Brilliant food and coffee. Although small, each time I have been here I have received exceptional food, and brilliant coffee. The owners are young, and therefore are trying to provide a good service to all.

We went as a group, and all of us received food that was equal to, or worth more, than what was actually paid.

I have been here a number of times, and have been underwhelmed each and every time. The absolute classic was when I went to order breakfast at about 10 minutes to 12.00pm. I was then told that the kitchen was changing over to the lunch menu. Thinking that this was ok, I asked whether I could therefore order lunch. I was told that they didn't take orders during changeover. Pressing the point, I asked whether it was possible for them to hold onto my order and pass through once changeover was finished. This was not possible. They simply refused to take my order.

Needless to say, I did not order.

On previous occasions, I have found the location to be brilliant, the service to be poor as best (it does feel that you are imposing on the staff by actually wanting to order food, or get a menu).

The food itself is average at best, not even average pub food.

I don't ask for much, just that the $ that I pay is replicated in the food and service that I receive. If I pay $ 15 for an main, I don't expect to receive a waiter trained in 5 star service, yet Elwood Beach House Cafe consistently under delivers in all aspects..... Have been three times, and each time walked away going - Why? It's the perfect location, has a family friendly closed in play area and should be rocking it in. Instead I have had sloppy service, poor quality food and a very poor overall experience.

A lot of reviews have been negative about Riva, and I can see why. The service was ok, the location the same. The food had all the necessary ingredients to be excellent, execution was below what you would expect for the prices. Overall, we didn't have a bad dish, but also didn't have a great dish. For the money, I would have expected more finesse, better technique and much better service.

Not bad, but probably more like a $30 main, not the $38 that they are charging.

Approximate cost: $38