Cafe Riva is located on the clifftop at Boscombe Overcliff Drive in Southbourne, offering extensive glass frontage with uninterrupted views across the English Channel. On clear days, the vista stretches to the Isle of Wight’s Needles and the Purbeck Hills near Swanage. This café provides a notable spot for coffee or a meal with a coastal panorama.
This page covers the café’s food and drink offerings, its additional attractions and facilities, practical information about opening hours and accessibility, and how it fits into the local area. It also points to related options for exploring the Southbourne coast and nearby dining choices.
What food and drink does Cafe Riva serve
Cafe Riva opens from 9am, serving breakfast with a “Pick ’N’ Mix” build-your-own option alongside classic dishes such as eggs Benedict and eggs Florentine. The breakfast menu also includes full English breakfasts and lighter options, accommodating a range of appetites. Breakfast is available until midday, after which the lunch menu begins.
Lunch features traditional seaside fare including fish and chips, a variety of burgers, panini sandwiches, and jacket potatoes with assorted fillings. The café also offers daily-baked pastries and traybakes, made on site each morning. From Tuesday to Sunday, a separate Dough Box service provides freshly made pizzas, adding variety to the menu.
The bar serves a wide selection of drinks, from freshly squeezed juices and speciality coffees to beers, wines, and champagne. Seasonal changes affect the menu and prices, so it is advisable to consult the café’s website for the latest offerings before visiting.
Dietary options and children’s menu
Cafe Riva caters to different dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free options regularly available. The children’s menu includes smaller portions of popular dishes and snacks suitable for younger guests. The café’s relaxed atmosphere suits families, couples, and groups alike.
Seasonal and event menus
Special menus appear during holiday periods and local events, often featuring themed dishes or limited-time specials. These are announced on the café’s social media channels and website, providing opportunities to try something different during a visit.
What else to do at Cafe Riva besides eating
Cafe Riva is more than a café; it functions as a family-friendly leisure venue. An 18-hole mini golf course occupies the outdoor area, designed for all ages and skill levels. The course is open daily during warmer months and provides a recreational option alongside dining.
During the summer, a seasonal ice cream kiosk operates on site, offering a range of flavours including dairy-free and vegan choices. Adjacent to this is “The Shack,” an outdoor bar that serves cocktails, beers, and soft drinks, open in fine weather and during special events.
Live music takes place on weekends throughout the warmer seasons, weather permitting. Performances range from solo acoustic acts to small bands, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere on the terrace.
Dogs are welcome throughout the café, including the outdoor seating area. The menu includes “puppachinos” and dog-friendly ice cream, making it a popular stop for dog walkers along the clifftop.
Private events and bookings
Cafe Riva accepts private bookings for events such as birthday parties, anniversaries, and corporate gatherings. The venue accommodates up to approximately 70 guests, with a licensed bar available until 1am. Event organisers can arrange bespoke menus and entertainment options in advance.
Practical information about visiting Cafe Riva
Cafe Riva operates daily from 9am, closing only on Christmas Day. Seasonal variations in opening hours occur, particularly in the evenings and on days with scheduled events. Checking the current hours on the café’s website or contacting them directly is recommended before planning a visit.
The café’s clifftop location means it is exposed to coastal weather conditions. Outdoor seating is available but best considered a fair-weather option. Inside, large windows provide shelter while maintaining the panoramic views.
Access to the café is straightforward by car, with parking available nearby on Boscombe Overcliff Drive and adjacent streets. Public transport options include local bus routes serving Southbourne, with stops within a five to ten-minute walk. The nearest train station is Bournemouth, approximately 4 miles west, from where buses or taxis can be taken.
Accessibility
Cafe Riva provides step-free access to the main café area and outdoor terrace. The mini golf course is accessible via paved paths, though some uneven surfaces exist. Accessible toilets are available on site.
Pricing and payment
Prices for breakfast dishes generally range from £5 to £10, with lunch items between £7 and £15. Drinks vary widely depending on choice, from around £2.50 for a coffee to £6 or more for alcoholic beverages. The mini golf course charges approximately £5 per round for adults and £3 for children. Payment by card and contactless methods is accepted.
How Cafe Riva fits into Southbourne and the local area
Situated on the Southbourne clifftop, Cafe Riva offers a convenient stop for visitors walking the coastal path or spending time on the nearby beach. The clifftop walk runs along the coast from Boscombe to Hengistbury Head, a distance of about 3 miles, passing several cafés and parks.
Southbourne itself is a residential suburb with a village centre that includes shops, restaurants, and a small pier. Cafe Riva is one of the few cafés directly overlooking the sea in this area, making it a distinctive feature of the local hospitality scene.
The café complements other leisure and dining options in Southbourne and neighbouring Boscombe, which has a larger town centre with theatres, galleries, and a leisure centre. Visitors can combine a meal or coffee at Cafe Riva with exploring the nearby beaches or visiting attractions listed in the things to do section.
For those seeking further dining choices, the wider food & drink guide covers restaurants and cafés across Bournemouth, including options for different cuisines and budgets.
Nearby attractions and walks from Cafe Riva
From Cafe Riva, the clifftop path leads west towards Boscombe Pier and the town centre, a walk of about 1.5 miles. Along this route are gardens, playgrounds, and the Oceanarium. Eastwards, the path continues towards Southbourne Beach and Hengistbury Head, a nature reserve with walking trails and birdwatching spots.
The café’s location makes it a natural base for combining refreshments with outdoor activities. Families often visit the mini golf before or after a beach visit, while walkers appreciate the café as a rest point with views.