The River Café

1 Water St, Brooklyn
(718) 522-5200

Recent Reviews

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Stephen

Probably the most beautiful restaurant in New York. It's a perfect setting right on the East River under the Brooklyn Bridge overlooking lower Manhattan. The service is first rate and the food is wonderful. The only downside is the $195 charge for the fixed price menu. But it's intended as a special event place.

brett

one of those places where everything is perfect and it seems effortless. the staff... from another era. good to know there are people who make sure the word exceptional can still be used accurately.

Opentable Diner

My wife and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary last night. From the walk up to the restaurant on the cobbletone to dessert, to the views, and of course the culinary experience, everything was wonderful.

donna

The River cafe brings a whole new level to fine dining... the atmosphere the staff and concierge are the best in the business. The food is out of this world and the dining experience is one of the best in the world. a must do in Manhattan

Maryann

Overall, a lovely quintessential New York experience. The 4th wall view of the river, boats, Brooklyn Bridge and evening darkness electrifying the City lights all underscored by beautiful piano music was spectacular and memorable. The food was delicious. We experienced only two problems which could easily be fixed: 1) The timing of the service was All-American FAST. Not French service at all. Cocktails served, and minutes later an amuse bouche, wine list, à busboy pacing to collect the empty dish and à Sommelier asking to help with a wine selection. Appetizers served in short order, the Sommelier again asking if we wanted a wine pairing and cocktail glasses still half full. Then a waitress asking if we wanted another cocktail. We asked the Maitre D to slow the pace and he said we should have told him that when he first sat us. We then waited approximately 20 minutes for service of the main dish. Bottom line- adopt French service to properly time each course and not pile on all at once. 2) We noticed that all of the prime tables nearest to the window were occupied by diners including 1 or more men, and tables farther back from the window had more diners including women. It was that obvious! Seating near the window should be more gender neutral.

Peter

Fantastic experience from arrival to finish. The entrance experience itself is something to behold. Fantastic service and amazing food.

Alexander Fell

Went there yesterday, it's a very beautiful and cozy place. The food is excellent and it is highly recommended. I'm a little bit surprised by the quality and politeness of the service. My friends back was facing another table and waiters kept passing through the small gap pushing forward the chair every time. For a restaurant with this price point ($300 per person), this must not happen. At the beginning the waiters were friendly but the atmosphere cooled considerably during the evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 2

Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Tortelloni

Miriam Wickertsheim

The food was delicious and the view is lovely but the service was horrible. We dropped more than 1200 usd as it was my friends birthday. But one waiter kept pushing my chair back into the table (I was sitting on it) and when someone asked for an invoice they became arrogant in reply and even rolled their eye at them. The servers are well within middle age, no way it was the first time someone asked for an invoice. I would not come back and not recommend anyone else to go despite the good food. There are many options with a view and great food for that money, pick one of those.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 1

Kenneth Kowalski

My wife Lisa and I visited for the first time last night . 3/12. To say we were overwhelmed and impressed would be an understatement. Joseph behind the bar poured a PERFECT Cosmo and Bourbon Old Fashion . Jake took us to the table and we talked like we were old friends. Bob The Sommelier guided us in the right BUBBLY direction. Andy the Manager came over and made us feel very comfortable. We have been to very high end restaurants. We know that’s their job but, everyone went above and beyond what we expected. Our server ( we are sorry but she had a beautiful name but can’t recall it ) was spot on. We never felt rushed at all. Everyone was informative and engaging. My Branzino was the best I’ve had as was the duck Lisa dined on . ( Yes I took a couple bites). The whole night was perfect. We are from out of town. We are already planning to visit this beautiful establishment again. Yes , it’s pricey but you should know that going in. Kudos to everyone. Par Excellence!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Branzino, Dessert, Duck Breast, Bar

Brandy White

Great experience. Best gnocchi I've ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Dessert, Six Course Chef's Signature Tasting Menu, Amuse Bouche

Yo

Unfortunately, having made a reservation well in advance, the Maitre told me that there was no such reservation. The waiters were correct and friendly. The step menu is too expensive for the quality of the food. I was disappointed!!!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

George Eaton

Sublime.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Shemesh

We went for dinner, the attention of the metro was disgusting, the food was poor and very expensive, the menu was lame for 195 plus tax, plus drinks.
Bad service and they try to be elitist and different, they achieve nothing, I would never return.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Rafa & Liz

We went here for our anniversary and the moment we got there, it really felt like a special place. Almost everyone who worked there said “happy anniversary” to us. Service was great and probably the best I’ve ever experienced!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Storyteller Co.

We captured photo and video for a truly gorgeous wedding here, and just adore this venue and their wonderful staff! The food is just out of this world, so so amazing. The service is just as fantastic, the team is so attentive of each guests and the couple, and we’re very communicative with us as the documentation team. This space is absolutely stunning, our couple had their ceremony on the terrace and it was the most gorgeous, intimate scene for their “I Do’s”.

Destiny & Alyson were our contacts for day of coordination with the venue and they were lovely to work with as well!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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