The River Cafe Review

Amazing food, friendly staff. The atmosphere takes you back to the good Old days, where courtesy and elegance was a thing. Love it.

Very Romantic & Stunning view!

We discovered this place years back, when John & Yoko frequented this restaurant. We recently returned for our anniversary- and while it is expensive- it is everything I remember- the excellent service, the dining experience is above par with other NYC spots. The view speaks for itself and our dinner and wine exceeded our expectations. Complimentary dessert was chocolate shape of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Reservations & jackets for men required. Arrive early to enjoy it all and take photos. Big time favorite of mine- holds great memories.

Came here for dinner and we loved every portion of it. As a note I typically eat at restaurants that aren't this expensive and the experience isint as carefully thought out as at River Cafe.

I enjoyed the fixed price menu, it was very reasonable when you factor in what you're eating and the service.

The food was delicious from appetizer to dessert no complaints. The portions were a bit small but by the end of the night and thanks to some wine I appreciated that as we left completely satisfied.

My favorite part was the service. Everyone was incredibly nice and accommodating. It was a great first impression. From initial contact with the helpful valet to being greated by the hostesses to our waiters and servers it was all exceptional. The food came at perfect intervals it really did they nailed it. The reason why for me it deserves 5 stars is the attentiveness. My glass of water was NEVER empty or close to empty. I drink a lot of water when I eat pretty much 4-6 glasses a meal. I start getting incredibly frustrated when I have to flag someone over to serve me more water. It ruins the experience and the more it happens the more frustrated I get but nope not here perfect.

I remember when I first made reservations I had some trouble getting a the date and time I wanted. They tried their best to accommodate me but wasn't too excited as I mentioned "it was for a birthday and I had plans later" I ultimately decided to go elsewhere and moved my reservation to a later date for another occasion. Four months later every single person said happy birthday to my GF. First I'm impressed hostesses wrote that down and second super impressed she heard me correctly enough through tone and context that it wasn't my birthday but hers.

I'll definitely come back.

I honestly enjoyed the dishes and service, awesome location to my apartment. The staff members are always kind. Will come visit again.

This is such a perfect place! good place to have a date. tasty food also

Some of the best tasting food with great preparation

My favorite place in the world. Flawless service, elegant and fancy. Foods is excellent and consistent. Great view, great ambiance with piano player. Complimentary valet parking. Pleasant staff, very welcoming. Can't get any better for your journey.

Just take a moment to rest after a long walking through Brooklyn Bridge, and enjoy of a nice food and environment. Beautiful location and good service

Pricey but excellent service and food. Brunch menu is better value than dinner. Select an appetizer and entree set. Some substitutions cost extra. Dessert, get the Brooklyn bridge. It is cute and insta worthy but taste itself is alright.

Managers here tried to treat my Latina friend like she didn't belong. Also accused her of faking a reservation. Gave her dirty looks and stared at her up and down. Obviously management cannot act this way. You are in Hospitality, don't be so assuming and Racist!

We went here on the 17th December in the evening. We travelled from the uk and had booked for a meal we were totally impressed by the venue, atmosphere, food, service and staff The views were amazing. I would totally recommend this place and cannot wait to go back there again

Took my beautiful girlfriend here for her 26th birthday. We had the incredible tasting menu and they basically had to roll us out by the end. The views, service and ambiance were worth five stars alone. Every New Yorker should experience it once. One of the most memorable dinners I've had in NYC.

There are few places where I really feel like the food is worth the elevated prices but this is definitely one of them. Expensive, but the food, service, view and ambiance is so good. It s definitely worth the money. Great place for special events or just a great dining experience.

I sent my friends to this place with my highest recommendations. I visit this place often. I get very good feedback from my friends. The the food there is appetizing and the team is efficient and cooperative. Whenever we eat in this place we have a splendid time. I recommend this place with pleasure.

Unbelievable views. Great Food and a Beautiful Dinning room.
The River Cafe is a special place hidden under the Brooklyn bridge.
It's not an everyday type of place . But it is a place to treat yourself and others.
The food is outstanding and the service is memorable.

We had an excellent dinner at the River Cafe! The food was superb and the service was so high quality and friendly. - just became one of my favorite spots in NYC!!

Located in iconic and picturesque Dumbo, Brooklyn, The River Cafe has all of the makings of a truly upper class dining experience. They require reservations months in advance and formal dining attire. The staff were all pleasant and the service is top notch. Food was on par with most up scale restaurants. Though the overall ambience, service, and presentation was impressive, it's still very difficult to justify the $$$$$ price tag

The food was very good, but the service horrible. We repeatedly asked for a table by the window, the staff insisted that the available table was already committed to someone else - it turned out it was someone who came after us. When we said we could wait longer to get the table that was important to us, he said we could move half way through, but despite of 3 tables becoming available, and ine staying empty for the entire meal time, he did not bother to move us. I guess you need to bribe him to have him heat what you say. It was our anniversary and we booked well in advance, so I am really disappointed about the way we have been treated. On top of that they added 18% tip to the bill without even asking us which after the way we were treated is just a robbery. Very unhappy with this experience.

My family and I absolutely loved this place! The location, ambiance, views, food, wine, service and professionalism were magnificent! We will definitely return to celebrate another special occasion. Thank you so much for setting a great standard of service.

My husband Ricardo Sumter took me here for my birthday last night. It was a surprise.
All I can say is Wow.
Very professional, attentive, romantic, view is impeccable and food/wine is divine.
Very upscale and they pay close attention to detail.
Thank you babe I love you and enjoyed myself
Sincerely, Yolanda Sumter

Totally complacent mediocre dining experience. They are only in business because they have a nice view. Otherwise, front of house, service, and food are extremely underwhelming. Go to emp or aska if you want quality without pretense.

The food here is good but the staff have a very stuffy and almost unfriendly approach. Much better places to go for good food where the atmosphere and service are more welcoming. Decor is very tired and outdated too.

The River Cafe is one of my favorite places to go with my best friend. The coffee is strong and good. I am getting a different dessert every time a go there because they're really good. The view is absolutely stunning. So for a Sunday coffee with your besty The River Cafe is a really good idea. I like the fancy atmosphere and the service is amazing. Everyone is really friendly. So you next Sunday morning.

My hubby brought me there for our first year wedding anniversary, and it was amazing... this is for men: do not forget to be in your suit, or to at least have a blazer if you're going to be dining there( if you don't, they'll let you borrow one of theirs because you won't dine in there without it )

Came for a wedding and it was done so beautifully. Amazing view of the water and hands down best wedding food I ve ever had.

Good food. Some dishes are more one star worth than others. I think the staters are more refined, innovative than the entrees. Entrees are more classics (steak, lamb chops, duck, sea bass) but well executed. Service was good. I think insisting on the dress code with outdoor patio seating is inconsiderate to the customers. And despite a couple of phone calls to remind us of the dress code and we reminded them we are new in town, just moved to Dumbo and will go buy dinner jackets, so honestly I'm surprised they didn't put us in a table nearer to the river front. We were in the back with no but because they set out the tents all over. So the atmosphere has definitely not met expectations and not worth as a one start restaurant. Clearly if they would like to make an impression or develop a new long term customer, they would have made some efforts. So overall I have no inkling to go back since they didn't bother to make our first visit a memorable one.

Great location for a restaurant, out on the water right under the Brooklyn Bridge and across from downtown Manhattan. Highly recommended!

Photo is of their signature dessert, the Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge! Delicious!
Came at the end of a delicious vegetarian fixed price meal. Expensive for the vegetarian meal however. Beautiful location, we were relocated to a table overlooking the bridge. Service was absolutely amazing, a must go to restaurant!!

This place is expensive but the experince is worth it. Great view of the bridge and the city. Great presentation of the food and the food also taste great. The customer service was good. I would recommend this place to any one that want to go to an high end resturant to have dinner.

I've attended several events here. The staff and location are prime but everything else is average. Food and drinks this expensive you would expect it to be exceptional.

The service was outstanding, and the views of the Brooklyn Bridge and city are unbeatable. The foie gras was the best I've ever had. For the main course, I had the Branzino which was delightful in presentation and taste. My friend had the steak (recommended over the sea bass by the server) which - at 16 ozs. - was the largest meal on the menu, but the quality was lacking. Both my friend and I are from the Midwest, so we know our meat, and this cut did not wow us. It was rather tough and chewy. For a 1 star Michelin restaurant, we expected better. Definitely get seafood or fish if you go here. Final note: The Brooklyn Bridge dessert is delicious!

Great ambience, food and service! Definitely a high end place for brunch, lunch or dinner!

I love photographing weddings here. Such incredible views! Perfect spot for a New York wedding.

I loved it!!!! I went here on a Saturday at 2pm to have a fancy lunch. I made the reservation online and I received a call from a staff member 2 days before to confirm the reservation. I knew there was a dress code so I looked it up on their website to get an idea of what is acceptable. Their website stated "Semi-casual," hm, does this sound helpful to you? It didn't for me so when she called me, I asked her specifically, can guys wear shorts? She said, "no, no shorts at all." I relayed this message to my bf and he showed up in long black pants. Needless to say, it was a hot day. We arrived a little early than 2pm and was greeted by the hostess. She told us to sit by the bar until our table was ready. I sat there, looked around, and what do I see? Gentlemen with shorts!! This is the only reason why I docked a star.

Drinks are super pricey here ($17+).

We were seated by the window (yay)! I had the sea scallop and pork belly as the appetizer and the niman steak as the main. Both were delicious and the portion for the main was actually more than I had imagined. We were also given complimentary treats and really appreciated that. I had noted that this lunch was to celebrate my birthday. After the main course, we were given a dessert menu and I ordered the "Brooklyn Bridge." It came nicely presented and had a "Happy Birthday" chocolate on it. Nice touch! The service was impeccable. No snobby attitude or rude behavior. I thought we would be ignored but they were actually very attentive to us.

It is pricey but the lunch is worth it. I'd recommend coming here to celebrate a special occasion.

Absolutely recommended spot. Food quality and no words views above all in night

what can i say , i had the chance to eat here when i was staying in new york and wow the food and views where amazing

you can see the whole of Manhattan and you sit under the brooklyn bridge which is amazing

Just the best. I had my birthday dinner here with my mom and sister, and we got all sentimental because it was such a delightful night. Epic food, epic views, epic company. Just loved it!

Best restaurant I've been to anywhere in the world. The location and view are incredible. The flowers throughout the restaurant are amazing. The service is absolutely superb from when you walk in until when you walk out. The food is unbelievable and the wine list is impressive, and includes some budget friendly options. This is an expensive restaurant but I do not regret a single penny I have spent here. It is absolutely worth it!

Always amazing food here and the views are spectacular. I was however disappointed that having booked almost 4 months in advance for a joint birthday celebration My daughters 21st. My 50th and my mums 70th, that despite asking we still were not given a window view. Apparently the tables are held so even though one was free for a period of time a local always has it!!! Shame
However thanks to Michael our sommelier who saved the day.

A fav location for tasty American food. the bill was fair. mood here is similar to fresno's scene.

5 stars for the view, the food, and the service. I thought it was all around amazing.

Great service by server Jenica, happy hour bogo yard margs...can t go wrong! Great afternoon stop on the strip.

Everything about our experience at this restaurant was excellent. The staff were extremely kind and helpful, the view was brilliant, and the food was great. After finding a minor imperfection in one of our second course meal dishes, the staff apologized and brought everyone at our table an additional course. We all enjoyed our time here and hope to return when we are back in New York!

I previously dined here roughly two months ago, but forgot to leave a review.

Same as always, one of the best in NYC. Maybe in the world. Certainly the room, the service, the presentation, and, of course, the view. The food is excellent. The price, expensive.

Incredible food and outstanding service! By far one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. Beautiful view and settings made it even more magical.

Would have given five stars if they would have answered my email about my partners food poisoning (First time a food poisoning were worth it though).

Awesome experience. The food was great. attention to every detail by staff.

The River Cafe is a very romantic place to hold a wedding. We've filmed intimate weddings here and it's always been a treat. The view is gorgeous! We highly recommend checking out this venue if you're planning a wedding.

Amazing place to come visit at and enjoy the scenery along with the food.

Wow! The food, the ambiance, and the staff were incredible! Such a spectacular view too! We came for breakfast and everything - from sweet, to savory, to cocktails - was delicious. Highly recommend for a special meal.

OMG! Delicious. The staff is Amazing. We had shrimp and salmon as appetizer, so much flavor, just melts in your mouth. Then the steak and duck, aaaaamazing. The place is expensive but worth it. We had our anniversary here. I'll be back in 10 years :)

Overpriced and tries to be over-fussy to give the impression of excellence... but the food is not excellent. We was given a choice of only 2 options... a 3 course taster or a 6 course taster menu with only a $30 price difference so went for the 6, naturally. Of the taster menu, we got one course where my husband and I got a different dish each! Never in my life seen that before and to be honest it irritated me. The dessert was a simple chocolate ganache that anyone could make. Ultimately with just a couple of drinks the bill was $520 for a meal for two. If the taster menu was (as it is supposed to be) a general overview of the chefs talents, then this place needs to up their game on about 3 of the 6 courses... especially the simple under-impressive dessert! They made this look like the bridge as a gimmick at the end - don't need gimmicks at over $500 - just need to come away impressed, well fed, and happy. We sat close to where all the staff seemed to congregate near the kitchen and too close to another table to our right, one table away from the window.... having asked for a window seat and booked months in advance.. so no effort there either!
Would never go again and would actually recommend that you Don't go there to spend your hard earned cash. The view is great on a sunny evening but I think that's what they rely on the bring people through the door.

Smartest place in town for exzellent food and cool Drinks, specially Martinis (Gin). And the best sight in Midtown Manhattan

I get to eat here a lot since I work nearby. I got to say the service is always fantastic and they keep the spot clean consistently. Rates are convenient and they serve large portions.

Outstanding in every way! Book way in advance. Brunch is highly recommended.

Amazing view, food and drink. Service is impeccable. Amazing breakfast also. Dumbo staple.

Had a wonderful experience here. The food was terrific and so was the service. The views are spectacular.

I've eaten a number if really good meals, but this place is one of the very best - the service, the food and the views name for a really memorable experience.

Highly recommended.

I will not recommend to my friends and family. I posted a picture of the view, but will definitely not recommend to anyone!

I was not a fan of the service, food or the location we were seated. I spent so much money and the food was not that great. The bread they served was cold and hard. I had the gnocchi which was also cold, and the baked chicken with wine reduction sauce, which I didn t finish. I also asked for a table by the water, and there were two (two seater) tables available and the host said they didn t have any availability.
I understand there was probably a long wait for those seats, but we also waited, and reserved in advanced. I was told they do not reserve window seats.
Overall I didn t see the big deal besides the beautiful scenery outside. I ve eaten in way better restaurants for the price that I paid.. my bill was $468.00 for two people... I ve had smaller bills with better quality food. Very disappointed...

Absolutely impeccable experience! Ambiance, service, food - everything on very high level of satisfaction. Highly recommend!

Visited for breakfast. Great location. A seriously good omelette. But does that justify their eye-popping pricing? Apparently not, on the day that we visited, with the place being almost empty.

Best views of Manhattan and great for brunch, although bit pricey

We went here for my birthday and I found it to be very dated and pretentious. The food is ok, but if it were located in the UK it most definitely would not get a Michelin star. It might get an AA rosette. I found the lobster very chewy but my souffle dessert was lovely. The views are wonderful. Our meal for 2 people came to $530 with a bottle of wine. I have dined at places with 2 Michelin stars that have cost half this but I suppose here you pay for the location. Men have to wear a dinner jacket, but women can wear what they like. My husband took off his jacket as it was so hot in there (he was wearing a smart shirt underneath) and he was promptly told to put it back on. Yet there were scruffy women sitting on the table next to us. I don't get that at all. The staff are polite but it seems stuck in a time warp. It was like going back 20 years. We wouldn't go back again.

The place serves large dishes and for fair pricing. very welcoming owner. Great work.

After watching a Sopranos episode I needed to visit. Lovely views and lovely food

This is the perfect spot for couples. It is pricey but the view is fantastic. also the food is delicious. you get to choose an appetizer, main course and dessert (small portions except for the 16 oz steak). the service was excellent. nice romantic ambiance too.

Price and atmosphere service and food was very good

Great experience overall! We were seated by a table by the corner with awesome views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the city. The service was beyond excellent and the food was good too.

Two ladies n I went for a wonderful lunch ! It was beautiful to see the views no matter were you sit!
People were friendly n very helpful! And the Brooklyn bridge desert was , wow!

The food, view, and ambiance are spectacular. However, it is mind boggling that in 2017 it seems that not a single African American is on staff as a waiter, hostess, or bartender. I was there for a friend's birthday celebration and seethed thinking how much money was being given to an establishment that clearly has so far.

Went to the river cafe for my partners birthday and it was amazing. The location was fantastic with brilliant views of Manhattan as well as being under the Brooklyn bridge. The staff were super attentive and the food was the best I have ever had. Dress code is strict so for men wear smart trousers, shirt, blazer and sensible shoes. It is pricey but for a memorable special experience would defo recommend

One of the best food gems of New York City.It was featured on many top cooking and restaurant shows on network TV
World class and renowned chefs and pricy but you get every cents worth and it is pure elegance.You will not regret it I promise.
Christmas is a special time here and they have bonus menu items and Valentine's day it is a gift to take your special someone.Great food and beautiful views from the dining area.

Probably the best restaurant in NY. Phenomenal food and perfect service. Though it was busy, it was not loud. Views of Manhattan are worth the trip alone.

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

They dont like black people. Waiter asked us if we can afford our meal. Upon entering they asked if we were mistaken and looking for somewhere else. Yes we were dressed in accordance to the dress code. And yes we can afford it. Thanks for a bad experience and reminding us how much our color is hated.

Beautifully decorated , warm and with this special service that makes a place different and authentic . The view? Not even the best post card .
Food ? The menu was amazing every dish was well designed and cook to near perfection. I tried the rabbit and the steak which where delicious , beautifully cooked specially the steak. We had 3 different menus so i had the chance to try deifferent dishes like the duck and sea scallot which elwere cooked to perfection. The three of us had a really good experience although the place is not for every wallet but the experience will be unforgettable.

Service was impeccable! Dishes were delicious! I just wish I wasn t limited to the three course prix-fixe menu; but in their defense, we were aware of this upon making our reservation. This restaurant is in a priceless location - one can t possibly capture the essence of being there in a shot. That said, it needs to be experienced vs see it in pictures.

Old school new York. Beautiful food and attentive service.

One of my favorite upscale places in NYC. Absolutely stunning location under Brooklyn Bridge with direct spectacular view of Manhattan. Beautiful lit up drive in path with cobble stones adds to the dinner experience. And open garden for breakfast in summer time is as beautiful, fully sinking in flowers like fairytale. Food is indescribably great and so as service. During one of my last visits Daniel Craig was dining there 2 tables away

A NYC landmark. Private entrance as you pull your car onto cobblestone driveway, valet parking. You are surrounded by a mini botanical garden. Entrance to the restaurant which is build on a barge. The setting is very romantic. A bit crowded but not noisy at all.

The selective menu does a sufficient job to fulfill the palate. Not a place to go if you're hungry. The service is excellent, wait staff is attentive and prompt. Do expect 2 plus hours dining experience. Make sure to walk outside to their private viewing area and take in the sight, smell and sound of NYC.

The food, the setting, the service.

What more do you want in a restaurant? This place has it all in spades. The service is absolutely top notch, only to be outdone by the cuisine! I could go on, but just read any of the other ratings and you'll get the idea pretty quickly.

These guys take things seriously. They've been doing it a while, and it shows.

Absolutely loved it.

Food was amazing, service was amazing, atmosphere and view on point. Only thing was the air conditioning is really high there so ladies make sure you have something to keep yourself warm!

The views are magnificent 24/7 - 365 so if it is views you are looking for to take your breath away... no worries there. The setting creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

However, beware! The culinary experience will take your palate into another dimension served by a highly trained staff.

The River Cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Their wine list is one of the most revered by the New York continental crowd.

Great Food Great Atmosphere Great for Special Ocasions

Can't get better anywhere. Service, location and quality of food. In a class of its own. Made our family of four feel special and important. Thanks River Cafe!

Such a beautiful restaurant with outstanding service. The food is incredible but the service is top notch. A little pricey though but it makes u feel like you ve traveled somewhere else and came back

We had my nephew and niece wedding there yesterday November 7th 2020 and it was absolutely fabulous food, decor, service absolutely perfect . My waiter Andre's was phenomenal Except that I heard that service was not all great for everyone else from other guests the following day now that should not happen this place is costly everything should be perfect. Lastly the bride and groom had issues also. I hope they can fix what was already done for the bride and groom. I'm really surprised a place of this caliber where wrong issues should not occur! Management please assist them kindly.

I get to eat here a lot since I work nearby. I got to say the service is always fantastic and they keep the spot clean consistently. Rates are convenient and they serve large portions.

Awesome experience. The food was great. attention to every detail by staff.