Where to Eat in Riverside: The Best Restaurants and Bars

April 14, 2018 Brandee Mangan

Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, located in the Inland Empire metropolitan area. Riverside is the county seat of the eponymous county and named for its location beside the Santa Ana River. It is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and in Riverside County, and is located about 60 miles (97 km) east of Los Angeles. It is also part of the Greater Los Angeles area. Riverside is the 59th most populous city in the United States and 12th most populous city in California. As of the 2010 Census, Riverside had a population of 303,871.
Things to do in Riverside

1. Simple Simon's

3639 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501-2838 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Cafe, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +1 951-369-6030
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 451 reviews

Simple Simon's

Reviewed By reba m - Riverside, California

Simple Simon's is a Riverside landmark with a great menu and friendly people. Tucked away under the shadow of the Mission Inn it is a must for anyone wanting an outstanding breakfast and lunch. Simple Simon's is just that simple, you stand up and order, get your own drinks and get your own table inside or outside but with an elegant flair. The menu is simple but I know everyone can find something they like. My favorite is the BLAT. The plates are always arranged neatly and the ingredients are healthy and fresh. If that you still have a little room after the large portions you can purchase one of their fresh baked items.

2. Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar

10773 Hole Ave, Riverside, CA 92505-2862 Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Southwestern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +1 951-352-0240
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 427 reviews

Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar

Reviewed By Teri C - Riverside, California

We have been enjoying Anchos for over 20 years and they have never disappointed. Food is always fresh and flavorful and the service is top notch. Friendly, attentive and fast. Get the steak fajitas. The flavor is just incredible. Margaritas are pretty amazing as well.

3. Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood

3649 Mission Inn Ave, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA 92501-3308 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Steakhouse, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 66 - SGD 98 +1 951-341-6767
Excellent
67%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
6%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 288 reviews

Duane's Prime Steaks and Seafood

Reviewed By April E - Moreno Valley, United States

Been here many times. This time was a very special evening. As a family reunion that hadn't taken place for 64 years was to be celebrated here. Always decent food. Lobster bisque without pieces of lobster is odd this time. Hamburger buns when asked for gluten free rolls. Just really odd waiter assistant. Just really odd service this time. Usually it is outstanding but this entire visit to the Inn was just off. Plus this restaurant was not packed. We checked in for a 630 reservation at 623. We were told to sit down and they would seat us "closer to our check in time". No buzzer or notification system...nothing. The two women stood there talking and not doing anything but fiddling with the menus. Would not even glance our way in the bar, and it was busy. Finally at 640 I asked what was going on and a man said "oh your table is almost ready" and the women smiled. 5 minutes go by and they seat us in a restaurant with ample "ready" tables. Once again the service at what used to be a fine hotel has slipped to
so-so. My sister asked me.why we weren't seated at one of the nice booths since we had made our reservations 3 months prior and I said it wouldn't do any good to ask for it they always say no while the booths sit empty. I will drive a little further for a "fine dining" experience or special occasion next time.

4. Market Broiler

3525 Merrill Ave, Riverside, CA 92506-2537 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Seafood, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner +1 951-276-9007
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 186 reviews

Market Broiler

Market Broiler rose from the tradition of California seafood landmarks dating back to the 1950's. It's a casual, comfortable, moderately-priced, full-service, restaurant where fresh fish and seafood are prepared over mesquite charcoal flames.Key to its presentation is the fresh fish market, where all fish being served is on display. In addition to 18 fresh fish offered daily, entrees of fresh chicken or aged beef as well as salads and pasta are offered.The food is flavorful and portions are generous. The homestyle theme is borne out by the fact that the chowders, sauces, and dressings are made from scratch in each restaurant. Our popular sourdough bread is served warm at your table as a part of the meal.

Reviewed By Sandy M - Running Springs, California

Our family has a tradition of going here for our birthdays, and mine this evening was no exception. Service can be hit or miss, but tonight, we never had better in the 15 years we've been coming here. Sharleen, our waitress, was prompt, thorough, friendly, despite the fact she had several other tables to serve. She accommodated all 9 of us and our little preferences, and always with a smile. The food was very good, too, including our favorite appetizer, sweet and spicy calamari.

5. Mission Inn Restaurant

3649 Mission Inn Ave, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Riverside, CA 92501-3364 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 33 +1 951-784-0300
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 759 reviews

Mission Inn Restaurant

Reviewed By LagunaMike - Laguna Beach

Our company held a conference at the Mission Inn, and used them to cater the meals--2 breakfasts, a lunch and a dinner, all buffet. The food was very good and, unlike many buffet situations, varied. The first breakfast was in the Spanish Gallery, which has a very interesting art collection--worth visiting even if you are near the hotel. The breakfast included an omelette bar and really interesting pastries, including chocolate croissants. The potatoes were a notch above "normal" at this meal--vary well prepared.

Lunch was a Mexican buffet, and the ultimate star of this show was the desserts, including a fantastic flan. I mentioned in another review that the waiter offered (unsolicited) to go get my dessert because he saw I have a bit of a mobility problem.

Dinner included a huge array of fresh seafood (crab, shrimp, salmon were three of the items) as well as excellently prepared sirloin roast with onions and mushrooms in a light sauce.

In each case, the service was friendly, helpful and top notch. You will see from some other of my reviews that I am critical of less than good service. If everyone had this good a service eating out would be even better!

6. Mario's Place

3646 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501-3309 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Private Dining Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night SGD 46 - SGD 66 +1 951-684-7755
Excellent
64%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 228 reviews

Mario's Place

Reviewed By EbonySatin - Corona, California

The food, ambiance and entertainment are excellent. HOWEVER, the service is terrible! We were at the table an hour and half before our order was taken. They don't serve bread until the order is taken! Some of our party watched a server constantly wiping his nose with his hands and guess what? He was the person that brought out some of our salads! Food finally came and they gave almost EVERYONE's order to the wrong person. Desert took 30 minutes to be served. And the split checks were a DISASTER!

7. Le Chat Noire

3790 9th St, Riverside, CA 92501-3618 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol French, European, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner +1 951-786-9266
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 52 reviews

Le Chat Noire

Reviewed By JJD2 - Arlington, Massachusetts

If you’re looking for a friendly neighborhood corner French bistro in Riverside with excellent service and delicious food, look no further. All of the dishes we ordered were perfectly cooked and delicious: the foie gras, the escargot, onion soup, lamb loin, and filet mignon – all perfect. The table enjoyed the flaky napoleon, chocolate mousse, and lemon sorbet with cappuccino to end the meal. Highly recommended!

8. Las Campanas

3649 Mission Inn Ave, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA 92501-3364 Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 26 - SGD 46 +1 909-784-0300
Excellent
43%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 388 reviews

Las Campanas

Authentic Mexican Cuisine served in a beautiful outdoor garden setting come taste the excitement of Las Campanas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina! Offering authentic Mexican cuisine creatively prepared using the freshest herbs and ingredients. Relax in our beautifully landscaped outdoor garden and enjoy our signature margaritas.

Reviewed By dlpa2000 - california

Las Campanas, Salomon server was friendly but service extremely slow for mid afternoon and few diners, cheese enchiladas cold cheese not melted, sent back, returned burnt, gave up. guacamole needed lime juice, Mission Inn Brown draft beer good, Oregon Luigi Bosca malbec wine good, ensalada de la casa basically romaine lettuce and with the current e-coli scare was surprised they served it.

9. Tio's Tacos

Mission Inn Blvd., Riverside, CA 92501-3252 Takeout, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +1 951-788-0230
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 118 reviews

Tio's Tacos

Reviewed By Julie H - Ontario, California

I really wanted to love this place. Been dying to go since seeing it featured on a Facebook page. The decor, totally worth going for. The food, meh.

We arrived around 6 PM on a Friday night. Nobody in line. When you walk in, it seems super small. You order, pay, and they bring you the food. Seating inside is limited. Maybe 8-10 tables. But tons of seating outside. The patio has heat lamps.

When we order, the girl never looks up, or makes eye contact. Ever. It was a bit uncomfortable. We sit outside. Doesn't take too long for our food. But they only brought one set of silverware.

I ate the soft taco combo. Carne asada. It comes with 2 tacos, with salsa, cilantro and onion. I added sour cream.. It also comes with beans and rice. The tacos were OK. Like any tacos. But super spicy. A bit dry. The rice was super dry and bland. The beans were OK.

Hubby got a chicken quesadilla. He liked it. I thought it was pretty bland. They give you a green salad with no dressing. And no chips and salsa. Boo! lol

Bathrooms were super gross, and poor plumbing. There is a little house on the patio that the owner lives in with his wife, and son, who works there.

The decor is odd, unusual, and totally fascinating. It was fun to walk around, and see everything. There is so much to see. It's actually a lot of fun. The food may not be the best, but it was worth the visit.

10. Heroes

3397 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA 92501-3302 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 951-248-0722
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 135 reviews

Heroes

Reviewed By Clete - Southern California

I stopped by Heroes for the first time for lunch with a friend. The server was friendly and attentive. She took our drink order (beer of course) and returned quickly with our drinks. I was impressed with how cold the beer was as well as the taste. We both ordered the Rueben with curly fries. The food came quickly and was outstanding. You have to go hungry as the portions are huge. There was no way I could finish my fries. The atmosphere is relaxed and you are given bags of peanuts to eat and throw the shells on the floor.
I was so impressed with Heroes that I brought my wife back the next day. I'm glad to say the experience and food was as good as the previous visit. The only issue would be that her white wine was not cold. We planned ahead and took half our food home and made two meals from the leftovers. Good service, Great food and ice cold beer, - It doesn't get much better.

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