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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9282 Reviews
$50 and over
American
1 Water St., Brooklyn, NY 11201

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 53 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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
  • 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
    Patio/Outdoor Dining

Experiences

  • Mother's Day 2025

    US$230.00 per person

    11 May 2025 only
    Celebrate Mother's Day 2025 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $230 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 $230 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Mother's Day 2025 photo

What 9,282 people are saying

The River Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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

Diners' Choice Awards

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Service

  • 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 truly enchanting dining experience with "spectacular views," "impeccable service," and "delicious food." Guests rave about its "romantic ambiance" and "culinary excellence," making it ideal for special occasions. While pricey, the "unparalleled views" of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge create an unforgettable setting.

9,282 Reviews
  1. Mauro

    New York City1 review

    4.0

    Dined today

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Vince l’atmosfera , la location, per il resto nella norma. Non è un esperienza culinaria. Conosco bene gli stellati, paragonato ai ristoranti stellati in Europa non avrebbe nessuna stella ,al massimo le tre forchette. Il prezzo per i piatti proposti è alto.

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  2. Bernadette VIP

    Denver7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant! Celebrating my birthday and couldn’t have had a better experience. Great food, service and beautiful setting. Will definitely return!

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  3. Ciro VIP

    London8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every time is perfect! Thank you for your kindly attention!

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  4. Gianluca VIP

    New York City3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great time. The staff was kind and very attentive. They had the delicacy to move our seats near the window to fully enjoy the view as requested. Top!

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  5. Robert

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lighting was a bit too bright at our table number 14 in the middle

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  6. Katharine VIP

    San Francisco6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A dining experience par excellence! Superb service of the highest class. To say we look forward to ding at The River Cafe is an understatement of the highest order.

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  7. Jennifer VIP

    Central Coast7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Would recommend for a special occasion. Perfect all around!

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  8. Chris

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 20 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best dining experience of my life hands down. Worst part about Rivers Cafe is saying goodbye. Made my girlfriend’s birthday very special.

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  9. Jenna VIP

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 18 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible evening. Superb food and drinks. The gnocchi appetizer and The ‘77 cocktail were the highlights for me.

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  10. RAFFAELE

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 18 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Locale bello e dalla posizione incredibile, cucina di ottima qualità, servizio molto attento, professionale e cordiale al tempo stesso. Carta dei vini eccellente. Prezzi di conseguenza.

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FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9282 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Brooklyn
  5. DUMBO

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 53 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.
  • 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
    Patio/Outdoor Dining
  • Phone number
  • 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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