Rivoli

Pros: excellent food; "animal show" in the back garden after dark; relaxed; great value
Cons: rather small, can be crowded.

The East Bay is a great area for restaurants, and, like most Berkeley residents, I take full advantage. Moderate or inexpensive restaurants in Berkeley or Oakland that I recommend include (but are not limited to!) Dara Lao (Thai/Laotian), Cha Am (Thai),...

Pros: Great combinations, presentations
Cons: Crowded dining room, sometimes hard to make reservations

I've been to Rivoli 4 times, always on special occasions. Reservations are definitely recommended. The one Valentine's Day we didn't have reservations we were seated promptly, but we also arrived before 5pm. I have never had less than a delicious...

Pros: Good food
Cons: Cramped tables and mediocre service

I don't know if I'm just getting spoiled by the multitude of fine restaurants in the Bay Area, or my tastebuds are starting to fail me as I age.

The restaurant had a nice garden that everyone could look out to during their meal. Rivoli is in...

Pros: food, intimate environment
Cons: noise level, close tables....and the wait can be bad in a cramped lobby

I've been to Rivoli twice, and the second time was such an awful experience that I have never gone to Rivoli again (it's been about 2 years since that vow). My opinion at first seemed more the exception than the rule -- however, I've been hearing more...

Pros: Excellent food, elegant atmosphere
Cons: Wait can be long - even with reservation

We had a great time at Rivoli - even if we had to wait a bit with reservation already. The restaurant is quite small. You have to pass by the kitchen through a small hall to the dining room....hmmmm. Once in the dining room, the decor is quite elegant,...

Pros: Nice dining room decor; some dishes very good
Cons: Rude attitude; long wait for table; food hit-or-miss

I have been a big fan of Rivoli in the past but after several disappointing meals there recently, I'm not ever going back.

I have to ask myself why I would put up with rude service, a long wait for a table (with a reservation on a weeknight),and food that is very hit-or-miss. The waiting area is in an uncomfortable and busy bar space, and the dining room itself is similarly cramped and noisy, though nicely decorated.

Like "Ruined Birthday" in another review here, I especially dislike the attitude of the "host" at the podium, which, on these last several visits, can only be described as obnoxious. That alone gets the evening off to a bad start.

Rivoli was wonderful at one time, and it certainly is popular at the moment. But I would rather take my business to any number of other superb restaurants in the area that offer a warm welcome, delicious food, and a relaxing and satisfying dining experience.

Pros: great quality, not overly stuffy
Cons: none

My friend and I was greeted by the kitchen staff with an enthusiastic "Have a great meal!" on the way in.

We thought the portabella fritters were excellent. They were perfectly crisp & juicy at the same time. For those that don't know, aioli is a garlic flavored mayo & thus therefore a "fancy mayo."

Each plate was filled with so much food. The layering of seemingly simple flavors to form complex plates. I loved every bite.

We also had the crab souffle, chicken two ways with truffled polenta, and braised shortrib filled saffron ravioli.