Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Reviews 6

JO

John Bronson

Fab fiancée and I looked over the reviews for Riviera several times. I was hesitant to go based on some of those reviews. And I AM liberal about what I read in reviews. IF I find a common thread mentioned over and over about say, service, or the food, or cleanliness of the place, then yes, Im concerned. I didnt really see a common thread, but I felt there were a few too many negative comments. Fab one disagreed. She wanted to try it, based on her gut and what a friend had told her. Sooooo, to keep her happy and me sane I agreed to go! We were there on a Friday night, around 7:30, and the place was not crowded. Maybe about one third of the dining room full. I was getting that I told you so feeling. We were seated immediately, and our server Debie was right there to get our drink orders. She also brought us some chips and salsa. I really enjoyed the salsa, it had good flavor with the right mix of ingredients. It could have been a little thicker, possibly? I thought the chips were a little hard. Maybe had been cooked just a tad too long, or left in the oil just a bit too long. They tasted fine though. Fab one ordered the Shrimp Chimichanga with white cilantro lime rice and black beans. I ordered the Chicken Chimichanga also with the white cilantro lime rice, but I chose refried beans. I LOVE refried beans! I absolutely must say that both Chimichangas were very good! They didnt scrimp on the shrimp(like that rhyme?) and I got plenty of chicken. The spice notes and flavors were spot on. We both loved that melty-good white and gooey cheese that was generously layered onto our plates. YUM! There was a dollop of guacamole, along with some lettuce, sour cream and pico de gallo. I love guac and I wished two things....that I had a bit more and it was a weeee bit more flavorful. NOW, let me tell you about that rice! It was superb! The rice was cooked perfectly. The cilantro taste was kicked up to a nice alto with the lime. We were both impressed! We ended up meeting the owners, a cute and vibrant couple! Angel was the one who had seated us, and later came to check on how we were doing. She was very polite and professional. Her husband Kevin was in and out, but we got to talk a bit. I sense hes a good guy. So, what to do? What to do? Based on what we observed, tasted and enjoyed, I must give Riviera Mexican Cantina my seal of approval. As I mentioned, I do think they could improve in a few places with upping the seasoning and finding that perfect balance of heat, taste and aroma. But leave that marvelous rice alone!

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GO

Private User

I must begin by saying I have eaten Mexican cuisine all over the country from Mexican border towns to N.Y. state. I lived in the southwest many years; and I do realize that recipes differ from region to region. OK enough of the disclaimer. This was our first visit. We visited after the lunch period. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Our drinks came in a timely manner along with the almost obligatory chips and salsa. Sorry to say Ho-Hum. The enchiladas I ordered came rather slowly, so I assumed that they were going to be of a "home-made" quality. Unfortunately again, not so much. Ive had similar enchiladas in a small fast food & ice cream stand in PA. There were about 3 strands of shredded cheese on top, not even melted, which makes me assume they were microwaved. The re fried beans had a generic taste as if from a can, or at least processed. Since the lunch specials offered only one side, I cant comment on any rice. We did share a desert of "fried ice cream", again something Ive had many times and places. This one was more like frozen custard that was melting. In general, the food seemed to be of "provisioned" quality. Sorry if my review seems negative, they really seem to be trying,; there are many good Mexican restaurants throughout Florida, but none IMHO on the Nature Coast. While the owner offers responses to less than positive reviews, I find their responses lacking validity. Id suggest to them they travel around Florida and dine at some other Mexican restaurants for comparison.

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JA

jane lorenz

We have been to the Boat House twice. Once for Easter and once for breakfast. Both times the service was below my expectations. The breakfast experience was the worst. The server spent several minutes talking to someone, who apparently worked there, and was on the phone taking orders. Once the server acknowledged us, she went back to discuss something of great importance with the person on the phone. Finally brought the coffee over, took our orders efficiently then we waited, and waited, and waited for the order to be brought out of the kitchen. Not once did the server return to tell us anything. Once the order was brought out, my husband got a refill for his coffee, but she declined to ask me if I needed a refill on my soda. She was quick with the check though. Asked us if we needed anything else, my soda was not empty-yet, and promptly went back to the kitchen. We did not see her again. Needless to say, we wont be going back.

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KE

Kelly Cunningham

We visited this place on 7/2/2017... I will start off by saying they did chose to serve us and a few others 20 mins before their closing time which was 9pm, but I wish we would have walked away... Food was over priced and not very good. We waited 45mins for something drink. After finally getting our food I did try to eat my very expensive plain cheese quesadilla, but quickly discovered that I could not eat it. My son order a chile relleno and said it tasted funny so I took a bite only to almost vomit on the table bc it tasted rotten...let that sink in... I ask to be excused and went outside where I did vomit behind a bush away from the restaurant.. With all that being said I would have rather been offended by the owner saying to us " sorry that we can not serve you at this time bc we are closing, but please come visit tomorrow " than to have poor serve and horrible food.. I would not recommend this place at all..

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JE

Jeremy DeBary

Nice little local place. Prices are fair, the food is good and good portions. I had the chimichanga (w/chicken) with refried beans and cilantro lime rice. The chimichanga was stuffed full of chicken, the rice was delicious! My wife had the choose 2 plate with a chicken hard taco and an enchilada. All were very good. My son has a gluten allergy so he got a hamburger without a bun, which turned pout to be a nice sized chopped steak. The French fries were fresh out of the fryer and perfectly done. They were really good dipped in the queso. The service was good, attentive, and kept the glasses full. After a day at Homosassa Springs state park and Fort Island beach it made a nice finish to the day before a long drive home.

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HA

Harry Newhall

My wife and I went their for Christmas.I had the King Prime Rib with salad and fries and candied yams.No fat on the prime at all.Perfect dinner.Wife had the Seafood triple plate,Butterfly shrimp scallops and a large piece of golden fried perfect flounder.She had spinache soup and bean casserole.She said everything was perfectly prepared too.My wife is Italian and a good judge on food,she cooks great too.I promise youi thats our eating place for a great meal everytime we visit Crystal River.Our waitress was an older lady that was very professional.I didnt want for anything.Coffee and ice teas were great also.You wont be sorry after eating at the Boathouse.

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