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The River Café

The River Café

American Restaurant, Café, and New American Restaurant$$$$
DUMBO, Brooklyn
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9.0/10
603
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Time Out New York and The New York Times recommend this place
    • Time Out New York
    • The New York Times
  • Tips
    M. Silver Associates
    "Breathtaking view of Manhattan skyline sets the romantic mood."(5 Tips)
    Mariana M.
    "They don't deserve the Michelin star they have just received."(4 Tips)
    🍙 allie 🍙
    "Apple crumb foie gras, lobster, and sea scallops were amazing!"(7 Tips)
    Halstead Property
    "infamous Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert"(3 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon142 Tips and reviews
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  • Jenny K.heart icon on user image
    Jenny KSeptember 26, 2015
    Two course lunch (+amuse bouche and chocolates) for $50 is a great deal for this restaurant.
  • Trevor P.
    Trevor PaneMarch 21, 2017
    Anybody knows if giving your card's number for making a reservation is a common practice there?
  • Rami H.
    Rami Haykal-ManningAugust 6, 2023
    English leaning tasting menu, special occasion spot with wonderful views
  • Daniele P.heart icon on user image
    Daniele PenalvaMay 18, 2018
    Very romantic restaurant with a spectacular view of Manhattan skyline and delicious food.
  • ginny h.
    ginny hApril 11, 2014
    On every table you'll find a bouquet of flowers of miscellaneous hideous colors ordered from ...1-800-flowers.
  • Emma D.heart icon on user image
    Emma DarcyOctober 22, 2015
    The steak and the pistachio dessert are to die for! Fabulous views
  • Kaylee B.heart icon on user image
    Kaylee BelkOctober 28, 2019
    Great view of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge!
  • Ollie M.heart icon on user image
    Ollie MartinAugust 7, 2018
    $20 minimum spend per person so you’ll be paying a lot if you want to just have a cup of coffee and a view.
  • Jenna O.heart icon on user image
    Go for a special occasion like an anniversary, incredible views and service
  • Jolene
    JoleneApril 5, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    It's almost impossible to choose between the foie gras and steak tartare. Both are awesome. Make a reservation before sunset. Dusk to night transition is spectacular.
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    Enjoy the gorgeous views of Manhattan and solid American cuisine but avoid the special occasion crowds by having lunch at the River Café. - Inspector
  • Rebecca A.heart icon on user image
    Rebecca AtwoodJanuary 21, 2015
    Classic great service and the best atmosphere in New York City.
  • 🍙 allie 🍙
    🍙 allie 🍙January 5, 2012
    Apple crumb foie gras, lobster, and sea scallops were amazing! Finish off with Brooklyn Bridge dessert.
  • J Crowley
    J CrowleySeptember 1, 2010
    After dinner take a stroll in the new Brooklyn bridge park. If you're a true romance pants, get a bottle of wine (corked) to go and enjoy the views.
  • Alice P.
    Alice PowersJuly 6, 2012
    Whaou the view!!! If you can't aford the diner courses (100$) have a nice drink at the bar and just enjoy.
  • Kenia C.heart icon on user image
    Kenia CollinsMarch 7, 2019
    The lamb chops melted in my mouth!
  • Elly H.heart icon on user image
    Elly HanMay 14, 2015
    Amazing food and view! Best place for the special day!
  • Julie S.
    Julie SosciaAugust 2, 2018
    A beautiful option for a date night! Enjoy the views.
  • Julie S.
    Julie SosciaJuly 22, 2018
    A beautiful option for a date night! Enjoy the views.
  • Adam S.
    Adam ScottJune 26, 2012
    Place was beautiful..Right on the water and bridge.. if your looking for beauty and I'm sure pricey.. this place is amazingggg.
  • Bobby C.
    Bobby CollinsAugust 27, 2010
    Had lunch here with my grandfather for his 75th Birthday many years ago. We took a picture outside with the World Trade Center in the background. Great memory
  • Merve K.heart icon on user image
    Merve K*September 2, 2012
    This is definitely the most beaaaatiful cafe i have ever seen. An it will be... all through my life!
  • Johnheart icon on user image
    JohnOctober 21, 2016
    Cavatelli pasta w/ roasted pork shoulder & black truffles.
  • ✨Kylze✨heart icon on user image
    ✨Kylze✨October 20, 2012
    Everything Perfect: place, food, attendance!!
  • Wen X.heart icon on user image
    Wen XueApril 30, 2018
    Really good food; nice views as well.
  • The New York Times
    The New York TimesAugust 27, 2010
    One of the city’s best views, and excellent food still, after all these years. A sunset reservation’s best, with rabbit and dumplings.
  • Mariana M.heart icon on user image
    Mariana MeloDecember 25, 2014
    They cancelled our Christmas lunch reservation without calling us first. They don't deserve the Michelin star they have just received.
  • Mary J.heart icon on user image
    Mary JasenMay 30, 2017
    Goat cheese - cheese cake!
  • MB C.heart icon on user image
    MB CSeptember 17, 2014
    Views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge 🌉 and the octopus 🐙
  • Xavi R.
    Xavi RodriguezAugust 9, 2011
    If you are in New York, don't miss these amazing views. And the best is that the food is also excelent.
  • Renate L.
    Renate LyseNovember 14, 2013
    Perfect spot for a date. Romantic. Great view. A winner.
  • Gregory F.heart icon on user image
    Gregory FisherDecember 9, 2019
    Always a nice view, even on a rainy day
  • ayferheart icon on user image
    ayferJune 13, 2016
    Great spot yo have breakfast.so peaceful, great view.
  • Steven C.heart icon on user image
    Steven CarrollJune 12, 2018
    Simply the best!
  • Citybeams.comheart icon on user image
    Citybeams.comJuly 2, 2012
    Voted a restaurant with one of the best views in all of New York City!
  • ginny h.
    ginny hApril 11, 2014
    Lets not pretend to be something it's not. Amazing view. Food was OK, but let's just say if you're a New Yorker, you'd know not to come here for good food.
  • AmateurConciergeheart icon on user image
    AmateurConciergeFebruary 15, 2016
    Am I in New York or a country club in Cape Cod? Foods decent but the spot is quite pricey
  • Gianna N.heart icon on user image
    Gianna NebbiaAugust 24, 2018
    Go for the service and the wine. Food is good but not my style- bit too fancy
  • Hajar M.
    Hajar MaizuraDecember 30, 2011
    I am in LOVE with this restaurant.Great ambiance,great food,great view.
  • Kris G.heart icon on user image
    Kris GostynskiNovember 11, 2017
    Lavender crusted duck breast
  • jared z.
    jared zlotnickDecember 21, 2009
    breathtaking experience from start to finish. highly recommend the yellowfin tartare, crispy duck, and brooklyn bridge for dessert Read more
  • Mary J.heart icon on user image
    Mary JasenMay 30, 2017
    Celebrating a special birthday!
  • Ana A.
    Ana AlanisOctober 24, 2011
    You can't go wrong with the rainbow trout and the scottish salmon.
  • Olly C.
    Olly CareyMarch 21, 2016
    Great food, great service, great view!
  • Stefanieheart icon on user image
    StefanieDecember 10, 2015
    The food is ok but that view!
  • Javier C.heart icon on user image
    Javier CarmonaJanuary 30, 2015
    Dessert is great, it was a lot of food.
  • David R.heart icon on user image
    David RoacheSeptember 10, 2018
    Amazing , amazing!
  • Zeebamehrin M.heart icon on user image
    Zeebamehrin ManaviSeptember 19, 2015
    What a shame....beautiful place only wish they had a better customer service.
  • Cemre G.
    Cemre GüngörMay 15, 2010
    If you're cheap, bring in your own sandwich and sit at the nearby Brooklyn bridge park. Same, if not better views :)
  • Paolo B.
    Paolo BaroneOctober 7, 2022
    2022 Michelin Guide 1 Star
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