Riverview

The Riverview Hotel, or "the Riv" as it's known to locals, is the perfect Saturday afternoon pit-stop. Nestled on the corner of Birchgrove Road in Balmain, this historic hotel was completely refurbished in 2008 to take on a more British gastro pub feel, with unassuming furnishings to suit its quiet reserve. The cosy, two-level terrace combines a bar, dining room and lounge area. The menu, prepared by head chef Brad Sloane, is a mix of pizzas, tapas and more traditional items like steak, fish and pasta dishes. The bar holds a standard range of refreshments, with the standout being a two-metre high wine cabinet with selections from France, Italy and Spain. The upstairs dining room also does a smashing Friday lunch prix fixe menu focusing on market fresh produce from $39 per person for three courses. The foodie theme continues with Foodie Trivia on Mondays from 7pm, featuring food and wine blind taste tests and all sorts of delicious prizes, and Tight Ass Tuesdays with two-for-one pizzas. If all you want from life is good pub grub, a nice bottle of red and a complimentary colour scheme, the Riv's got you sorted.