The Riverenza

So the coffee and food were good… 4 stars (build your own breakfast sandwich – get it on artisan bread. It’s big… then really load it up with everything your heart desires… Chai was good too) but what makes this place stand out is the service. I’m not sure if these 3 guys work everyday (we were just passing through and I’m not even positive the third guy actually works there) but Ben (the guy behind the counter) and then guy#2 in the kitchen and guy#3 (possibly waiting for his shift to start at a table?)… were super cool, talkative, positive, friendly, etc. Like… How you imagine coffee shop staff should be where you immediately get all these good vibes but instead usually you are just another person waiting in line to annoy them. So… If you are passing through and want to chat with a local about what hikes to do or just sit in a coffee shop that’s super chill with really nice people working there (and no complaints on the food and coffee)… Then this is it. Good job to whoever hired these guys.

Coffee excellent from Stumptown Roasters! Love the ambiance of this quaint old church. I had the Mediterranean Salad. I walked away hungry though. Need to add grilled chicken to this please?
3 for food: 4 for ambiance.

I will admit that when my husband and I walked in, after a long drive from central Washington; we were a little confused because it looks like we walked into a room of tables in an old church. Then we turn the corner and see a little barista stand, at first it looks like they just made coffee. When we walked up to the front, the server hands is the menus with tons of food items.
We decided on build your own breakfast sandwich. I made a panini sandwich and my husband ordered a breakfast bagel sandwich. Then two beers for $ 25 plus tip! Great prices!
We waited for a food on a big, red, velvet couch while a young man tuned his guitar in the other room.
When the food came within minutes and we saw our plates our jaws dropped. We were extremely surprised and impressed the delicious sandwiches waiting on our plates.
After the first bite we were in love with every bite.
I would definitely recommend this place to someone looking for good food and and open mind to the ambiance. When you see the stain glass windows and hear the charming young man singing with guitar. On top of the amazing sandwiches, you will love this place too!

Lovely and charming in and out. Great service, fantastic food. It’s a perfect place to go for lunch with friends and family.

Best tomato soup in town. Great menu. Very friendly staff and a very beautiful atmosphere. Lots of coffee and specialty drinks to choose from. Terrific brownies oh and did I mention the tomato soup.

Most importantly, excellent coffee. Had two different paninis that were made with fresh ingredients and combined flavors well. Service was quick and friendly. A broad variety of seating options inside and outside. This café is outside the main downtown but worth the trek. Added bonus, located in a refurbished church which is architecturally interesting.

Loved the food. The atmosphere was nice. The meals we ordered were $ 6 – 8 each. We split two of them between four kids, and that was sufficient. They will customize paninis if you like. Gluten free is available. The dining room management was a little confusing for someone who hadn’t been there before. I always find it disconcerting to have a tip space to fill in on a credit card receipt when no service has yet been rendered. I am inclined not to tip at all in that case until after I have eaten, since I think service ought to determine tips. The service also, while perfectly friendly, was not sit down service. You get your own water and napkins, salt and pepper, and coffee. They take your order at a counter and then bring the food out. Getting the extra plates and knives took a few times asking. Five meals cost around $ 39 excluding the tip.

Neat place in an old church’s little off the beaten path but not too far.
When you walk in main entrance you will likely have second thoughts. You feel like you are walking into a church hall or the like. But the food was very good. I got a gyro and my customer got a panini of some sort. Both quite tasty.
Staff was not overly friendly but okay.

Great food always. I have eaten here several times the food has always been great. The service is awesome. The atmosphere is great. They took an old church and made it a place to enjoy. Great job.

Great setting in a neighborhood church. Disappointed in the house coffee. Not a huge Stumptown fan myself. Egg sandwich is average. I can see, but not taste the bacon. Wondered about the ranch dressing it’s served with — turns out it’s what provides the flavor. But, the outdoor porch can’t be beat on a sunny Saturday morning in mid-​spring. Lots of blooming things, and birdsong everywhere.

Have ate here several times. The food is really good. The staff are friendly and you don’t have to wait a long time for your burger.

Love the Riverenza!!!
Super good drinks and food. I love their Gyros and Chai Latte!!! Super friendly staff and the food is being served incredibly fast as well. Just love it — have nothing more to say — so hurry and check them out!!! :)

This place is wonderful! We came in with no warning and needed a order of breakfast for 18 people. They made it happen with no hesitation and fast! The food was great and they even loaned us their coffee pot for the weekend. We’re here every year for the Rally in Dufur and we’ll definitely be back! also the cashiers parents must be bakers cause she is a cutie pie…

Super great service. Very friendly and personable. The food came out fast and smelling good. The flavor wasn’t all there (had a panini) but overall decent place. I’ll go back maybe try a different dish.

Unique little place. I think it used to be a church?
Clean and friendly staff. Menu had decent prices.
Breakfast and lunch items.
I ordered a gyro and a cookies and cream smoothie to go.
Service was pretty fast.
The Gyro pretty good. I’ve had better, but it’s the only place that I can find a gyro in The Dalles. Smoothie was ok. A little too much crushed pieces of ice for my liking.
If I have to visit The Dalles with a Gyro craving, the Riverenza will do ok.

5 stars!
We found this place on Unilocal and decided to stop in since the reviews and description looked interesting. Wow! It’s in an old church which gave it a great atmosphere. The owner greeted us and gave us some more details of the property and history. Very nice people.
My Philly cheesesteak sandwich was very tasty and filling.
My wife had the tomato soup (homemade!) and it was fantastic!
Fair wine and beer selection (only one selection for each wine varietal) but we enjoyed the cab we chose nevertheless.
Homemade cookies for desert and they were yummy.
Only suggestion is to make the menu on the wall simpler. Yes there is a lot of choices just not necessary to put everything up on the wall. Too busy.
The paper menu goes into greater detail.
Next time we are in the area with our MINI club, we will definitely stop in again.

For a breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, 5 stars. We loved the surroundings of the old church. Our meal of soup, grilled cheese and a fiesta panini was perfect comfort food on a chilly, foggy day in The Dalles. The courtyard looks like it would be great on a sunny spring day.

Fantastic place run by a local couple. Fresh bakery items, the most wonderful tomato basil soup and even healthy smoothies! Something for everyone, reasonable prices and pleasant atmosphere with warm hospitality in an old church. They even have an organ in the restroom!

Great food, great service, and great prices! We got the grilled cheese, garden salad, tomato soup, and a nice glass of iced Stumptown Coffee. This café is hidden away in a beautiful building and eating out on the deck was the perfect way to lunch in Dalles.

Awesome restaurant…
Had 2 paninis and both were really good.
Fiesta panini w/​turkey: Was awesome.
Make your own panini: with chicken curry salad, avocado, etc (all ingredients were fresh & made a good panini)
Real good service… has a different feel to restaurant.