. And also when I speak to other people around these industrial states that have visited no surprise that they’ve all had the same issue with being overcharged. Completely unacceptable. We all make mistakes in life is how we correct them and common decency is to apologise with immediate effect.

Great brunch with a confusingly massive choice of different all day breakfast options, as well as traditional lunch items. Good choice to go over the road from the campsite or after a long walk up and down the Lee Valley canal/riverside Hearty homely food rather than anything flash & fancy, and that is exactly what was needed

We were out walking along the river to Dobbs Wear and we only popped into the cafe to see if they did milk shakes. It turned out that they did. They were nice, but no strange to the syrup - perhaps the most sugary milkshake I have ever encountered. We were not put off though and decided to have some breakfasts too. I had the Big Breakfast as it had two eggs and no chips. It was very nice. If you are thinking of visiting, and find yourself using the disabled toilet, move about a bit because the light goes off if you are still. We may well go back.

We come to this cafe frequently over the year. We found it through my brother who is a regular. The breakfast menu is great and the quality of food is delicious. The staff are always on hand and very friendly. looking forward to coming again soon!

Have been here a couple of times now. It’s a great cafe. The food is great quality, well priced. The service and staff are excellent. Highly recommend the breakfasts.

All good, wide choice of decently priced food on menu. Generous portions, v.good ingredients used. Sausages are a yummy,tasty banger. Bacon same. Salad fresh & crispy. Service polite & prompt. We will be back, keep up standards. We enjoyed it .

Came here for a quick breakfast. Stood in front of the till area for around 10 minutes whilst 2 staff were talking too each other and some guy was sat down with his head in his hands. After 10 minutes; the guy looks up and says,"are you sitting in or taking away" and then promptly tells us to sit down and wait for someone to come and take our order when we say we are "sitting in". That right there was awful. After a little wait, a lady comes over and begins to take our order - as we state what we want she makes two mocking remarks regarding our accent without the intelligence to further the conversation making it appear downright rude. Anyways, food was okay but must be rare in the south to get decent places considering its high rating. Come to the North! One young girl who brought our cups of coffee was lovely and the man who helped us pay the bill was lovely as well.

Lovely cafe , first impression is how clean and shiny it is followed by how friendly the staff are . After a very short time your meal turns up , a large portion and well presented , cooked to perfection and tasty , tasty , tasty ! A few months ago , when covid was still a problem the staff happily brought our food to us next to the river , we never even asked for this , what service !! Can't recommend enough .

We visited here today for breakfast. Three families of 4. The food was hot, tasty, well cooked and nicely presented. Lots of different orders from sandwiches, omelettes and full English but everything came as requested and in great portion sizes. Plenty of staff so all was quick and efficient. Highly recommend.

This is a little gem amazing food and prices great staff caters for adults and kids great babies changing area nice and clean highly recommend 👌

Went with the family, driven past it but never stopped before. Good size meals, and good value of money. Nice range on the menu.

First time here since it changed hands. Didn't expect much following the reviews but I was pleasantly surprised. I had lamb chops with vegetables for Sunday lunch and it wa delicious. Couldn't fault the food or the staff who were really friendly and helpful. Will now resume visiting here on a regular basis.

Well I paid a visit to this excellent cafe by dobbs weir I found a jem of a place.Not only is it in a perfect setting but this cafe was spotlessly clean the food was fantastic and the menus are so good.Thanks to the people who run this place had a fantastic experience and will visit you many times.Isaid I would blog this place because I believe it is well deserved pay this place a visit people and enjoy.

Been going here for years. As our favourite cafe. Must have changed hands. Didn’t recognise any of the staff. Left half my meal Spanish omelette & chips. My husbands scampi rock hard and peas also hard. Chips not cooked properly. It’s a shame as toilets been renovated and it’s spotless inside.

Amazing food, excellent portion size, friendly atmosphere have been a few times and have been totally satisfied every time.

Visited the place twice on our trip to Canterbury and on our way homeWhat a delightful place with very friendly staff and very good quality ingredients we both had a sandwich going and on our return we both had a breakfastReally good food good for everyone

This has changed hands since before lockdown, it was a place we used to regularly have lunch in. It's really gone down hill! We should have guessed why few people choose to eat there now as the car park was nearly empty and there were lots of vacant tables. We ordered our food, how can a cafe run out of jacket potatoes at lunchtime? So after being told there were no Jack Pots left we opted for plain tuna salad; it stated on the menu that salads come with boiled potatoes. When they arrived they had no potatoes. I pointed it out to the waitress who said if you want potatoes with the salads you have to order them separately and, if you do ,they'll take time to cook. We didn't bother. We were later told they had run out of potatoes so it was just as well we didn't wait for the non-existent potatoes to arrive.The tuna on the salad was mixed with a whole heap of mayo, it was sat on a pile of iceberg lettuce, a few slices of tomato and a minuscule amount of sliced tinned olives, a few kernels of sweet corn and sliced peppers. That was it!Won't be retuning, it's a great pity as it's set in a nice location.

Just do not bother coming, food comes before your drinking. Plus the lady serving doesn’t understand English.

After a nice walk along the River Lea, popped in to the cafe. A great decision. We both opted for the quarter pounder with cheese and bacon. Tasty burger, a huge amount of bacon, cheese and fried onions in a really fresh bun with crispy fresh lettuce. Amazing.The staff were welcoming and friendly and the place was really cleanWill definitely visit again

Great little place with good food and service. I can highly recommend the cherry pie and custard. Be prepared for huge portions that are great value for money

This is a fantastic cafe with really great food at very reasonable prices. There are plenty of choices on the menu and service is super fast. The place is very clean and well maintained.

We had a wonderful meal as always. Wonderful staff. Good portions fair price. Would definitely recommend.

As we do not ride our bikes so much in winter our visits to the Palace have been few and far between. However, now we are back in the saddle so to speak I can report that The Palace is just as good now as it was before Christmas. The coffee is excellent as is the service. Absolutely top-notch all around.

10 out of ten for service and cooking skills , and such a very good menu and i love their sunday roast but wish they could add turkey or beef as the lamb lets it down a little as too much fat. had many different food there with a large amount of food every time. i have a drink at the pub across the road but eat here as so much better and great value for money. thanks , will be back soon.

We received a fantasticly warm welcome that matched the coffee and breakfast. Everything was served with a smile in good time. The eggs like the rest of the breakfast were hot, well cooked and tasted great.The tables were clean and tidy and the floor well swept. We were provided with a daily newspaper as well.This brilliant cafe just keeps on getting better.

Went here for breakfast, which was outstanding. Been here on a number of occasions now, for breakfast and lunch, wide variety of choice available, reasonably priced, great tasting food. Very polite and well mannered staff.

met a couple of friends here for lunch. very basic but the food and service are good. lots of variety on the menu and very large portions. it was busy but we didn't have to wait long for our order so a good place to go to in your lunch break. great. location if you are fishing or having a nice walk along the river lea.

The location is lovely, if a bit spoilt by the busy car park.Nice location overall but the food was poor quality. Cheap looking plastic packaged cakes. Nothing looked home made (which might be a good thing). The toasted sandwiches were half cold when we got them, and the fillings were pretty tasteless.All in all am extremely disappointing stop.Won't be going back.Shame because some years ago the small little café there was brilliant.

We have been to the Palace many times and we have never been disappointed. The service like the welcome is always exceptional. The coffee is top-notch, like their fare and the tables and floor are always clean and tidy.With all the effort they make, there is only one score, a big fat five.

Breakfasts are great, and jacket potatoes, homemade curry, chilli con carne, and kebabs, all so good and salad is the best ever! Roast dinners too, lots more on the menu, we eat here regularly and it is always excellent! The staff are great and prices very reasonable

Been to several cafes on this site over the years. At the moment this place is excellent. Great breakfast, friendly efficient staff and good value. What’s not to like.

The best cafe for mikes around. Huge portions, awesome friendly staff and fantastic food! Highly highly recommend.

A clean and popular cafe with friendly staff and exceptional service. The cafe is situated next to the river with a free car park available. The variety and quantity of food is amazing and the prices are good value for money. Highly recommended.

Stopped here when cycling along the Lea Navigation. I only had a bacon sarnie and a cup of coffee but both were good. The service was fast, even though the place was busy, (it seemed very popular) and the menu showed lots of meals all at very good prices.

Nice cafe which went a bit down hill at one point . This cafe has now been massively sorted out , great food and service . The manager (Surag) is absolutely fantastic and will always go the extra mile , So much more than a greasy spoon !

Every time we go to the Riverside Cafe we are never disappointed. The service is so warm and friendly and the coffee is definitely a cut above the rest.

We visited this place to give their breakfast a try. My other half had a set breakfast and I had an omelette with salad. Her breakfast was good and the food was hot. She asked for a soft runny egg but it came slightly soft but apart from that we were happy.

A brilliant menu of breakfasts, lunches and even Sunday roasts - we can’t recommend highly enough! The food is fresh and not swimming in grease, with a range of options for vegetarians too. The staff are friendly and very attentive 👍🏼

What a little gem have a lovely lunch very friendly highly recommend outside seating was dog friendly too

Absolutely love the sausage here, great service and food, never had a problem eating here, highly recommended

We were made to feel very welcome and after taking our order for two coffees we sat down and waited for them to bring them over. As always the coffee was delicious, full of flavour and hot.

Friendly service, great value tasty food and a lovely location. The menu offers a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options to suit every taste.

Great value for money and huge portions. Lovely little cafe and a nice spot by the river. Would recommend.

Great breakfast, timely and beautifully clean. Large portion and good value for money, thank you ...

I needed some lunch and popped in, I had driven past on a number of occasions so didn't know what to expect.

I am a frequent visitor to The Palace Cafe and I am always very pleased with the coffee and service. As always the tables like the floor was spotlessly clean and tidy.

This place has really gone full circle. Started out great then had a bit of a blip ! Been back here many times recently and it’s really turned around . Always happy service , fresh food and even does nice salad (and I’m not a salad kinda person ) ! Keep it up guys your smashing it

As we arrived on our bikes the rain changed from a light drizzle to a real downpour.

Stumbled across this place after a dreadful experience in the pub opposite. The staff here were friendly, professional, lovely menu, reasonably priced. Free parking. We had lunch. We ordered a jacket potato and two sandwiches plus drinks. Whilst we waited for our order, which wasn't too long, everything we saw being delivered to other tables looked lovely. Service with a smile goes a long long way and they have got it right here. Only a tiny tiny critism would be that the sandwiches that were ordered could have been cut into dainty triangles rather than just cut in half and a bit of garnish on the plate would have been nice too. The jacket potato had a lovely garnish. Will definately go back.

My wife & i stopped off with our two grandchildren for a couple of coffees, a couple of canned drinks & either a cake or a chocolate bar for each of us & we still had change from £10 !

Massive portions, veggie options, excellent friendly staff. Brilliant breakfasts and dog friendly. A gem.

Came across this cafe when visiting the pub opposite. Decided to have a brunch here based on the good reviews and we weren't disappointed!

Really good food, freshly prepared, tasty, big portions for good prices. Staff was friendly and helpful, highly recommend

Four of us were camping at Dobbs Weir and popped in for a brekky, the food and service was very good, everything was correct and the food was hot and very clean.

Very friendly staff everytime, excellent value for money, well cooked and good quality food used. Portions are very large, sometimes too large.

We had an early start and was surprised to find the cafe very busy. The service was, as expected, warm polite and friendly.

Wow wow wow these guys get it right every single time me and my wife go there. Any time you want a place to go, and have a nice bit of food breakfast, lunch or dinner any day the food here is amazing and it's fresh and hot. Never ever had a problem and good service and value for money

Out on the bikes we only stopped for a coffee but the service was just the same as before, warm, polite and friendly. The coffee was top class, with a wonderful flavour that stayed with me whilst I pedalled along the towpath.

We stayed at the nearby Lee Valley Caravan Park for a weekend and visited this little cafe for breakfast.

We came across this little gem of a cafe and cannot recommend this cafe highly enough for their fantastic customer service amazing food which is such value for money even to their own handmade specialty cakes delicious! We will be returning for sure!

I stopped there today for lunch with 3 friends on a walk from lee valley. The food was very very good and the staff really friendly will definately go back for more . Especially the chicken kebab with rice and salad best I've tasted and prices cheap.

Staff lovey & friendly couldn’t do enough fo us. All had panini’s with chips. 6 meals & 4 cans of coke £32. Excellent value. Will be back

Good value for money - would far rather eat here than in the pub over the road, free parking, cheerful staff, good food

Top food a good cafe. Very large portions. Food quality too. The staff are extremely friendly and all had big smiles

Been here twice now for breakfast. Lovely hot fresh cooked food. Eggs cooked to perfection and nice crispy bacon, just the way I like it. Staff attentive and very friendly. Have to go back and try their lunch as it looks so tasty. Highly recommend this cafe

Coffee and a Panini tuna melt was ordered and was delivered in good time. The panini was hot and tasted very good as the cheese had melted completely. The tables were cleaned almost immediately the customers left. A most enjoyable break and excellent value.

Stopped here for coffee and a sandwich. Service great. Coffee nice and hot and the bacon sandwich was fresh and tasty. You can see the kitchen. The cafe menu is fairly extensive. Cafe very clean and reasonably busy for a Sunday afternoon. The roast dinner looked huge (£8.95!!).

After a lovely walk around Dobbs Weir we decided to stop for some lunch here. We were met by friendly smiles and a warm welcome.

We often ride our bikes from Dobb's Weir and the Riverside Cafe provides us with a very welcome start to...

Great food, nice prices and good service!! We stayed at nearby Dobbs Weir and popped in for breakfast/brunch, they have...

What a lovely cafe for breakfast. very clean, lovely staff and excellent breakfast. Also took away some canoli which were...

Brilliant, just brilliant, keep doing what your doing, and I'll return with others too, thank you so much for what...

Great setting and we have used several times in the past. This must have changed management or something because this...

Talk about fast, the omlette came within minutes and was so large my wife had to pass some to me!...

This was the first time that we’ve been here for around ten years & obviously since the change in ownership & wow what a contrast !

Rápidamente servido por un personal amable. El extenso menú de cafetería. Bueno, la comida recién hecha. Precios razonables. Cafe está en una buena ubicación para un paseo del río.

Fuimos para una visita hoy con la familia. Precioso lugar limpio, muy agradable y un servicio rápido. Todos tuvimos un desayuno caliente pero todas diferentes y no hubo quejas de todos nosotros 4. La comida estaba caliente todo bien preparado y no grasienta. Había un montón de cosas y nos costó claro nuestros platos. Volveremos! !

El café estaba muy lleno, pero aún así nos sirve con nuestro café rápidamente. Afuera, en el aire fresco fue una escapada de lo más agradable donde pudimos leer el periódico todos los días que me brindaron.

The cafe has a good menu, the staff were friendly and efficient, food was good value. Clean environment, dog friendly outdoors

A friend and I regularly walk to Dobbs Weir where we often stop at the Rivers Edge cafe. Breakfast here is very good along with good service from pleasant staff.

This is now called River Palace Cafe. A lovely little cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. A whole range of food is on offer including all day breakfasts and lunches. We were served very quickly and had our food within 5 mins. All fresh and tasting delicious. The staff member - possibly the owner or manager shook our hands on the way out which we thought was a nice gesture. Situated on the river this is s great spot for breakfast or lunch. Thoroughly recommend and will be returning soon!

We visited about a year ago and it was mediocre to say the least. I gather there has been a change in ownership.We visited again today. Food was super fresh and very reasonable. All freshly made in no time. Staff working together as a team.We will definitely by coming back very soon.Well done to all

Best breakfasts, jacket potatoes, omelettes and salads are all superb, everything is so fresh and tasty. Staff are fabulous and seating area outside is great, chairs really comfortable. Highly recommend this great cafe, excellent food and staff. Thank you so much for always making our visit such a pleasure. Selina X

This cafe has changed both in ownership and style.Now its brighter and probably a tad cleaner, especially in the lavatory department than the cafe of old. We only had poached eggs on toast, with coffee but it was perfectly adequate, not over priced, and the service and welcome was spot on.

Called in as working local had the early morning breakfast £5.30 bacon egg sausage beans toast and coffee all products off good quality and served quick and hot staff very effective place is spotless nice to be served by people who put the customer first will definitely be calling back

Really lovely good quality food, a little bit more expensive than your average cafe but you get what you pay for it's worth it! Staff always lovely and welcoming

food excellent, very clean everywhere, nice friendly staff once visited never forgotten carpark small patio for summer very close to the river lea and a pub enjoyable walks in the surrounding areas

Perfect for an omlette and chips if you've had a nice walk by the river. Polite, friendly service and you can sit outsideIf weather allows. Varied menu, proper cafe food, if that's what you fancy. My omlette was lovely, well cooked with a good salad. Children also well catered for here!

I'm in here most days for lunch as I live rite next door very clear all ways happy foods very good my family come up from Hemel once a week I take them in there never a problem all so my husband left his wallet in there I sent my friend to go and get it and he refused to give it him witch I fort was good in away as it could of been any one so thank you

Actually now called the River Palace provides a great selection of cooked breakfasts, lunches and hot and cold foods. Excellent coffee, very quick service and good value. Highly recommended.

Food is alright for price and you can can sit outside. Owner is a little rude and clearly can't multi task.

Situated on the New River Lea this cafe is excellent location. With nice views of the river and good choice in food ok no gluten free but easy to choose difference meals

Came across this by accident and we were hungry This is close to the river and is popular with walkers and cyclists - and it is easy to see why Good service and the food is reasonably priced

On a family camping holiday on the nearby campsite, 8 of us called in for breakfast last Sunday. The service was impressive, the cafe was spotless and the food was good ! Would certainly recommend this place!!

Superb breakfast - sparkly clean and very good breakfast - perfect start to our day by the river - can't understand where the earlier reviewer would have been ?

We both ordered the chicken kebab after asking the helpful waiter for his recommendations for the day. Portions are huge! I couldn't finish mine but it was full of flavour with rice,salad, new potatoes and pitta. They have the little touches like brown sugar and even allow my dog to sit outside with us as we eat! Followed by a nice walk along the river. Perfect. Keep up the good work. See you again soon, Voulla and Dean