+1 512-688-1007
Nestled in the heart of Georgetown, Texas, La Riv Wood Fired Italian offers an authentic taste of Italy with a contemporary twist that will captivate any Italian cuisine aficionado. This charming Italian restaurant perfectly blends traditional recipes with refined, modern techniques, showcased through an imaginative wood-fired cooking style that elevates every dish served.
The menu reads like a love letter to Italy’s rich culinary heritage, featuring standout dishes such as the tender Pappardelle with Short Rib, rich and comforting Truffle Mac and Cheese, and the delightfully fresh Margherita Pizza. From small plates like the Wood Grilled Octopus and Pizza Prosciutto & Figs to heartier options like the Steak Bruschetta and Shrimp Fra Diavolo, every bite bursts with bold, vibrant flavors. The dessert selection—highlighting classics such as Tiramisu, creamy Cheesecake, and decadent Bread Pudding—rounds out a meal that is as satisfying as it is memorable.
La Riv’s atmosphere is intimate yet lively, an ideal setting for both a romantic anniversary dinner and festive family gatherings. The warm glow of wood-fired ovens and the inviting aroma of fresh herbs and spices create a sensory experience that mirrors the care and passion behind each dish. Guests consistently praise the attentive and knowledgeable staff, who add a personal touch ensuring every visit feels special and unhurried.
Real diners have nothing but praise for their experiences. Rachel Wilson, a seasoned Italian food lover who has traveled extensively across Italy and the United States, confirms the authenticity of La Riv’s offerings, raving about the freshness of the burrata salad and the addictive combination of focaccia bread served with marinara and smoked butter. Jeff Cortez reflects on a joyful Christmas Eve dinner where “food was excellent” and the setting on Georgetown Square added magical holiday ambiance. Meanwhile, Zack KC lauds the octopus and short rib tagliatelle as “outstanding,” complemented perfectly by luscious desserts like tiramisu and bread pudding.
La Riv Wood Fired Italian is more than just a restaurant; it’s an invitation to indulge in the genuine flavors and warmth of Italy right in Georgetown. Whether savoring a classic Steak Tartare paired with a sophisticated Old Fashioned, or enjoying a delightful Chef Board with friends, you’ll find that every experience here resonates with authenticity and heartfelt hospitality. For those who value an exceptional meal paired with an inviting atmosphere, La Riv is an Italian escape that truly delivers.
Make your reservation today and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by a culinary journey that feels at once familiar and refreshingly unique.
We dined here tonight and were so surprised by this place! We are very picky when it comes to authentic Italian and have lived all over this country on both coasts and traveled in Italy and eaten a lot of Italian food. This place is legit. We got the burrata salad and it was so fresh and so delicious! We also got the focaccia bread and it comes with a delicious marinara and a smoked butter that is really good. We got Cacio e Pepe and it was authentic and delicious! It was advertised with DOP pecorino and the flavor was perfect. The homemade pasta is good and was cooked perfectly. My husband got the gnocchi and they actually pan fry it and it’s crispy. The sauce isn’t heavy on the cream and it’s not very spicy but it has great flavor too. He got a tequila old fashioned that was really good (a little sweet but simple and well done). We skipped dessert because we were in a hurry. Service was wonderful and our server was cheerful and attentive. We will be back!
Food was excellent! Took the family there on Christmas Eve and we had a fantastic time. Never felt rushed, waiter was super attentive, food was the best, great cocktails and wine. Perfect setting for a dinner and then to walk around Georgetown square and soak in the lights and ambiance. Thanks for a great dinner!
Donny was our server and he was the best! The food was incredible. I loved the ambience as well. We celebrated our anniversary.
My wife and I ate dinner here. The octopus was so delicious. So was the beet salad. The short rib tagliatelle and gnocchi were outstanding. The tiramisu and bread pudding were also so good. Good service too despite it being packed.
We had a fantastic experience at La Riv. It was our first time and we were impressed with the ambiance, food and service. We arrived early for a Thursday evening reservation but we were seated immediately and were able to choose the table. The cheese board and shrimp appetizer were good, the main meals were excellent. The wine was good too. The prices are high but definitely worth it. Great restaurant in a good location. Highly recommended.
My love and I had an excellent dinning experience. The food was exquisite, the cocktails were perfect and the night was excellent! Our server recommended incredible delights and im glad I've chosen the octopus. You should try it too! My compliments
We really like this place. It’s a HIGH FOUR STARS for us. Dim lighting cozy booths and bar seats and a staff that has great personality and really cares about their profession. Oh, and the food is consistently great. We are stuck on the meatball and polenta appetizer and pizzas but have enjoyed many dishes and always go back. Not great for kids, but not bad, good for date night. Creative but classic cocktails and scrumptious desserts. The noise level is just right for semi-intimate conversation and bigger parties can all hear each other. If I could change one thing it would be add an eggplant dish but so many good eats keeps us coming back. See ya again soon, La Riv.
We recently visited La Riv Wood Fired Italian, and it was a wonderful experience! The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. We ordered the Carne pizza and Spaghetti Carbonara—both were outstanding. The pasta was rich and flavorful, and the pizza crust was perfectly crisp and delicious. It was hard to choose between dishes, but next time I’ll definitely be trying the Shrimp Scampi! Highly recommend this spot for anyone who loves authentic Italian food.