Michael Straky

- Service is excellent. - Views are incredible. - Food is very good and drinks are tasty. - Appetizer portions are on the smaller side, but entree portions are generous. - $195/person for three courses is quite steep.

Caroline Houman

Are you looking for an elegant location in Brooklyn with a stunning view of Manhattan? This is your choice. The atmosphere is beautiful. The food on the menu is Michelin-star quality dishes. The River Café offers a dine-in experience or a dine-in experience for extravagant weddings. I recently had my sister’s wedding reception here and everything from the ceremony to the cake cutting was handled with care. It was a top-notch experience. The staff were very polite. The prices were high, and the high costs will bring you top-quality service and Michelin-starred dishes. I highly recommend you try this restaurant out.

+1

Vladimir “Bukharoff”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely delighted! I’m truly impressed — The River lives up perfectly to its reputation. It’s the ideal restaurant for celebrating any special occasion or simply indulging in a true gastronomic journey. You won’t find this level of quality in American cuisine anywhere else. Everything is flawless — from the moment you step inside to the very end of your visit. The view, the atmosphere, the service — all deserve a solid 10/10.

Brad Guster

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We had the most incredible anniversary dinner here and every detail exceeded our expectations. From the moment we sat down, the service was warm, attentive, and thoughtful — they made the evening feel truly special. The dishes were beautifully presented and full of flavor. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and paired with rich, earthy accompaniments that elevated every bite. The side dish was creative and unique, adding a fun twist to the meal. The highlight was the anniversary dessert — a stunning presentation complete with a candle and a personalized chocolate message. It wasn’t just gorgeous to look at, it tasted absolutely divine, with the perfect balance of textures and flavors. This was fine dining at its very best: elegant, memorable, and delicious from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect way to celebrate 20 years together. Highly recommend for any special occasion

Paola P

I had an amazing birthday here. The service and food were amazing. The drinks were prefect. They made me feel like I was the only one there. The steak with the bone marrow had me wanting seconds. Don't forget the brandy flight they were so smooth and flavorful even if you're not a brandy person you will enjoy

+21

Mohammed Alanazi

✨Lovely & Romantic Evening at The River Café ✨ We had the most wonderful experience here. From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome set the tone for the evening. The atmosphere was romantic, with stunning views to New York landscape that made everything feel extra special. The service was attentive and professional, making us feel truly taken care of. Every moment—from the start to when we left—was enjoyable, and it’s clear that this is a place where both the food and the experience matter. A truly memorable evening! 🌹🎂

+6

Nancy Hughes

Thoroughly enjoyed our experience at River Cafe last night. The floral grounds (in Aug) were beautiful & really draws you in. The staff was welcoming & very professional. The bartender crafted 2 cocktails for us that weren’t on the menu & they were delicious. Just ask. The food … was exceptional. Chef Brad really knows how to elevate a dish. We enjoyed several appetizers, the sea bass & duck and also dessert. The sommelier really listened & suggested a bottle that perfectly complemented our meal. Everything was beyond our expectations. Easily the best meal we’ve ever experienced. Highly recommend.

+6

Angelica Alkabbani

My husband and I came here for to celebrate our one year of marriage. The staff were very attentive and the waitress was kind enough to take photos of us. The view is gorgeous and the food was amazing. The salmon melts in your mouth!! Thank you River Cafe for making our evening so special

+2

This is one of those staples of New York thats really worth experiencing. A long time gem it's been here since the 70's. Service is top notch, interior is so beautiful, very classic and timeless. The…

This is one of those staples of New York thats really worth experiencing. A long time gem it's been here since the 70's. service is top notch, interior is so beautiful, very classic and timeless. T…

This is fine dining at its best. I came to The River Cafe once in 2018 and most recently for my birthday in 2025. The skyline view is magnificent. My seat was against the window likely due to it bein…

We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar and it…

We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar an…

This is fine dining at its best. I came to The River Cafe once in 2018 and most recently for my birthday in 2025. The skyline view is magnificent. My seat was against the window likely due to it be…

We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar an…

This is fine dining at its best. I came to The River Cafe once in 2018 and most recently for my birthday in 2025. The skyline view is magnificent. My seat was against the window likely due to it be…

We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar and …

This is fine dining at its best. I came to The River cafe once in 2018 and most recently for my birthday in 2025. The skyline view is magnificent. My seat was against the window likely due to it be…

We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar and …

I have eaten here many times and the view is outstanding. The food is great with many good choices and service was spot on.

I have eaten here many times and the view is outstanding. The food is great with many good choices and service was spot on.

I have eaten here many times and the view is outstanding. The food is great with many good choices and service was spot on.

I have so many fond memories at The River cafe during all four seasons. All the menu items I ever tried were always impeccably presented and flavors well balanced and perfectly prepared. Staff I ha…

It was our first time visiting The River cafe and we were mesmerized. We were on our girls weekend and decided to visit because we knew we wouldn't get another chance. Everything was sublime. The s…

The wait staff were attentive despite a full house. The food was delicious (I had scallops and branzino, as well as lemon soufflé). The bathroom was clean and orderly and the front of the restauran…

My second time here solidified the Mediterranean Sea bass in a shrimp crust as my fav dish in the burrow. Rivaled only by the sea bass at cafe Boulud in the UES. The black bass with fish bone reduc…

Visiting this restaurant is an experience, not just a meal. Everything about it our visit here was fabulous. For us it was a splurge while visiting New York, to celebrate our Engagement, and The Rive…

Upscale fine dining by the water.Service was outstanding.From the moment I arrived at their front door,I was greeted warmly by everyone that I passed by at all times.The menu was a three-course set d…

Upscale fine dining by the water.service was outstanding.From the moment I arrived at their front door,I was greeted warmly by everyone that I passed by at all times.The menu was a three-course set…

Upscale fine dining by the water.Service was outstanding.From the moment I arrived at their front door,I was greeted warmly by everyone that I passed by at all times.The menu was a three-course set…

The food, the atmosphere, the view. What’s not to like. My 4th visit when I’ve been over. Ok it’s a treat, but so worth it. My only watch out is the car service back to Manhattan is double a cab …

The food, the atmosphere, the view. What’s not to like. My 4th visit when I’ve been over. Ok it’s a treat, but so worth it. My only watch out is the car service back to Manhattan is double a cab …

The food, the atmosphere, the view. What’s not to like. My 4th visit when I’ve been over. Ok it’s a treat, but so worth it. My only watch out is the car service back to Manhattan is double a cab …

The food, the atmosphere, the view. What’s not to like. My 4th visit when I’ve been over. Ok it’s a treat, but so worth it. My only watch out is the car service back to Manhattan is double a cab …

THIS is quality. Stellar service, unbelievable views, and the food? Delicious. The cost is not for the faint of heart, but you most certainly get what you pay for. If you're the one that compla…

THIS is quality. Stellar service, unbelievable views, and the food? Delicious. The cost is not for the faint of heart, but you most certainly get what you pay for. If you're the one that compla…

Superb night at River cafe. Every time we visit NYC from the UK we dine here and it always delivers. Food, location, service and vibe are all quality. Went with my 3 daughters again and they alway…

Fantastic view and great food, love this old style venue , from the garden setting to entering the bar it’s just fantastic food and service

Great restaurant just over Brooklynn.bridge,views that are amazing good great not cheap but it's special,Michelin star in ireland would be more expensive

The River cafe is certainly one of the most fabulous restaurants in New York City, offering an experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Located just next to the Brooklyn bridge, it boasts…

This place is a fav, amazing service and great views. Just love the welcome you get, brilliant atmosphere that is relaxing.

All of our expectations were exceeded at River cafe. It was our anniversary and they really took care to celebrate us. We had a beautiful table right in front of the window- the food was tremendous…

The most iconic view of the manhattan skyline is perfectly complemented by the incredible food and wine. We visited 10 years ago, but it’s better than we remembered. Fabulous evening, great staff, …

Fabulous place really enjoyed it , food tasted amazing and ambience great ,staff attentive we’llbe back again for sure

Very classy and elegant spot for a upscale dinner. You do have to dress up which was nice. If price is a concern then don’t go. Old school style and atmosphere.

Big thankyou to all the staff at river cafe for making our night a special one. Went there for our wedding anniversary the food was great and varied , wine superb and the view of manhattan and the…

The food and view were decent enough, however if you're dining there on a regular evening, it's far too crowded and they pack customers inside like sardines to the point that it ruins the ambience …

Arrived with set reservations. We didn't know there was a set menu due to a wedding happening in another section of the restaurant. We came to celebrate a birthday. Enjoyed the quail egg tartare. T…

Went for my wife's birthday as a typical splurge event and worth it for the view, service and desert. Consider it the NY version of Jules Verne in Paris on a slightly lower scale without a lower pric…

Patrick K

Old school fancy was the vibe But the food was not memorable. Service was great and the atmosphere was elegant and classy. Really expensive for what it is so value rating is low for sure. Beautiful bar. Verdict: will not return nor recommend.

+2

RSVP Events

Like the previous reviewer (who I don’t know), we were not given a window table, even though I’d requested it in my reservation a month ago, and several window tables were available upon arrival. We were celebrating a birthday, which was special to us, and we weren’t given any reason why we couldn’t sit at the window other than “they’re unavailable.” Otherwise, the service was wonderful and the food was even better than it had been the last time we dined there six years ago. But not being given a prime table even though they were empty for most of the time that we were dining was just a head scratcher.

Araceli labrada

The restaurant was absolutely beautiful but unfortunately very mediocre. Spent around $500 with tip for two people and was just very underwhelming to say the least. The best part was the dessert presentation and the views of Brooklyn bridge. The sea bass had a very overpowering buttery flavor and the presentation was disappointing. The pork belly duet, was okay pork belly was soft easy to but scallops had no flavor really the pineapple was a good contrast to the dish so I enjoyed it with the pork belly. But overall just not worth the price and what was worse is we were celebrating a birthday.

+1

Eaindra Kyaw Thu

This is actually my dream place and my boyfriend brought me to here for his birthday treat. We booked the reservation and the formal attire is mandatory. The view is amazing and foods are really delicious especially try the duck’s liver and chocolate Brooklyn bridge dessert. I have one problem with the seating, please take a look at my first photo. Do I even look like I am dining in michellin stars fine dining restaurant? Service is great except the guy who took responsible for seats. He has a bit of attitude on his face since we are asians and I felt discrimination for first time in fine dining restaurant. He is old, tall, wore glasses and wearing long black coat. There are plenty of seats available(nobody come to sit at there until we are done with our dinner) and he is not willing to change the seats for us(especially he doesn’t even say sorry, he shrinks his face like he felt bothered by us and use high tone of voice). I mean what a great customer service for almost $500 dinner. Other servers and waiters were very helpful and friendly. Only that guys has a problem and he deserves to get fired 🙂‍↕️ He literally destroyed my photography girly dream!!!!

+5

To many people ..loud ..food was good but ...service not on the point .. ..service even too fast..noth worth of it for that high priced location

To many people ..loud ..food was good but ...service not on the point .. ..service even too fast..noth worth of it for that high priced location

To many people ..loud ..food was good but ...service not on the point .. ..service even too fast..noth worth of it for that high priced location

Lauren Duxbury

Definitely not worth it. I was very disappointed in this experience especially considering the steep price tag. The best part of going here was the entrance autumn decor and the sunset drive over Brooklyn bridge. We were seated at a rubbish table even though I had booked back in February and the restaurant wasn't fill at the time of reservation. So we had a horrible view of the back wall and the service station (I saw they did this to numerous young couples). If you have a yearning for the "experience" I would recommend you stop by the outside to take in the views of the exterior decorations and maybe pop in for a glass of wine at the bar, and then take yourself elsewhere for a decent meal and good service. Service is just meh, the food is not memorable or particularly well executed. The duck was very tender and so was the octopus. But the dishes as a whole were not tasty or good quality. The souffle was curdled and had scrambled eggs vibes and the cheap chocolate used on the bridge dessert made it pretty awful.

+1

Food was delectable. The environment was warm, welcoming, inviting. \n\nThe overall experience was beautiful. And my party and I thought we were paying for all of that, the accommodations by the lo…

As we were exiting the bathroom, the Maître d cornered my friend and I demanding a reason for not leaving gratuity. He was aggressive and said that tip was 90% of the servers' wages and then told u…

One male maître came and followed me and my friends outside the bathroom after we paid and harassed us about the tip. We paid around $650 for three of us, and he said that the staff that serve you …

Rhed

We visited The River Café over the holidays with high expectations, especially considering it has been, and still is, regarded as the most exclusive fine dining American restaurant on the water in NYC since 1977. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of what one would expect from such a prestigious establishment. From the moment we arrived, the service felt cold and uninviting. There was a noticeable lack of warmth and attentiveness—it genuinely felt as though we weren’t treated like guests. The level of hospitality simply didn’t match the reputation the restaurant carries. The food was also underwhelming. For a place with such a longstanding legacy, I expected a memorable and refined culinary experience. Instead, the dishes lacked flavor, creativity, and finesse. For the price, it’s simply not the most worthwhile food in New York there are plenty of other restaurants in the city offering far better meals at a similar or even lower cost. The only highlight of the evening was the ambiance the view of the Brooklyn Bridge is undeniably beautiful and adds charm to the setting. Sadly, that was the only part of the evening that lived up to the restaurant’s reputation. Overall, what should have been a festive and elevated dining experience turned out to be a major letdown. For a restaurant that claims such exclusivity and history, it simply didn’t deliver on food, service, or value