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

8317 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

Apr 1, 2023

11:00 p.m.

Booked 65 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
Neighbourhood
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 ounceUS$180.00
Siberian Sturgeon, Acipenser Baerii, (Germany)
- per ounceUS$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 VSUS$22.00
Hennessey XOUS$80.00
Hennessey ParadisUS$132.00
Hine Antique XOUS$40.00
Delamain Pale & Dry XOUS$28.00
Pierre Ferrand 1840US$20.00
Courvoisier XO ImpérialUS$80.00
Remy Martin VsopUS$23.00

Brandy

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

Armagnac

De Montal XOUS$29.00

Calvados

Busnel Pays d'Auge VSOPUS$18.00

Special Flights

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

Wine by the Glass

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

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

White Wines

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

Rosé Wine

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

Red Wines

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

Beer

Amstel LightUS$10.00
Corona ExtraUS$10.00
HeinekenUS$10.00
Ballast Point Sculpin IPAUS$11.00
Brooklyn Brewery LagerUS$11.00
DuvelUS$13.00
Beck's (N/A)US$9.00

What 8,317 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
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Brooklyn
Best Service
Brooklyn
Best Ambience
Brooklyn
Great for fine wines
Brooklyn
Romantic
Brooklyn
Great for scenic views
Brooklyn
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

OG
OnurG
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall1food3service1ambience1
They are not allowed to jacket off but it was too hot inside , come on , what is the main purpose, enjoying the food or jacket??
D
David
London
36 reviews
vip
4.0
36 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
Very nice first and second courses but the chocolate Brooklyn Bridge was poor - very low standard of chocolate. Excellent wine selection, helpful service and wonderful view.
RF
RachaelF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was amazing really enjoyed King and Steven waiting on us! And the compliments of the chef! Everyone made sure to wish us happy anniversary as they saw us.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
View of the Brooklyn Bridge was very romantic food and service were excellent
SS
SteveS
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was wonderful. Food, service, atmosphere, view, quiet
FS
FredS
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Most places with an extraordinary view serve ordinary food. The River Cafe has never succumbed to that temptation. The food, the service and the ambience are all superb.!
FR
FabiolaR
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice experience! Beatiful place, delicious food
MN
MichaelN
Raleigh
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on March 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. You pay for the view, but well worth it. A lot of places claim to offer " an experience"..this one is for real.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was impeccable: attentive and prompt without being fussy or annoying. The decor and ambiance gives you the vibes of old New York with the spectacular view of new New York. And, as always, the food was inventive, delicious and filling.
VP
VincentP
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Between the food and atmosphere I
BM
BethM
New York Area
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely love River Cafe. Love the service, food and atmosphere. Dane is the best!
NY
foodloverNYC
New York Area
33 reviews
vip
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Splendid in every way-- dazzling view, twinkling piano music, attentive and hospitable servers, awesome wines, delicious and elegant food!
J
Joseph
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Impeccable service from Valet Parking courtesy through welcoming greeting from Maitre’ d, to our server…Made this 55th Birthday celebration a success.
F
Freebie
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
A beautiful setting, fitting for such an extravagant meal. Service was impeccable right to and including the valet ensuring the Uber found its way. Ambience was just right, a mixture of New York and Paris. With one glaring exception the food was of the very best quality and, at times, sublime in its pairings, such as the hot foie grass and the surprising star of the night, the waffle, pork belly combo which looked suspiciously ordinary and yet tasted heavenly completely surprising the palate. The one exception we’re the main courses, which after the triumphal notes of the first three courses fell flat on the overpeppered crusts on both the duck and venison and the billones of both main courses. Rescued somewhat by the iconic chocolate Brooklyn bridge and the interesting artesanal Cheeses nevertheless the overpowering peppercorn left the one bad note in an otherwise rhapsody of flavors.
PW
PeterW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best ambiance and service imaginable. Best dining view in NY.
DM
DM25
London
13 reviews
vip
3.0
13 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall3food3service1ambience3
Poor service, average food for the price although amazing views
NS
NorthShoreFoodie
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Considering the exceptional quality of the food and uniquely amazing ambiance and views, we were pleasantly surprised to find the staff warm, welcoming, professional and friendly -- from the car valet to the table captain. It has been a long, long time since we enjoyed a meal as much as we did at River Cafe. Thank you. And congratulations for creating an environment where the staff clearly takes pride in sharing a wonderful experience with their patrons.
DR
DanielR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Maravilloso lugar para una cena romántica, atención exquisita y profesionalidad evidente
PS
PalleS
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect spot when in NYC. Fantastic view and outstanding athmosphere. We had a superb evening with very well prepared food and spotless serving. And the wines and recomendations we´re second to none. I look forward to return again - this was the first time back since Covid.
SM
SkyMike
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our second time @river cafe was as great as the last one 6 years ago. A wonderful fine dining. Thank You, we will be seeing you again!
RK
RobinK
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The River Cafe never disappoints.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best meals I’ve ever had! Amazing ambiance and truly an extraordinary spot for a celebration / special occasion. Would highly recommend!
CH
CraigH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and quality of service were top class Indeed several of the dishes were absolutely exceptional A wonderful dining experience with a fantastic view
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Incredible experience, service ambiance and food were all incredible.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
vip
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Very slow service between first and second course. Asked someill waiter and finally Alfredo to check. Accustomed to much better service at River Cafe. Disappointed. But food was excellent!!
M
Marcel
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on March 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We hadn't been back to the River Cafe in years but returned for an anniversary dinner. It was as wonderful as we remembered. Extraordinary view of lower Manhattan as the sun set and the light came on, excellent food accompanied by a great (though expensive) bottle of wine, and superb service. We will return without waiting so long next time.
L
Lawrence
Central Coast
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best dining experience in the world. Would recommend to anyone.
AT
AnaT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What a wonderful experience - the location, the atmosphere, the service... It all makes you feel extra special. And the menu is fairly classic but so incredibly delicious. Bite after bite, it was incredible. Can't wait for another important occasion to celebrate at River Cafe.
M
Mpsp
New York Area
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect way to celebrate two birthdays- a memorable evening
JM
JMay
Los Angeles
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot for a romantic dinner or parents who are in town- amazing views
JB
JosieB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely beautiful from the entrance to table and the view omg it was my husband birthday and wow amazing we didn’t want to leave!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best experiences I’ve had in a very long time. Very special place
DR
DaisyR
Philadelphia
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on March 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
River Cafe was an experience to treasure. The food was amazing and the service was great!!! Keep you the great work.
JB
JamesB
Philadelphia
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a magical experience! Delicious food, wonderful service and a spectacular setting!
MQ
MikeQ
New York Area
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was excellent experience. Food, setting, ambiance all lead to a very enjoyable dining experience.
AA
AAnother
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The addition of a sommelier in the roughly 10 years since we last visited is an excellent addition. The food, ambiance and service has always been first class. The sommelier was excellently versed in fine wine but equally capable of explaining wines to a novice like me. I would thoroughly recommend this establishment as a must do experience for anyone looking for an intimate and memorable evening with thier loved ones.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What you would expect from a Michelin star restaurant. Great service, great meal. I wish I would've asked for a window seat to make the evening more special for my wife's 40th.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent dining experience. Little over the top with dress code but whatever….
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was an amazing experience. The food was great and the views fantastic!
VR
VeronicaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an amazing night at the River Cafe. The food was excellent, the service flavless and the feeling of just being there. Would really reccomend it.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser 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 8317 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

Apr 1, 2023

11:00 p.m.

Booked 65 times today

1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Additional information

Cross Street
Old Fulton St.
Neighbourhood
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

Duck

Hot Foie Gras

Beef

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 VSUS$22.00

Hennessey XOUS$80.00

Hennessey ParadisUS$132.00

Hine Antique XOUS$40.00

Delamain Pale & Dry XOUS$28.00

Pierre Ferrand 1840US$20.00

Courvoisier XO ImpérialUS$80.00

Remy Martin VsopUS$23.00

Brandy

Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1992US$100.00

Domaine de la Romanée Conti - 1981US$175.00

Armagnac

De Montal XOUS$29.00

Calvados

Busnel Pays d'Auge VSOPUS$18.00

Special Flights

Blandy's 10-year Madeira Flight - Verdelho, Bual, MalmseyUS$25.00

Port Variety Sampling - 10 Year Tawny, 20 Year Tawny, 1992 VintageUS$35.00

Wine by the Glass

Champagne and Sparkling Wines

Prosecco SuperioreUS$18.00

ChampagneUS$22.00

Rosé ChampagneUS$29.00

White Wines

RieslingUS$18.00

Sauvignon BlancUS$18.00

ChardonnayUS$26.00

ChardonnayUS$24.00

Rosé Wine

Pinot NoirUS$18.00

Red Wines

Pinot NoirUS$28.00

Sangiovese BlendUS$20.00

Cabernet SauvignonUS$24.00

TempranilloUS$20.00

Beer

Amstel LightUS$10.00

Corona ExtraUS$10.00

HeinekenUS$10.00