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

8030 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

Aug 16, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 45 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 8,030 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
Notable Wine List
Brooklyn
Scenic View
Brooklyn
American
Brooklyn
Most Booked

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Filters

MM
MelissaM
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was spectacular, and the service was outstanding in a way I've never experienced. From the front desk to the sommelier the River Cafe's staff is truly adept at delivering a unique upscale experience while making you feel right at home. This place is a true gem, and the definition of a New York institution. I went for dinner to celebrate my wedding anniversary, and I cannot wait to dine with them again!
FL
FahidL
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
You will not be disappointed! I took my girlfriend for our anniversary and she enjoyed every bit of it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely spectacular in every way! We are world travelers and can honestly say this was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had. Setting - gorgeous. Service - impeccable . Timing of courses - exactly right. Food - delectable on all counts. A beautiful and memorable occasion for our family. Thank you all.
KF
KimberlyF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Spectacular views and food prepared to perfection!
P
Publikaty
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice and romantic place! All people very warm and welcome. Love it!!
EG
ErolG
New York Area
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing and memorable place for a special occasion! Outstanding service and cuisine.
r
rose
New York Area
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been here many times since the 80s. Never ever disappoints. One of our favorites. Looking forward to returning soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The setting is unique and beautiful. Soft lighting, floral arrangements and warm colors abound. And that amazing NYC land / seascape provides an ambience that is rare and alluring. Service is impeccable. The food is also quite unique and delicious. It is of course expensive, but a complete delight on special occasions!
TF
TexasFoodie
Dallas
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday dinner was like a dream.
BJ
BJB4
New York Area
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always wonderful and not disappointing this time either!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic food and experience. The location is unbeatable for a special occasion.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Maravillosa la comida, la atención y las vistas. Formidable! Repetiré!
SG
StephenG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food there was outstanding. There is a lot of old traditions that they uphold which is nice if you are into that but I do not think it’s necessary because the food is really the star. Overall a great experience that I would love to do again.
WM
WilliamM
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Wonderful for a special occasion
LB
LoriB
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience, great view, great food, highly reccomend!
CG
ChristianG
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an unbelievable experience. First the ambiance is exquisite, the city view, views of the river, boats passing by. Inside you’re greeted by such warmth and indulgence. FOOD wow, beyond words. My pallet was dancing whimsically with every course. I highly recommend for a special occasion or just a lovely 1 on 1 experience.
s
salvatore
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The River Cafe was outstanding as usual. The food, service and ambiance were fantastic. I have been dining at the River Cafe since it's inception and plan to continue visiting the restaurant. I now have a Granddaughter and look forward to introducing the third generation of family to The River Cafe.
EC
EdithC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience1
We booked a table for our 20th wedding anniversary a long time ago, asking a table near the window. Our request was not fullfilled, which is not admissible for a restaurant of that claimed standing. Inside the restaurant the atmosphere is absolutely not as romantic and quiet as one would expect: It is very noisy and the staff is running all around from beginning to end. The food is good but not exceptionnal. Theres's a fixed tip percentage which is not normal either. Politeness of the staff is limited to the strict minimum. As a conclusion, we are quite disappointed. There is still a lot of work to do in order to reach the level of elegance and customer's service of a french gastronomic restaurant. It's nothing more than a high-priced brasserie with a (partial) view. We won't come back and we won't advertise this restaurant.
M
Mermer
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 4, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
The scenery was really pretty, I loved all the lights outside and the overlook of the city skyline. The pictures and ambiance was just amazing. However, the food was okay for the price, the service was nice but felt a little weird.
RP
RubenP
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The quintessential high-end romantic dinner spot. View was gorgeous, service was immaculate, food delicious.
JK
JanK
San Francisco
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience5
It was a birthday celebration that was confirmed with 3 different staff members but did not get the candle or extra.
A
Anleofred
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2022
overall5food3service5ambience5
Great old school New York restaurant with surprisingly young clientele. Suits are mandatory for men, and they have a closet full of them, in case you come without. Three course meal is a nice portion, quality of food is of an average good New York restaurant. But the service and ambiance more than make up for it. And the spectacular location of course. Restaurant’s decor with luscious greenery, fairy lights and fresh cut flowers makes it really stand out
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Everything was great.
IL
IanL
Surrey
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Came to New York from London for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. I booked our table based on previous reviews not knowing any restaurants in NYC. From the moment we arrived, all of the staff were so welcoming and very attentive. We had requested a window riverside table only to be told there were none available. Disappointed we spoke to the Maitre d’ and he was on it to resolve our seating. Less than 10 minutes later he was back and moved us to the riverside as requested, Great service. From the very first drink and every course of food that came out afterwards the presentation and table service was first class. The food was amazing and the attention to every detail combined on your plate was an explosion of flavour in your mouth. Everything about the River Cafe made our anniversary dinner a night we will remember. Excellent food, service and ambiance would highly recommend this place. Only negative: the seats at the tables could do with a seat cushion as they are uncomfortable after a couple of hours..!
KZ
KellyZ
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful experience- views were wonderful and food was original, well-prepared, and delicious!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall3food5service5ambience3
Probably the best lamb I’ve ever eaten, and the service and attention was excellent, but the tables are squeezed in way too tight. There was literally a wine bucket between our tables so it’s impossible not to listen to hear your neighbours conversation. You can’t hear the piano over the background noise. The waiter banged my chair every time he served our neighbouring table. Horrendously over packed which ruined the experience for us.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Simply amazing! I will definitely return here again. If you want to go all out for a date night, this is where to go.
S
Santi
Denver
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was amazing from the time you enter the drive
RV
RosaV
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our 34th anniversary with our dear friends. From the moment we arrived we were delighted by the surroundings. Convenient, friendly and ready to help, a valet parking was waiting for us. Equally the receiving party in the reception hall were attentive to our needs, like my friend, who wore a hat, which had to be checked. The dining experience was really pleasing. The food was great and the little treats the chef pampered us with were delightful. A repeat is a must! Definitely a little pricey but worth it!
s
stempy
London
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
We had a hugely enjoyable early birthday celebration here. Fabulous views, marvellous service and the food was fantastic. We had good wines by the glass.
AV
AmandaV
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
An absolutely perfect experience! The food was excellent. The service was accommodating and very friendly. I don't get to New York very often, but I cannot wait to go back!
RW
RickW
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Seated next to the water, perfect view. Service was outstanding. Food was very good. Looking forward to coming back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
Cute place. Despite all the servers, we seemed to be forgotten several times. Sat with empty plates in front of us for a long time after each course, and took a while for them to take our order. Food was good, but a high price for 3 courses!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Birthday Dinner Reservation. Top of the line service
PH
PatrickH
Central Coast
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The location, history and elegance of this Restaurant is second to none. Upon entry to the Restaurant is where all the magic begins at the courteous Valet Service right on through the Front Door to the Hosts. Then suddenly as your waiting at the Bar to be seated at your Table your sipping on your favorite Alcoholiic beverage looking over at Brooklyn Bridge and Freedom Tower. The servers and food and overall execution of service is by far one of the best I have ever experienced. Highly recommend that who ever May visit the Great Borough of Brooklyn to experience this Dining experience. Patrick Hanly
h
hoyhoyhoy
Los Angeles
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
My boyfriend proposed! The entire staff treated us like royalty. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate our special moment.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Loved it! Iconic!
JA
JAYW
Orange County
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a great surprise at end when the waiter brought final bill and we found out that our sons and their wives paid for everything

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 8030 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

Aug 16, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 45 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