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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9167 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 30 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views
  • Romantic
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

Experiences

  • Christmas Day 2024

    US$245.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Celebrate Christmas Day 2023 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $245 per person. Choose from a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, featuring a mix of The River Café classics and seasonal holiday offerings. Please note that beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included Reservations are available from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE TAKEN – PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AFTER COMPLETING THE MEAL. You can modify or cancel reservations up to 5 days prior. Cancellations within 5 days of the reservation will incur the full $245 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Christmas Day 2024 photo
  • Christmas Eve 2024

    US$245.00 per person

    Dec 24, 2024 only
    Celebrate Christmas Eve 2024 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $245 per person. Choose from a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, featuring a mix of The River Café classics and seasonal holiday offerings. Please note that beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included Reservations are available from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE TAKEN – PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AFTER COMPLETING THE MEAL. You can modify or cancel reservations up to 5 days prior. Cancellations within 5 days of the reservation will incur the full $245 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Christmas Eve 2024 photo
  • Thanksgiving Day 2024

    US$235.00 per person

    Nov 28, 2024 only
    Celebrate Thanksgiving 2024 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $235 per person. Choose from a selection of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, featuring a mix of The River Café classics and seasonal holiday offerings. Please note that beverages, tax, and gratuity are not included Reservations are available from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. NO DEPOSIT WILL BE TAKEN – PAYMENT IS REQUIRED AFTER COMPLETING THE MEAL. You can modify or cancel reservations up to 5 days prior. Cancellations within 5 days of the reservation will incur the full $235 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Thanksgiving Day 2024 photo

What 9,167 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambience

  • 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 "once in a lifetime experience" with "stunning views" of Manhattan, impeccable service, and exquisite cuisine. Renowned for creating unforgettable celebrations, it excels in both ambiance and culinary artistry. Consistently praised for its "amazing service" and "delicious food," this iconic restaurant is perfect for special occasions.

9,167 Reviews
  1. Jeff

    Greater Boston

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great romantic special occasion, not for value consciously dinners

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  2. Sandra

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfect all around, we can’t wait to come back. And it won’t be a 15 year wait this time. Thanks for a wonderful experience.

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  3. dan

    New York City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    we've been a few times. every one has been outstanding! window tables have a spectacular view of the bridge & lower manhattan, with the east river ferries docking so close you could almost touch them. catch dom on piano if you can; he's been playing there for decades and with good reason. the best wait staff you'll find anywhere! stunning entrance plantings at the end of the cobblestone drive. oh yeah, the chow... last night, nantucket bay scallops for appetizer, sea bass for main course, "the bridge" for dessert, plus additional on-the-house items. all excellent. russian caviar for those with too much disposable income. don't forget: bring your home equity line of credit or similar. well worth it. go big or go home.

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  4. Brian

    New York City

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I went to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary and it couldn’t have gone much better. The staff were warm and attentive, the food was divine, and they even wrote happy anniversary on chocolate with our dessert. The view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline just takes it over the top. It’s an experience you must try.

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  5. Freddy

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding experience , celebrate my anniversary with a brooklyn bridge view was unpriceless!!!

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  6. Mark

    New York City

    50 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    50 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Among the very best NYC dining! Always a pleasure to dine here and enjoy the beauty of the city from across the river, enjoy the amazing flavors, and enjoy the wonderful service and sophisticated space. Especially great during the holidays!

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  7. MORRIS

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place is superb. Wonderful people, great location and exceptional culinary skills. And man what a view!!! Simply one of my favorite spots in the world!! Well done and anticipate my return like a 4 yr old waiting for Christmas!!

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  8. Hashem

    New York City

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Was not clear that its a fixed menu. On open table it doesnt say that it is. The beef steak was dry and chewy, not even close to a stake you would expect an Michelin guide restaurant. The fish was dry with the weed taste. When asked we told the waiter that the main courses were not up to standard and in response, he nodded and left.  They brought us two bottles of water without us asking and charge us for us, regardless of the fact that the charging for fixed menu. It is totally understandable that this restaurant does not have a Michelin star anymore.

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  9. Keith

    New York City

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An excellent night for fine dining. You pull up TO THE DOOR, and your car is taken, without cost. The food - from soup to nuts, the service, the view of Manhattan, and the total ambiance is outstanding. It is worth the money.

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  10. William

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was our first time to visit , and it will definitely not be the last. We were spoiled when we first entered …..:. Throughout the evening and until departure ….. 2 1/2 hours of an EXPERIENCE….. Steven the Sommelier was very knowledgeable and he had numerous recommendations for pairing with the food we selected and our bottle of wine we started with. …:: the pairing with desert blew us away …. And the valet summoning a driver ….. thanks again. And see you next time when we are in town. Bill Harris

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FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9167 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 30 times today
Experiences are available.
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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