Forks.NYCDUMBOThe River Café

DUMBO  ·  New American · Fine Dining · Seafood

The River Café

Michelin-starred and moored under the Brooklyn Bridge since 1977 — the skyline view that every other restaurant is competing with

★★★★½ 4.5  (1,396) $$$$ Wed–Sun 5–9:30 PM · Closed Mon–Tue
Reserve on OpenTable Yelp reviews Checking tonight's tables…

About The River Café

Buzzy O'Keeffe opened The River Café on a barge at the Brooklyn end of the bridge in 1977, when the waterfront was industrial and the idea was close to absurd. It holds a Michelin star, it rebuilt entirely after Hurricane Sandy flooded it, and it remains the reference point for what a view can do for a restaurant — floor-to-ceiling glass looking directly across the East River at Lower Manhattan, with the bridge overhead. The cooking is New American and genuinely good, though nobody pretends the setting is not doing significant work. Jackets are required. The chocolate dessert shaped like the bridge is a cliché and you should order it.

Must-try dishes

Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge dessertSeasonal tasting menuAnything off the raw bar
Address
1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours
Wed–Sun 5–9:30 PM · Closed Mon–Tue
Parking
Valet available; A/C to High St
Reservations
Reservations required; jackets required for men at dinner

Perfect for

Special OccasionDate NightBusiness DiningDinner with Parents

More restaurants in DUMBO

More new american in NYC

Frequently asked questions

What is The River Café known for?

The River Café is michelin-starred and moored under the Brooklyn Bridge since 1977 — the skyline view that every other restaurant is competing with. Regulars order chocolate brooklyn bridge dessert and seasonal tasting menu.

How expensive is The River Café?

The River Café is priced at $$$$ — approx. $75+ per person, a special-occasion spend.

How do I make a reservation at The River Café?

The River Café is on OpenTable. You can reserve online or call (718) 522-5200 directly. The badge at the top of this page shows tonight's remaining tables.

Where is The River Café?

The River Café is at 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, in DUMBO. Valet available; A/C to High St

What are The River Café's hours?

The River Café is open Wed–Sun 5–9:30 PM · Closed Mon–Tue. Hours can change on holidays — confirm on Google Maps before a long drive.