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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9236 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
  • 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
  • Area
    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 9,236 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

    Great for scenic views

  • 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 "truly wonderful experience" with "amazing views" and "outstanding food." Renowned for its "flawless service," it's a perfect spot for special occasions with "beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline." The "romantic atmosphere" and "unforgettable ambiance" make it a "must-do experience" in NYC.

9,236 Reviews
  1. Jim

    VIP

    Washington DC

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined today

    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?

  2. Phyllis

    VIP

    New York City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

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

    Is this helpful?

  3. Anthony

    VIP

    Oklahoma City

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    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?

  4. QueenMab

    Greater Boston

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A GORGEOUS dining experience for my sister and me. Impeccable service. Wonderful food. A terrific sommelier…and views not to be believed!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Faith

    Columbus

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The most amazing experience and beautiful views. Highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  6. Alexus

    Atlanta

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely outstanding. This is now one of my favorite restaurants. I live in Atlanta, and I would gladly fly back out to visit this restaurant. I highly recommend everyone check it out.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Mohammed

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Usually you have to choose between a nice view or good food, not here! Some of the best food we've ever had. Glad we celebrated our anniversary here. Can't recommend it enough!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Marc

    Atlantic City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The staff, Service, experience and food were wonderful. I went there for a Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday the 16th, the chef gave us a couple of extra courses on the house which made the experience even better. While pricey, even for this type of restaurant, it was a beautiful experience. A great place to visit one time if you’re looking for first class taste in an old school vintage style restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Thelma S

    New York City

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 16 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was magical and everything was perfect!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Valentino

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 14 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ottimo ristorante Il sommelier un gradino sopra tutti, grazie per l’Opus One!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9236 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
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.
  • Area
    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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