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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9239 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 60 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Romantic
  • 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
  • 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
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Neighbourhood
    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

What 9,239 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambience

  • 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" with "incredible views" of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Guests rave about the "impeccable service," "exquisite food," and "romantic atmosphere." Perfect for special occasions, this iconic spot consistently provides a "wonderful dining experience" with "attention to detail" and "unforgettable moments."

9,239 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An incredible experience. One of the most beautifull restaurants in NYC.

    Is this helpful?

  2. John

    New York City

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome service food and atmosphere. One of the best dining experiences in NY. Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Robert

    VIP

    Cleveland

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A panoply of variegated tastes and flaavors. Beautiful inside and out (Manhattan and river scenes unmatched). And enjoyable piano throughout the evening with all the old favorites.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Karen

    New York City

    32 reviews

    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I had the best experience, the attention to detail from the staff to the food. It has a beautiful view and a great place to watch the sunset. Everyone was so welcoming. Still thinking about the delicious food. I definitely want to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  5. mceandrv

    VIP

    Miami

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Highly recommend The River Cafe. The location and attentive staff were amazing. In addition to our preset menu the chef also complimented us with some additional food items that were beautifully prepared and delicious. If you’re looking for a beautiful setting, spectacular views of NYC skyline and a delicious and romantic atmosphere this is the spot.

    Is this helpful?

  6. LuanneG

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved it from start to finish! The meal was excellent, service impeccable, & view unparalleled.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Erica

    New York City

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had the best experience, from the beginning to the end. Service is wonderful, very attentive without overwhelming. The food was delicious the pear salad and the scallops were to die for, unique flavors. The beef amazing. Lastly, the soufle for dessert was one of the best I ever had, so light, no to sweet it was just the perfect end to our meal. Of course the view is what makes the whole experience a perfect night.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jim

    VIP

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delightful. Such a beautiful restaurant. Refined, delicious food. Wonderful service. A true gem.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Phyllis

    VIP

    New York City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful setting, delicious food, wonderful service. Very special place.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Anthony

    VIP

    Oklahoma City

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The price point will discourage some people, but for those that desire an experience like this it isit is a better value than other venues at this price. The ambiance, service food quality are superior. Plan a special night and enjoy a very special experience

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9239 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 60 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    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
  • 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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