River Cafe

Name: River Cafe
Address: 1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY, United States, 11201
Telephone: (718) 522-5200
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

4.8

8301 Reviews

$50 and over

American

Top Tags:

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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 20, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 54 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
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
Private party contact
Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200

Location
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood
DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
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

Featured in

Popular dishes

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

What 8,301 people are saying

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

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Brooklyn
Best Service
Brooklyn
Best Ambiance
Brooklyn
Great for fine wines
Brooklyn
Romantic
Brooklyn
Great for scenic views
Brooklyn
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

F
Freebie
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
A beautiful setting, fitting for such an extravagant meal. Service was impeccable right to and including the valet ensuring the Uber found its way. Ambience was just right, a mixture of New York and Paris. With one glaring exception the food was of the very best quality and, at times, sublime in its pairings, such as the hot foie grass and the surprising star of the night, the waffle, pork belly combo which looked suspiciously ordinary and yet tasted heavenly completely surprising the palate. The one exception we’re the main courses, which after the triumphal notes of the first three courses fell flat on the overpeppered crusts on both the duck and venison and the billones of both main courses. Rescued somewhat by the iconic chocolate Brooklyn bridge and the interesting artesanal Cheeses nevertheless the overpowering peppercorn left the one bad note in an otherwise rhapsody of flavors.
PW
PeterW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best ambiance and service imaginable. Best dining view in NY.
NS
NorthShoreFoodie
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Considering the exceptional quality of the food and uniquely amazing ambiance and views, we were pleasantly surprised to find the staff warm, welcoming, professional and friendly -- from the car valet to the table captain. It has been a long, long time since we enjoyed a meal as much as we did at River Cafe. Thank you. And congratulations for creating an environment where the staff clearly takes pride in sharing a wonderful experience with their patrons.
DR
DanielR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Maravilloso lugar para una cena romántica, atención exquisita y profesionalidad evidente
SM
SkyMike
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second time @river cafe was as great as the last one 6 years ago. A wonderful fine dining. Thank You, we will be seeing you again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best meals I’ve ever had! Amazing ambiance and truly an extraordinary spot for a celebration / special occasion. Would highly recommend!
CH
CraigH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and quality of service were top class Indeed several of the dishes were absolutely exceptional A wonderful dining experience with a fantastic view
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible experience, service ambiance and food were all incredible.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food5service3ambience5
Very slow service between first and second course. Asked someill waiter and finally Alfredo to check. Accustomed to much better service at River Cafe. Disappointed. But food was excellent!!
M
Marcel
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We hadn't been back to the River Cafe in years but returned for an anniversary dinner. It was as wonderful as we remembered. Extraordinary view of lower Manhattan as the sun set and the light came on, excellent food accompanied by a great (though expensive) bottle of wine, and superb service. We will return without waiting so long next time.
L
Lawrence
Central Coast
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dining experience in the world. Would recommend to anyone.
AT
AnaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful experience - the location, the atmosphere, the service... It all makes you feel extra special. And the menu is fairly classic but so incredibly delicious. Bite after bite, it was incredible. Can't wait for another important occasion to celebrate at River Cafe.
M
Mpsp
New York Area
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect way to celebrate two birthdays- a memorable evening
JM
JMay
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for a romantic dinner or parents who are in town- amazing views
JB
JosieB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely beautiful from the entrance to table and the view omg it was my husband birthday and wow amazing we didn’t want to leave!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best experiences I’ve had in a very long time. Very special place
JB
JamesB
Philadelphia
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a magical experience! Delicious food, wonderful service and a spectacular setting!
MQ
MikeQ
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was excellent experience. Food, setting, ambiance all lead to a very enjoyable dining experience.
AA
AAnother
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The addition of a sommelier in the roughly 10 years since we last visited is an excellent addition. The food, ambiance and service has always been first class. The sommelier was excellently versed in fine wine but equally capable of explaining wines to a novice like me. I would thoroughly recommend this establishment as a must do experience for anyone looking for an intimate and memorable evening with thier loved ones.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What you would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Great service, great meal. I wish I would've asked for a window seat to make the evening more special for my wife's 40th.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent dining experience. Little over the top with dress code but whatever….
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was an amazing experience. The food was great and the views fantastic!
VR
VeronicaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing night at the River Cafe. The food was excellent, the service flavless and the feeling of just being there. Would really reccomend it.
KC
KCgal
Kansas City
46 reviews
vip
5.0
46 reviews
Dined on March 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved every dish so won’t be very helpful with menu choices. We can highly recommend having the lovely sommelier give her expert advice on selecting a bottle of wine which paired beautifully with everything. Thank you for our anniversary treat!
D
Deanh
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Jake the bartender was amazing, caring, professional and an asset to the team
LM
LulaMoormanLuck
Washington DC
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Girlfriends gathering
HJ
HarrietJ
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience5
Husbands birthday
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
River cafe never disappoints. The food is delicious, the treats sent over by the chef are always incredible. We were there celebrating our honeymoon with our European friends and they also loved everything that they tried. River cafe will always be that special place for special occasions. Thank you river cafe for a great time.
LB
LauraB
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall3food5service4ambience4
I remembered it more elegant. very noisy people. My table with very limited view
A
Andrea
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Too much noise. Excellent view. Dessert not so good as the restaurant should provide. Very good service. Maybe recommended for a drink.
MH
MaryH
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The River Cafe reminds us of Paris and the unique dining experiences we've had there. It's perfect from the minute you step through the door. Nothing is left to chance and the food is divine coupled with exemplary service. If we lived closer we would be frequent guests.
CV
CharlVorster
New Orleans
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Expensive, but worth every Cent - a superb dining experience, enjoyed every minute!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful experience with the family, love everything, the food exceptional, and ambiance breathtaking. Love love love.
KG
KikiG
New York Area
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and the service were outstanding. It was my husband's birthday and from right when we walked in, he was greeted with a "happy birthday" and that continued up through our actual waiter. The whole experience was perfect.
AL
AndreaL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Gorgeous view and wonderful food and service. Expensive but worth it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a wonderful experience. The staff was so helpful and accommodating. Can’t wait to go back!
PP
PaulP
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time had for my 50th Birthday 🥳. Excellent views of the city and fantastic food.
J
Jmj28210
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
River cafe, was stage best experience we had. The food and the ambiance was spot on. The view was the best part of the whole experience. Of course the food was out of the world.
JH
JavierHuerta
Mexico City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best places in the world! Just amazing, food quality is perfect, the ambience is great, very romantic, service is attentive and friendly, great wine selection, the view just amazing.
SP
SurayP
Atlantic City
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Breathtaking view! Amazing food! Definitely will be back for more!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

River Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 8301 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 20, 2023

9:00 PM

Booked 54 times today

1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Additional information

Cross street
Old Fulton St.
Neighborhood
DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
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
Private party contact
Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200

River Cafe

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Brooklyn, According to our Tastemakers

The Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City

Duck

Hot Foie Gras

Beef

Appetizer

River Café Oysters

Hot Foie Gras

Wild Shrimp

Scallop Ceviche

Scallop and Pork

Yellowtail Hamachi

Tortelloni

Wagyu Steak Tartare

Octopus

Caviar Service

Caspian Golden Osetra, Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii, (Germany)

Siberian Sturgeon, Acipenser Baerii, (Germany)

Main Course

Lamb

Beef

Duck

King Salmon

Black Sea Bass

Dessert

Toasted Almond Semifreddo

Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge

Pistachio Soufflé

Artisanal Cheeses

Blandy's Madeira Dessert Flight

Handmade Chocolates And Confections

Specialty Cocktails

Hound of Culann

A View of Manhattan

French 77

The Centenario

Vintage Daiquiri

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

Champagne$22.00

Rosé Champagne$29.00

White Wines

Riesling$18.00

Sauvignon Blanc$18.00

Chardonnay$26.00

Chardonnay$24.00

Rosé Wine

Pinot Noir$18.00

Red Wines

Pinot Noir$28.00

Sangiovese Blend$20.00

Cabernet Sauvignon$24.00

Tempranillo$20.00

Beer

Amstel Light$10.00

Corona Extra$10.00

Heineken$10.00