Link copied to clipboard

What should I order at The River Café?

Helped 0 people eat good food

The River Café

4.4 (2455 reviews)
You are the first skipper at this restaurant
🥇

Salmon

Recommended multiple times for its exceptional texture and flavor, including one review saying it "melts in your mouth" and another praising it as a delicious suggestion.

🥈

Steak

Praised for being perfectly cooked and tender, with rich accompaniments that elevated the dish; another review also highlighted the steak with bone marrow as so good they wanted seconds.

🥉

Truffle ravioli

Called out as a standout dish in one review, described as spectacular and one of the memorable highlights of the meal.

4

Hot foie gras

Specifically recommended with enthusiasm in one review as a must-try item, singled out as a highlight of the dining experience.

5

Sea bass

Mentioned as part of an exceptional meal and praised as one of the dishes that showed the chef’s ability to elevate the food.

6

Duck

Included among the standout dishes in a highly positive review, noted for being part of a meal that exceeded expectations.

7

Dessert

Repeatedly praised for special presentation and taste, including a personalized anniversary dessert that was described as stunning and divine.

Location details

1 Water St, Brooklyn, New York, 11201, US

Open in Google Maps

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 5 to 9:30 PM
Thursday 5 to 9:30 PM
Friday 5 to 9:30 PM
Saturday 5 to 9:30 PM
Sunday 5 to 9:30 PM

About The River Café

Landmark eatery, newly renovated, offering a New American menu & stunning views of Manhattan.

Amenities & services

Service options

  • Onsite services
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great tea selection
  • Great wine list
  • Live music

Popular for

  • Dinner

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Hard liquor
  • Organic dishes
  • Private dining room
  • Vegan options
  • Vegetarian options
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Cozy
  • Historic
  • Quiet
  • Romantic
  • Trendy
  • Upscale

Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Reservations required
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Parking

  • On-site parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Usually plenty of parking
  • Valet parking

Frequently asked questions

What is The River Café known for?

It is best known for its Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline views, especially at sunset and after dark, paired with a prix fixe New American dinner. Reviewers also consistently call out the Signature Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert and the polished service as part of the experience.

What dishes are most recommended at The River Café?

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the Signature Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessert, hot foie gras, steak, and the three-course prix fixe meal. Guests also mention creative side dishes and beautifully presented desserts, with the food often described as balanced and refined.

What is the atmosphere like at The River Café?

The atmosphere is cozy, romantic, quiet, historic, and upscale, with live music or piano often adding to the setting. It suits special occasions, couples, and groups celebrating events like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, especially in the window tables facing the water.

Is The River Café good value, and what is the price range?

The River Café is in the $100+ range, and reviewers describe it as a splurge with high prices. Many say the cost is justified by the attentive service, elegant pacing, and the view, though some note that certain desserts can feel expensive for the portion or flavor.

When is the best time to visit The River Café?

Reviewers often recommend going in the summer to make the most of the waterfront setting, and sunset or nighttime visits are especially praised for the skyline and bridge views. Dinner is the main draw, and reservations are required, so planning ahead matters.

Is parking available at The River Café?

Yes. On-site parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking, Valet parking is available.

Does The River Café have vegetarian options?

Yes, The River Café offers vegan options.

Restaurants like The River Café in Brooklyn

Why use AI food recommendations?

Skip the Menu

No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu

Explained Choices

Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended

Skip Menu
Skip Menu
The easiest way to find what to eat, wherever you are.
Download the App