Riverside Foodie Guide: Complete Culinary Experience
Explore the best restaurants, food tours, local cuisine, street food, and culinary experiences in Riverside. Your complete guide to dining in Riverside.
Welcome to the ultimate foodie guide for Riverside! Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visiting gourmand, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best culinary experiences that Riverside has to offer. From Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden street food gems, authentic local specialties to innovative fusion cuisine, we've curated the essential dining experiences that showcase Riverside's vibrant food scene. Our carefully selected recommendations include insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to eat your way through Riverside like a true food lover.
Key Takeaways
- Riverside offers diverse culinary experiences from fine dining to street food
- Local specialties and regional dishes are must-tries for authentic flavors
- Food tours and cooking classes provide immersive culinary experiences
- Reservations recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Markets and food halls offer great variety and local atmosphere
Must-Try Restaurants
From hidden gems to acclaimed establishments, these restaurants showcase the best of local and international cuisine in Riverside.
Smoke and Fire Social Eatery
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 817 reviews.
📍 5225 Canyon Crest Dr #9, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Dapper Dine & Lounge
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 241 reviews.
📍 3203 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
The Outpost
Highly rated Italian in Riverside with 4.6 stars from 121 reviews.
📍 3692 Sunnyside Dr, Riverside, CA 92506, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
Riverside Food Lab
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 4032 reviews.
📍 3605 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Mamma Mia
Highly rated Italian in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 942 reviews.
📍 10971 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
RIVERSIDE-Heroes
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 3638 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3397 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Mario's Place
Highly rated Italian in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 1215 reviews.
📍 3646 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Upscale dining experience
- 🍽️Authentic Italian cuisine
The Rustik Fork
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 727 reviews.
📍 1355 E Alessandro Blvd Suite 101, Riverside, CA 92508, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Market Broiler Riverside
Highly rated Seafood in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 2899 reviews.
📍 3525 Merrill Ave, Riverside, CA 92506, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Seafood cuisine
ProAbition
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 2736 reviews.
📍 3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The State
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 97 reviews.
📍 3800 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Welcoming atmosphere
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Riviera Family Restaurant
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.6 stars from 950 reviews.
📍 5633 Mission Blvd, Riverside, CA 92509, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
Street Food & Food Markets
Authentic street food vendors, bustling food markets, and local favorites where you'll find the most flavorful and affordable bites in Riverside.
Ralphs Fresh Fare
Highly rated Bakery in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 825 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 5225 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Riverside Food Lab
Highly rated Restaurant in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 4032 reviews.
📍 3605 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
WinCo Foods
Highly rated Bakery in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 3033 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 12880 Day St, Moreno Valley, CA 92553, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Trader Joe's
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 2399 reviews.
📍 6225 Riverside Plaza Dr, Riverside, CA 92506, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Gless Ranch
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 645 reviews.
📍 19985 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92508, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Clark's Nutrition & Natural Foods Market - Riverside
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 1065 reviews.
📍 4225 Market St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Northgate González Market
Highly rated International in Riverside with 4.4 stars from 1191 reviews.
📍 10391 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92505, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Food 4 Less
Highly rated Bakery in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 1376 reviews. Fresh baked goods and pastries daily.
📍 3900 Chicago Ave, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Bakery cuisine
Food Tours & Culinary Experiences
Guided food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings, and immersive culinary experiences led by local experts in Riverside.
Riverside Food & Culture Tours
Highly rated International in Riverside with 5 stars from 768 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles
Highly rated International in Riverside with 5 stars from 316 reviews.
- •Book in advance, especially during peak season
- •Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes
- •Bring a camera for memorable moments
- •Ask your guide for local recommendations
Cafes & Bakeries
Artisanal coffee shops, charming cafes, and bakeries serving fresh pastries, breads, and sweet treats in Riverside.
Back To The Grind
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 1324 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3575 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.9 stars from 423 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 1201 University Ave #109A, Riverside, CA 92507, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Chattahoochee Coffee Company - Riverside
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 1696 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 2281 Akers Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Budget-friendly prices
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Roast the Dead Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 105 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 10330 Hole Ave # 4, Riverside, CA 92505, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Twee Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.8 stars from 303 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 9344 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Stray Dogs Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 135 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3225 Market St Ste 101, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
TOASTED INC
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 284 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 6160 Arlington Ave STE C9, Riverside, CA 92504, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
Copper Goat Coffee
Highly rated Cafe in Riverside with 4.9 stars from 65 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3563 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Authentic Cafe cuisine
- 🍽️Knowledgeable staff
Local Specialties & Signature Dishes
Regional dishes, local delicacies, and signature foods you absolutely must try during your visit to Riverside.
Signature Dish
A must-try Riverside specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Local Delicacy
This beloved Riverside dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Traditional Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of Riverside with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Street Food Favorite
Discover why this Riverside specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Regional Specialty
This iconic Riverside creation perfectly captures the essence of the local food culture.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Seasonal Treat
A Riverside classic that combines traditional techniques with fresh, quality ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Classic Comfort Food
A must-try Riverside specialty that showcases the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Modern Fusion
This beloved Riverside dish has been perfected over generations and remains a local favorite.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Artisanal Product
Experience the authentic taste of Riverside with this traditional preparation that honors local ingredients.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Heritage Recipe
Discover why this Riverside specialty has earned its reputation as an essential culinary experience.
- •Ask locals for their favorite spots to try this
- •Best enjoyed fresh and in season
- •Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations
- •Try it at multiple places to compare
- •Pair with local beverages for the full experience
Bars & Nightlife
Craft cocktail bars, wine bars, breweries, and unique drinking establishments with character and quality in Riverside.
Lake Alice Trading Co.
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.3 stars from 1857 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3616 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
ProAbition
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.1 stars from 2736 reviews.
📍 3597 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Well-reviewed establishment
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
The Lobby Cocktail Lounge & Kitchen
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 760 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3730 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
The Brickwood
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.7 stars from 463 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3653 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
RIVERSIDE-Heroes
Highly rated American in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 3638 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3397 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Popular with locals and visitors
- 🍽️Authentic American cuisine
Brooks Bar
Highly rated Bar in Riverside with 4.5 stars from 118 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Van Buren, 6720 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503, USA
- 🍽️Highly rated by customers
- 🍽️Established local favorite
- 🍽️Authentic Bar cuisine
Essential Tips
- 🍽️Make reservations at popular restaurants well in advance
- 🍽️Try local specialties and regional dishes unique to the area
- 🍽️Ask locals and hotel staff for their favorite food spots
- 🍽️Visit food markets early in the morning for the freshest selection
- 🍽️Don't be afraid to try street food from busy, popular vendors
- 🍽️Take a food tour early in your visit to discover hidden gems
- 🍽️Check restaurant hours as they can vary by day and season
- 🍽️Bring cash for street food vendors and small local eateries
- 🍽️Pace yourself - save room to try multiple dishes and restaurants
- 🍽️Document your culinary journey with photos and notes
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Riverside's food scene thrives year-round, though each season brings unique culinary experiences. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor dining and food festivals. Summer features fresh seasonal produce and lively food markets. Winter brings comfort food specialties and cozy indoor dining. Check local food festival calendars for special events.
Average Price
Dining costs in Riverside vary widely. Street food and casual eateries: $5-15 per person. Mid-range restaurants: $20-50 per person. Fine dining: $75-150+ per person. Food tours typically range from $50-150. Cooking classes: $75-200. Markets offer budget-friendly options for self-catering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Riverside is known for its diverse culinary offerings. Be sure to try the local specialties and regional dishes that showcase the area's unique flavors and traditions. Ask locals for their recommendations, and don't miss the signature dishes at acclaimed restaurants.
For popular and fine dining restaurants, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Many sought-after spots book up weeks in advance. Casual eateries and street food vendors typically don't require reservations.
Consider taking a food tour early in your visit to get oriented and discover hidden gems. Visit local markets to see fresh ingredients and try samples. Mix fine dining with casual spots and street food for a complete experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond tourist areas.
Most restaurants in Riverside offer vegetarian options, and vegan choices are increasingly common. Many establishments can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Check menus online or call ahead to confirm options that meet your needs.
Tipping customs vary by location. In the US, 15-20% is standard for table service. In Europe, service is often included, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. In Asia, tipping is less common. Check local customs for Riverside specifically.
Lunch is typically served 11:30am-2pm, dinner 6pm-10pm, though hours vary by establishment and culture. For popular restaurants, consider dining earlier (before 7pm) or later (after 9pm) to avoid peak crowds. Weekend brunch is popular at many spots.
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