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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9207 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a booking

2 people
20:00
Booked 50 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
  • 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

  • New Year's Eve 2024

    US$947.21 per person

    Prepaid

    31 Dec 2024 only
    Ring in the New Year at The River Café! On Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 we will host a New Year’s Eve Gala which includes a 5-course dinner featuring caviar and truffles, live music, and dancing! We will be taking reservations between 8:00pm and 9:00pm and all guests will have their table for the entire evening, through midnight. The Lester Lanin five-piece orchestra will be playing American Standards for music and dancing. The price is $725 per person plus sales tax and a 20% administration fee for a total of $947.21. A non-refundable charge will be made at the time of booking the reservation. This cost does not include additional beverages. For more information please call 718.522. 5200 or visit our website www.rivercafe.com
    New Year's Eve 2024 photo
  • Christmas Day 2024

    US$245.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Celebrate Christmas Day 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 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

What 9,207 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

Diners' Choice Awards

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambience

  • Brooklyn

    Great for fine wines

  • Brooklyn

    Romantic

  • Brooklyn

    Great for scenic views

  • Brooklyn

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The River Cafe in New York City is a "legend" known for its breathtaking views of Manhattan, impeccable service, and exquisite cuisine. Guests praise its "wonderful ambiance" and "stunning" setting, making it ideal for special occasions. The live piano music and attentive staff further enhance the experience, creating "a truly magical evening."

9,207 Reviews
  1. Richard

    VIP

    New York City

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s always a pleasure to dine at the River Cafe. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion!! We had the privilege to be seated in the area served by the excellent captain Bernie. He is friendly, attentive, and professional!!

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  2. Francesca

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Posto stupendo , atmosfera magica, una cena tra le più belle mai fatte

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  3. Ilaria

    Milan

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Adoro il the river. Ci sono stata diverse volte ( 2 per cena e una il pomeriggio per un the’). Trovo che il locale sia splendido in una posizione magica. Il servizio e’impeccabile come sempre. Non ho amato particolarmente “le ostriche the river” con una qualche salsina e del bacon. Avrei preferito qualcosa di meno elaborato. Il lobster e i dolci erano buonissimi! Sempre top il dessert al cioccolato con il brooklyn bridge che e’una vera opera d’arte. Ho provato anche il souffle ma l’ho trovato un po’pesante. Credo che i prezzi siano aumentati esponenzialmente negli ultimi 2 anni. (Il prezzo del menu’ e’rimasto invariato. Alcool e resto un po’cari). Spesa complessiva altina.

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  4. Angel

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Inolvidable cumple plenamente las expectativas, no defrauda

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  5. corey

    Coastal Georgia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sommelier was very helpful. Michelin Star is well deserved.

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  6. Jo

    Essex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic service, food and ambience. My only fault was that it was very cold in the restaurant which meant for an uncomfortable dinner.

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  7. Jordan

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and ambiance with great service and vibes

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  8. Jackie

    VIP

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What an amazing find! Cannot believe we have gone all these years without dining here. Went last night for a birthday dinner and everything about it was perfect! A five star experience and we love that they have a dress code of cocktail attire and men must wear jackets. It made for such a special evening and it was a clear night so the city view was spectacular! Cannot wait to go back! Service, food, drinks, and noise level were perfect!

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  9. Marcus

    New York City

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Entrée was cold which can happen and what I do not understand in the restaurant of this class that no salt and pepper or on every table without requesting it. Otherwise everything especially the service was excellent and I’m looking forward to be back as soon as possible. Thank you to the River Café.

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  10. Cahal

    VIP

    East Lothian

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 21 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Been many times-‘truly magical every time. Food, service , views - a must!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9207 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
20:00
Booked 50 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
    (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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