Important Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.The River Café
American Restaurant, Café, and New American Restaurant$$$$
DUMBO, Brooklyn
Has a stamp of approval from Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and The New York Times
"Breathtaking view of Manhattan skyline sets the romantic mood."(5 Tips)
"They don't deserve the Michelin star they have just received."(4 Tips)
"Apple crumb foie gras, lobster, and sea scallops were amazing!"(7 Tips)
"infamous Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert"(3 Tips)
141 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Michelin Travel & LifestyleSeptember 23, 2012Load up on seafood at this MICHELIN starred romantic spot with famed views of the city skyline, but also be sure to order a few veggies from their vegetable garden in Red Hook. - Green Guide Editor
Rebecca MazzaNovember 27, 2017Sunday brunch is a delightful experience! Outstanding service and food. The fois gras and duck are a must! Make a reservation right when the open to hopefully get a better table.
Jess NaldoSeptember 18, 2014Let me know if you find a place with a better view than here. Classic fine dining but nothing mind blowing or innovative. Three Shells to start, duck breast entree & chocolate soufflé were delicious!
Lucas GuterresMay 16, 2014Definitely in the "Top 10" of the Best Restaurants in NY, and for sure the BEST view of Manhattan. Perfect from top to bottom. The Chocolate Soufflé at the end is hard to believe!
Tobias WeißenfelsMarch 18, 2018Fantastic location and manhattan view as well as great service and food. Highly recommended for special occasions or when you have something to celebrate. Awarded one Michelin star.
- High Quality Tours HQTAugust 31, 2015Beautiful gardens with views of the Bridge! Take a luxury tour of Brooklyn with us today to see this gorgeous place and much more! #hqt #highqualitytours #therivercafe #luxurytursofnyc Read more
EMarch 18, 2015Family tradition to go here. Enjoy consistent delicious food with a nice bottle of wine. Breathtaking views of Manhattan Skyline. Seating can be tight - reserve in front of window or at the booth seat
Papa SNovember 11, 2018Tasting menu is always an adventure. They craft it 4 you & everything is fabulous. Josh (maitre d’) is so professional. James (somm) is the best. Foie gras. Tuna. Steak. Best in NYC.
Julie SosciaJanuary 13, 2019This is wonderful venue for a special occasion or date night where you can enjoy some of the best views of Manhattan.They also have a great tasting menu with wine pairing.
James CroninApril 7, 2015Get to your reservation early and they may be able to get you a window seat. One of the best stakes I've had and the chocolate soufflé was incredible.
Sue EllenNovember 5, 2017Even if you aren’t eating here, stop by with your date. There are dim lighted seating areas the restaurant set up outside just for you and your loved one to sit at the end of a date. Very romantic
Gordon DesodtMay 2, 2014What a view: simply amazing. The service is excellent too. And on top of all this you get good classic French cuisine. A must when in NY. The Brooklyn Bridge dessert is mmmmmmm
Alexandra TritzAugust 16, 2016The food is beyond awesome. Went there for my birthday on a Sunday and got the brunch menu : the foie gras and the duck breast are delicious ! And the staff is also really kind !- Pauline DeplaixAugust 5, 2017We tried the wild shrimp, the rabbit and lobster everything was delicious. Outstanding service and a wonderful view of the south manhattan skyline. Very romantic. Bonus: pianist
John HelpsNovember 28, 2016Fabulous views and a great location, superb food, great service.. a (very) expensive treat
- Papa SJune 10, 2017Had the 6 course tasting menu with wine pairing. So good. Great views of Manhattan. Phenomenal service. James the Captain, Javier, Lewis the wine guy were terrific.
Lindsey HoganOctober 15, 2014Lived up to very high expectations from the service to the flowers to the view...and most importantly, the food. The suckling pig amuse bouche was spectacular.
LindaSeptember 14, 2015Excellent food + the staff was very friendly and attentive. Definitely worth a visit ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (set price for a 3 course meal is $120, with an 18% tip added)- M. Silver AssociatesFebruary 13, 2012A breathtaking view of Manhattan skyline sets the romantic mood. Add delicious food and plenty of ambiance and you've got the perfect spot for a little canoodling. It's well worth a trip to Brooklyn.
Lucy MariaMay 11, 2016The view was nice and the food and service were excellent, but the decor is outdated and I thought the venue would be bigger...I was underwhelmed with the view and atmosphere.
- M. Silver AssociatesFebruary 8, 2012Breathtaking view of Manhattan skyline sets the romantic mood. Add delicious food and plenty of ambiance and you've got the perfect spot for a little canoodling. It's well worth a trip to Brooklyn.
Time Out New YorkFebruary 1, 2012For special occasions it’s hard to beat this mainstay with Brooklyn Bridge views. For a more relaxed date, sit in the terrace and sample appetizers, desserts and drinks ($25 per-person minimum). Read more- Simran JaisingJanuary 27, 2013transcendence. the river cafe places you in a time and a place of the 40s. beautiful view of the water. soft piano, impeccable service, classic, early american cuisine. for a meaningful date.
The Corcoran GroupMarch 4, 2011Dine while taking in the most stunning views of Manhattan. Enjoy a romantic six-course prix fixe dinner – try the Foie Gras, Oysters, Sirloin and Rack of Lamb.
Duygu AKTANOctober 4, 20141st time. We had rabbit, steak tartare, lobster, steak, brooklyn bridge shaped desert and pistachio semifreddo. Not even the food can beat the view, which is not bad. Do try, maybe just once.
Clyde Erwin BarrettoSeptember 3, 2011One of the most beautiful views I've ever seen from a restaurant. Even on a rainy day. The crispy duck breast is delicious. New York Cut Sirloin is pretty good.- James KiernanMarch 30, 2017I believe the appropriate term is 'fancy shmancy'. Great for a special occasion and spectacular views.
Mia JSeptember 8, 2017AMAZING place, very delicious set menu. I would highly recommend to go on sunset time. It's a bet pricy but absolutely worth it.
Eva VillarrealDecember 26, 2014Perfect view, delicious courses, attentive staff. A must for a lovely dinner for an NYC visit
Philip GlanvilleAugust 19, 2014Leave your sneakers (trainers) at home and don a jacket for an amazing view, fantastic food and service. Incredible service and don't be intimidated by the 'blue bloods'.
Mattia BattistichOctober 16, 2012Provides a great experience from online reservation to the limo taxi service back to town. Fresh flowers welcome, amazing view, top food and service. Guy in front of us proposed, girl cried. Perfect
MiguelMay 24, 2014They have the perfect formula to make your tastebuds dance. Great atmosphere. Great food. Go for the oysters and salmon app to start
jon accarrinoJuly 28, 2014Dumbo waterfront with million-dollar views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. Try the salted caramels, Foie Gras and oysters.
kiptripJanuary 20, 2017Special food menu for Christmas was first class. Great service and amazing views, even if you're sitting further in from the windows.
refinery29August 3, 2014Known for its nightly piano music and breathtaking floral arrangements. Without a doubt, it’s a forerunner in the romance department. Read more
hania albraikanDecember 21, 2016The view is breathtaking,the food is average but the portion is quite big , the service is good but the welcoming was a bit strange they gave us too much rules، I will come again for lunch maybe
Doug WAugust 13, 2023Nice but I would have expected a wine pairing was available. Food was delicious. Sommelier was very helpful.
eric mortensenJune 19, 2015River Cafe exists solely for those who are tying to impress others. The food and the experience are mundane and outdated. This place has a great view and nothing else.
Andrew CMay 27, 2016After reading so many amazing reviews - I was super excited for dinner here!!! Food and service was beyond spectacular... but the small portions for the high cost was disappointing and no sunset view!
honeywhatscooking.comJune 17, 2014Gorgeous ambience. Good for special occasions. Food was good, but nothing extraordinary. The Brooklyn Bridge Chocolate Cake is memorable.
Chad WitsellSeptember 14, 2015Great Food & Wine and a beautiful view of NYC. Be prepared to spend some loot! It's not cheap 😉- Halstead PropertyOctober 25, 2011Try something other than the infamous Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert, and get the Goat Cheese Cheesecake. Not too heavy/rich and balanced with a refreshing lemon sorbet
Bert VSeptember 22, 2016What's the use if they won't let you in without a suit jacket ... unless you make an (international) phone call to book, or: "I'm incapable of judging the price of your jeans so you can't come in"
Diana RichterOctober 17, 2019Supremely over priced but sensational view and charming decor. Fun for a lunch or breakfast (once).
Daniel AllardJuly 15, 2018Stunning views across the East River, but overpriced for what it was. Food was good but not great and staff were a little overbearing (tried to clear our plates while we were still eating!)
ginny hApril 11, 2014On every table you'll find a bouquet of flowers of miscellaneous hideous colors ordered from ...1-800-flowers.
Daniele PenalvaMay 18, 2018Very romantic restaurant with a spectacular view of Manhattan skyline and delicious food.
824 Photos
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The River Café is one of New York and America’s most unique locations. Nestled under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Open until 11:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 5:30 PM–11:00 PM
- Sat–Sun
- 11:30 AM–Noon
- 5:30 PM–11:00 PM
(718) 522-5200
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express & MasterCard)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Music
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner, Dessert, Happy Hour
Drinks
Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
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- 9.5
"We made the walk right before sunset and it was absolutely beautiful. Great tourist experience and amazing views of the city."
Dallas - 9.6
"Beautiful place! Great view of the bridge and skyline of city. Lovely positive vibes around there as it's mostly tourists. We witnessed three weddings in 30degree temp! They be crazyyy!"
Lisa Dino - 9.1
"Great spot to have a picnic! Beautiful views of the bridges & the city!"
Kimmie Ohh
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