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  4. Brooklyn
  5. DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
Award-winning

River Cafe

4.8
4.8
8744 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.

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
  • Private party contact
    Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200
  • Location
    1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • 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

Experiences

  • Christmas Day 2023

    $230.00 per person

    Dec 25, 2023 only
    Celebrate Christmas Day 2023 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $230 per person. Choose from from a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, featuring a mix of The River Café classics and seasonal holiday offerings. Please note that beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included Reservations are available from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE TAKEN – PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AFTER COMPLETING THE MEAL. You can modify or cancel reservations up to 5 days prior. Cancellations within 5 days of the reservation will incur the full $230 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Christmas Day 2023 Photo

  • Christmas Eve 2023

    $230.00 per person

    Dec 24, 2023 only
    Celebrate Christmas Eve 2023 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $230 per person. Choose from from a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, featuring a mix of The River Café classics and seasonal holiday offerings. Please note that beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included Reservations are available from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE TAKEN – PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AFTER COMPLETING THE MEAL. You can modify or cancel reservations up to 5 days prior. Cancellations within 5 days of the reservation will incur the full $230 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Christmas Eve 2023 Photo

  • New Year's Eve 2023

    $947.21 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 2023 only
    Ring in the New Year at The River Café! On Sunday, December 31st, 2023 we will host a New Year’s Eve Gala which includes a 5-course dinner featuring caviar and truffles, live music, and dancing! We will be taking reservations between 8:00pm and 9:00pm and all guests will have their table for the entire evening, through midnight The Lester Lanin five-piece orchestra will be playing American Standards for music and dancing The price is $725 per person plus sales tax and a 20% administration fee for a total of $947.21. A non-refundable charge will be made at the time of booking the reservation. This cost does not include additional beverages. For more information please call 718.522. 5200 or visit our website www.rivercafe.com
    New Year's Eve 2023 Photo

What 8,744 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambiance

  • Brooklyn

    Great for fine wines

  • Brooklyn

    Romantic

  • Brooklyn

    Great for scenic views

  • Brooklyn

    Most Booked

8,744 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Worcestershire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Stunning location with great views across the river to the Manhattan skyline. Outstanding service and incredible food. We loved it. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MichaelD

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    By far the best dining experience I have ever had. Brought my wife for our anniversary. Incredible experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. JuanMi

    London

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Todo muy bien en general, pero acabas pagando 750$ por los dos menús, dos margaritas y un vino (ajustado de precio), y te preguntas si realmente has recibido lo que has pagado… Por lo demás una buena cena en un sitio increíble…

    Is this helpful?

  4. MikeD

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Service was great and the view is lovely. But the food is under whelming

    Is this helpful?

  5. ReneC

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful dining experience. Great service with professional and helpful sraff

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tallman

    St. Louis

    21 reviews

    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service and food is some of the best I have ever experienced. Many extras served with the ordered meal. The restaurant is on the riverfront with beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge. Very knowledgeable staff. The night we were there was only prix fixe. You will likely spend $300 a person or more depending on the wine. Extensive and interesting wine list Certainly recommend for a special occasion

    Is this helpful?

  7. dalet

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Extraordinary location. Staff understands how to pace a fine meal So many other "starred" places are too hurried

    Is this helpful?

  8. williamp

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Dinner was extraordinary, very pricey but for that special occasion we feel it was worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  9. JamesC

    Baltimore

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A Fabulous Birthday dinner everything was perfect and we both enjoyed the entire evening.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Docmarks

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding service, food and location. Outstanding wines and sommelier!

    Is this helpful?

  11. Donbob

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely superb in every way imaginable.,Certainly deserving of their Michelin star. Beautiful setting on the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge. My wife’s duck was superb, my beef some of the best I have ever eaten. Impeccable service.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Yorkshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible food in a beautiful setting. Staff were very attentive, knowledgable and friendly. A really special dining experience!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As you walk up the Christmas lights were very pretty. The view and over looking the water and skyline was breathtaking taking. Food was great.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Brighton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic meal in an utterly wonderful setting - thanks

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just as good if not better than the last time we visited 10years ago. Very grateful to have done it again.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful, lovely restaurant with excellent food and service. I highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We came here to celebrate our one year engagement anniversary. The service was amazing, the food was incredible and the view was even better!

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing!!!

    Is this helpful?

  19. MichaelM

    Munich

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always excellent. Great food, superb sommelier, faultless service and of course a great view.

    Is this helpful?

  20. JohnM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was my 6th visit, been dining here since the 1990’s when over from the UK. Last time I was in NYC you were closed for the refurbishment, great to be back

    Is this helpful?

  21. RichardO

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    We had to ask for more water and drinks several times $750.00 seemed a bit expensive for 2 people for the experience

    Is this helpful?

  22. AndyI

    London

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely beautiful setting for this restaurant, the food and service were excellent, the staff were very attentive.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Increible experiencia!! Era dena aniversario y en todo momento nos hicieron sentir agasajados!!

    Is this helpful?

  24. BriannaC

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    hands down, the best dinner we ever had. A truly amazing experience!

    Is this helpful?

  25. DyandMike

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always incredible and the service is always impeccable. Every time we go, we are consistently reminded of why we love the river Café. Oh yeah, the view is also incredible. Ha ha. Can’t imagine a better combination anywhere. 

    Is this helpful?

  26. KevinH

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to the River cafe as a special night out and we were not disappointed, the service was excellent and we couldn’t of been made more welcome, the food was superb but expensive but you get what you pay for, we will be returning on our next trip to New York

    Is this helpful?

  27. FineDiner

    NRW

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 1
    The location under the bridge is very unique, the food itself is decent yet not one you will remember, the place was completely packed and made for more of a brasserie than fine dining experience.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Amarillo

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service by every single person was impeccable! Every detail was addressed with personality and gratitude. The food was served hot, fresh, and timely. Amazingly delicious! Definitely a must on our next trip back!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful Experience! Excellent service! The venue is fantastic and the views to die for…

    Is this helpful?

  30. KristenG

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thanksgiving & My Birthday was a real treat at The River Cafè. From the maitre d' moving my table to the windows, from the impeccable attention and service from our server Dane. It was a wonderful day, high quality food, good portions, and fabulous view.

    Is this helpful?

  31. NahuelZapata

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing place, amazing food for making dreams come true. Def I would love to come back in a future

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic atmosphere, views, food and serviceminded and professional staff!

    Is this helpful?

  33. AntoniaB

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The River Cafe is a very special experience and we love dining there when we are in New York

    Is this helpful?

  34. Letty

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely exquisite, stunning location . The food was divine . The whole experience was tremendous. We loved it . The team couldn’t do enough for us . By far the best food we’ve had in New York .

    Is this helpful?

  35. Cheryl

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience is amazing. I love the garden feel, as well as being on the water with a beautiful view of the river and the Manhattan skyline. You can just feel that you are in a very special place as soon as you arrive. We had a party of 5, celebrating a birthday. The food was terrific, and I cannot say enough about the service. You are treated as if you are the only one there. Our table tried three of the desserts, and we all had a bit of each one: Brooklyn Bridge chocolate cake, the cheesecake, and the lemon souffle. That was a wonderful way to close out the meal. Every single one of them was delicious. I would have a hard time recommending one over the other. This was more than a dinner; it truly was an experience. I cannot recommend highly enough.

    Is this helpful?

  36. SharonT

    New Orleans

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful evening at the River Cafe! The food and service were both wonderful. Our waiter was so attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  37. JoanneV

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing service and food. The cocktails and wine were delicious and great recommendations from the staff. We had a great table right by the window and would definitely return.

    Is this helpful?

  38. WilfredoT

    New York Area

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything on the menu was superb The beef could have been more flavorful

    Is this helpful?

  39. Gianni05

    Fort Lauderdale

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is my third time visiting the River Cafe and over the last 20 years it remains my top fine dining choice.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dining here is such a special experience. The service is exceptional, we were particularly impressed with the sommelier. He was the perfect combination of knowledge, professionalism and attentiveness, all wrapped up within a warm and friendly personality. We were also fortunate to be seated at a window table overlooking downtown Manhattan, it was quite magical watching the reflection of the city lights on the water. And it goes without saying that the food is outstanding and beautifully presented. All around marvelous.

    Is this helpful?

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 8744 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 19 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for River Cafe

1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Cross street
    Old Fulton St.
  • Neighborhood
    DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
  • 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
  • Private party contact
    Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200

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