River Cafe

Of course the views of Manhattan are spectacular. No matter what the weather is outside, the view from inside the River Cafe's dining room maybe the best place to look at Manhattan while having a meal. I've been to the River Cafe 4 or 5 times during the past 10 years. Sad to say no recent visit proved as memorable as my first. During my last visit the salmon was over cooked and dry. My dry Manhattan cocktail came with a cherry in it (it should have been a lemon twist), and I don't think the waiter ever made eye contact. While every other sentence included the word ""sir"", I would have prefered a touch of human warmth. It's still expensive, yet I don't think River Cafe is as good as she use to be. Pros: Great view. Cons: Seems to be past its prime. more

My fiance and I enjoyed a wonderful experience at Brooklyn's River Cafe on Valentine's Day. It was a little more expensive than the regular dinner (a very good deal at $85 per person most days of the year). But it was well worth it! A piano player and a very talented violinist providing romantic music throughout the meal. We had a four course dinner, professional service, and great atmosphere. The weather outside was so cold and windy, we could see the icy river from our cozy table and felt even more romantic. Chocolates and a wrapped gift for my fiance made it a dinner we will remember for a long time to come. We plan to go back again next year. Thank you ! more

This place is way overpriced. Went last night for Valentine's day. The set menu was $185 per person that only included app., entree, and dessert. No wine pairings or anything else. And if you cancelled they still charged you $185! Most other places had a set V-day menu for $90 a person. The food was good, but by no means outstanding or worth the money and the menu was boring. I've definietly had much better for less. Also, the staff isn't friendly at all. This place is a complete cliche. Go somewhere else. Pros: Nice view Cons: Very overpriced, food was average, go somewhere else more

you know those funny commercials where they serve someone a really pretty but tiny meal on a large plate? Well, those commercials must have been filmed at the River Cafe. While this is an NYC landmark restaurant and I'm always willing to pay extra (and then some) for a memorable meal, the cost here is definately not justified. $290 for two people for dinner was not the issue as much as it was the lack of ...well...food! I'm not a huge eater but this place was almost embarrasing to take a date to. I felt like we had to go out for dinner...after we had dinner. The Lobster special was tasty but it's only the tail of a 1lb Lobster. I've seen shrimp bigger than that. As for the steak, there is a surcharge for this beyond the prix fixe deal....probably because this is the largest entree available (16oz I think). The steak was good but franchise steaks are just as good. I would definately not come back here. And as for the view, the hard spotlights from Manhattan marine patrol shine on the restaurant for hours at a time. The blaring light coming through the windows was like painful after a while. more

I had the opportunity to dine at River Cafe during restaurant week for lunch. It was a most pleasurable experience. The portions were perfect in that they weren't too excessive and they didn't leave me starving at the end of the meal! The service staff was very attentive and didn't treat us like second class citizens because we were ordering from the restaurant week menu, unlike other places I've been to. Lunch began w/ a marinated cucumber and feta salad w/ smoked salmon. The presentation was exquisite! The entree I chose was a pan-roasted duck w/ a crispy risotto cake. The duck was very flavorful, tender, and moist- as it sat on the crispy risotto that was crispy on the outside w/ a soft center. The meal ended w/ not one, but three miniature desserts of a chocolate cream cake, creme brulee, and a sorbet. I always believe that an amazing meal like that one always deserves a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a nice glass...or bottle...of wine to add to the experience. I would have eaten there all week had I known it was going to be that good! Perfect experience all around!! more

I was treated to a special birthday dinner by my husband in March at the River Cafe, where I had been hinting I wanted to try for a while. I felt like a true ""grown up"" as the atmosphere was very old school and quiet. Everything was lovely and a picture perfect dining experience (what a view--request a table by the window!), including befriending a visiting Irish couple who sat next to us (who later that evening became engaged at the restaurant)...until we woke up feeling sick at 5am. The strange thing was that we did not share one item of food except for the bread and butter. I had a fish entree and my husband enjoyed steak. Perhaps we over-indulged on wonderful food and wine but the dreadful thought of unsanitary restaurant workers kept creeping into the forefront of our minds. The service was impeccable and we were treated with the same respect that an older couple might (which is often not the case in many high-end restaurants). Enjoy your meal but be sure to carry some Pepto on you! Pros: food, wine, service, view Cons: got sick! more

I reserved a table through opentable\r When we got to the restaurant, we were promptly seated.\r The service was great and the food was delicious as well.\r Our glasses were never empty and the waiters and waitresses were so friendly.\r I mentioned that it was his birthday on the memo section in opentable. \r I didn't even mention it to any waiter/host but a complimentary chocolate plate with a ""happy birthday"" sign was presented for desert and the waiters and waitresses congratulated him on his birthday due to the sign =) Everything was great =) Highly recommended\r It was a wonderful day Pros: great service, ambience, taste of food Cons: expensive more

We received the white glove treatment the entire time. The cab dropped us at the door (valet parking available) and we were escorted into the lobby where a pleasant hostess took our coats. We entered the main dining room and were directed by another pleasant hostess to enjoy the bar until the main dining room opened. The bartender was friendly and joking with us while we enjoyed our wine. The waiter placed our wine glasses on a silver tray and escorted us to our table. We were seated at the window overlooking the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. Even though we're jaded New Yorkers, it was breathtaking. The pianist played romantic tunes on the piano. After the bread, we enjoyed appetizers of creamy crab wrapped in cucumber and foie gras on toast points, both delicious. I had the salmon with a dill sauce and my date had the ""crispy"" duck. The duck wasn't crispy, but juicy and succulent and tasty nonetheless. For dessert, I had the warm, cinnamon-sprinkled upside down apple cake with a strange but surprisingly tasty and tart Granny Smith apple ice cream. My date had the chocolate Brooklyn bridge. When I made the reservation, I asked for a table by the window because it was my date's birthday. Not only did we get the window seat, but they added a candle to my date's dessert and a chocolate square with ""Happy Birthday"" written on it. Our waiter was courteous but warm and humorous. In short, the food was great, the service attentive, the view spectacular, and we felt like royalty. Pros: view, ambience, service, food Cons: price more

It was a first date, set in a story written for Julia Roberts, to act.\r Ushered from the limo, no waiting to be seated, whisked to the window table, spectacular view of Manhattan. Feeling a bit like royalty?\r Of course, to start the evening, I knocked over the water glass. The host was gracious an\r escorted me & my date back to the front area, asked if we?d please forgive the delay while\r they dressed the table. As if they had caused the delay?\r Table dressed in minutes, we meander back to our table as if we were the courteous ones. \r Specials read, suggestions made, wine request taken.\r Prompt, attentive service with a smile, nod and knowing look. We were in good hands. \r Mouth watering food. Room left for dessert. Left heady and satisfied. \r The dating alas not beyond a 2nd time, but the memory of the River Cafe won?t ever leave. Outstanding! Pros: Service, setting, food Cons: How much room does one need to share an intimate dinner.. space not a con more

I'm a control freak that usually plans out every detail in a trip before I get there. In an effort to go along with ""the crowd"" that I was travelling with instead of being a big ""tour director control freak"" I left my job at home. I was totally surprised on day two of my trip when I was inadvertently diverted to this restaurant after a day of trekking about NYC and Brooklyn on train and afoot. As my legs were turning to rubber and my feet turning to dulled felt tip pins with every nerve ending in my body exposed to the constant pounding, our hostess said, ""here's the Promenade, the best view of New York City!"" The Statue of Liberty a bonus. \r \r Thinking there was nothing that could top a Newbie's exhultation at seeing such sights, especially at night, our hostess said, ""I think there's a great restaurant at the other end of the Promenade, let's walk down and see about supper.""\r \r We hobbled in, the fact that we were early on a Tuesday evening probably helped, and the fact that we were women probably helped us getting in without reservations in our disheveled state.\r \r After having been through the experience and having seen the layout and eaten here, I would highly suggest making this a dress-up affair. Make reservations as you don't want to miss a truly wonderful experience at eating here. \r \r Our service was immaculate. The personalities of all those who served us were top notch and sincere. The food was fantastic, or at least mine was and I didn't want to share or try anyone elses because I was so satisfied. \r \r Considering that we were brash somewhat unprepared and underdressed tourists, we were never treated as such and our money spent just like that of our neighboring diners'. I'd go there again, in fact I'm buying a gift certificate to take care of the couple in Park Slope that put up with us to send them for a really nice romantic dinner. \r \r My advice? Go. Excellent service. Excellent menu. Excellent view, a bargain with all you get! Pros: Easy access. Great food, great ambience, great service. Cons: It seemed a bit crowded with the small space, you woudn't feel comfy with huge groups. more

i have to say about this restaurant, the only good thing is the view, we were there during restaurant week and we could not be more disspointed with the food. the soup we had, tasted like hospital food. it had no flavor or seasonings whatsoever. the main courses were mediocre at best. im sure at night is very romantic with those views, but if that lunch was an example of it? i would never go back. oh wait, i dont think i will. sorry just not impressed at all Pros: really nice views of manhattan Cons: the food we had could not have been worse more

This is one of the most romantic restaurants ever. It also has some of the most incredible food I have ever tasted. Be sure to save room for dessert. Pros: Amazing food and views Cons: Hard to get a reservation more

This restaurant is the definition of fine dining. I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and everything was exceptional. The food was sublime, the service prompt and yet poised, and the ambience was simple and elegant. Though it was a more expensive meal, it was well worth every penny. My only complaint was the gentleman sitting next to us who claimed to be a food connoisseur, who was enjoying grilling our waiter on his knowledge of world-renowned chefs more than enjoying the meal. The best way to enjoy this resaurant is to take your time and savor every bite. The food is so rich and delicious there isn't any other way of eating it. My recommendation is that you go before the sun sets and see the transition from dusk to nightfall...breathtaking. Pros: Everything a restaurant should be. Cons: Don't let snobby people ruin your evening, they can ruin their own. more

I never ate there but went for drinks on more than one occasion. Has a great view from the indoor terrace , great service and clean. I enjoyed myself everytime I went . If you sit in the restaurant just don't sit by the door near the bar cause people go in . On the whole I would reccomend this place to anybody. Try it you'll see . Pros: SERVICE, VIEW AND RELAXING Cons: THEY CLOSE THE WHOLE TERRACE FOR A SMALL GROUP more

Wonderful view ( if you're by the window) excellent service from the free valet parking ( in a tough parking area) to the attenitive waiters. \r Try lunch - far more affordable than dinner.\r Food:\r One of us had the filet. Very well prepared. Excellent sauce. But then, the gnocci. they were served in an escargot dish. Six sad little gnocci in a dish that didn't belong. Put them around the filet with the pearl onions - and add a few more. \r The other lunch:\r Crab cakes with shrimp. Well, the crab cake was flawless - no fillers, just crab. The Shrimp, all three of them, had a slight tempura type coating: very, very nice. Around the dish a lovely, sweet condiment. \r The lunch was very, very nicely done. But - satisfaction was lacking. It lacked a little fundamental substance. A few more gnocchi would have give some backbone. And for the crab and shrimp anything would have helped.\r Now, I understand the value of really fine food, respected and served for their own essence. But eating is also about satisfaction and the menu just fell short.\r I'm not asking for a potato in aluminum foil, but you need substance as well as refinement. Pros: service, ambiance Cons: portions more

I almost past this great restaurant by reading the ""old"" reviews from last year...don't know about their past but I was there 7/8/2006...from the moment I drove up to the door, it was first class all the way..the 2 attendants immediately greeted us by opening the doors for my date and myself, we had an 11:00pm reservation and was there at 10:40pm, no problem...was seated right away and was moved to a table with a view before the drinks were served, food was excellent...so was dessert, but the service... ""outstanding""...and I mean everyone, from the valet to the busboy...if you're willing to spend the $$$, then this is the ""only"" place to do it! Pros: Great Food...Great Service...2 Thumbs Up! Cons: wasn't able to get an earlier reservation more

great great food....nice atmospher...though a little crowded for romance and they seem to pack you in....I didnt get a water view...so was a little dissapointed...but otherwise really really nice....next time I would definitely request a water view.... Pros: a little crowded & expensive Cons: food is delicious... more

Of course go for the view, but I was pleasantly surprised that the food and service was also on the same level. Not the most adventurous nor exquisite food, but generous portions (at least, on the 3-course prix fixe) that were faultlessly executed, complemented by a varied wine list ranging from that special bottle for a celebratory splurge to excellent choices under $50. I brought five guests from out of town, and we had a great time! Slightly overpriced for what it is, but I would happily go again. Pros: Location, location, location more

I've been to some highly-touted restaurants lately--Gramcery Tavern and Babbo among them--but none compares to the River Cafe. Beautiful setting under the bridge--especially nice at night when the lights are lit up. Flowers adorn the entrance, and a fresh bouquet is at the center of every table. The food was equally outstanding: I had the fois gras and rack of lamb, along with the Brooklyn Bridge for dessert. They threw in extras between courses like shrimp in butternut squash--delicious. About $125 pp so bring your plastic!! A+ experience overall. Pros: courteous service, room/ambience/locale, food Cons: Bring credit card(s) more

We didnt have reservations and valet was very nice while my husband went inside to check availability and I waited in the car. Unfortunately, valet was the only one who provided service with a smile. This place has definitely lost its charm, since I last visited it several years ago. Recently, I tried Foie Gras Terrine at the Craft and fell in love with it. The River Cafe version of that appetizer was not nearly as good. The rest of the dinner was very average, too. The worst part was their electric candles. I saw guest and waiters constantly tripping over the cables. At the next table the light started flickering and the waiter actually crawled under the table to check connection. Poor lady grabbed her partners napkin for extra coverage since her skirt only went down to her knee. Pros: View Cons: Service, Price, Electric candles more