Very busy with a good vibe and great service. Big menu of typical pub food which was tasty and really good value. And very conveniently placed. Worth trying

The Service here unfortunately was not great on the day from when we entered, to when we left. We ordered 3 seafood chowders for our table of 6 & sent them straight back. These were not to our liking (3 people) however I appreciate it...may be enjoyable for others. There were full prawns on the side that I tried, and it taste like defrosted rubber. After this, we decided to leave the establishment. I was hoping to relay my experience to the lady serving us, however she avoided me when I went to pay. I have been there 4 times for separate occasions, all of which were not great food experiences (staff were better on these days). Overall, I think the staff were under the pump on this day so I understand and can let that go, the food is not to my personal liking however may to for others. If asked for my personal opinion, I would not recommend any family & Friends to "The Rivers".More

I enjoyed The Rivers Restaurant the food, service and prices are very good. Music is good not too loud can talk to each other at the table.

After a long search for dinner in Gisborne, found this place. Pub with good music. A lovely lady who served/looked after us. Our steak was cooked perfectly and the portion was very good as well. Found some craft beer which was a bonus. Will definitely...recommend this place to anyoneMore

We came here for dinner during our short stay in Gisborne. Great food and drinks (cocktails), the service was friendly although a little slow, however there were signs around explaining they were shortstaffed so we knew why and understood. We really enjoyed our meals and...would have ordered dessert (there were some yummy looking options) except that part way through our meal a large table with a few young children came in, the kids were screaming and running around the restaurant while the parents ignored them. It put us off staying longer so we left instead. This is not a reflection on the restaurant or the staff who were already stretched and wouldn't have had the time to try to sort this as well as looking after all the other diners.More

Went to try the steaks and were not disappointed. Started with a cob loaf while we waited which was yum. Steaks came out perfectly cooked for all of us. Only little grumble is that we had to wait and hour which would have been fine...if we were told in advance. I had to ask for the cob loaf to be bought out before our steaks. Something I thought would happen automatically but 40 mins in we had nothing so thought maybe they had forgotten. Great staff and nice atmosphere.More

had a lovely large meal here great food great service bar service also very good portions were large

Beer is better than the food here, we had a absolutely tasteless chicken open sandwich. Gross and just a fueling exercise.

After a WONDERFUL experience a few months ago (great food and service), we were disappointed with our dinner out at The Rivers tonight. Although we appreciate that staff are under the pump with the new COVID rules, we don’t expect to sit for ages without...even being offered drinks or menus - until we waved someone over. And then having to go back to the bar to order more drinks over the course of the evening, as no one came to see if we wanted more (we weren’t even asked if we wanted dessert!!!) is really just not good enough. Is it supposed to be table service or not? As far as the food, luckily my husband’s steak was well cooked and tasty, however my seafood chowder was seriously sub-par. A single mussel in a shell, one chunk of clearly pre-frozen smoked fish, and two prawns does NOT make this potato soup with corn and ham any kind of seafood chowder!!! It really was tasteless with an unpleasant texture (due to the mushy potato). Credit where credit is due though - the staff immediately offered to replace the chowder with a different meal, but we found it interesting that (like several reviews on here!) they apparently have received lots of the same feedback before! C’mon guys - it’s not hard to make a smooth, creamy and TASTY seafood chowder with actual SEAFOOD in it!!! This dish is letting you down - along with the Pub wings which are not double jointed wings like they used to be, but are actually tiny little chicken nibbles and hugely over priced at $18 for 12 (especially when I only ordered the cheaper dish of 8!). Sadly, we’ll probably head across to the Tata next time. PS The toilet door that SLAMS every time someone goes in or out of it, really needs some attention!!!More

Had dinner at ‘The Rivers’ on the 11th of January. Was very pleased with the service and the meals! Even though we had no reservation we were seated immediately and had our first round of drinks delivered to us within minutes! Our server was friendly,...inviting and very well spoken, he is an asset to your front of house team! Very enjoyable meals, large and very filling portions ! Was very happy with my meal, I got the fish of the day accompanied by chips and salad, I recommend ! The restaurant itself had a very local vibe but was very welcoming to tourists as well, like previously mentioned, our experience would not have been the same without the welcoming, genuine and warm service provided by the front of house team. Thank you ‘The Rivers’ team! I know where I’m eating next time I’m in town !More

Arrived on a Friday night @8.30pm for dinner nothing booked we were greeted with a smile and seated straight away, didn't expect to dine at this time of the night however kitchen was open, our dinner was yummy, we returned the Saturday night with another...couple and same again just exceptional.More

Gabe is a wonderful waiter and will look after you nicely. To me, the service is more important than the food itself this is why I leave 4 stars. Without Gabe, it would have been a 3 stars. Meat was way overcooked (asked rare or...less and was cooked medium), quality of the meat for the T bone & burger was very average. But happy with the starters. Portions are generous. The atmosphere is nice too. The restaurant would be ideal for male groups.More