Review: Riverside Walk, Kingston-upon-Thames

Riverside Walk in Kingston-upon-Thames is a waterside enclave of top restaurants that draws in eager diners, shoppers and theatre goers alike. It has become an area with its own identity offering al fresco summer dining right in the bustling hub of the town centre. With gorgeous views of the river and Kingston Bridge, it’s perfect for a business lunch, a family affair or a few glasses of wine at sunset.
 
There really is something for everyone with Riverside hosting some of the most popular eateries that have certainly earnt their stripes in the food world – Comptoir Libanais, Cau, Cote Brasserie, Busaba and Bill’s.

We were kindly invited by the team at Riverside Walk to sample some of the fayre on offer and we started at the slick and modern Cau. Renowned for its meat and Argentinian flair, alongside feisty Gin cocktails, we ate grilled chorizo, chicken wings, empanadas and pico de gallo salmon topped tortillas followed by the pièce de resistance, blushing rump and sirloin steak with spicy chimichurri to dip. They offer a ‘mid-week meat up’ which includes steak, sides, sauce and a glass of wine for £20 and even do a roast Sunday lunch!

Steak at Cau

Comptoir Libanais is a quirkier and more laid-back scene with shelves laden with trinkets, bric-a-brac and pickling jars, mismatched tables and chairs and murals adorning the walls. Its name translates to ‘Lebanese Counter,’ which is fitting as it has a real café/deli vibe.

​We drank ‘Roomana’ pomegranate and ‘Toufaha’ apple home-made lemonade and ate in a mezze fashion. The hoummus and Baba Ghanuj reminded me of what they should taste like -  the falafel was comforting, the harissa chicken wings were marvellously moreish, lamb koftas were spiced to perfection and we mopped it all up with fresh chewy flatbreads and hot pickled chillies. This is fresh and light summer eating at its best.

Comptoir Libanais

The delicious food at Comptoir Libanais

And finally to Côte Brasserie, now a mainstay of high streets all over the country, and a restaurant I’ve long relied on for a good bottle of red, garlicky calamari and a rare steak in pleasingly low lighting! This particular evening it wows me with its homemade and exceptionally light crème caramel and dark chocolate mousse paired beautifully with a sweet yet slightly crisp dessert wine.

Côte

All in all, Riverside Walk is a marvellous characterful spot full of people eating, drinking and being merry – I’ll certainly be spending some time there this summer.

Riverside Walk
Kingston Upon Thames
KT1 1QN

Luci Lyne