Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester is a italian restaurant in Ancoats, Manchester. Rated 4.6 stars from 3102 Google reviews. Known for attentive, personalised service and homemade-yet-refined italian cooking. Best for birthday celebrations and special occasions.
Rankings updated August 2026
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
| Rating | 4.6★ |
| Reviews | 3,102 |
| Best for | Birthday celebrations |
Quick Verdict
Riva Blu delivers refined Italian cooking and genuine hospitality in a welcoming Ancoats setting—a reliable choice for celebrations and repeat visits.
You want refined Italian cooking and genuinely warm service in a classy but welcoming atmosphere.
About Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
Riva Blu is a neighbourhood Italian restaurant in Ancoats that has earned a loyal following for its homemade-yet-refined cooking and attentive hospitality. The kitchen delivers on classics—lasagne, arancini, bruschetta, and perfectly cooked steaks—while the bar stocks Bellinis and Prosecco for celebrations. Staff including Simona and Aniello are consistently praised for warmth and knowledge, often going beyond the table to personalise the experience. The atmosphere strikes a balance between classy and welcoming, making it equally suited to milestone dinners and casual returns. With 2,797 reviews at 4.5 stars, Riva Blu ranks 7th in Ancoats and stands apart for its consistency in food, service, and the care that transforms ordinary meals into memorable ones.
What Stands Out
Attentive, personalised service
Staff including Simona and Aniello are repeatedly named for going beyond expectations—from adapting dishes to preference, to personalising celebrations with Prosecco and tiramisu.
Homemade-yet-refined Italian cooking
Reviews highlight perfectly cooked steaks, golden arancini, lasagne, and tiramisu described as 'unforgettable'—food that tastes homemade but refined.
Celebratory atmosphere
Multiple reviews from birthday and graduation celebrations note the restaurant's energy, warmth, and willingness to enhance special moments with extras and personal touches.
Practical Information
Contact
The Corn Exchange, 11 Corn Exchange, Manchester M4 3TR, United Kingdom
+44 161 827 4200Visit WebsiteView MenuFrequently Asked Questions about Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
Yes. Multiple reviews highlight the team's energy and care during birthday meals. Staff go out of their way—offering Prosecco, tiramisu, and a birthday card—and the manager visits tables to ensure the evening is special.
Lasagne, arancini, bruschetta, and steaks are frequently praised. The tiramisu is described as 'unforgettable'. The kitchen also adapts dishes to preference—one reviewer requested alfredo and it was made and cooked to perfection.
Service is consistently attentive and warm. Staff including Simona and Aniello are named for being informative, welcoming, and going beyond expectations to personalise the experience.
Classy yet welcoming. Reviewers describe it as having 'soul', with a lovely, energetic vibe that makes guests feel genuinely cared for—ideal for both celebrations and casual returns.
The restaurant is described as 'classy', suggesting smart-casual dress is appropriate, though no formal dress code is mentioned in reviews.
Yes. Reviews mention a special set menu available at a reduced price, which is a good option for those seeking value without compromising quality.
Also in Ancoats
View all15 venues changed rank in Ancoats in the latest ranking → See full zone ranking
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