Caffe Riace Reviews List

Dined on 6/11/2013

Dined on 6/11/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Every entree was excellent. The starters were good. The affogato was overpriced. Overall excellent food and would return."

Dined on 6/11/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, kid-friendly

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Review 2 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A neighborhood gem...

Dined on 6/14/2013

2009

Dined on 6/14/2013

2009

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Tucked away off California ave, Cafe Riace offers a bounty of reward to those adventurous souls who seek out the tasty and unpretentious. Nestled in a courtyard with two interior spaces, CafeRiace does a magnificent job serving great Italian fare to all who enter.

Every trip holds a welcome treasure. Enjoy!"

Dined on 6/14/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion

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Review 3 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best place to bring out-of-towners

Dined on 6/10/2013

2006

Dined on 6/10/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Always a great evening. Sound of rushing water provides privacy."

Dined on 6/10/2013

2006

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Review 4 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A slice of Italy!

Dined on 6/08/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"A scenic spot - our summers are not complete unless we dine out on a warm evening at Caffe Riace!"

Dined on 6/08/2013

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

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Review 5 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

4 Star Food at 5 Star Prices

Dined on 6/04/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We enjoyed the fountain-side patio luncheon and service. The salmon was tasty and the service attentive. A $70 tab for 2 for luncheon (one iced tea and two pieces of salmon with asparagus spears) is a bit over the top, so I'd suggest saving this for special occasions.

Also, it would be a nice addition to have a more formal gluten free menu and a couple of additional choices for vegetarians."

Dined on 6/04/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch, special occasion

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Review 6 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

They took care of it all

Dined on 5/24/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We come here often & have always had great food & good.. sometimes great service.
We had Major problems with service - a specific waiter. The food was outstanding. But the management, the waiter etc, came back & apologized profusely. Then, they comped most of our food which we didn't expect. We all will definitely return because they handled the situation & it was a 1 night. out of many nights. Now they know us all so well, they'll treat us even more special.
This is the way a restaurant should handle any issue. Accept responsibility & 'deal with it'!"

Dined on 5/24/2013

Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Review 7 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Not as good as past visits

Dined on 5/24/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Outdoor setting was good for our large group of 7, and they positioned space heaters and provided blankets to make sure we were warm. But 2 items we tried to order were no longer available (at 7 on a Saturday night). Also, one member of our party requested pasta carbonara (not on the menu this visit, although it had been before), but we were told they didn't have some of the ingredients. They had an appetizer with pancetta, and dishes with egg and cream, so I don't know what they could have been out of. Most likely didn't want to accommodate a special request. Also, the wait staff brought us one plate of bread for a group of 7, and we had to ask for more. All in all, not what we've been used to on past visits."

Dined on 5/24/2013

Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, neighborhood gem

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Review 8 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Dined on 5/24/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Our experience was a bit disappointing. We were simply out for a Friday night dinner - ordered two pasta dishes along with two salads and a glass of wine. We chose to dine inside as it was rather windy that evening. Though there were several parties eating inside, our waiter had our table plus several (he said) that were outside. This meant we didn't see much of him - slow to get water glasses refilled despite asking another waiter working the inside area. Food was good but nothing exceptional. I thought the price was a bit high given other Italian restaurants we often frequent. Not likely to return again anytime soon."

Dined on 5/24/2013

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Review 9 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very Nice Dining Experience

Dined on 5/15/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food was wonderful, service was great and fast, and the ambiance was very outdoor European cafe - which I loved."

Dined on 5/15/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic

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Review 10 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Used to be great, but target missed

Dined on 5/16/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Papardelle was OK - tastes weren't subtle enough for the seafood - sauce was too heavy. Gnocchi was not good - density wasn't right, taste was bland. We left it on the plate. When we pointed out the problem, the staff didn't fix the problem. Appetizers were good."

Dined on 5/16/2013

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Review 11 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great foodStaff a little distracted

Dined on 5/14/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We had a nice dinner, but staff seemed to be un-focused or distracted
Service was slow, we ask for the terrace heater to be turned on and it took 10-15 minutes to get it done
Water glasses are not refilled as frequent as they should be
Food is delicious"

Dined on 5/14/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 12 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Difficult evening

Dined on 5/12/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We made reservations here on Mothers Day. The restaurant clearly was not ready for such a crowd. They had a set menu, ran out of a lot of the dishes early. Ran out of croutons for the Caesar salad (!!). The wait staff couldn't keep up. Not much relief from busboys either. We have been here 4-5 times before and had a much better experience. Maybe this was a trial- open for Mother's Day. They should focus on their waitstaff and food prep and skip the special days. A disappointing evening, for sure."

Dined on 5/12/2013

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic

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Review 13 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Superba cucina italiana con statue

Dined on 4/20/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Wonderful fun and delicious! Great Italian, nay Sicilian, cuisine served on a terrace with several classical bronze statues and a fountain featuring a woman holding a washing machine. No joke!
Hidden away or tucked away inside an office building's patio or terrace, Caffe Riace requires seeking it out. It is located on a street bordering Oregon Expressway. But once found, it is not to be forgotten, as it truly is one of the finest Italian restaurants in the area.
Enjoy! Enjoy!"

Dined on 4/20/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion

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Review 14 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

You Feel Like You Got Away

Dined on 5/10/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"If outdoor dining is your thing, you need to check this out. Always a vibrant crowd in good weather, daytime or night. Flavorful food to stimulate the palate. Of my three visits here (two dinners and one lunch), it has been the service that has taken this place one notch higher. Dinner or lunch on the piazza and an attentive wait staff with a nice touch of humor and warmth. Some expansion of the wine list might be nice. Otherwise, Fantastico!"

Dined on 5/10/2013

Special Features: romantic, great for lunch

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Review 15 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Food great--service so-so

Dined on 5/06/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Waiter didn't know his wines! We ordered his suggestion (by the glass thankfully) and it was exactly the opposite of what he described. We sent it back and requested someone with more knowledge. Bingo--great choice --turned out to be a wonderful meal, with a great wine pairing. The service was still just okay..."

Dined on 5/06/2013

Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Review 16 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Perfect outdoor dining experience

Dined on 04/20/2013

2006

Dined on 04/20/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Perfect outdoor dining experience on a warm/mild evening. Food was delicious. Service was great as well. Highly recommend it!"

Dined on 04/20/2013

2006

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem

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Review 17 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

service and food were excellent

Dined on 04/19/2013

Dined on 04/19/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"service and food were excellent"

Dined on 04/19/2013

2008

Special Features: great for outdoor dining

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Review 18 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good food, service, and prices.

Dined on 03/14/2013

Dined on 03/14/2013

2008

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We started with the Arancine balls. When our server saw how much we enjoyed them, he brought us a couple of the Polenta balls to try. They were very good as well!

My wife and I shared the Spaghetti Carbonara. Very good! Pasta was cooked perfectly. Carbonara sauce was well incorporated - not too much sauce.

We then shared the Osso Bucco as our secondi piatti. Lovely and fall off the bone. Good flavor.

Wine list is extensive. I was able to find a reasonably priced Nero D'Avola by the glass.

Service was very good. Definitely going back."

Dined on 03/14/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

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Review 19 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Patio Dining at its Best

Dined on 03/27/2013

2010

Dined on 03/27/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Cafe Riacce features a very small indoor dining room but a beautiful and comfortable patio with interesting and quirky statuary and lovely gardens. Fortunately, outdoor dining is possible almost year round in Palo Alto. The service was prompt and friendly. My seafood risotto was absolutely loaded with a variety of seafood in a richly flavored saffron broth, served steaming hot. My husband's penne arrabiatta was hot and spicy and very satisfying. This is a pleasant place for lunch and dinner, though finding parking in this area is always challenging. We will definitely be back."

Dined on 03/27/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch

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Review 20 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Intermittent but nice ambiance.

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Service is intermittent. Food is good if slightly strange. For example, my wife's entree included potatoes, rice, and bulgur, but no green vegetables."

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Special Features: great for outdoor dining

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Review 21 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

I've eaten at Caffe Riace

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"I've eaten at Caffe Riace several times over the past several years, and have always had a good experience. Food has always been good."

Dined on 03/23/2013

2004

Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

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Review 22 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

fair rating this time

Dined on 03/15/2013

2004

Dined on 03/15/2013

2004

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We were the only table inside the restaurant, and am not sure how many tables were outside, but our service was very slow. The caesar salad was good and the pesto gnocchi was a bit dry but had good flavor. Took a long time to get water, food, bill, etc. and given that we were the only customers inside the restaurant, it was dull in ambience. I would try it again because I had good experiences here before, but not for lunch, only dinner"

Dined on 03/15/2013

2004

Special Features: great for outdoor dining

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Review 23 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Food was good, but we will

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Food was good, but we will put in a table by the hall way to rest room and same building as the kitchen located."

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion

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Review 24 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We asked for, & were seating

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We asked for, & were seating in a quiet room inside & the only noise was from a louder man who then seated at the table next too us, otherwise it was quiet. We each had a different entree - Black cod, duck, osso buco & veal marsala. Everything!!! was fabulous... or as I would put it - totally YUM! Service was great. Couldn't ask for a better meal.
The manager kept checking in often to make sure everything was to our liking. A perfect evening!"

Dined on 03/09/2013

2007

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Review 25 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Awesome

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"What a great neighborhood gem. Food was incredible. Service was spot on. I will definitely be going back."

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot

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Review 26 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

Gone down hill. Have eaten

Dined on 02/09/2013

Dined on 02/09/2013

2008

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Gone down hill. Have eaten there more than 20 times, won't go back again!"

Dined on 02/09/2013

2008

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Review 27 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

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Dined on 02/28/2013

2005

Dined on 02/28/2013

2005

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"Exceptional meal -- perfectly prepared. Wonderful service."

Dined on 02/28/2013

2005

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

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Review 28 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

A previous visit was so enjoyable

Dined on 02/22/2013

2005

Dined on 02/22/2013

2005

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"A previous visit was so enjoyable that i had to return to Caffe Riaci. This second visit was disappointing. I ordered the same dish (prawns and lobster with capellini), but this time the dish was watery and lacked flavor. I'll probably go back again, but I'll wait until summer so I can enjoy the outdoor dining."

Dined on 02/22/2013

2005

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Review 29 for Caffe Riace

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

A few hiccups, but overall