Cafe Riviera

We ate here the other night. The food was great, and the pizza is some of the best in the area. Have always gotten slices here my whole life, but this is the first time we have taken the kids to sit down and get a whole pie. 5 stars all way. I’m leaving a 4 star review because of the location. Concord mall is a dying star. A relic from my past. This great restaurant surrounded by empty stores is a shame. We, along with so many other people, hope to see this restaurant leave the mall for an independent location in the area sooner rather than later. As less people go to concord mall, we worry this restaurant will struggle when it is so good.

I’ve been there twice ordering the same meal (pizza Cafe Santa Margherita) with tap water. Despite I liked the meal in both occasions, I found a huge variability in the quality of the ingredients which were used and also in the way they were blended together. For example, olives and ham had an amazing taste the first time I was there (and I’m Italian). I also thought that the toppings were put on my pizza in large quantities (see the image). I absolutely loved it. The next time I was there, I found the flavours of the toppings a bit washed out, while the sauce had a quite strong taste of garlic. On the positive side, tomatoes were tasty.

This place is in the concord mall and is fairly quiet. There is a counter for takeout as well a cooler for drinks and plastic utensils. I went on a Monday night and the place wasn’t super busy but they only had one waitress on the floor so there was a significant wait waiting to be seated as well as served. The food was average and they have specials each day, Mondays they have a pasta special. They have single person men and women separate bathrooms and high chairs available for use. I don’t know if I would say it’s the best Italian food but if you are out and shopping, it’s a solid option.

Food was great. Waitress had an attitude and overcharged me $2. My entree included a side of cappalini. She charged me $2 for a side dish which I questioned and she stood there and argued with me. Granted, it was only $2, but it's the principle. I paid the $2. I came home and checked their menu online. I was correct. Make sure you check your check there before you pay.

Holy 'I can't believe there is still a reason to go to the concord mall' Batman! Hidden deep in the bowels of Concord Mall is this little gem, Cafe Riviera and my namesake bartender extraordinaire, Jimmy!! Everything was awesome (felt this way before the Mad Elf) EXCEPT there was virtually no meat in the cheesesteak. The roll, cheese, fried onions, mushrooms, tomato and Lettuce were plentiful and bursting with flavor and they completely overshadowed the meat. Look at the close up picture; everything looks great and you barely see the meat. My guest eater went rogue and had the pizza, He loved and got a 2nd slice. Shooters = Awesomeness. that is a picture of a picture of Blood Marys, they look great! See you soon Jimmy!!