Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York City
  4. Brooklyn
  5. DUMBO
The River Cafe, Brooklyn, NY
Award-winning

The River Cafe

4.9
4.9
9196 Reviews
$50 and over
American
A photo of The River Cafe restaurant

The River Cafe

4.9
$50 and over
American
DUMBO

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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
  • Neighborhood
    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

  • New Year's Eve 2024

    $947.21 per person

    Prepaid

    Dec 31, 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

    $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
  • Christmas Eve 2024

    $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

What 9,196 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
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York City

    American

  • Brooklyn

    Best Ambiance

  • 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."

9,196 Reviews
  1. Eddie

    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
    If you want to be pampered beyond belief, this is the place! Lots of chef surprises In between courses. Nice touch!

    Is this helpful?

  2. yanqiong

    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
    Five star restaurant , nice view, nice and clean restaurant, nice staff , nice music and delicious food . One of the best in Brooklyn. Good communication from front desk staff. They really work with customers need .

    Is this helpful?

  3. Maria

    New Orleans

    91 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    91 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely restaurant! Beautifully lit and decorated for the holidays. Very welcoming staff. Excellent and professional service. Food was beautifully presented and delicious. Great place to celebrate a special occasion or just have a fabulous meal with family and friends. My husband and I truly enjoyed the experience and plan to return whenever we visit NY.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Laura

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The River Cafe is probably the most beautiful and maybe the best restaurant in NYC. The views are stunning and the service without comparison. We had the vegetarian menu which was varied and delicious . There were a number complimentary “ gifts” from the chef in addition to the amuse bouche . The bread was excellent, beet salad was prepared table side , I had the truffle risotto and my companion the simple pasta dish which was also delicious . We both had the signature dessert - the Brooklyn bridge . I can recommend this restaurant highly . It’s expensive but worth every cent.

    Is this helpful?

  5. katie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous experience and easily the best fine dining experience I have ever had.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Caitlin

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing ambience, food, and service. It lives up to the hype!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Karen

    New York City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely a wonderful experience! Third time visiting here from the south in 12 years! The food, the service, the view- perfect for celebrating my 60th and last night in NYC. Made us so happy, my husband and I walked back across the Brooklyn bridge to Manhattan in the freezing rain! lol!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Ron

    New York City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    an excellent place for events as well as for a re😎ally phenomenal view of New York from Brooklyn Best view is from the bar at sundown

    Is this helpful?

  9. James

    Seattle

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Magical setting under the Brooklyn bridge. Been going here since the days when Larry Forgione, David Burke and even Charlie Palmer were in the kitchen. They still carry on that tradition of creative, amazing dishes and of course a to die for wine list.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Doreen

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    An elegant dining experience with outstanding food. A must do when visiting Manhattan or Brooklyn.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The River Cafe is rated 4.9 stars by 9196 OpenTable diners.

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

A photo of The River Cafe restaurant

The River Cafe

4.9
$50 and over
American
DUMBO

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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.
  • Neighborhood
    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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo