If you love Italian food then you are bound to love Riva Blu. For this is no ordinary restaurant but one that gives an authentic taste of Southern Italy.

Italians are passionate about their food and Riva Blu offers a genuine taste of Naples on its menu.

The restaurant has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and its blue décor and comfortable, well choreographed luxurious seating says it all – this is the place to enjoy being pampered and absolute luxury.

For antipasti my colleague chose Bruschetta Gamberoni. The panfried king prawns were succulent and served on toasted ciabatta which was not overly toasted. The chilli mayonnaise that accompanied them was smooth and spicy.

I was adventurous and chose from the Staples of Naples Street Food section. My Polpette Di Melanzane was a wonderful choice. The crispy aubergine and smoked provola fritters came in a delicious San Mazano tomato sauce laced with fresh basil. This was a huge portion for a starter but I was so enamoured with it I devoured it all.

Main course led me again to the Staples of Naples section and Calazone Napoletano. The folded Pizza was stuffed  with ricotta, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella and salami Napoli. This was so tasty but it was the dough which was amazing so light. The dough is specially created for Riva Blu by their very own Master Baker, David Argentino and you can tell its special just so light as air and tasty.

My colleague chose the Insalata Caesar. This came in a huge bowl and looked too good to eat. The large piece of chargrilled chicken was beautifully cooked and tender. The baby gem lettuce was crisp, the croutons crispy and the matured Italian cheese and Caesar dressing was light yet tangy. A good choice.

We both visited the Staples of Naples section when it came to the Dolci or desert menu.

Baba Napoletano was my colleague’s choice. She called it “the biggest rum baba in the world’ The rum soaked sponge was very light and moist and the addition of rum syrup and Chantilly cream made it her heaven on a plate.

My Panna Cotta Al Limone was just as delicious with Amalfi lemon cream it came with a berry compote and crushed amaretti – straight from the Angel’s kitchen.

Riva Blu is a great place for dining and can be anything you want it to be – ideal for business or girlie gossip lunches, family occasions and celebrations, date nights or pre-theatre dining.

The staff are so attentive and really know their product well and really make you feel special and at home.

So when it was time to leave it wasn’t goodbye is was Ci Vediamo! (So Long) we will be back very soon.

Riva Blu, 11/12 Park Row, Leeds LS1 5HD

Tel: 0113 244 3220

Open: Thurs/Fri/Sat/ 12 noon 11.00pm

Sun/Mon/Tues/Wed 12 noon to 10.00pm