The River Cafe

Nothing announces the holidays like a freshly-made panettone, wrapped in bright pink gifting paper. Ours comes from Pastificio Gentile in Gragnano, considered Italy’s best Panettone. Founded in 1876, the maker imbeds this moist, yeasted holiday bread with pieces of dried fruit. And to drink with it, a bottle of Bellavista Franciacorta, Northern Italy’s celebrated sparkling wine.

2023 Gift Box - Panettone & Franciacorta Holiday Announcement Nothing announces the holidays like a freshly-made panettone, wrapped in bright pink gifting paper. Ours comes from Pastificio Gentile in Gragnano, considered Italy’s best Panettone. Founded in 1876, the maker imbeds this moist, yeasted holiday bread with pieces of dried fruit...

When we decided to create 'colouring in' placemats for children dining at The River Cafe, we went straight to our friend Nicholas Blechman. Nicholas is a New York-based art director, illustrator, designer and Creative Director of The New Yorker magazine.

Fabriano printed the drawings for us on their special paper, to go with their unique set of colouring pencils.

Order online or, if you're coming to the restaurant, pick up a set in store.

Fun for children of all ages—and maybe a more peaceful meal for you!

https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/collections/tableware/products/the-river-cafe-illustrated-place-mats

Shop The River Cafe is ready for the Christmas Holidays. We are especially excited about these bright and beautiful Crackers, designed by Michael Nash.

Each one is filled with a whimsical River Cafe enamel pin—artichokes, affogato, strawberry tarts and more.

We've chosen our favourite FIAT Cremino Chocolate and, of course, the traditional paper crown and witty Christmas joke.

The River Cafe will give you a bright and happy Christmas.

Pre-order now from Shop The River Cafe: https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/collections/christmas-crackers-1/products/the-river-cafe-christmas-crackers-x6

Welcome back to season three of Ruthie’s Table 4. We've got a great group of people ahead, and we're going to start with my good friend, with a great director, a great eater and appreciator of food, Wes Anderson.

I have a few philosophies in life, one of which is to always say yes to Wes Anderson. Ruthie, should we get a sheet from upstairs cupboard and screen Fantastic Mr. Fox outside in the garden tonight? Yes, Wes. Ruthie, shall we try again for the fourth time to make a perfect Bellini? Yes, Wes. Ruthie, how about if we invite all the kids and friends and watch Grand Budapest Hotel before it opens in your living room in London? Yes, Wes. And most recently, Ruthie, I'd be happy to do a podcast with you but, could we do the interview by emailing questions and answers back and forth to each other over a few days or weeks? Yes, Wes. So, here we are, Wes Anderson with Wes Anderson. A little strange, but as always, I said yes.

Listen to Ruthie's Table 4: Wes Anderson today.

https://link.chtbl.com/ruthiestable4

Since The River Cafe, created by architect Richard Rogers, opened in 1987, beautiful design has been essential to us, influencing everything we do.

For Shop The River Cafe, we have sought objects by other architects who are close friends.

Available now: https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/collections/homeware

Our 2023 River Cafe Holiday Gift Box collection brings you the best of Italy, inspired by our personal relationships with the country’s great producers of wine, olive oil, chocolate, Venetian glass, and contemporary design.

Order by 18th December for orders within the UK and 4th December for international orders to guarantee delivery before Christmas.

020 7386 4280
www.shoptherivercafe.co.uk
[email protected]

If you’d like to give your partner something homemade this Valentine’s Day, we suggest Chocolate Truffles, a recipe from The River Cafe Look Book.
These rich, dark and creamy truffles are easy to make with just four ingredients—double cream, best-quality dark chocolate, butter and cocoa. And the recipe makes 25, so there will be plenty to share.

Chocolate Truffles

150ml (5fl oz ¾ cup) double (heavy) cream
400g (14oz) dark (semisweet) chocolate, broken into small pieces
5 tablespoons butter, softened
6 tablespoons best quality
unsweetened cocoa powder

Keep the spoon you're going to use for the curling in a jug of warm water.

Pour the cream into a pan and bring to the boil.

Boil the cream over a high heat until it reduces to 2 tablespoons.
Remove from the heat.

Add the chocolate and stir in with a spoon until melted.

Add the butter and stir gently.

Pour the mixture onto a large plate.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes until set.

Sprinkle the cocoa powder over a small plate.

With a teaspoon, scrape across the chocolate to form a rough sphere; it should be a curl, not a ball.

Roll in the cocoa powder.

Repeat the last two steps until all the mixture is shaped.

Chill the truffles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Quick salumi quiz, in order.

1. Coppa also goes by what name?
2. How is bresaola cured?
3. What is the primary flavouring in finocchiona, Tuscany’s favorite salami.
4. What region of Italy is Prosciutto San Daniele from?

Answers:
1. Cappocollo. (Though, fans of The Sopranos might opt for “gabagool”.)
2. Bresaola is air-dried beef that ages for up to three months.
3. Fennel.
4. Friuli.
All available for home delivery from Shop The River Cafe. Link in bio.
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“Dark as midnight, wickedly rich, it’s often dubbed the best chocolate cake in London – if not the world.” So says of The River Cafe’s Chocolate Nemesis in its feature ‘25 Ultra-Indulgent Valentine’s Day Gifts for Gourmands.’ Order your heart-shaped Nemesis now from Shop The River Cafe. 🔗in bio.
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We love Sylvia’s, our private dining room on the river, just steps away from The River Cafe. It’s perfect for celebratory lunches and dinners, corporate meetings, wine tastings, family reunions, and parties up to 40. Curate a menu with our chefs, and consult with our sommelier for wine pairings. Then, just say what flowers you’d prefer, which cocktails, and whether you would like a pianist or to bring your own playlist.
We love Sylvia’s—and think you will too.
To book an event, just hit the link in bio.
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In the winter, The River Cafe pastry kitchen reintroduces rhubarb to our menu—tender stalks, gently poached in a sweet syrup, and a vivid-pink sorbet, the colour of bubble gum.

This ‘forced rhubarb” comes from a farm in West Yorkshire, where it's grown in complete darkness, making it sweeter and more delicately flavoured. The farmers harvest the rhubarb by candlelight, maintaining the shoots’ tender texture and ensuring growth continues.

Forced rhubarb is on our menu until mid March—served on its own, with Panna Cotta, as a delicate sorbet, or next to a slice of Polenta and Almond Cake. For home delivery, go to Shop The River Cafe. Link in bio.
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Come to eat, stay to shop. Visit The River Cafe for lunch any day of the week and stop by our storefront, just across the way. We stock a curated selection of homewares, gifts, Italian chocolates and more. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm, Sundays noon-5pm. We hope to see you soon.

Did you know we have a cheese room at The River Cafe? Glassed in and climate-controlled, “it’s like a map of Italy in there” says chef . We import a wide variety of formaggi, including Gorgonzola and Taleggio from Lombardy, and Pecorino Sardi Canestrato from Sardinia (pictured). And, yes, always plenty of fresh mozzarella di bufala direct from Campania. Stop by the Cafe to enjoy our entire range of Italian cheeses, or visit Shop The River Cafe online to browse our selection for delivery. Link in bio.
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Pennette Rigate with Cavolo Nero & Pine Nut Sauce. Think of it like pesto, but for winter. Available now from Shop The River Cafe. Link in bio.
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The sweetest and most flavourful blood oranges come from Siciliy, and they are in season right now. Our pastry kitchen caramelises them (perfect with our classic polenta cake), transforms them into sorbet and, of course, uses them for our signature blood-orange cake. Order now from Shop The River Cafe. Link in bio.
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The River Cafe Negroni

Available from Shop the River Cafe, London.

The River Cafe Look Book is coming to New York City! Join two great women in the world of food – Martha Stewart and Ruthie Rogers – in conversation about the book (and more) at a live podcast recording for Ruthie’s Table 4, in NYC’s iconic MetLife building. Wednesday November 16 at 5pm. Tickets at Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3UIRyVP

THE RIVER CAFE LOOK BOOK, RECIPES FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES is ready to pre-order now.
100 beautiful and inspiring photographs, 50 easy-to-cook recipes, and invaluable tips from the chefs of The River Cafe. Coming to the UK in October and US in November.

https://bit.ly/RClookbook

The colours of these pieces by CURIO come to life when illuminated, casting coloured shadows on the table.
Available now on Shop The River Cafe.

Mozzarella di Bufala, imported direct from Campagna, served with wood-roasted yellow peppers and creamy chickpeas, cooked until thoroughly tender with sage and garlic, then blended with new season's olive oil until completely smooth.

Available now on Shop The River Cafe.

A tranche of roasted wild turbot with red peppers and capers. From our kitchen to your front door.
Available now on Shop The River Cafe.

Wood-roasted Dover Sole with lemon and capers, summer leaves and pea sott'olio.
Available now on Shop the River Cafe.

Come and join our team at The River Cafe.

We are looking for:

An Events Manager to develop our private dining spaces, off-site events, and exclusive restaurant hire.
This is a full-time position.

We are also seeking:

An Accounts Assistant
Front of House and Bar Staff

Please email [email protected] to find out more.

The River Cafe Negroni Bianco - for those that like the botanical flavours of a negroni without the bitterness. Pour over ice and mix well, garnish with slice of lemon or orange and even add a splash of Prosecco.

Wild Oregano is a classic Italian seasoning with a distinctive fragrance - perfect with vegetables, meat & fish.