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“Perhaps the Best Dining Experience in NYC”
Review of The River Cafe

The River Cafe
Ranked #16 of 7,516 Restaurants in Brooklyn
Certificate of Excellence
Price range: ₱9,891 - ₱13,091
Cuisines: American, Seafood, International, Fusion
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Special occasions, Business meetings, Romantic
Dining options: Late Night, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Delivery, Reservations
Dining style: Fine Dining
Neighborhood: DUMBO
Cross street: Old Fulton St.
Transit: A or C train to High Street/Brooklyn Bridge; 2 or 3 train to Clark Street; F train to York St.; Bus #41 to Old Fulton St./Cadman Plaza West
Description: The River Café is a fine dining restaurant. It has been celebrated with numerous accolades including: a Michelin Star, The Restaurant Hall of Fame Award, The “Ivy Award of Distinction” from Restaurant and Institutions Magazine, Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award (DiRoNA), The New York Parks Council Award, The Municipal Arts Society Award, The “Wine Spectator Award of Distinction” from Restaurants and Institutions Magazine, The Wine Spectator Award, selected by the French culinary guide, “Gault Millau,” as one of the five best restaurants in New York. The River Café will be open on March 17, 2021. Tables will be available for reservations Wednesday through Sunday from 5:30pm to 11:30 pm. All guests will be required to wear the required face covering (except when seated), have their temperature checked and observe proper social distancing. Starting August 17, 2021, New York City will require all restaurants to confirm that guests and staff are vaccinated for Covid-19.
Reviewed October 6, 2020 via mobile

After, 7 months in relative quarantine, first in SF and now in NYC, and not feeling comfortable to eat indoors, I can safely say that eating outside at the River Cafe is one of the best dining experiences available in this Age of Covid. First, we had a beautiful table right on waterfront overlooking lower Manhattan. Second, the River Cafe itself is well appointed and totally airy. Third, the prix fixe 3 course menu ($130 per person) is full of choices and well priced. Fourthly, the wine list has many selections $50 and under. Utilize the sommelier and frame your inquiry: which of these wines, $50 and under, is drinking beautifully right now. We had a delish Austrian Grüner Veltliner - a first for me - which was $34 for a half bottle. Finally, the service is upper tier and very professional.

In my opinion, it is well worth 2* Michelin, although it has only one currently. There are few if any restaurants in the world that have the view that awaits you at the River Cafe. In my opinion, it is the best non-Asian restaurant in the City.

Date of visit: October 2020
2  Thank StevensAve
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviews (4,218)
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107 - 111 of 4,221 reviews

Reviewed August 25, 2020 via mobile

The setting was superb, overlooking Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. The service was excellent. Best of all was our delicious meal. I would love to visit again.

Date of visit: December 2019
2  Thank Eileen M
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed July 24, 2020 via mobile

I still remember going to Brooklyn strictly for this storied restaurant. The restaurant has been serving Michelin level food and wine before there was any development in the area.

I returned recently and the restaurant is still as good. Food is highly curated French and the views are romantic as ever. If you’re planning to treat yourself, this restaurant is worth the visit.

Date of visit: January 2020
5  Thank flightclubny
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 3, 2020 via mobile

Great place with amazing view. It's great for pictures. I have been there for like 2 3 times and I want to go again. Hope they open soon and they do fine with this situation.

Date of visit: June 2020
1  Thank robertvD6124RL
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed May 17, 2020

Myself, wife & 2 adult children had brunch there one Sunday. Everything was superb, from the greeting when we arrived, to the meal and wine, and the 'au revoir' when we're leaving, I couldn't fault it. While a little pricey, it was worth it for our special visit to NY. We took a walk along Brooklyn Bridge afterwards, watched the amazing colourful sunset, to end a beautiful afternoon.

Date of visit: November 2019
3  Thank Frank D
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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