Southern Sustenance: Review of Riverside Steak & Seafood, Swansboro

Upon moving to Swansboro, there were two restaurants that our friends recommended that we had to try, Yanna’s and the Riverside. First up was Riverside, and I can tell you that our friends were not kidding, Riverside Steak and Seafood is fantastic! From the appetizer to the salad to the entrée, our meal was just great. In fact, it was so good, that we were back three days later, and then again a week after that.

Scallop Nachos

For our appetizer, we ordered Scallop Nachos. We are talking about lightly blackened Sea Scallops topped with cheese on top of homemade tortilla chips. It was combined with black beans, sun dried tomatoes, and house-made salsa. Then, it was lightly broiled to melt the cheese. This dish was epic! It was eight huge sea scallops on top of perfection. While this dish is not on the menu, only an occasionally special, ask for it anytime you visit the Riverside. This dish was absolute perfection in a bite. I don’t know which of the chefs, Steve or Jeff, made this dish, but they deserve to be nominated for a James Beard award for the simple perfection of this appetizer. No question about it, this is the best appetizer that I have ever eaten. I have yet to hear of anyone who hasn't fallen in love with this dish.

Each dinner came with a salad and muffin. Normally, I wouldn’t write about the salad, but each one of their dressings are homemade. The blue cheese dressing had at least three ounces of blue cheese chunks in it. It was creamy and delicious. The Parmesan peppercorn was fabulous. However, the best dressing that they make is the Hot Bacon dressing. Yes, it is warm, so don’t be shocked, but it is a fabulous vinegar (probably balsamic) reduction with chunks of bacon in it. Our waiter, Jimmy, told us an amazing tip. Get the Hot Bacon dressing, but then ask for honey mustard dressing on the side. The combination was phenomenal! Jimmy, by the way is such a good waiter. Make sure to ask for his section, because not only is he great, but he can make perfect recommendation on dishes, alterations, etc. Really, it is worth waiting just to be in his section and if he advises it, believe me, you want to order it. The muffin was a fresh-baked Sweet Potato muffin. Each bite is just sheer perfection. I understand why they sell them separately; they are so, so good. You don’t even need butter on them, though I would prefer it were available.

Salmon Oscar

In our three times at the Riverside Steak & Seafood, each dinner has been good, not as good as the appetizers, but still very good. In our times there, we have had Salmon Oscar, Shrimp & Grits, Tuna & Grits, The Carpetbagger (Filet & Shrimp), and Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp in a pesto cream sauce. While each was a quality, hearty dish, there are two that I would like to highlight. First, would be the Salmon Oscar. I was served a huge piece of salmon; I mean a 12-16 ounce slab of fish. It was cooked perfectly with asparagus, and potatoes. On top was crab; now the crab was cold, which was a bit shocking, but still, very fresh, great crab. The hollandaise sauce topping everything was mildly lemony and of an ideal creaminess. The combination was heaven in a bite.

Tuna & Havarti Grits

The other dish that blew me away was the Tuna & Grits. It was a delicious Havarti grit cake topped with a large cut of sashimi grade tuna that I ordered seared. The dish was topped with long cuts of Tasso ham and a light citrus buerre blanc sauce. On the side were season vegetables. Honestly, nothing beats fresh tuna, unless you combine it with grits.

All of the other dishes were good, Megan loved the lobster
ravioli and with the addition of shrimp, made it one great meal. In fact, of all the dishes, the only slight misstep was with the Filet. It ended up being much closer to medium-well than the medium-rare that was ordered. However, the flavor was still great.

Lobster Ravioli

The Riverside Steak and Seafood in Swansboro is a fabulous restaurant. The food quality and preparation is fantastic and the service is impeccable (be sure to ask for Danny). While the prices can quickly add up, remember two things, you are at the beach and this is a fine dining establishment. Main courses are going to run you $18-$30 while appetizers range from $5 to $16 for the scallop nachos (a price totally worth the quality and quantity of the dish). I can guarantee that for as long as we live in the area, most life events, celebrations, or birthdays will be including a dinner at Riverside. It really is just that good.

Category Rating 1-5 stars

Food Quality $\bigstar\bigstar\bigstar\bigstar\bigstar$