Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Riverside

It's just a gem. Food is excellent, owners are wonderful and you just feel at home.

I’ve been to Valbella many, many times and often for a holiday. This Christmas Eve was very unusual in my experience. Our table wasn’t ready when we came in. The bar and entranceway were packed and I thought we’d never be seated. We did wait 15 minutes but apologies all around. There must have been a problem because I’ve never experienced this. Once we sat down at the best table (in front of the fireplace), all went well. The waiter was fantastic: he didn’t rush us, had a sense of humor and acted like we were his only table. Everyone enjoyed their meals. A lovely way to spend Christmas Eve.

Server did an excellent job considering how busy the restaurant was on Christmas Eve. The food was cooked perfectly.

Dinner at Tony’s was everything I wanted and more! I had an excellent fettuccine with scallops, shrimp and lobster. It was piping hot and insanely delicious. My husband had the rack of lamb which was incredibly flavorful and tender. We ended the night with the tiramisu which was something I had been craving for a few weeks (12 weeks pregnant) and it 100% satisfied that craving! The service was excellent, the ambiance was fun and Tony himself came over to thank us for coming. Highly recommend getting a meal here when you’re in the area!

Has the lunch menu which is great value: mushroom veloute and branzino a la plancha. The dining room was full at lunchtime on a weekday which was surprising. Service was nevethless efficient and dishes were served promptly and cooked to perfection. Never a surprise at L"Escale.