“ 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 have interacted or worked with always went above and beyond to accommodate my requests. Their attention to detail was very much appreciated. The views both from inside and outside the restaurant are the best in and of NYC. Cheers! ”

“ Historic venue with excellent views, great ambiance and good food. We went for Valentine's Day, which offered a five-course, prix fixe meal. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated one row back from the window, with incredible views of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline. Service started off a bit slow -- we must have been seated for five minutes before we received menus -- but afterward we felt the service, attentiveness and pacing of the courses were good. The food wasn't excellent -- and perhaps that's why The River Café lost its Michelin stars after 2022 -- but it was good and very plentiful. We were stuffed by the end of the fifth course, and I couldn't finish my entreé. My one takeaway from the evening? Good value. For less than $800, the two of us enjoyed a lot of good food in a very romantic setting. We don't drink, so that bill includes the prix fixe, tax, tip, still water and several mocktails (read: the negroni, which is really just St. Agrestis's "Phony Negroni," is excellent). Will I be back soon? Unlikely, as New York City boasts so many other great restaurants that we're more eager to try first. But I'd highly recommend visiting The River Café at least once, and a Valentine's dinner is the perfect occasion for a visit. ”

“ They treat you like royalty and you will feel like a VIP on a boat trip. Perhaps like a British royal on the Britannia Yacht? Minus being chased by the paparazzi and the infighting! The setting, the food, and the service is Michelin level. Was this boat ever Michelin rated? Not sure but it's about that level Of quality. We enjoyed our pre-wedding dinner, our last official date before being married! For the quality and location and unique setting, the price is very fair. ”

“ My partner and I made it our mission to try fine dining for the first time while we were in New York and we definitely think this was a great spot to pick for what I think is a perfectly reasonable price. The one downside was that we had a really long wait despite having reservations but I believe it's because the group sitting at the table we reserved had stayed beyond their expected time so we were directed to wait at the bar in the meantime. The restaurant sits right at the edge of Brooklyn and looks out at the manhattan skyline and they have a live pianist so I didn't have much to complain about while waiting. We were given an amuse bouche to start off, now I don't eat seafood so I was given this avocado lime caviar thing that was right up my alley, but my partner got this fish prepared 3 ways sort of dish, one of which he claims to be the "best bite he's ever had in his life". So take that as you will! For appetizers, I got the gnocchi and it was absolutely melt worthy! It was everything I love and more. If you're someone who loves a good truffle pasta you will absolutely love this! My partner got the Wagyu steak tartare and he also really enjoyed it as well! Here's where I made the mistake, they give you this absolutely fluffy and crispy bread that just keeps refilling as you eat it and me having to wait an hour for my table was starving and kept munching on it and thinking this might be those pretentious fine dining places where they give you little bites of cool food but you'd still feel hungry but I was wrong! I was absolutely devastated when my beef main course was placed in front of me because i realize it was one of the best steaks I've ever had yet I was so full of bread at that point. Go easy on the bread! Truthfully, I can't remember what my partner had (it might have been the duck) but all I remember was he said that it was delicious but he wish he had my dish (so get the beef!). For dessert, we had the chocolate brooklyn bridge which was so cute (but not gonna lie not very memorable). I'm giving this five stars because the vibes were immaculate. The service was one of the most professional I've ever experienced, especially when I told them i was feeling cold from the draft near me and they loaned me a pasmina to wear for the night! This is definitely something I hope to bring my mother to someday because this an experience I'd love for her to have. And I hope can come back for more on my next trip! ”

“ The River Café was one of the best fine dining experiences I've had in my life. I used to work in fine dining and can confirm every single aspect of what they do is textbook. It started with the communication via email to confirm - very pleasant and asked about any food allergies in advance. You arrive and an attendant opens your car door to escort you to the restaurant where you are greeted by a very pleasant host who escorted me to meet the other member of my party who was waiting at the bar. The restaurant itself is spectacular - it opens up into a vast dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows in a prime location next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Absolutely spectacular day or night and no table has a bad view. A solo pianist was playing the piano to add to the ambiance. Typically restaurants in great locations do not have good food, but this is definitely not the case here. Every single dish they brought us was spectacular. And we were supported with gluten-free options, including bread (which is always appreciated), along the way. There was an amuse bouche between multiple courses. The duck was probably the best I've ever had! The sommelier was incredibly helpful as well in helping us choose a wine that was to our liking. I've been trying to snag a table here for years and I'm so happy I was finally able to attend. I will definitely be back! ”

“ Great experience. Lovely attentive staff and a high level of service. The food was delicious accompanied by a gorgeous view from the water. A perfect location for a special occasion. Would definitely return ”

“ An iconic restaurant for sure. Came here for a special date night and it was definitely romantic to say the least. The gardens and grounds are beautiful. The restaurant is essentially in the east river. All the table have a view of Manhattan and you can see the Brooklyn bridge right beside you. It's a pre-fixe menu. We ordered an appetizer, entree and dessert. Before the appetizer we had 3 small amuse bouche, a corn croquette, a watermelon gazpacho, and a smoked salmon bite. It perfect starter. For our appetizers we got the oysters which were creamy, rich, phenomenal and we got the wagyu steak tartare. They mix the tartare at the table and you can add salt yourself if you'd like. Definitely thought some salt was necessary but a fun little tableside experience nevertheless. After the appetizer, we got complimentary dishes of pork belly with a waffle and a Crudo dish. Very opposite vibes but both very delicious and a fun little surprise. We ordered the lobster and beef dishes for the entrees and I preferred the beef dish. The bone marrow that came with the beef was the best part. For dessert we had the ricotta cheesecake and the Brooklyn bridge dessert. Both good. I did prefer the bridge dessert a) because it's cute and b) because it was rich and delicious with lots of passion fruit accents throughout. At the end of the night there were fireworks which I don't think is typical but great nonetheless. Overall, you're coming for the ambience with good food throughout. You will leave full despite the portions seeming small. Definitely for a more special occasion if you can snag a table! ”

“ The venue is beautiful & the service is impeccable. The three course price fix meals are to die for. It has been on my list to come here for a while and it was worth it. On a beautiful Sunday evening , the place was full with elegantly dressed diners. Old time glamour. The killer view . It's not an everyday thing as it's quite pricey but it's worth it. ”