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

8232 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

Jan 27, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 57 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(718) 522-5200
Website
http://rivercafe.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Jacket Required
Executive chef
Brad Steelman
Private party facilities
The Terrace Room at The River Café is uniquely capable of offering your guests an unsurpassed setting for private dining with spectacular views overlooking New York Harbor, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.Inquiries about special events please contact privateevents@rivercafe.com
Private party contact
Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200

Location
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Neighborhood
DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
Cross street
Old Fulton St.
Parking details
Valet parking is always available to guests with reservations. The River Café's cobblestone entrance is beautiful but sometimes challenging for people to navigate on foot. If you arrive by taxi, please insist your driver take you past the cobblestones, directly to the restaurant's front door roundabout.
Public transit
A or C train to High Street 2 or 3 train to Clark Street F train to York Street Bus #B25 to Old Fulton St./Cadman Plaza West
Entertainment
The River Cafe features live piano nightly.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

River Café Oysters
warm lemon glazed Irish Point Oysters, caramelized sweet onion, Speck ham, Pacific sturgeon caviar
Hot Foie Gras
sautéed duck foie gras, Pell Farms strawberry and caramelized onion crêpe, strawberry vinegar gastrique, toasted pistachio
Wild Shrimp
Pacific blue shrimp, vegetable stuffed baby sweet pepper, whipped white polenta, smoked shrimp butter
Scallop Ceviche
Maine diver scallop chilled on the half shell, tomato citrus marinate, sea beans, avocado and coriander
Scallop and Pork
seared sea scallop, Berkshire pork tenderloin wrapped with herbs and smoked trotters, spring onion, fig mostarda
Yellowtail Hamachi
thinly sliced Hamachi, crisp edamame and toasted sunflower seed filled tempura squash blossom, aromatic ginger, white soy and lime leaf sauce
Tortelloni
buffalo ricotta, asparagus, ramps, roasted Maitake, Madeira mushroom jus
Wagyu Steak Tartare
hand cut Kobe style beef with quail egg, Cognac gelée, traditional garnish, toast points
Octopus
Portuguese octopus ala plancha, black garlic, basil emulsion, zucchini, crisp potato

Caviar Service

each served with traditional garniture, toast points, tiny corn pancakes

Caspian Golden Osetra, Acipenser Gueldenstaedtii, (Germany)
- per ounce$180.00
Siberian Sturgeon, Acipenser Baerii, (Germany)
- per ounce$95.00

Main Course

Vegetarian Menu available on request

Lamb
pan roasted Colorado lamb loin, merguez sausage, "stuffed" baby eggplant, spring English peas, natural lamb reduction
Beef
Char grilled Niman Ranch strip steak, cipollini, brocolini, russet and yam potato gratin, Pinot Noir sauce
Duck
crispy Crescent Farms duck breast, confit risotto cake, poached rhubarb, Tuscan kale, duck jus
King Salmon
seared Ora King salmon, sunchoke purée, roasted beet and organic carrots, red wine star anise sauce
Black Sea Bass
wild Atlantic bass, lobster brown butter, white asparagus, fennel lobster croquette

Dessert

Toasted Almond Semifreddo
almond dacquoise, Cara Cara citrus sorbet, candied almond lace
Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge
dark chocolate Marquise, poached blueberries, honey vanilla ice cream
Pistachio Soufflé
Winonoa Farms peaches, peach sorbet, fresh Chantilly cream
Artisanal Cheeses
Five American cheeses and seasonal accompaniments. $22 additional
Blandy's Madeira Dessert Flight
5 Year Verdelho, 10 Year Bual, 5 Year Malmsey - each paired with petit sweets, $24 additional
Handmade Chocolates And Confections

Specialty Cocktails

$22

Hound of Culann
Jameson Irish Whiskey, espresso, salted Guinness honey
A View of Manhattan
Widow Jane Bourbon and Rye, 10 Year Malmsey Madeira, Ramazzotti, Angostura and orange bitters
French 77
Plymouth Gin, Champagne, lavender honey, lemon, egg white
The Centenario
1921 Añejo, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, antique triple orange au cognac, cacao, agave
Vintage Daiquiri
Barbancourt15 year rum, Flor de Caña 18 year, fresh lime

Cognac

Hennessey VS$22.00
Hennessey XO$80.00
Hennessey Paradis$132.00
Hine Antique XO$40.00
Delamain Pale & Dry XO$28.00
Pierre Ferrand 1840$20.00
Courvoisier XO Impérial$80.00
Remy Martin Vsop$23.00

Brandy

Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1992$100.00
Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1981$175.00

Armagnac

De Montal XO$29.00

Calvados

Busnel Pays d'Auge VSOP$18.00

Special Flights

Blandy's 10-year Madeira Flight - Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey$25.00
Port Variety Sampling - 10 Year Tawny, 20 Year Tawny, 1992 Vintage$35.00

Wine by the Glass

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Prosecco Superiore$18.00
Mionetto - Valdobbiadene - Non Vintage
Champagne$22.00
Pommery - Apanage - Brut - Non Vintage
Rosé Champagne$29.00
Alfred Gratien - Brut - Non Vintage

White Wines

Riesling$18.00
Hermann Wiemer - Finger Lakes - 2017. Off-Dry
Sauvignon Blanc$18.00
Chatelain - Pouilly-Fumé -2017
Chardonnay$26.00
Domaine Michelot - Meursault - 2016
Chardonnay$24.00
Heitz Cellar - Napa Valley - 2016

Rosé Wine

Pinot Noir$18.00
Guillerault-Fargette - Les Panseillots - Sancerre - 2018

Red Wines

Pinot Noir$28.00
R. Dubois et fils - Nuit-Saint-George - Les Chaillots - Burgundy - 2016
Sangiovese Blend$20.00
Monsanto - Chianti Classico Riserva - Tuscany - 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon$24.00
Kenwood Vineyards - Jack London - Sonoma Mountain - 2012
Tempranillo$20.00
Marques de Murrieta - Rioja Reserva - 2014/15

Beer

Amstel Light$10.00
Corona Extra$10.00
Heineken$10.00
Ballast Point Sculpin IPA$11.00
Brooklyn Brewery Lager$11.00
Duvel$13.00
Beck's (N/A)$9.00

What 8,232 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.9Service
4.9Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Brooklyn
Best Ambiance
Brooklyn
Great for scenic views
Brooklyn
American
Brooklyn
Most Booked

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent experience as always never disappointed best room in NYC
H
Helene
New England
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved our dining experience at River Cafe. The staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Especially our sommelier Amanda, our bartender and all the others. The view of the river was spectacular. We ate every morsel. What a special place.
MR
MRNEC
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
An entirely fabulous meal and evening out. Splurge worthy.
LS
LauraS
Chicago
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience in every way. Certainly on the pricey end of things
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toledo
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Beautiful restaurant. Definitely a special occasion venue. Everything was spectacular but of course pricey. It is a Michelin restaurant so we expected the top-notch experience and food for the money.
GT
GillT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Booked for a friends birthday & wasn’t disappointed from arriving to leaving
D
Debra
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The absolute best dining experience I’ve ever had! The level of service is mind blowing and the food was some of the best I’ve ever eaten! You have to eat here is you visit NYC!
KB
KieranB
Dallas
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Worth the $$! we were not disappointed as the pictures matched on their actual restaurant… Or the restaurant is definitely worth its Michelin star end of the food, the presentation of the food, and the service was all top-notch. Make sure you get Window a table. We are visiting our son who lives in New York, and it will definitely be on our list to always go back for once a year special occasion.
DS
DanaS
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious! Service was wonderful! Big shout out to the sommelier for a superb wine recommendation - I found my new favorite wine!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal! A beautiful place with amazing food. Just became number one on our list of the best places we’ve ever eaten. Impressed with everything from the food to the staff.
EF
ElizabethF
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My family have been going to the River Cafe for decades. After an unpleasant and lack luster experience after a change of hands in the establishment 6 years ago or so we thought the magic was gone and stopped going. Last night we were delighted to find the magic back and in full force. It was outstanding start to finish - the food was exceptional, creative, delicious and inventive. The service was attentive and insightful without being overbearing. The room was warm, quiet, elegant, every touch from the fresh flowers, to the plush banquet, to the quality of linens, plates, silverware - all perfect, elegant....a real treat and we will be back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every dish was excellent and every detail in service was paid attention to
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I took my now fiancé to River Café last night for our three-year anniversary and a secret engagement proposal. All the staff were pleasant, professional, and helpful. They accommodated my request for a quiet table. Attention to detail on every level from the food to the service to the setting. Complimentary dishes from the chef and a glass of champagne were lovely gestures. I recommend the steak tartare and the lamb. One of the most wonderful and memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. Thank you, River Café!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
They are definitely serving excellent food, and we left having been given an unforgettable experience. Try the French 75 cocktail. Their Manhattans and Negronis are fantastic too. The views of the city and the river are legendary and definitely worth the expense and commute.
RJ
RayJD
Washington DC
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb, all around. A memorable evening. Pricey for sure but in this instance worth it. We’ll be back.
BR
BenjaminR
Jacksonville
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wines overpriced; difficult to get prefered table; seared 20 minutes after reservation; otherwise, a wonderful evening
HT
HaydnT
Warwickshire
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding in every way - impeccable service, amazing location and fantastic service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful and amazing ! The food is unbelievable!
RM
RomainM
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
Magnifique endroit, le staff est aux petits soins, Le menu est très bon avec un choix varié et de qualité. L'intérieur est très très brouillant, les tables sont super proches les une des autres et il faisait très froid à l'intérieur alors que la température extérieur était de 8°. En été (sur la terrasse) l'endroit doit-être très bien.
F
Frank
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Overall pleasant experience. The space was a bit crowded, such that my partner and i were sat on the same side of the table and the table had to be pushed out/in to allow us to leave. In the future, I will schedule a dinner later than 9:30 PM as it appears to die down and you are more likely to get a window view table.
FW
FrankW
Los Angeles
23 reviews
vip
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Food was excellent across all three courses View is incredible Sommelier was very knowledgeable and helpful However, the Hostess/greeting was stiff and unwelcoming, with a scolding about the dress code (we were in compliance) and coats on chairs; the Maitre d' was similarly stern in tone and unfriendly. Most of the staff was unsmiling and intense, which distracted from the experience Our guest had a small bag the size of a purse (7"x10"x3") as a holiday present for us they were not allowed to bring into the restaurant. They we told it would be brought to us at dessert, but it wasn't.
KA
KAORI
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
I visited the river cafe for our honeymoon trip, and they welcomed warmly and treated us kindly so much. It was an unforgettable experience.
IB
IreneB
San Antonio
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful evening
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Really great experience. The service was wonderful and the wine expert was phenomenal.
F
Foodie
Nashville
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a special place to enjoy an excellent dinner. The food, service are impeccable Thank you
VP
VlastaP
Exclusive
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service and food was impeccable. Couldn’t fault a thing, absolutely worth the experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
My family has been coming here since the early 90’s, and last night was the first time my wife and I were going just the 2 of us. We were super excited to get dressed up and have a fancy, expensive dinner. We had one very simple, ordinary request which was handled in a way that was surprising, to put it politely. The general tone of the staff was surface level smiles with very condescending attitudes that I’ve never witnessed before in a restaurant. It was just like a scene in a movie or an SNL skit, without the laughs (in hindsight we should have had a lot more fun with the silliness of the scenario - life lesson learned). Compared to all of the other amazing restaurants out there, the food wasn’t exciting enough to justify the treatment we received. There are some chefs in Brooklyn and the city doing amazing things, and just as importantly their restaurants are providing friendly and welcoming service (i.e. high class service). Note: We were extremely polite and friendly to everyone. When I finally asked to speak with the manager, they sent over the maitre d’ and she wasn’t listening to us. Even said something untrue that she assumed we wouldn’t know the accuracy of, but we did know the truth. When we alluded to how nonsensical and false what she said was, she just said “sorry we aren’t able accommodate your request.” It wasn’t the fact that our request was denied (a request that no other of the myriad nice restaurants we’ve been to would ever deny); rather it was the way it was handled and the rest of the meal our table was largely avoided by the servers. We aren’t even remotely interested in returning. We’re going to find a new NYC Michelin star restaurant for our family to go on our New York trip. But based on the 1 star reviews (there are very very many of them saying the same things now that I look) and the mention of how the manager responds to problems or unhappy customers, they actually don’t care if we were to ever return. And that is ok.
m
memcd
New York Area
64 reviews
vip
5.0
64 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite restaurant. The food, ambiance, waitstaff, and setting are all superb. The view is outstanding. Expensive, but well worth it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Birmingham
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful experience at River Cafe. Always a pleasure to dine there.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Incredible meal, wonderful view and great wine! The only minor issue was that we sat there for quite while waiting for our check at the end of the evening. Would definitely go back!
CB
CarloB
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Il cibo non è stato all'altezza della stella michelin. In italia la stella valen molto di più in termini di qualita. Nel complesso un posto da andarci una volta nella vita. La.vista sulla citta di ny vale la cena.
l
lapaul
Nashville
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Christmas dinner
MN
MarianN
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dec 24. It was magic. Best meal I’ve ever had in lovely surroundings, gorgeous view. I just wish somebody had picked up the tab.
I
Isabel
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful evening - magical setting, great food, great service!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Outstanding is an understatement. One of the best meals we’ve ever had. The service is exceptional, the view is to die for. Thank you River Cafe.
KK
KenK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Highly recommended especially if you're looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion.
DB
DavideB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing location, gorgeous view , really good food and perfect service of the waiters!
B
Belinda
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Romantic dinner. They got you! This restaurant is elegant and charming. Service was tip top and the food was delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 22, 2022
overall2food3service2ambience3
Overall nice experience, though the maitre d we thought was a bit rude and unhelpful
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife’s birthday celebration was made extra special by the wait staff at The River Cafe

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 8232 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

Jan 27, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 57 times today

1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Additional information

Cross street
Old Fulton St.
Neighborhood
DUMBO / Vinegar Hill
Hours of operation
Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Jacket Required
Parking details
Valet parking is always available to guests with reservations. The River Café's cobblestone entrance is beautiful but sometimes challenging for people to navigate on foot. If you arrive by taxi, please insist your driver take you past the cobblestones, directly to the restaurant's front door roundabout.
Public transit
A or C train to High Street 2 or 3 train to Clark Street F train to York Street Bus #B25 to Old Fulton St./Cadman Plaza West
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Brad Steelman
Entertainment
The River Cafe features live piano nightly.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Cocktails, Full Bar, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://rivercafe.com/
Phone number
(718) 522-5200
Private party facilities
The Terrace Room at The River Café is uniquely capable of offering your guests an unsurpassed setting for private dining with spectacular views overlooking New York Harbor, The Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.Inquiries about special events please contact privateevents@rivercafe.com
Private party contact
Alyson Pike : (718) 522-5200

River Cafe

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Restaurants in Brooklyn, According to our Tastemakers

The Most Romantic Restaurants in New York City

Lamb

Wagyu Steak Tartare

Hot Foie Gras

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