The River Cafe

The River Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. T

   Timothy W. VIP

   Baton Rouge20 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A truly unique experience. The food is outstanding, but the ambience and service coupled with the view of Manhattan makes this restaurant dining experience one of the special places to dine anywhere in the world. I am always impressed by the staff’s enthusiasm to make the dining experience special
   

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2. T

   Theo

   Unspecified1 review

   5.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   One of the best Location i have ever seen! It was my 70th Birthday and i have Seen a lot in my life!
   

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3. B

   Bradford VIP

   New York City19 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   This was our first visit to the iconic River Cafe in many years, and while the elegance and romance of the place is still very evident, the food and service have clearly slipped along with their Michelin star rating. Arriving by car and entering this beautiful structure on the river builds the anticipation of what's to come. The bartender at the simple bar in the corner makes excellent cocktails while a piano player quietly performs nearby. We're then seated at a fantastic table facing the East River and the Manhattan skyline. All great so far. Unfortunately the $195 pre-fix dinner, while creative in many respects, disappoints as it doesn't measure up anywhere close to many other top-tier NYC restaurants. The Wild Shrimp appetizer was bland, the duck somewhat chewy and the dessert souffle went unfinished. The chef sent out a couple additional mini courses which were adequate. The warm chewy bread was excellent, but obviously not something which should be a highlight. Probably our biggest disappointment was with the sommelier, who was pushy and unhelpful. After starting with our cocktail at the bar, we weren't going to order a full bottle of wine, particularly at their stratospheric prices. We asked about their half-bottle options, of which there were quite a few, and the sommelier immediately began pushing us to a couple reds in the $350-$400 range (yes, for a HALF- bottle)! We declined and ordered by the glass instead. Other wise the service was mostly quick and efficient. Final tab for this good, not great dinner in a beautiful setting... $740 including tip. Time for this storied establishment to find their past glory or risk having people like us only come back every 10 or 20 years.
   

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4. E

   Enrique

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Impeccable service, exceptional atmosphere and views, delicious food. Thank you for making my retirement celebration so special!
   

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5. L

   Lorinda VIP

   New York City17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 30, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The PERFECT place to have a birthday celebration — especially with old friends. Delicious food, beautiful presentation, excellent service, extraordinary views and the old monkey lamp still atop the piano after all these years.
   

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6. A

   Ana Maria

   New York City1 review

   5.0

   Dined on March 29, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The best experience of flavors and service. My husband was happy on his birthday, they made him feel very special
   

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7. P

   Peter VIP

   Phoenix28 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 28, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing!! Exceeded all expectations! Amazing wine list and sommelier! Entire staff was amazing! The food was exceptional!
   

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8. N

   Natalie VIP

   New York City13 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 28, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Always fantastic, the food, the service, every single detail!
   

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9. J

   Joanne

   Newcastle3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 28, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Impeccable service from start to finish with an amazing selection of food and drink. Each and every member of staff were knowledgable and attentive providing the best fine dining experience we have ever had. As visitors from the UK it left us with a lasting impression of New York that will be hard to beat. We would recommend this to anyone visiting who would something very special.
   

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10. D

    Duront

    New York City4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    What a terrific experience and one we look forward to repeating.
    

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