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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.8 (9322)
$50 and over
American
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Make a reservation

2 people
10:30 PM
Booked 63 times today

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
The River Café is one of New York and America’s most unique locations. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge with sweeping views of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty, this elegant restaurant has, since 1977, been a favorite destination for New Yorkers and visitors from around the world who demand the highest level of cuisine. Renowned for its exquisite setting, beautiful decor and seamless service The River Café serves a wonderful classic New American menu using only the finest, freshest and often rare ingredients. With an award winning and outstanding wine list, romantic piano music nightly, breathtaking floral arrangements, the River Café is more than simply dining, it is often a magical experience. Whether you are coming for dinner or a private party, be sure to leave some time to enjoy The River Café’s spectacular garden.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (718) 522-5200
  • Website
    http://rivercafe.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Jacket Required
  • Executive chef
    Brad Steelman
  • Private party facilities
    The Terrace Room at The River Café is uniquely capable of offering your guests an unsurpassed setting for private dining with spectacular views overlooking New York Harbor, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.Inquiries about special events please contact privateevents@rivercafe.com
  • Location
    1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Neighborhood
    DUMBO
  • Cross street
    Old Fulton St.
  • Parking details
    Valet parking is always available to guests with reservations. The River Café's cobblestone entrance is beautiful but sometimes challenging for people to navigate on foot. If you arrive by taxi, please insist your driver take you past the cobblestones, directly to the restaurant's front door roundabout.
  • Public transit
    A or C train to High Street 2 or 3 train to Clark Street F train to York Street Bus #B25 to Old Fulton St./Cadman Plaza West
  • Entertainment
    The River Cafe features live piano nightly.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Menu

The River Cafe's menu was last updated on 12/17/2022.

Fixed Price $195 per person

Appetizer

  • River Café Oysters

    warm lemon glazed Irish Point Oysters, caramelized sweet onion, Speck ham, Pacific sturgeon caviar

    • Hot Foie Gras

      sautéed duck foie gras, Pell Farms strawberry and caramelized onion crêpe, strawberry vinegar gastrique, toasted pistachio

      • Wild Shrimp

        Pacific blue shrimp, vegetable stuffed baby sweet pepper, whipped white polenta, smoked shrimp butter

        • Scallop Ceviche

          Maine diver scallop chilled on the half shell, tomato citrus marinate, sea beans, avocado and coriander

          • Scallop and Pork

            seared sea scallop, Berkshire pork tenderloin wrapped with herbs and smoked trotters, spring onion, fig mostarda

            • Yellowtail Hamachi

              thinly sliced Hamachi, crisp edamame and toasted sunflower seed filled tempura squash blossom, aromatic ginger, white soy and lime leaf sauce

              • Tortelloni

                buffalo ricotta, asparagus, ramps, roasted Maitake, Madeira mushroom jus

                • Wagyu Steak Tartare

                  hand cut Kobe style beef with quail egg, Cognac gelée, traditional garnish, toast points

                  • Octopus

                    Portuguese octopus ala plancha, black garlic, basil emulsion, zucchini, crisp potato

                    Caviar Service

                    each served with traditional garniture, toast points, tiny corn pancakes

                    • Caspian Golden Osetra, Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii, (Germany)

                      • per ounce$180.00

                    • Siberian Sturgeon, Acipenser Baerii, (Germany)

                      • per ounce$95.00

                    Main Course

                    Vegetarian Menu available on request

                    • Lamb

                      pan roasted Colorado lamb loin, merguez sausage, "stuffed" baby eggplant, spring English peas, natural lamb reduction

                      • Beef

                        Char grilled Niman Ranch strip steak, cipollini, brocolini, russet and yam potato gratin, Pinot Noir sauce

                        • Duck

                          crispy Crescent Farms duck breast, confit risotto cake, poached rhubarb, Tuscan kale, duck jus

                          • King Salmon

                            seared Ora King salmon, sunchoke purée, roasted beet and organic carrots, red wine star anise sauce

                            • Black Sea Bass

                              wild Atlantic bass, lobster brown butter, white asparagus, fennel lobster croquette

                              Dessert

                              • Toasted Almond Semifreddo

                                almond dacquoise, Cara Cara citrus sorbet, candied almond lace

                                • Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge

                                  dark chocolate Marquise, poached blueberries, honey vanilla ice cream

                                  • Pistachio Soufflé

                                    Winonoa Farms peaches, peach sorbet, fresh Chantilly cream

                                    • Artisanal Cheeses

                                      Five American cheeses and seasonal accompaniments. $22 additional

                                      • Blandy's Madeira Dessert Flight

                                        5 Year Verdelho, 10 Year Bual, 5 Year Malmsey - each paired with petit sweets, $24 additional

                                        • Handmade Chocolates And Confections

                                          Specialty Cocktails

                                          $22

                                          • Hound of Culann

                                            Jameson Irish Whiskey, espresso, salted Guinness honey

                                            • A View of Manhattan

                                              Widow Jane Bourbon and Rye, 10 Year Malmsey Madeira, Ramazzotti, Angostura and orange bitters

                                              • French 77

                                                Plymouth Gin, Champagne, lavender honey, lemon, egg white

                                                • The Centenario

                                                  1921 Añejo, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, antique triple orange au cognac, cacao, agave

                                                  • Vintage Daiquiri

                                                    Barbancourt15 year rum, Flor de Caña 18 year, fresh lime

                                                    Cognac

                                                    • Hennessey VS$22.00

                                                      • Hennessey XO$80.00

                                                        • Hennessey Paradis$132.00

                                                          • Hine Antique XO$40.00

                                                            • Delamain Pale & Dry XO$28.00

                                                              • Pierre Ferrand 1840$20.00

                                                                • Courvoisier XO Impérial$80.00

                                                                  • Remy Martin Vsop$23.00

                                                                    Brandy

                                                                    • Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1992$100.00

                                                                      • Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1981$175.00

                                                                        Armagnac

                                                                        • De Montal XO$29.00

                                                                          Calvados

                                                                          • Busnel Pays d'Auge VSOP$18.00

                                                                            Special Flights

                                                                            • Blandy's 10-year Madeira Flight - Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey$25.00

                                                                              • Port Variety Sampling - 10 Year Tawny, 20 Year Tawny, 1992 Vintage$35.00

                                                                                Wine by the Glass

                                                                                  Champagne and Sparkling Wines

                                                                                  • Prosecco Superiore$18.00

                                                                                    Mionetto - Valdobbiadene - Non Vintage

                                                                                    • Champagne$22.00

                                                                                      Pommery - Apanage - Brut - Non Vintage

                                                                                      • Rosé Champagne$29.00

                                                                                        Alfred Gratien - Brut - Non Vintage

                                                                                        White Wines

                                                                                        • Riesling$18.00

                                                                                          Hermann Wiemer - Finger Lakes - 2017. Off-Dry

                                                                                          • Sauvignon Blanc$18.00

                                                                                            Chatelain - Pouilly-Fumé -2017

                                                                                            • Chardonnay$26.00

                                                                                              Domaine Michelot - Meursault - 2016

                                                                                              • Chardonnay$24.00

                                                                                                Heitz Cellar - Napa Valley - 2016

                                                                                                Rosé Wine

                                                                                                • Pinot Noir$18.00

                                                                                                  Guillerault-Fargette - Les Panseillots - Sancerre - 2018

                                                                                                  Red Wines

                                                                                                  • Pinot Noir$28.00

                                                                                                    R. Dubois et fils - Nuit-Saint-George - Les Chaillots - Burgundy - 2016

                                                                                                    • Sangiovese Blend$20.00

                                                                                                      Monsanto - Chianti Classico Riserva - Tuscany - 2016

                                                                                                      • Cabernet Sauvignon$24.00

                                                                                                        Kenwood Vineyards - Jack London - Sonoma Mountain - 2012

                                                                                                        • Tempranillo$20.00

                                                                                                          Marques de Murrieta - Rioja Reserva - 2014/15

                                                                                                          Beer

                                                                                                          • Amstel Light$10.00

                                                                                                            • Corona Extra$10.00

                                                                                                              • Heineken$10.00

                                                                                                                • Ballast Point Sculpin IPA$11.00

                                                                                                                  • Brooklyn Brewery Lager$11.00

                                                                                                                    • Duvel$13.00

                                                                                                                      • Beck's (N/A)$9.00

                                                                                                                        Last updated: December 17, 2022

                                                                                                                        What 9,322 people are saying

                                                                                                                        The River Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                                                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                                        Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                                        4.8
                                                                                                                        4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                                        • 4.7Food
                                                                                                                        • 4.8Service
                                                                                                                        • 4.8Ambience
                                                                                                                        • 4.3Value

                                                                                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                                        Loved For

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          Great for fine wines

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          Romantic

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          Great for scenic views

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          American

                                                                                                                        • Brooklyn

                                                                                                                          Most Booked

                                                                                                                        Review summary

                                                                                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                                        The River Cafe offers a stunning dining experience with "breathtaking skyline views" and an "enchanting" ambiance. Known for "impeccable service" and "delicious food," it provides a romantic setting ideal for special occasions. Although pricey, the atmosphere and attention to detail make it "worth it."
                                                                                                                        9,322 Reviews

                                                                                                                        1. Natasha

                                                                                                                          Switzerland1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Went to the River Café for the third time over 12 years and I rarely experienced a restaurant like that: top ambience, service and food. Quite expensive but worth it everytime

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                                                                                                                        2. David VIP

                                                                                                                          New York City31 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Fantastic meal, service, views and ambiance. This special place ushers you back to a time when refined eating was the norm. The dress code makes the place even more special. An iconic restaurant that is part of New York culture.

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                                                                                                                        3. Marco

                                                                                                                          New York City1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Best experience for my birthday with my family ever, impeccable service and the food was amazing. Thank you!

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                                                                                                                        4. Lester

                                                                                                                          Orange County8 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          This was our first time visiting. The reservation process, directions and reception received were outstanding. The cocktails to start, followed by an extensive discussion with the best, most personable wine sommelier Austin. He was young, but boy did he know his Passion for wines. Dinner was the Venison and the duck. Both entrees shared by my wife and I. Dessert was the apricot sufle`. The service was top notch. The experience was well worth the visit. It will be on our list when we visit NYC.

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                                                                                                                        5. Erik

                                                                                                                          Memphis / West Tennessee1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          My husband wanted a special fancy dinner on our trip to New York. We are so glad we chose The River Cafe. It was absolutely amazing! The atmosphere, the service, the food were all above 10/10. I really appreciate how accommodating they were. I’m pregnant so I couldn’t have one of the chef special appetizer dishes so the chef created one for me so I could still enjoy! My husband absolutely loved their special rye drink and the mocktails were delicious! Definitely worth the money! Highly recommend!!!

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                                                                                                                        6. Harry

                                                                                                                          New York City4 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          I’ve never had a better service experience than The River Café. Impeccable, attentive, informative. A New York Staple!

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                                                                                                                        7. Neena

                                                                                                                          Minneapolis - St. Paul1 review

                                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on July 16, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                                          3. Service 4
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Mushroom Wellington was little chewy. Dessert apricot soufflé was extra sweet. Agnolotti & Salmon were finger licking good Great selection of wines and dessert wines too.

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                                                                                                                        8. Robert VIP

                                                                                                                          South Carolina91 reviews

                                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on July 14, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                          2. Food 3
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Table service was outstanding as was the ambiance. The food preparations left a bit to be desired. Both my duck and my wife’s lamb were overcooked and tough. For the price I expected more.

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                                                                                                                        9. Victor

                                                                                                                          New Orleans / Louisiana1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on July 12, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Fantastic dining experience. I cannot recall the last time that the service at a restaurant was so impecable. The view was stunning (requested a window seat - waited about 45 minutes at the bar - well worth it!!). All in all, a wonderful birthday dinner for my wife.

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                                                                                                                        10. Jaba

                                                                                                                          Unspecified2 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on July 12, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          One of the best dinning experiences I’ve ever had. Great food, great service and phenomenal atmosphere.

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                                                                                                                        FAQs

                                                                                                                        The River Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 9322 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                                        Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                                        1. Home
                                                                                                                        2. United States
                                                                                                                        3. New York City
                                                                                                                        4. Brooklyn
                                                                                                                        5. DUMBO

                                                                                                                        Make a reservation

                                                                                                                        2 people
                                                                                                                        10:30 PM
                                                                                                                        Booked 63 times today
                                                                                                                        Google Map for The River Cafe

                                                                                                                        1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

                                                                                                                        Additional information

                                                                                                                        • Award-winning
                                                                                                                          1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
                                                                                                                        • Cross street
                                                                                                                          Old Fulton St.
                                                                                                                        • Neighborhood
                                                                                                                          DUMBO
                                                                                                                        • Hours of operation
                                                                                                                          Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
                                                                                                                        • Price
                                                                                                                          $50 and over
                                                                                                                        • Cuisines
                                                                                                                          American
                                                                                                                        • Dining style
                                                                                                                          Fine Dining
                                                                                                                        • Dress code
                                                                                                                          Jacket Required
                                                                                                                        • Parking details
                                                                                                                          Valet parking is always available to guests with reservations. The River Café's cobblestone entrance is beautiful but sometimes challenging for people to navigate on foot. If you arrive by taxi, please insist your driver take you past the cobblestones, directly to the restaurant's front door roundabout.
                                                                                                                        • Public transit
                                                                                                                          A or C train to High Street 2 or 3 train to Clark Street F train to York Street Bus #B25 to Old Fulton St./Cadman Plaza West
                                                                                                                        • Payment options
                                                                                                                          AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                                        • Executive chef
                                                                                                                          Brad Steelman
                                                                                                                        • Entertainment
                                                                                                                          The River Cafe features live piano nightly.
                                                                                                                        • Additional
                                                                                                                          Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
                                                                                                                        • Website
                                                                                                                          http://rivercafe.com/
                                                                                                                        • Phone number
                                                                                                                          (718) 522-5200
                                                                                                                        • Private party facilities
                                                                                                                          The Terrace Room at The River Café is uniquely capable of offering your guests an unsurpassed setting for private dining with spectacular views overlooking New York Harbor, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.Inquiries about special events please contact privateevents@rivercafe.com
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