River Cafe, Otley

Bank House, Wharf Bank Mills, Ilkley Rd, Otley LS21 3JP, United Kingdom
+44 7956 791558
$$$ Cafe , Coffee shop
(32 Reviews)
Price Range £10–20

Welcome to River Cafe, a charming gem nestled along the beautiful banks of the River Wharfe in Otley. This idyllic café offers more than just excellent food; it provides a relaxed atmosphere where delicious meals are served with stunning riverside views. As a place where comfort meets culinary delight, River Cafe is sure to become your new favorite hangout.

From the moment you step into River Cafe, you're greeted by the warm and friendly staff who make you feel right at home. The interior combines elements of old-world charm with contemporary design, providing a cozy and inviting space to relax, whether you choose to dine indoors or outside on the patio with the gentle sounds of the flowing river as your backdrop.

The menu is thoughtfully crafted, featuring a delightful selection of dishes that emphasize fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Signature offerings like the noteworthy Turkish Eggs on sourdough toast, accompanied by garlic, chili, and dill yogurt, are fan favorites that have earned rave reviews from visitors. Customers, like Des Sammon, highlight the café’s dedication to quality, remarking on what a treat it is to enjoy such delectable food while taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Reviews from guests show just how beloved this café has become. Frances Roxby-Proud praised the “gorgeous setting” and the “amazing food,” expressing eagerness to return with friends. Michelle Barwood described it as an “absolute gem,” and experience the café offers—a little slice of paradise by the river that you will want to return to time and again. Ben Smith and Mark Thompson echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing not just the delicious cuisine but also the exceptional service provided by the staff who go above and beyond to create memorable dining experiences.

But what's a riverfront café without a stunning view? Imagine enjoying your meal as the sun casts shimmering reflections on the water, creating an enchanting atmosphere that enhances every bite. On a warm day, nothing beats sipping your coffee or enjoying a scrumptious dessert, like the famous burnt basque cheesecake, while lounging outdoors amongst lush greenery and the gentle breeze.

Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty lunch, a quick coffee, or a relaxed dinner, River Cafe promises a delightful culinary journey. With its varied and interesting menu, there's something for everyone. You may just find that River Cafe is not just a café, but a cherished community spot where memories are made. Don't miss out on this cherished local treasure—plan your visit today!

For inquiries, you can reach River Cafe at +44 7956 791558. We can’t wait for you to experience all that this fabulous café has to offer!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free parking lot
On-site parking
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

32 Reviews
Frances Roxby-Proud

03 Sep 2025

Called in for lunch today (22/7/25) and we were greeted warmly from the moment we arrived. Super friendly staff, gorgeous setting and the food was amazing! Strongly recommend this café and can’t wait to revisit with friends

Des Sammon

02 Sep 2025

What a fabulous new venue for Otley! Fabulous food and drinks choices, right on the banks of the river Wharfe. We went for the Turkish Eggs, served on sourdough toast with a garlic, chilli and dill Greek style yogurt/mayo whilst sat by the river. What a treat and we can’t wait to go back.

Michelle Barwood

22 Aug 2025

This cafe is an absolute gem of a cafe! We loved it so much we came back the next day. It’s in such a pretty spot; nestled by the river, and on a good day there are tables outside by the cafe itself, and also by the river. Inside is gorgeous too and a great place when the weather is too cold, or in our case, too hot to stay outside. I ordered the chicken salad with a bread and it was delicious. A lovely portion size. Lots of incredible ingredients. Bright coloured veg, and pickles and seeds and sauce. It was the nicest food we had during our stay in Otley. We ordered lovely cakes and the coffees were excellent too. Also a bit shout out to the lovely staff too. Incredibly friendly and helpful. Honestly, we loved it so much we came back the next day. And will definitely come back when we are in the area. Thanks again for looking after us!

Ben Smith

20 Aug 2025

We enjoyed a fantastic evening in the sunshine .. a truly delightful riverside setting outside for our pre meal drinks, a great choice of food which more than lived up to our expectations and great service from Chris and the team .. we'll be back soon!

Annabel Proud

01 Aug 2025

I wish I could give the service and atmosphere a 6* because we were so welcomed by all the lovely staff. Great quality food, interesting menu and fab location. Will 100% be returning!

LurkingSpider

15 Jul 2025

Day saved. The angels at River Side Cafe, #Otley. Even though they've stopped serving breakfast half hour ago. Did a breakfast bun of epic proportions anyway. Beautiful spot too. Ride past the dismal farm shop and come here. Thank me later.

Mark Thompson

25 Jun 2025

Delightful old world meets contemporary feel. Free parking right outside. Warm, tidy, clean, cosy. Not a huge food menu but looks like they bail everything that is on there. Burnt basque cheesecake was amazing. Great coffee, good Sunday lunch. Prices probably on the high side, not enough to put me off worth paying for the environment and food quality.

Gareth Simpson

31 May 2025

Great food, great service, great people! The menu is really well thought out and the ingredients were fresh and yummy! Lots of flavours and sensations. Definitely merits another visit!

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