Riverside Chinese restaurant in Cardiff

The Riverside Cantonese . Well this place has been my number one favourite place to go for things as birthdays, business meals, Christmas parties and just general wanting some god dam good food. Started visiting this restaurant about 1997 and been going regularly to the point they moved to the new location. No other restaurant in wales could complete no matter how well recommended places were this was the best. Signature rice dishes that tasted like heaven and my favourite the lemon chicken which just melted in your mouth. However over the last couple years things have declined - I don’t know if it’s due to new management but the new changes to the rice and some dishes are definitely not an improvement. The rice now tastes like it does everywhere else - bland with no flavours and we ordered our favourite lemon chicken and the sauce is now similar to what you get in a lemon curd jar . So so disappointing as over the years we have recommended this place to hundreds of people and now I haven’t been for a while . The last time we went everyone said the same that didn’t like it. When I mentioned going no one wanted to. I was so disappointed that I emailed the owner and asked about the changes which he confirmed they have altered recipes and since then I have had no response to whether it’s something they could look at changing back. It’s a real shame as this was undoubtedly my favourite place to eat out and now it’s just fallen on the long list of sub standard tasting food. Hopefully one day they might change

Très bon restaurant Un accueil parfait Et très agréable Une vision direct sur la cuisine qui permet de voir que tout est fait sur place Des portions individuelles conséquentes Des saveurs exceptionnelles Un échange avec le patron agréable Un coin salon bar ou on peut finir la soirée tranquillement Je conseille ce restaurant pour apprécier ou découvrir les saveurs orientales Toilettes très propres et accessibles Bravo et encore merci pour votre accueil

First visit tonight for my birthday meal and very nice. Clean, nice decor and toilets. Staff were pleasant and service quick. They clearly work very hard. Food: prawn crackers, pork lettuce wraps, prawn toast and vegetable spring rolls to start. All very nice. Main meal highlights were crispy beef, egg fried rice and sweet and sour king prawns. What we couldn't eat they packed up for us. Bottle of white wine was lovely. Busy trade but not loud.

Just returned from a fabulous New Years Eve meal. We are regulars, so I wanted to try something different - the soft shell crab; it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The other dishes, sweet and sour king prawns and beef in black bean sauce are always magnificent! I had a pork based rice which was superb. My compliments to the duty Chef 1 p.m. 31. 12. 23. I doubt if there’s a better restaurant anywhere in the U.K. Happy New Year, and see you soon!

Today’s meal was outstanding. The welcome was warm and friendly and we chatted to a lovely Chinese couple on the next table. I congratulated them on how much food they ate. It was truly impressive. We had 4 starters for 3 people which were piping hot and excellent ingredients. 3 mains of pork, chicken and crab with noodles and rice. Everything was freshly cooked to perfection. Great value for money too. The waitress even oped the rear door into the car park as it was raining. A great choice today. Thank you!!

We had one of the set meals and every dish was delicious! The service was great, friendly and helpful with our small children. We will absolutely be back - best meal we've had in a long time!

We took my dad out with the family for his birthday. The staff are ok but need more. There was a man with an apron on who didn’t care people were trying to get the waitress attention. It’s so noise in there like a roudy pub atmosphere. People were hanging around literally shouting. Not a family meal out vibe at all. It’s a shame I wouldn’t go back because the food was nice. Just the atmosphere doesn’t reflect the high price of the food.

Food quite average, but our friends noodles were burnt so couldn't eat them. Offered to take off bill instead of cooking new. Dissapointed with gluten free options for my wife ( although lots offered on phone when booking). Biggest put off was attitude of male taking our order. No customer service and seemed to be getting annoyed taking our orders. Won't be going back here again!

Had a take away on Sunday and it was absolutely beautiful. So tasty As good as it is in the restaurant (almost) Honestly the restaurant is brilliant food is amazing a must for anyone who likes cantonese food.

Great decor . Staff hit and miss. Most annoying is that it’s very noisy in the restaurant . Menu chosen was not delivered a different menu was delivered. All in all not a great experience for average food .

Very small portions for the meal for six. really slow service and none of the serves knew where the food was going. Multiple of drinks kept coming out and food came out very slowly and intermittently. Chicken dish in the set meal was like dog food, no one touched it. Really disappointed

We arrived on time and we’re greeted by a waiter who pointed to a table in the bar and said wait there . He virtually threw the Menus at us , I asked if we could order drinks and he curtly said yes , another person took the order and it was fine . He came back in about 2 minutes and wanted our order , we said we’d need more time , he went off in a strop . We placed our order and went to the table , the food was excellent , so perhaps a 2* is harsh , but this waiter spoilt the evening , my daughter-in-law wanted a dessert and he very rudely said , kitchen closed , this was 9:10pm , another waitress then asked if we wanted dessert and said that the kitchen closed at 9:30pm , we had the dessert , which again was excellent . My wife was so upset with his appalling attitude that she said despite the quality of the food she’s never go back . He was without a shadow of doubt , the rudest , most unpleasant person I have ever encountered serving in a restaurant. His attitude made Basil Fawlty look an amateur

Disappointing beyond understanding A favourite of ours for the the last six years, we both completely loved this place and visited at least once every 2 weeks. (Our records reveal 46 times in the last 2 years. Average spend £80 per visit). Mainly friendly staff. Most recent visit, very disappointing, and so when being presented with the bill and asked if everything was ok , for the first time ever , we complained and mentioned that the chicken dish had not tasted as nice as usual, (we’re pretty boring and have had this dish on umpteen occasions), we said food not so good tonight and not up to its usual standards and that we had not enjoyed that part of the meal particularly the fatty chicken. The waitress in broken English attempted to explain,which was difficult to understand but the upshot said she would speak to her boss.In seconds the card machine arrived without further discussion and so we approached the owner ( whom he and we are familiar) to explain directly to him as his English is excellent and he is familiar with our regular bookings . His attitude was completely dismissive and frankly rude. His very poor attitude and lack of empathy results in that we will never return. Sad, but do wonder how much longer they will trade in what is a difficult location with poor attitude.

We recently visited Riverside Cantonese on Leckwith Road for Sunday lunch and really enjoyed ourselves. The Staff were really friendly and welcoming. Nothing was to much trouble. We had a mixture of starters and mains all of which were excellent. Our starters included Prawn Toast, Pork Lettuce wraps, and vegatarian soup. Our mains were Salt and Chilli Squid, Sweet and Sour Tofu and Noodles. It has to be said the portion sizes are superb. An added bonus was the 3 different types of lager available. The Restaurant was busy when we went which is always a good sign.

It was our first time going to the new Riverside restaurant in Leckwith Road. We highly recommend it. The quality of the food was exceptional and the atmosphere was wonderful. As we were dining with friends from Hong Kong, it was almost like being back in Hong Kong. The décor inside was stunning and the service was fantastic.

Booked a table on Saturday night at 800, checked website first and it said last orders 930. Restaurant is nice, food is good, but by 915 it’s clear they want us to leave - 3 of us enjoying our wine, as soon as first sign...

Wow ! what a New year's eve we as a family had here. We have just moved back to Cardiff after 27 years and we well remember the old restaurant and were really intrigued to find out if this could match the old one. It...

Absolutely first class service and food. Was recommended to me by family, and I have to say, they weren’t wrong. One of the best Cantonese meals I’ve had in many a year. Many thanks Nick, and we really look forward to seeing you next time...

What a great place to visit. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of room between tables. The menu is extensive with so much choice. Our servers were incredibly attentive and in the end we ordered the meal for 4 and it was outstanding. Every dish...

We were a family group of six and enjoyed a lovely evening here. All the food was excellent and the waiting staff were good at explaining what everything was and making sure we were happy with our choices. I especially loved the monkfish dish and...

Not a patch on the Summer Palace in Llandaff in terms of quality and taste. If you prefer chicken shoulder and thigh this is the place for you. The chicken satay was fatty, I asked the waitress if the chicken they use is breast -...

Four of us visited here for dinner. We chose the Riverside Chef's Dinner which was such good value. So much great food. We had to go with the doggy bag as we really didn't want to waste it. Definitely, would recommend one of the set...

Once again, we had superb meals here on 19 6 22. It was packed due to Father’s Day, but still the service/quality of the meals didn’t falter! Best Chinese restaurant in S. Wales without a doubt! See you soon!

I went to order a takeaway was kept waiting 10 mi s to order and the rudest man cam and barked at me so I left Don’t bother going here

We popped into the Riverside Cantonese for lunch on a Sunday afternoon and really enjoyed the whole experience. We ordered quite a few dishes. For starters we had the Vegetarian hot and sour soup. This was piping hot and quite spicy and very tasty. We...

Can never understand bad reviews about this place! Always had excellent meals and service over the many, many years I have been here! The meals on 2 4 22 were no exception! Don't believe the bad reviews, the food here is always exceptional!

Must be new owners food USED to be amazing !!!! DO NOT RECOMMEND Went here on a Saturday, food was absolutely disgusting, no taste or flavour in anything! All the Meat was like rubber!!! All the staff were so intrusive !!!!! Staring and watching you...

We visited as a party of six on a busy Saturday evening. There must be new owners as all the waiting staff have changed. The quality of the ingredients in the meals has gone down significantly and the level of service is nowhere near what...

I arrived about an hour early for my booking and asked to set up the tables. I was very warmly welcomed by all staff members i spoke too and everyone was so helpful. I was even offered 2 options for seating depending on what suited...

I ordered sweet and sour pork. It looked good but when I started eating it each piece of pork had loads of fat on it. It was really unpleasant. Also there was no pineapple in it.

My Wife and I visited early on 12 11 21. Our usual monkfish, sweet and sour king prawns, beef in black been sauce, special fried rice and mandarin noodles were excellent, (as is usual!) A top place and I doubt if there is anywhere better....

We arrived 10 minutes early for an 8pm table. The manager told us we were early in such a way that it sounded a sin. If I’m early I waste my own time which I do not mind. If I an late I waste other...

We attended this restaurant before a Cardiff City match. The food was really nice - a nice menu, with quality food in a nicely appointed restaurant. However, we didn't feel welcome - it's like they didn't want any "football people" in their establishment, which is...

Inside was very nicely decorated and the tables were not too close together. Not fussed about close tables for Covid purposes but it was nice not to be sat on the lap of other tables anyway. Food was nice, if slightly overpriced. Not complaints there....

Great food, friendly service and nice environment, we had the Aramaic duck,chicken Kung po and crispy chill beef - all the food was delicious . Would definitely recommend.

Had a nice meal with my wife, the food was very nice no complaints. The staff were efficient, but not the friendliest. Was very annoyed as was informed they don’t take contactless payment. When the card machine arrived my card was taken off me, I...

Why are people giving this fabulous place bad reviews? My Wife and I having been going here for over 40 years at its various location(s) and we’ve never had a bad meal! Today was fabulous, the monkfish, sweet and sour prawns, black bean beef, noodles...

I hate to give bad reviews at this time, but the food we received simply should not have been sent out. The chicken was scrag-ends & grey. It was appalling : & all of the disgusting dishes went straight in the bin after a tentative...

Went as a group of three couples, getting together for the first time since lockdown began, and looking forward to catching up. Food was good as usual, but the evening was completely spoilt by the boorish behaviour of a large (15-18) group of drunken men...

This was our first visit. It was well recommended. Food was average to be honest; one dish had very little flavor. They did not use the best quality chicken meat and it showed. Staff were friendly though.

Don't bother trying to book this Restaurant because they don't have the common decency to answer their !

Tasteful and wonderfully varied menu, all delicious and perfectly cooked. Our takeaway was to the Restaurant standard, delivered in time to a very tricky to find address, all piping hot and fresh. I don’t think anybody will need to eat for another week! Lovely generous...

As restaurants are starting to partially re-open I decided to spend a little extra and eat here to support local business instead of just a take away. I saw online it was advertised that emergency workers (like myself) receive a 10% discount (a common show...

We got a takeaway this evening. Not something we normally do but wanted to support local traders. How disappointed were we. The rice and other dishes were fairly bland and had no sauce to speak of. I would not go back. The irony was that...

Was quite quiet for a Friday night which was fine. We had shared starter at £7 per person which consisted of ribs, spring rolls, satay chicken skewers and prawn toast. It was just ok. Skewers didn’t have a great satay taste but the prawn toast...

Yes it can be noisy and yes it's out of town,but the food is exceptionally good and it has lost none of it's special appeal over the 40 years I have been visiting and eating there. I travel to Asia quarterly and this is really...

We were a large group and went for the set menu so we were able to share starters and mains The starters came out enough for 4 people when we questioned this they wouldn't sort anything more for us. We move in to mains The...

I had to think about our visit before posting a review. It was a bit if a mixed bag when we visited for a family birthday meal. The restaurant wasnt busy as we visited in a Tuesday night so the service we recieved was acceptable...

Arrived at restaurant and waited and waited for our drinks order to be taken. Restaurant not that busy yet attracting the staffs attention was impossible. Had to ask 3 times for a jug of water. Staff were unfriendly and unhelpful. Food not that great either....

The food was lovely even the ice cream was nice! Nothing bad with the service, tea pot definitely big enough! ;)

We go there a couple of times a year, usually special events as birthday’s etc. Food and service are always excellent as is the ambiance and seating, the ribs and crispy beef are very tasty and go well with vegetables and / or noodles and...

This has been our favourite Cantonese restaurant for years but I was disappointed today. They have stopped serving their delicious dim sum which is one of the reasons we loved it. Those prawn rice rolls, alas no more. Our lunch was good today but I...

not surprised this is getting slammed, dont order from here, as the order somehow gets lost and have to pay again, costing twice as much and then found something crawln in here and had a bad shrimp. The service isnt the best of, so after...

Visited on a Friday night with friends, service was so poor staff unfriendly, plenty of them but do not seem to be communicating with each other. One waitress put a plate of food down on the table for us but couldn’t tell us what it...

Excellent food and fantastic service good value for money well worth a visit the staff friendly and nothing too much problem the food pipping hot and cutlery to hand if u cant use chop stix

Been a patron of this place for 20 years sad to report my past 3 visits the standards and quality have gone awful , tasteless small dishes now being served in a rush... and the atmosphere of a prison cell there must be better places...

We have eaten in the old Riverside Cantonese many times and have enjoyed the food and experience. However on our first visit to their new premises we were disappointed, the food was less tasty than before and not served very hot. At the end of...

Went for a birthday meal for my wife with our 2 daughters. Chose the 3 person set menu. Really good value, good flavours to all the dishes (spare ribs sauce was one of the best ever) Very good service, we will be back!

Myself and family have visited the Riverside Cantonese many times, the food is always fresh and lovely. Tonight myself and partner decided to visit, we arrived just after 6.15pm the restaurant only had about 3-4 tables with diners. We approached the bar area and asked...

Visited with a group and ordered lots from the menu, starters and mains. Great tasting food we my particular favourites were the crispy duck, singapore noodles and the prawns. The food was great quality and you can see into the kitchen and food prep areas...

I was out with my family a multI-ethnic group. As soon as we walked in we weren’t seated, the manager pointed to the table. We waited for 10 minutes and weren’t acknowledged , so I went up to get the menus. After 20 minutes we...

At my third attempt - my sat nav unaccountably took me somewhere completely different - I enjoyed lunch at this spacious modern minimalist Chinese Restaurant by Ninian Park. Pleasant ambiance and a comprehensive menu. I started with hot and sour soup and three spring rolls,...

This was our second visit here in the past few months, this time with the family, previously just the two of us and we weren’t disappointed again with the high standard of delicious food and great service from the staff. The standard of hygiene and...

Although the restaurant is clean with an open kitchen, it’s kinda soulless.. Ordered ribs and wraps to start, the ribs were almost inedible due to the amount of salt that was in the bbq sauce. The pork wraps were ‘Ok’, if a little bland.. Mains...

Eight dined early on a Friday evening. Service very good, food plentiful and excellent. Will definitely be back!

There was quite a wait for our prefer to be taken but when the food arrived it was delicious! A few items didn’t arrive but we coped ok as there was plenty of variety amongst the remaining dishes. It was quite chilly in the restaurant...

When I was a student in Cardiff about 30 years ago my friends & I used to visit the original Riverside as a treat. I had lunch in their new place with my dad a couple of days ago & it was nothing short of...

When we arrived we were shown a table at the rear section near two tables of 12. The noise was such that we were unable to place an order with the waitress. If only they had included some soft furnishings to cut the noise down....

We attended on a Saturday night in a group of 4 for a family meal. We chose a set meal for 4 off the menu. The staff were super efficient and in no time at all the food started flowing. We had ribs and lettuce...

Visited here Friday lunchtime. It was quiet! I was very disappointed that they didn't have my usual Monkfish so I had the king prawns in ginger/spring onions instead! My Wife's sweet/sour prawns were excellent as was the beef in black Bean sauce! One thing though,...

I revisited after a 12 month gap and the difference is remarkable. Having been a regular customer for 30+ yrs when they moved premises it deteriorated so.much that as I said earlier I stopped going but I am so glad I decided to give them...

Possibly the worst takeaway I have ever had !!! We ordered for eight having previously eaten in the restaurant - what a difference. Flabby prawn crackers, low quality chicken and thick soggy batter in the sweet and sour chicken and sub standard crispy shredded beef....

The food was lovely, service nice. There was five of us and we could not agree on a set menu for 5 so has a set for 2 and a set for 3. Omg so much food. The pork was a little chewie but other...

First visit since location moved. Arrived around 2pm and restaurant was relatively quiet. Service was friendly and efficient. We each ordered separate dishes. Dum Sum was tasteless and other dishes no more than bland. A very disappointing experience considering dishes are not inexpensive. Unlikely to...

The best place to get Cantonese food bar none. Been a few times and always had a great experience with friendly staff, great food and good service. This was a surprise birthday meal before going to see Elton John on his last concert in Wales...

Came here early on a Thursday night with colleague's. Was surprised at how busy it was by 7oclock. But after tasting the food I can see why it is a very busy place. Enjoyed it very much will be back thanks

The food was amazing I would recommend this place to anyone. The bar hostess was so friendly and extremely helpful. Had a wonderful evening.

Three happy eaters for an early dinner. Food very very good. Service exemplary and prices good value for money if not cheap. However the place is soulless. Atmosphere needs improving to give a really great dining experience. Would visit again if in Cardiff as the...

Had a meal here on Saturday as a party of six including two elderly guests. Everyone enjoyed the food and the wine, but the background noise level meant we had to shout across the table to make conversation. It was also difficult to hear what...

We ducked the “taster menu” as too expensive and went à la carte. Glad we did. Starters: prawns and spring rolls. Mains: chicken chow mein, deep fried scallops w sweet and sour sauce, prawns w ginger and spring onions. Portions were ample. Ambience, clean and...

Regular visitor to this restaurant, food quality and portion size going down hill fast , no atmosphere either like being in a works canteen very disappointed

Visited with 5 friends for a 50th birthday. They excelled themselves again. Staff were lovely and service excellent. The food was outstanding. Thankfully three of us were happy to share our food so got to taste lots of different things.... all were stunning.

Celebrated my birthday on the 29th with my wife and son. I think is the best choice for chinese in Cardiff. Will not go into details as all dishes were perfect. Very clean place with open kitchen and very good service.Free and plenty of parking...

Visited the Restaurant on Saturday evening and had a wonderful evening. The food was fantastic and the staff were very attentive and friendly.

Popped into here for a takeaway after a recommendation. Used to go to their Tudor Road Restaurant quite a lot a few years ago, which I was quite fond of but it was difficult to park etc. So was looking forward to trying this venue....

I have been going to this restaurant since I was a toddler (35yrs plus) & the same for my 3 sons (the old place & now this new one). Our family love going here & we live an hour away. Even if I can't stay...

We decided to go here after a matinee show at the New Theatre. There had been some difficulty booking the day before due to a poor phone connection. When we arrived it took a few minutes to confirm our booking but it was sorted without...

My title says it all! Despite being very busy on a recent Saturday lunchtime, they provided us with a table! The three dished of monkfish, sweet and sour prawns and beef in black Bean sauce were excellent as was the rice and mandarin noodles! See...

I really am so gutted I was looking forward to dining here. Everything lacked flavour we left a lot and they asked us do we want to take it home with definitely not. I will never eat here again The staff were really lovely they...

We really enjoyed a Mother's Day lunch at the Riverside Cantonese on Sunday. This restaurant still looks brand new and has a great open plan Kitchen you can look into and watch the Chefs do their work. We had starters and mains while we were...

Never been here before but will definitely be returning. A warm welcome on a very wet afternoon. The food was amazing, we had a set meal for 3. The duck with ginger and spring onions was possibly the best I have ever had. The other dishes were also very good. The staff were friendly and very efficient the service was also slick and nothing was too much trouble. Even ordering a taxi for us.

Even though we have been to the old Riverside many times over the years this was our first visit to their new premises near Kitchener Road School.

Good quality food and varied menu. Food was served nice and hot. Good service at the table and very pleasant staff. Wine a little pricey. Would visit again.

has the restaurant changed hands ?, definitely not as good as it used to be, just had a take away for four people , cost £ 95.00 , could have got a lot better from any of the take a ways in Penarth for a lot less , wont be going back in a hurry,

Been going here for years. Their new premises are lovely and car park too. Quick service, fantastic food. Definitely recommend.

I wouldn't return to this restaurant, the staff were miserable & abrupt. The food was tasteless & bland but to make matters worse my husband found a hair in his meal, we complained to a waiter & he rushed off to the kitchen & never returned. No one came to apologise or investigate our complaint! I brought it up again to another waiter who brought the bill & he said there was no manager on the premises & the owner was upstairs busy & not to be disturbed!

When we arrived initially told they had no booking, then told they had our booking down for 8.30 not 7.30 & we where early. Showed them the e.mail conformation from Proprietor Nicholas & then told there was no table available. Little bit of headless chickens !

anyone thinking of going to this restaurant should stop now and just go. The food is wonderful, service is prompt and the bill is not overwhelming

Fuimos a Riverside el lunes por la noche y estaba prácticamente vacío. El restaurante está totalmente vacío de cualquier ambiente, así que eso no ayudó.

Los entrantes eran - tostadas de gambas - excelente. Rollitos de primavera - muy bueno. Costillas de paletas, peor que mi comida local para llevar, salsa rosa fluorescente sobre cerdo sin sabor. Pollo Satay, pollo masticable, incomible y totalmente repugnante, que sabía a curry de chips y se vertía sobre ellos, que luego se introducen en la salsa rosa fluorescente servida en un solo plato grande. Rematado con una rodaja de tomate. Luego tuvimos un pato crujiente que no tenía sabor, era solo la mitad de un pato asado, y nada era crujiente, honestamente podría hacerlo mejor y no soy un chef. Finalmente, el lugar es terrible acústicamente, no hay manteles ni cortinas, ni tapices ni plantas, por lo que TODO hace eco, fue difícil escucharnos a nosotros mismos, finalmente agregar insultos a las lesiones es muy costoso Y luego descubrimos que habían agregado un 10%. factura sin ni siquiera mencionarlo (¡llegó a 72 fo dos sin platos principales!) - ah y está en una zona áspera, por lo tanto, los TRES bouncers en la puerta durante el día - no volveremos