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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.8 (9298)
$50 and over
American
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Make a reservation

2 people
7:30 PM
Booked 38 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

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 9,298 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
                                                                                                                        • 4.8Food
                                                                                                                        • 4.8Service
                                                                                                                        • 4.9Ambience
                                                                                                                        • 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 "magical setting" under the Brooklyn Bridge with "spectacular views" of Manhattan. Guests praise the "excellent food" and "impeccable service." Ideal for special occasions, the restaurant combines "romantic ambiance" with a "superb dining experience," featuring a "knowledgeable sommelier" and a "memorable skyline view."
                                                                                                                        9,298 Reviews

                                                                                                                        1. Kamila

                                                                                                                          London1 review

                                                                                                                          1.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 1
                                                                                                                          2. Food 1
                                                                                                                          3. Service 1
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 1
                                                                                                                          I book table by the window, got confirmation via email of it, but they did not honoured it. Starter was good, but main salmon not well cooked. I can do better at home.

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                                                                                                                        2. Ben

                                                                                                                          New York City4 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          For a special occasion in lower manhattan/brooklyn, there is no better choice than River Cafe. Service. Scenery. Amazing Food. Perfect cocktails.

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                                                                                                                        3. Mary VIP

                                                                                                                          New York City31 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Understated elegance Expectations always exceeded Presentation and quality of food superior Extraordinarily attentive staff Always unique experience

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                                                                                                                        4. Nejd

                                                                                                                          Amsterdam1 review

                                                                                                                          4.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                                                                                          2. Food 4
                                                                                                                          3. Service 3
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                                                                                          We like the food but the set menu it will not give you options to try more starter or main corse dish and some time you want to have 2 starter instead of one or 2 main dish instead of one

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                                                                                                                        5. Diane

                                                                                                                          New York City1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Superb. Exceptional service; wonderful food that was beautifully presented and had divine flavours. Quality! The views were amazing too. Couldn’t have been a more perfect evening

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                                                                                                                        6. Karen

                                                                                                                          New York City3 reviews

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Dinner at the River Café never disappoints. The fabulous staff, ambience, service, and of course, the excellent food! Thank you all!

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                                                                                                                        7. Ronald

                                                                                                                          New York City1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Always great experience to have dinner at the River Cafe..

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                                                                                                                        8. Jeffrey

                                                                                                                          New York City1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Everyone wished us a Happy Anniversary! It was our 30th! Everyone was charming, kind, knowledgeable, and fun. The food and cocktail, and wine choices showed imagination, creativity, and thought. Everything was delicious. We got to sit side by side on a banquette looking out at the sunset! The wait staff spoke French with the table on our right, and Spanish with the table on our left. Lovely roses and other flowers everywhere, that felt classy and understated. Our water glasses were never allowed get empty.

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                                                                                                                        9. Linda

                                                                                                                          San Francisco Bay Area1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on June 26, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          What’s not to love …. The ambiance and service alone gives it an overall 5 stars. I used to dine and drink there 40 years ago when there was little around the restaurant. It didn’t disappoint me then and still doesn’t.

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                                                                                                                        10. Wendy

                                                                                                                          Toledo / Northwest Ohio1 review

                                                                                                                          5.0

                                                                                                                          Dined on June 26, 2025

                                                                                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                                                                                          2. Food 5
                                                                                                                          3. Service 5
                                                                                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                                          Beautiful view and venue. Food was excellent and so was the service.

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                                                                                                                        FAQs

                                                                                                                        The River Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 9298 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
                                                                                                                        7:30 PM
                                                                                                                        Booked 38 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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