The River Cafe Reviews

For lunch price, it was a really surprisingly great dinning experience!! Branzino is soooo good and everything else is amazing as well. Will definitely come back!

Best place to dine and see the skyline in the city. Service was outstanding.

Thank you for an incredible night on my wife and I's ruby wedding.visiting our son and daughter in law from the UK. staff brilliant,food brilliant.10 out of 10 xx

Beautiful, elegant and a romantic setting. Highly recommend for any special occasion.

Presentation of food was awesome. Great place. Food was delicious. Dessert was delicious and hit the spot.

A tourist trap and a rip off. We went there for a cup of cofee late morning ... upon paying we have learned they apply a 20$ minimum charge per person - no verbal or written warning when you enter. Otherwise elegant but snobbish place.

The staff were extremely kind, the view was brilliant, the food was great. Fantastic place

I attended for a brunch and the menu is delicious. The Brooklyn Bridge chocolate dessert was fantastic.

Well, I have mixed feelings about this place. The restaurant itself is beautiful and very inviting, but on the other hand it s very noisy and loud for a place like that, it has a romantic setting and gorgeous views but the noise is disturbing and doesnt allow to hear the piano playing. The food is really good and nicely presented, overall I think it s worth visiting once, if you have some special occasion to celebrate. My husband made a reservation for our anniversary here, and we overall enjoyed our night, but wouldn t pay over $400 for a dinner for two if we did not have such a special occasion:)

service was amazing .Starter as also good. The staff was helping and dedicated towards their duty. Genuine price with quality food. Place was cool and attractive. The way management works was appreciable . Always had great food here. So highly recommended place from me.

Epic views combined with glorious grounds and space. Who cares about the food? Oh I and my guests were pleased with our prix fix meals but not more than just ok for high-end American. Lots of half bottles which was a nice treat. Space s luxurious feel was really special.

My husband and I live in NYC and we frequently dine at nice restaurants here and all over the world. The food at The River Cafe is extremely mediocre. Not to mention that our waiter tonight and much of the staff had snooty attitudes. There are MUCH better restaurants in the city. You are paying for the beautiful view and that s about it. I could ve gotten better seafood at Whole Foods and cooked it myself. They drowned my shrimp in Hollandaise sauce which isn t even a good match, not to mention that the sauce wasn t even listed on the menu. The branzino came out cold with a cold side of zucchini. It was very disappointing. By the way, I have never spent time on reviewing anything in my life this is the first. How it has a one star Michelin blows my mind, I m giving it a one star on Google.

Wonderful river and Manhattan views. Great food and service.
Decor starting to appear a bit dated.
Pricing a bit high.

Went for a birthday brunch and were quite delighted with food, but the service staff needs additional training.

There is not much more I can tell you about the river cafe, it certainly has quite the reputation and it most certainly lives up to it's reputation.
If you are into fine dining, culinary experiences, splendid sights and restaurants that are more similar to experiences rather than just food, you'll enjoy the river Cafe. It's one of the best restaurants I've ever been to and would highly recommend it.

"Ice cream texture is creamy and I always get the butter pecan and coffee."

The food is excellent. The venue is top class as well with incredible views over the water.

Service is to a high standard as to be expected.

Tax is added to the price at the end and the service charge is included at 18%.

The wine list is extensive and will not disappoint.

Jeans should not be worn and you will not look out of place with jacket and tie. Dress appropriately.

Very 1st experience of dining at a michelin star resteaurant...service,food,location,attention to detail all impecable well done..

Always a favorite. Amazing location under the Brooklyn Bridge views of Manhattan water taxis and the Brooklyn Pier. 5 Star service level..pre fixe menu never disappoints. Would not recommend for children (dinner) . Dress men jackets... women dressy.

A landmark in NYC. Good food. Make reservation in advance!

Romantic restaurant, setting is really nice and they are doing a good job with the covid outdoor dining restrictions. However, for a Michelin starred restaurant the service was only ok. We waited quite a while after being seated to receive menus or water and then waited even longer still for drinks. At less than 50% capacity this doesn t make sense.

The food was plated nicely but taste and quality were 6/10. The prix fixe they are currently offering has a wide selection and is priced reasonably.
Would return for the view and atmosphere with out of town guests but wouldn t consider this a great food experience.
The only other gripe was that we expected the dress code to be more strictly enforced based on other reviews, but found tables nearby dressed in T-shirts and shorts.

Great food, spectacular steak tartar and good service over all. Lobster is also very good and tasteful. However, several times I've come and requested window in my reservation and they always dismiss it. Wine is outrageously expensive and they include 18% tip no matter how the service is. Lots of improvements needed to get a first class restaurant stars as the dress code requested.

Well, I have mixed feelings about this place. The restaurant itself is beautiful and very inviting, but on the other hand it s very noisy and loud for a place like that, it has a romantic setting and gorgeous views but the noise is disturbing and doesnt allow to hear the piano playing. The food is really good and nicely presented, overall I think it s worth visiting once, if you have some special occasion to celebrate. My husband made a reservation for our anniversary here, and we overall enjoyed our night, but wouldn t pay over $400 for a dinner for two if we did not have such a special occasion:)

11/10 for location and ambiance
Staff was super professional and friendly and service was top notch.
And boy what a view, you re seated right under one of the oldest architectural marvels of the New York City: The Brooklyn Bridge. You see the ships go by while enjoying the Manhattan skyline from under the bridge. Music choice was great and really soothing to the ears and it felt like I was on one of those really fancy cruise restaurants from the movie Titanic where Rose and the elite class travellers use to have their high tea while gossiping about the other elite families of United Kingdom.
Food was really good too btw, would definitely go there again a million times. Perfect date spot

If you re going to treat yourself to a nice meal with spectacular views, this is the place you want to go. We had a great meal, from starters to desert. The food was prepared perfectly on every course. All the staff didn t miss a beat when it came to the service as well. I d recommend if your celebrating or want a nice quiet evening with a view of the Manhattan skyline or Brooklyn bridge.

I stopped by for breakfast and I was blown away by the amazing gourmet food. The staff was incredibly friendly and hospitable. This upscale restaurant knows what they are doing, providing elegant meals with an unbeatable view. I highly recommend the pancakes

Unparalleled views and a surprisingly great breakfast experience. I took my partner here for his birthday and the service and hospitality were outstanding, the view gorgeous, and the food delicious. The presentation was classic and phenomenal, but still with a touch of whimsy that kept it from feeling stuffy. They brought him a delicious little gourmand plate of mini desserts with a "Happy birthday" chocolate which was an amazing and thoughtful touch.

Breakfast is in a glassed in veranda room or outdoors on the patio (we chose inside) and was utterly charming. I look forward to enjoying dinner in the dining room right on the river sometime very soon! New York is losing classic institutions, dear reader, and if you value what makes this city special I strongly encourage you to support institutions like the River Cafe with your hard-earned dollars, and keep the magic alive.

A+++

We have an outstanding experience last Saturday! Truly.. they make every single customer there feel so special!!! From the service to the food! Outstanding!!

Very very upscale and Michelin awarded place.
Ambiance was great and they had live piano playing in the corner.
This place has an amazing view of Manhattan skyline and the place has a beautiful real flowers around the corners which was quite surprising ( never seen cherry blossom before indoor)

Food quality was really amazing I preferred vegetarian dishes and my husband preferred non vegetarian! If you are vegetarian just ask for the vegetarian menu ! And their lamb was must to try so fresh and so delicious !

Coming to the service it was up to the point without any doubt. And we went there to celebrate my 30th birthday and it was worth every dollar

Private, beautiful. The spot where Jennifer Lawrence got engaged.

Fun environment. Friendly staff. Particularly enjoy Marco and Patricia. The food was very tasty. Particularly enjoyed the guacamole.

Delicious food, amazing view, fantastic service. What else do you need for a relaxing evening. It is on the pricier edge however the experience is worth it.

An experience. Unparalleled service. Artful and delicious food.

One of the best meals in NYC. The service was exceptional. Very knowledgeable and attentive. The quality of the dishes was far beyond what the price is. And the view on top of that. Room is beautiful with fresh flowers at every table! Will be back!

I first found this restaurant over 30 years ago when I was looking for a late night spot after catching a show with friends in Manhattan. We were surprised that the celebrity we saw in the show decided this was his go to spot after the show. Since then I have been back several times and have always loved the food. They have a fabulous menu that is a gastronomic delight. The ambiance is truly an experience in this great restaurant situated almost under the Brooklyn Bridge with memorable views over the East River to the Manhattan skyline. I can't recommend one dish over another as they are all very good and its a matter of your desire. You wont be disappointed.

Delicious. Even during these tough times the effort put into providing quality food and service is fantastic. The location is beautiful as well. I hope they make it through these very tough times for everyone

Wow, just wow. This restaurant is everything I could have asked for. Great attention, accommodations, and the food was just spectacular. Every item brought out had a clear level of culinary thought that brought out distinct flavors. Though it is quite expensive, the most expensive meal I have ever had in New York thus far, I can honestly say it has been the best dining experience I have ever had. We ordered the scallops and pork belly as well as the roasted rabbit with lasagna appetizers. I ordered the steak and my date ordered the lamb. We both asked for the brooklyn bridge chocolate cake for dessert. Everything from start to finish was phenomenal. I honestly probably wouldn't order the roasted rabbit appetizer again, but otherwise I would order everything exactly the same. I would love to return some day.

By far the best dining experience out there. I proposed to my fiancee there, and the staff over there went above and beyond to make our night the best so far.

I mentioned that I was vegetarian, and the chef just kept sending us delicious dishes to try out.

Amazing is the only word fit to describe the food. Delicious, light and filling...
If you are vegetarian or vegan, ask for the vegan menu.

There is live piano every evening.

The view is absolutely wonderful. The Empire State Building on the right, The Brooklyn Bridge above, The World Trade Center ahead, and the Statue of Liberty on the left, in the background.

Thank you guys. we'll be back soon.

Simply amazing. Make sure to bring a suit jacket for required attire. You may leave a little hungry depending on what you order. I ordered lobster should have gone with steak. Still very delicious

Excellent experience, service was top-notch. The ambience was fantastic. The view is outstanding, it is definitely a nice romantic place at at night. Prices vary from moderate to expensive... Well worth it

Wow, just wow! First off, it is pricey. But it is worth it. Men need to wear a jacket/suit. We decided to do the Chef's menu which they bring you 6 courses randomly, they pick. Great experience and service. I ate stuff I would have never ordered. Definitely will go back.

Exceptional service and amazing food. It's pretty pricey but it's worth it for a special occasion. The view is gorgeous!!

Classically decorated, indoor garden flowers make dinner like a fairytale.

A night to remember. Everything was just right. They made a lovely fuss of us having just got engaged. A beautiful view of city lights and brooklyn bridge on the water from any table. Wonderful quality food and wine, lovely ambiance. I could go on... Yes it is a high price but with high return.

This place is pricey but it's well worth it. My husband took me here for our 1 year wedding anniversary. This is the type of place you go out to for special occasions. The three courses were fresh and filling. The service is outstanding and personal which makes it a worthy expense.

There is only one word to describe this place. AMAZING. The food, the view the service are all second to none. Men have to wear a jacket but no fear they have a large selection of loaners. The Brooklyn bridge chocolate desert is also amazing!!

Do not book a private event at this venue. Luke Vossen is rude and unprofessional and everyone who hosts an event at this location says the same thing. The general manager refuses to address it. Nightmare of a place to work with.

The River Cafe is an ultimate dining destination in a beautiful setting. From the moment you walk in, it is a special dining experience.

Stunning food & location. The service was fantastic, well worth a visit for a special occasion

I go every time in NYC! Great food, excellent views. Walk across the bridge to/from Manhattan.

Beautiful, romantic and worth it. Topnotch staff. Jackets required, and reservations strongly recommended. Come early or stay later for a drink at the bar.

So, the weather was amazing and it was perfect place to visit .Service was too good, talking about the food I order stuffed chicken which was good the sauce, the crisp was amazing which is served with olives and jalapeno, over all its a best place to visit specially for birthdays.

A one-star Michelin restaurant, a very beautiful view at night, reserve seats better two weeks before visiting, entrance for men in jackets, food is amazing, the service is great.

Food are delicate. View is amazing. We treat our uncle and aunt for dinner and they really enjoy. All the staff are very well professional (except a gentleman who is the host in the lobby doesn t show enough respect). The wine consultant very knowledgeable and gave the great advice. It definitely worth to try at least once.

An exquisite restaurant where you are the center of attention. Wonderful food and sumptuous setting all add to the dining experience.

Cant sing the praises loud enough for this icon on the river. Especially nice was the maitre d' Josh Brown, who gave us a window seat for my birthday. Food and service were old school attentive.

Being French, I was expecting more from Michelin rating. The price is definitely Michelin but not the food. You pay for the view which is unforgettable so being priceless, right ! The food is good but not exceptional for the price. Sides are even low in quality and tasting (over cooked gratin). They want to get sophisticated with mandatory suit jacket (they can loan you) but they miss the most important....the way you serve dishes...you serve on the side of the guests NOT holding across the table bending over another guest. It s rude and unsophisticated. You get that in a sport bar! Also, dishes are not when served. Conclusion: go for the view and having an expensive dinner but don t expect the food quality for the $$$$$ in your plate.

Great ambience and food. Service was good but not special to rave about.

Excellent service, excellent view, excellent garden.

I've never experienced anything like it, ordered the Smoked Salmon Benedicts and I'm just speechless.
When i first sat down i didn't know what to expect but little did i know I'd going to have the best meal I've ever tasted. I would go there if I could everyday but the truth is that I can't, and that's ok because I'll have the memory of when a dish changed my life.
-S
Edit: Grammar

I love this place! This restaurant is such an amazing experience! The food is unbelievably delicious, even if you are vegetarian, which was such a pleasant surprise. Definitely a place for special occasions because it is formal and pricey but definitely worth going to at least once in your life!

Unbelievable and exceptional service and quality, we loved it.

This place is worth a try. They serve big portions for affordable prices. Always neat and with good vibes. Will visit here again.

I think their dress code is not that strict. I just wore a blouse and jeans and got a table which is near windows.

Amazing location, delicious food and over the top table service. Friendly staff. All together you can say you get full VIP service from the moment you drive into the premises. Will definitely go again.

Coming from uscale food service back ground,, the service was excellent. They accommodated my allergy which didnot compromise the quality of the food. I had the NY strip for my main meal and it was mourh watering. I would have liked a potato like option on my plate, maybe the gnocchi. Steak is usually complimented with a dollop of potatoes ( upscale). Overall an amazing night, wonderful ambiance and a must do at lease once. Thank You

Great place..views are incredible..if a girl likes you walking in..she'll love you walking out..

Gorgeous views, refined cuisine and good wine selection. A must in NYC

Amazing restaurant with fantastic view of Manhattan!

The best darn place in NYC! I took my family here for Sunday Brunch and had the best food, view and day! The service here is top notch, and view is unbeatable. I think it's just as amazing at night as during the day, maybe try both Brunch and Dinner! But what ever you do, save room for dessert.

What a fantastic restaurant, amazing food, superb staff,and a beautiful location. A must for a wonderful meal.We went for the taster menu, 7 courses which were all sublime. They also went the extra mile with an anniversary surprise dessert. Worth every penny. Will definitely make another booking when we return.

Amazing restaurant, the staffs are super professional from the vallet parking people to the waiters. Everything was explain in detail such as the food wise. Outside the restaurant such a beautiful place with flowers and the city scape.

It love it! Top notch five star service great attention to detail. It was a bit chill that evening and the metroidi was kind to offer us shawls to keep us warm if we wanted. I had been wanting to find a good serving of Fois Gras and I found it there and as a duet to, imagine my excitment. I tried their goat cheesecake and was very please. I wish I could dine there every night. We were a party of 4 and everyone gave it raving reviews. My cousin picked a wonderful place to celebrate her birthday. Three of us had lamb and the other, skirt steak. The German wine was delightful.

While I didn't find it deserving of a Michelin Star, the staff was very attentive and the food was good. This is the only restaurant with a breakfast tasting menu I am currently aware of (there should be more) and during it, I had the best pancake I have ever eaten in my life. That said, the rustic aquatic decor seems dated, especially with the view of the modern buildings that have made this place iconic. They have a beautiful spread of fresh flowers and manicured grounds, so the floral aesthetic and greenery are lovely. Overall, I found it overpriced.

Hands down the best restaurant I've ever been to. The service was out of this world as was the food and the view of new York skyline was amazing. If you want to splash the cash and impress an SO this is the place!

This place is perfect for a special occasion. I came here to celebrate my husband s birthday. The restaurant has a stunning view of Manhattan. Food is unforgettable. I got the steak tartare as a starter and lamb chops as my main course. Delicious.

Amazing experience!
I love NYC, but sometimes you can miss the classic French service.
As soon as we walked we were greeted with a man playing the piano, great service and amazing food. Best foie gras I ve ever had. It was the perfect spot for a special occasion. I proposed to my wife here!

This is the place where I can spend my whole day without being bored at any moment. I usually come at this place and order delicious food. Last time I came with my childhood friends and we memories all the things we used to do. We had fun a lot and we we're ate a lot. This place is nothing just love for me.

Best restaurant with awesome view. Me and my wife went on our wedding anniversary and we had really good time. I like their vegetarian menu and people were very friendly. Defiantly recommend this.

Spectacular personal service with an unbeatable view. They will hold you to their dress code and be prepared to pay.

Excellent food and service. Superb quality and great views. Everything on the menu is quite delicious, eggs are spectacular. This is a great place for breakfast especially for a special occasion. Outside seating is available when the weather is good and it is recommended.

The River Cafe offers a wonderful dining experience. The service is outstanding.

The perfect New York dining experience: atmosphere, service, quality, attention to detail, taste, portion size, all excellent!!!

The River Cafe is located nearly under the Brooklyn Bridge providing stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

Staff is correct and helpful, although very formal. Didn't see a single smile from the majority of staff.

The rating of three stars is based on the food, balanced with the price. I was quite surprised to learn it had a Michelin star. The starters were definitely up to standard, but the mains were too heavy, old fashioned French style cooking. Not the balance and finesse I would expect for Michelin star.

Desserts were passable, but again, nothing exceptional.

We went here for dinner after our wedding. The food was amazing. The service was superb. The setting was romantic. I highly recommend this establishment.

The spot is superb and roomy, the menu was yummy and the rates were very inexpensive. fast, efficient service and very friendly staff members. Will definitely recommend this restaurant.

This place has been around for a long time. I love The River Cafe! I think the fact it's very old school and classic when it comes to having a dress code is one of the main reasons I like this place. I always feel like I stepped back in time when coming here.

The food is delicious regardless what you order. I've had the poached lobster a few times....it was so good. The steak here is really good! We've had the smoked salmon and caviar app a few times...really good too.

Anyone dining here for the first time, regardless if with family or spouse, you must have the chocolate Brooklyn Bridge!! It's humongous and so good!!!

If I could give 22 stars I would! I am an extreme foodie and the experience blew my mind. Ignore any rating less than 5 stars. This restaurant is a perfect example of a fine dining establishment worthy of $$$$. The view is breathtaking. The service is immaculate. The food is perfectly executed. Much like France, your table is yours for as long as you need. No rushing to turn tables. The seating is staged so there is no back up in the kitchen. And, as if it could not get any better, the concierge had a cab available to take us back to Midtown Manhattan for $42. I recommend the Madeira tasting from the desert course. The up-charge for it is worth every penny.

The staff were extremely kind, the view was brilliant, the food was great. Fantastic place