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

7946 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

Jul 1, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 41 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 5:30 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
Luke Vossen: (888) 338-3996

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 7,946 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
Scenic View
Brooklyn
American
Brooklyn
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

CM
ChrisM
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
The dining experience at River Cafe is exceptional - from the greeting at the door to the end of the meal, it is simply superb. The food and wine, the relaxed atmosphere, the stunning views and the wonderful staff create a memorable evening.
DB
DanielB
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall3food2service3ambience4
Food is ok, no more than that. the experience worth a one-time visit.
ST
StephenT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not for the first time, our evening was one of continuous pleasure from the initial welcome through to our departure. The service was impeccable throughout and that allowed us to relax into the ambiance to enjoy the exquisite food and the ever changing light over lower Manhattan and comings and goings on the river. We will return.
AB
AntonioB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We come back after four years finding the restaurant more elegant and friendly. We’ll return!
MA
MAGDALENAC
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was very delicious. Staff very attentive, even brought me a shawl as I was very cold in the section I was seated. Beautiful view of the city and the Brooklyn bridge.
w
wayneb
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service3ambience5
Service was a bit slow. The team was great, however, the head waiter was a bit aloof with us and did not seem to want to engage us in conversation although he did with other partrons. Our low rating above it also based on his attitude towards us. The food portions should have been a bit more based on the prices paid.
AN
ANDREAM
New York Area
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful service and amazing food. I look forward to returning in the near future.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
My experience bringing my best friend for her birthday was indescribably wonderful. The staff was courteous and helpful. The vegetarian menu has wonderful choices, the dessert is exquisite. The quality of their food and service is unmatched. Thank you for a lovely evening. We will be returning. Very happy with our experience.
CB
CarolB
Central Texas
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly one of my very favorite restaurants. Our New York visits would not be complete without eating at the River Cafe. The food is amazing, the service impeccable and the view is spectacular.
KH
KathleenH
West Palm Beach
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding as always ! Service views food everything was just perfect!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food, views, service was amazing!
LM
LadyM
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Favorite restaurant of all time! The food, the service, the view are all outstanding. Very special place
NR
NuriaR
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a table with a wonderful view of Manhattan. The food is outstanding, the service was excellent. My favorite dish was the coffee soufflé. It was an amazing experience.
V
Vinnie
Monterrey
6 reviews
vip
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience3
Not what you expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Sommelier did not opened the bottle of wine in front of us, neither did she provide the cork when offering to taste the wine. We order lobster and beef. The lobster was great but the beef Requested to be cooked medium was COLD inside. The quality wasn’t good … more on the tuff side. The bone marrow was used over and over again to stuff with short rib and had no bone marrow. They did try to make it up in the end offering a glass of “champagne” that was not champagne. Lamps where dirty… Sorry lost another customer
PS
PoSh24
New York Area
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Anniversary dinner
AB
AndreaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
L'atmosfera magica ci ha accolti in questo locale unico. Il personale, professionale e molto gentile ci ha coccolato con discrezione. Il cibo è stato all'altezza delle aspettative, che erano decisamente alte. Sarebbe stato perfetto un tavolo davanti alla vetrata con lo skyline di Manhattan, tuttavia, tutti i tavoli sono ben disposti e permettono la splendida visuale a tutti. Il prezzo, soprattutto per noi Italiani, è alto, ma da fare soprattutto se c'è un'occasione speciale da festeggiare, la serata resterà indimenticabile.
A
Amanda
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
AMAZING every time incredible experience from start to finish. Staff extremely attentive
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It's always wonderful at The River Cafe!
M
Mochi
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible dining experience, would highly recommend!
MC
MarissaCB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was an awesome experience. The view is everything. Service on point, totally have to revisit Went for our 15th wedding anniversary
N
Noname
New York Area
196 reviews
vip
5.0
196 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The entire experience, as always, was superlative. The food was incomparable, the service perfect and the room and view were spectacular. For me, this is the best dining experience in NYC.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Top, we loved it, every detail from the beginning until the end. Thank you
AJ
AaronJ
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience from the start to finish. The staff is amazing, especially Amanda! The soufflé is probably the best desert I had in my life!
AK
AK123
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to be. However, their suit/jacket policy for men is very strict. I tried taking my jacket off for 5 mins just bc I felt a bit uncomfortable after eating and the manager came and asked me to put it back on despite me telling him that I just ate and I wasn't feeling too comfortable. The bill was almost $500 and I couldn't take my jacket off for 5 mins kinda strange but whatever
a
aura
New York Area
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service excellent as always. The ambiance and view quintessential New York. But seeing Buzzy, owner, and hearing Domique play the piano always make the evening quite special.
RP
RobertoP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful culinary experience. Excellent service and food
e
emjayef
Chicago
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything outstanding. Steven great server. Great views.
MD
MDavis
Richmond
34 reviews
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food. Wonderful service. Great view.
SM
SMich
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday celebration for my partner and it was amazing. The food and the very attentive team service was well worth the $$$.
AH
AaronH
Toronto
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The River Cafe is a great restaurant to visit when in NYC. The location is fantastic, right on the water. We got an early reservation and were able to get a table right next to the window. Just the two of us but we did order a third appetizer to share so we essentially had a four course meal. Would definitely recommend.
j
jamesm
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a fabulous night for my 60th Birthday. Staff were wonderful and looked after us very well.
D
Drake
Birmingham
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unbelievable view and great food.
JJ
JamieJ
London
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
Beautiful setting and good service but not worth the money food was average
GR
GR23
New York Area
39 reviews
vip
5.0
39 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
When you want a special foodie experience with the best view in NYC, go to River Cafe. Take guests. Everyone is impressed with the food, service, wine selection and the fantastic view. We have loved it for years.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Graduation
H
Haley
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful Experience! Have come here for birthdays and anniversaries for years, always beautiful memories
j
jannef
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food and amazings settings. The view and the service was over the top!
JL
JenniferL
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Views were great but the restaurant was LOUD, considering the dining experience they sell. For a fine dining restaurant, they need to decrease the amount of people dining on any given night to reduce the volume of the crowd.
JZ
JohnZ
New York Area
382 reviews
vip
5.0
382 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was amazing! Beautiful views, Food was spectacular, excellent cocktails and the wine list is to die for. Amber the wine sommelier recommended one of the best wine I ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Love this place and valet parking makes it a lot easier. We will be back 100%
m
mrotheim
New York Area
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A very special place. Elegant with superb food & service. One of our favorite restaurants in the whole world and we've been at many

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 7946 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

Jul 1, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 41 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 5:30 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
Luke Vossen: (888) 338-3996

River Cafe

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Brooklyn, According to our Tastemakers

The Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City

Lamb

Hot Foie Gras

Wagyu Steak Tartare

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