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The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.8
4.8
9253 Reviews
$50 and over
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 67 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • 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

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2022
  • Phone number
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • 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.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brad Steelman

Experiences

  • Easter 2025

    $230.00 per person

    Apr 20, 2025 only
    Celebrate Easter Sunday 2025 with our special 4-course prix fixe menu at $230 per person. The menu includes an amuse-bouche followed by each guest’s choice of an appetizer and main course featuring The River Café classics alongside seasonal specials, finished with a trio of desserts. 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 $230 charge per person. Our dining room has a formal dress code, and gentlemen must wear suit jackets. We look forward to welcoming you!
    Easter 2025 Photo

Private dining

What 9,253 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

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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambiance

  • 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 "spectacular view" of Manhattan, making it a prime spot for special occasions. Guests rave about its "delicious food," "attentive staff," and "beautiful ambiance." Highlights include "fantastic service" and "exquisite dishes." While some find the fixed menu pricey, the overall experience is "unforgettable."

9,253 Reviews
  1. Kerry

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had an amazing experience at River Cafe, the food, service & ambience were outstanding. The only slight flaw in our visit was the temperature of our seating area, there was a constant cold draft which when mentioned to our waitress scarfs were provided.

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  2. SandyF

    Portland4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best of the best. Everything is 5 star. Gorgeous. Delicious food. The staff is extraordinary. The views take your breath away. Expensive but worth it for special occasions.

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  3. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Las Vegas6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    River Cafe is an elevated fine dining experience and one of the most scenic restaurants you’d ever eat at. We had a perfect view of the Brooklyn bridge. The staff was great and very attentive to ensure an elegant experience. The pre-fixed menu packed a mean punch with incredible flavors and the cocktails were perfect.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Linda VIP

    Chicago221 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was beautifully plated and delicious. We enjoyed our meals. We were running about 30 minutes late for our reservation but the restaurant changed the time for us when we called - so nice. And the site and restaurant are beautiful especially with the spring flowers.

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  5. Andrew VIP

    New York City10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A beautiful dining experience. The service was superb and the food was amazing. We will be moving out of the area, so I am glad I got to experience this lovely restaurant and view.

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  6. Andreas

    BW1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great location and best view. Great food and Exzellent Service.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Craig VIP

    Mississippi35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The iconic destination never disappoints, with great food, interesting dishes, knowledgable staff and attentive support staff. Not to mention the VIEW of course

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  8. Manlio

    New York City1 review

    3.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Very expensive. I needed a taxi, they called me one, And surprise when i arrived at the hotel the bill was 90 usd, when a taxi to arrive at River Cafe was only 39.00 usd

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  9. Omar VIP

    New York City8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The river cafe was a delightful culinary experience, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with remarkable skill. The lobster was a standout, with perfectly balanced flavors and beautiful presentation.

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  10. Nicola

    London4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The River Cafe always delivers. A very special place

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.8 stars by 9253 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 PM
Booked 67 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
  • Phone number
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • 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.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Brad Steelman
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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