Review: The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, Cambridge
Located on the Quayside in Cambridge, and boasting delightful views of the river, The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill is situated and a light and spacious building and is part of the Varsity Hotel & Spa.
There is a wide variety of different cuts of meat on the menu and the head chef sources many of his ingredients locally. The steaks are the finest prime beef, aged for 28 days, and also on the menu is fresh fish, vegetarian options, homemade puddings and an extensive cocktail list. Sunday roasts are available every Sunday from 12-4pm.
Each steak comes with potato wedges, chips with rosemary and sea salt or mashed potato, and there are further side dishes to choose from including garlic bread, a choice of salads, buttered spinach and macaroni cheese. There is also a choice of sauces to accompany your steak.
From the long list of starters, I opted for the calamari, served with lemon and aioli, while my wife had the roasted bone marrow with parsley and grilled toast. I believe the latter is a popular dish at the moment and my wife absolutely loved it. I have to say, however, that although my calamari was nice, it wasn’t the best I’ve ever tasted.
Much better was the ‘main event’ and what this establishment is renowned for: the steak. I went for the 14oz rump steak, a generous cut which came marinated with spices and beer. I had it with potato wedges and the Bourbon and barbecue sauce and everything was simply divine and could not be faulted.
The explosion of flavours was made easier to enjoy by the fact that the steak came served in a bowl-like plate meaning that I could more easily mix the steak with the sauces as well as some French mustard. The coriander sprinkled on top was another welcome touch. My wife loved her 10oz rib eye steak, which she enjoyed with peppercorn sauce, chips and a crispy mixed salad.
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For pudding, I had the chocolate mousse and my wife had the crème brûlée and needless to say, we both very much enjoyed them. My wife also had a flat white coffee and said it was one of the best she’d ever tasted. As well as the excellent food and drink, the service was also first rate.
A couple who were leaving just as we were arriving told us we were in for a treat. They were not wrong. For more information on The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill, visit riverbarsteakhouse.com.
