01
Best overall pick
Mario's Place
Mission Inn District, Downtown Riverside • Upscale Italian-California Restaurant • Special-Occasion Night Out
Fine Italian-inspired cooking, polished service, and a warm downtown setting make Mario's Place a reliable choice for celebrations.
Just across from the Mission Inn, Mario's Place has been the go-to spot in Riverside for lingering dinners over handmade pastas and seasonal mains. The menu leans Italian with a California touch, backed by a serious wine list and thoughtful cocktails. It is the kind of place locals book for anniversaries, graduations, and nights when they want to slow down and savor the evening.
02
Most iconic stop
Tio's Tacos
Riverside Stretch Of Mission Inn Avenue By The River • Casual Mexican Restaurant With Art-Filled Patio • Best For Families And Groups
Hearty combo plates and street-style staples meet a sprawling folk-art patio that kids and out-of-town visitors love to explore.
Tio's Tacos is as much an experience as it is a meal, with towering recycled-art sculptures and colorful patios tucked behind the street-front entrance. Inside, the menu runs from carne asada fries and tacos to seafood cocktails and giant aguas frescas, making it easy to feed a mixed crew. It is an easy recommendation when you want something uniquely Riverside that still feels laid-back and affordable.
03
Craft beer favorite
The Salted Pig
Downtown Riverside Near The Convention Center • Modern Gastropub • Best For Burgers And Brews
A smart list of craft beers and elevated comfort food make The Salted Pig a go-to for relaxed nights out downtown.
The Salted Pig helped kick-start Riverside's modern food-and-drink scene, and it still feels like the city's neighborhood gastropub. Expect juicy burgers, pork-focused small plates, and creative bar bites that pair well with their rotating tap list. It works just as well for a pre-show bite as it does for lingering with friends over a second round and a shared dessert.
04
Southwest standby
Anchos Southwest Grill & Bar
Arlington Corridor In Riverside • Lively Tex-Mex And Southwest Grill • Best For Big Portions And Margaritas
Fresh tortillas, mesquite-grilled meats, and generous plates keep Anchos busy with locals most nights of the week.
Anchos is one of those places where the chips and salsa arrive fast, the tortillas are made in view of the dining room, and the sizzling fajitas turn heads as they pass. The menu leans into mesquite-grilled steak, chicken, and shrimp, with plenty of combo plates for sharing. Add in frosty margaritas and a buzzy, family-friendly dining room, and it is easy to see why people are willing to drive a bit from Highgrove to eat here.
05
Closest campus classic
The Sub Station
University Neighborhood Near Ucr • Old-School Sandwich Shop • Student-Friendly Staple
A long list of hot and cold subs, toasted rolls, and generous portions makes The Sub Station a fast favorite for anyone near Highgrove and UCR.
Just down the hill from Highgrove by the UCR campus, The Sub Station has been feeding students, staff, and nearby residents for decades. The menu covers all the classics, from meatball and pastrami to veggie-packed subs, with soft rolls and plenty of add-ons to customize your order. It is a convenient, no-fuss stop for a quick lunch, a post-class bite, or an easy takeout option on busy weeknights.