Since 1977, The River Cafe has been and continues to be New York City's most upscale fine dining establishment. is well known throughout the world as a fantastic culinary destination and is situated in one of New York's most notable and romantic settings.

The River Café, which is tucked away riverside beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, radiates romance thanks to its stunning views of the NYC skyline, elegant setting, and, above all, the traditional American fare. The River Café, an American restaurant with a Michelin star, also has one of the best wine lists in the world.

Beautiful flower arrangements, live piano music, and flawless service add to the romantic ambiance, making it the ideal location for the numerous engagements that occur. Since 1977, both local customers and tourists from around the world have been delighted by the opulent fine dining room, strict dress code, and Michelin-starred menu.

The River Café offers a fantastic classic New American menu made with only the finest, freshest, and frequently rarest ingredients. It is renowned for its exquisite setting, lovely decor, and flawless service. The River Café is more than just a place to eat—frequently it's a magical experience thanks to its outstanding wine list, daily romantic piano music, and breathtaking floral arrangements. Leave some time to enjoy The River Café's magnificent garden whether you are visiting for dinner or a private event.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.5/5
• Website: https://rivercafe.com/
• Location: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Located on the 18th floor of the hotel, the "jewel box" space by Med Abrous and Marc Rose, who are food and beverage partners of the hotel and co-founders of the hospitality group Call Mom, opens up to incredible views of the boroughs, the bridges and the East River, which shine like stars at night.

Panorama Room is a visually arresting design by James Beard Award-winning Parts and Labor Design. The opulent velvet tubular lounge sofas, chrome and marble accents, mosaic tile columns, and its enormous tubular acrylic chandeliers that hang above the obscenely long bar all contribute to the establishment's palatial vibe. Not only is it luxurious, but it also manages to be both retro and futuristic at the same time.

Julia Chiang, Spencer Lewis, Alake Shilling, JPW3, Chris Martin, Brian Belott, and Ida Eklbad are just a few of the artists chosen by Venus Over Manhattan partner Anna Furney and designer/creative director Darren Romanelli for the space's artwork (aka Dr. Romanelli or DRx). The botanical studio Wife NYC, run by artist Sophie Parker, will also create unique arrangements and sculptural pieces for the lounge. Even the longtime creative director for Daft Punk, Cédric Hervet, collaborated with Hervet Manufacturier to create a specially designed DJ booth in Normandy.

The restaurant must, of course, have a fantastic menu, and Panorama Room promises to deliver. Megan Brown, executive chef of Red Rooster Harlem and a former employee of The Standard and Ace Hotel, and Estelle Bossy, beverage director, will present "brilliant updates" to martini-adjacent classics (such as lychee martini, apple martini, and a draft espresso martini), as well as a sizable list of sparkling wines and fortified wines, all accompanied by a menu that is an "elevated ode to the sea."

• Google ratings: 4.3/5
• Website: https://www.graduatehotels.com/roosevelt-island/restaurant/panorama-room/
• Location: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044

The Brooklyn Crab, one of the best waterfront restaurants in NYC, was created in the summer of 2012 to honor the owner's love of seafood, fishing, and his family. Built on two stunning decks overlooking the New York Harbor, the distinctive restaurant and event space also features a sizable backyard beer garden and a bar below deck.

There is nothing like Brooklyn Crab in NYC. It’s an anomaly in this city for a number of reasons. Crabs are the first of these. Nobody else in this area regularly transports buckets of crabs. Put on a bib and prepare the crackers because you have work to do.

Second, the rickety bi-level indoor/outdoor restaurant with a beach theme looks as though it belongs on a dock, in the sand, or on a boardwalk. Not close to the Hudson River in Red Hook, a thriving industrial hub. In the best sense, it's like a fish out of water. The mini golf course is the third feature. Yes, miniature golf in NYC.

One of the best ways to escape the city without actually leaving is to visit this location. You can enjoy the feeling of summer relaxation all year long thanks to the breathtaking 360° views of Lower Manhattan and the Harbor and the delectable fresh seafood menu!

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.brooklyncrab.com/
• Location: 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

On Governors Island, a new 32,000 square foot restaurant with a large outdoor area is opening. There are food-related events held on the island in the spring, summer, and fall, but this is the only standalone restaurant there. It also offers full waiter service for the 600 or so guests it can hold at a 100-foot stretch of bar, at banquettes, and at tables, despite the fact that the atmosphere couldn't be more casual and include a raw bar, lobster rolls, fish tacos, corn, and burgers.

Chef Kerry Heffernan, a seafood expert, will use oysters extensively in the kitchen, which is constructed out of four shipping containers. The Island Oyster's owners, Alex and Miles Pincus, are supporters of the island's non-profit Billion Oyster Project. They also run Grand Banks, a restaurant on a schooner moored in the Hudson River.

The Permanent Vacation, a delicious Aperol Spritz, Caribbean rum, blue Curaçao, coconut, pineapple, orange, nutmeg, fresh oysters (of course), Shark Tacos, and the Island Burger with hanger and brisket, muenster cheese, tomato, lettuce, pickle, and gochuchang aioli are just a few of the mouthwatering menu items that it offers in addition to the breathtaking panoramic views of New York Harbor and downtown Manhattan!

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://crewny.com/island-oyster
• Location: 146 Carder Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11231

A former racing sailboat constructed in 1924 that also served as a pilot ship, this restaurant is situated on wooden schooner. It is a seasonally open oyster bar on board one of the most coveted wooden schooners in America, providing breathtaking views. As a contender for the title of fastest sailboat in the world, the nation's longest-serving pilot ship, and a research vessel that twice circled the globe, Pilot has lived many lives over the course of its nearly 100-year history.

The driving forces behind this newest floating restaurant and bar are Alex and Miles Pincus, two experienced sailors who also run Grand Banks in Manhattan. A watermelon salad, scallop ceviche, a lobster roll, and a superb softshell po' boy are all on the menu. Oysters from Cape Cod's Welfleet and Long Island's Navy Fleets are also available. There are also inventive cocktails that draw inspiration from the ocean. Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 is where you can find Pilot. Atlantic Avenue serves as the closest entrance. Reservations are highly recommended. Getting on board is definitely worthwhile!

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://crewny.com/pilot
• Location: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Frying Pan, one of the best waterfront restaurants in NYC, has a few things going for it. The entire outdoor area has nice views and plenty of seating, and it is on the Hudson River. Technically, it's also on a boat. However, spending time here has more in common with attending a frat party on a decommissioned tugboat than it does with sipping Champagne on a yacht with Rihanna. Every time the weather is even remotely agreeable, you can count on long lines and having to wait too long once you're on board to get a plastic cup of beer.

While docked in Maryland, this "lightship," a floating lighthouse once used by the Coast Guard, sank and spent three years underwater. After being salvaged, the boat is now a floating boat bar close to Chelsea Piers that serves buckets of beer and hamburgers from May to October. Drinks and seaside fare like fish and chips or lobster rolls can be ordered by walking right onto the bi-level railroad barge from Pier 66. You can then relax on the Frying Pan or its nearby fire boat caboose.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: http://fryingpan.com/
• Location: 207 12th Ave, New York, NY 10001

This restaurant bills itself as an oyster bar based on the floating oyster barges common in New York's waterfront in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is housed in a wooden schooner constructed in 1942 on the edge of Pier 25 in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York.

Nevertheless, in addition to a selection of wild and sustainably harvested East and West Coast oysters, renowned chef Kerry Heffernan offers a menu that features Hearts of Palm with celery, mint, basil, and romaine, Ceviche of wild sea bream caught in Montauk with tomatillo, makrut lime, brunoise of shallots, habanero, sweet peppers, and mint, Fried Softshell Crabs, a Maine lobster roll, Lobster Macaroni and Cheese and Key Lime Mousse.

Step on board Grand Banks for a sophisticated seaside experience that can compete with a day in the Hamptons. The waitstaff moves like a well-groomed crew, delivering excellent naughty plates (raw oysters, soft shell crab) to the multitude of tables on deck in a timely manner.

Two brass-tapped bars flank the bow and mizzen mast, providing prime seating even without reservations, if you'd rather just sip and enjoy the sunset. Even though the Sherman Zwicker is docked at the luxurious Pier 25 and slightly below deck, giving it a feeling of being at sea, the World Trade Center and the illuminated Statue of Liberty are still visible.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://crewny.com/grand-banks
• Location: Park, Pier 25 Hudson River, New York, NY 10013

On the 22nd floor, Westlight provides a modern setting for exclusive dinners and events with iconic views of Manhattan and a menu created by chef Andrew Carmellini. Westlight has a large terrace and a distinct indoor/outdoor atmosphere.

To experience a hotel rooftop bar that has everything it takes to stand alone as a New York cocktail den, take the dedicated elevator 22 stories up to the industrial yet swanky space, which is decorated with black-and-white tiled floors, bright globe lights, and a beamed ceiling.

Unsurprisingly, the food is superior to the beverages. Carmellini and executive chef Anthony Ricco (Spice Market) drew inspiration for the small-plates menu from international street foods: You'll wish you got more than six for $18, as the octopus skewers are generously meaty enough to withstand the bold seasoning of the rocoto chili ($15), and the crispy potato skins are rendered as tiny yuzu-hollandaise-sauced, caviar-crowned potatoes that are a little too easy to pop straight into your mouth ($18). A dry-aged burger ($17) with a flavorful layer of onion jam and mushrooms is more filling. It's a little disorganized, but hey, nobody can judge you from up here. This is definitely one of the best waterfront restaurants in NYC.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.westlightnyc.com/
• Location: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

On the Brooklyn waterfront in DUMBO is the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant and event space known as Celestine. The restaurant, which is close to the Manhattan Bridge, provides panoramic views of the two bridges as well as the downtown skyline. Seasonal, soulful cuisine with Middle Eastern, African, and Mediterranean influences is served by executive chef Garett McMahan. The wine list, which emphasizes small coastal Mediterranean producers, reflects this focus.

A delectable, chic restaurant with a breath-taking view of the Manhattan skyline across the sparkling East River, Celestine is that exceptional thing. The establishment is upscale but thoroughly unpretentious, with the décor suitably restrained to direct all attention to what's beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a collaboration between partners whose other independent ventures include Brooklyn hot spots like Rucola, Grand Army, and Fausto.

A turmeric gin and tonic is just one of the interesting variations on Middle Eastern, North African, and Mediterranean cuisine that are offered on the menu. The branzino is as fresh and cooked to perfection as you always hope the ubiquitous fish will be, though it rarely is, and the shortrib manti make a delicious appetizer of dumplings. But to be honest, all you really need for a fantastic meal is a house-made za'atar flatbread, a leafy green salad with pumpkin seeds and kasseri cheese, and a glass of Spanish red.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://celestinebk.com/
• Location: 1 John St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

The sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel is home to Bar Blondeau, a French-style bar created by chef partners Aidan O'Neal and Jake Leiber (Le Crocodile, Chez Ma Tante), which is situated in the heart of Williamsburg.

A seafood-focused menu with French, Spanish, and Portuguese influences is offered at Bar Blondeau, which has unhindered views of the Manhattan skyline. It is paired with an international selection of natural wines from emerging wine regions, as well as signature cocktails, frozen drinks, and zero proof beverages.

Sörine Anderson, the bar manager, came up with the drinks. She previously worked at Nitecap and Death & Co. The drinks feature her own spins on classic cocktails like the Paloma, Dark and Stormy, and others, as well as frozen and non-alcoholic options. The bar's signature martini combines Amalfi Coast gin and cucumber botanical vodka with blond vermouth, lemon oil, castelvetrano olives, and house-pickled onion as garnishes. Frozen cocktails like the L'Orange, which combines orange wine, Lillet blanc, Swedish-style aquavit, and absinthe, rely on the bar's extensive wine list.

• Yelp ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.barblondeau.com/
• Location: 80 Wythe Ave 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249

During the warmer months, South Street Seaport comes alive with outdoor movie screenings, open-air farmers' markets, and a beer garden, but this waterfront restaurant, which is 6,000 square feet, from Financial District tycoon Abraham Merchant increases its appeal all year round (Watermark Bar, Clinton Hall).

A 1,500-square-foot patio with white-oak beer-hall tables and plush couches is added to the large dining room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River, wood tables made from European truck flatbeds, a 12-seat chef's counter across from the open kitchen, and curtain-style doors that open onto the esplanade.

With dishes like shrimp over grits and cedar-planked salmon in ginger vinaigrette, chef Marco Allen's menu highlights Industry Kitchen's waterfront location. He also creates wood-fired dishes like a sopressata-pecorino pizza, a sirloin topped with smoked pepper salsa, and a squash gratin layered with zucchini, eggplant, and tomato-basil pistou.

You can expect both craft (Delirium Tremens, Harpoon IPA) and big-brand drafts (Stella Artois, Coors) from the pewter-topped horseshoe bar, as well as 10 seaside-inspired cocktails like the Shoes Optional (cachaça, mescal, lime), and the Bourbon Berry (elderflower, blackberry compote).

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://www.industry-kitchen.com/
• Location: 70, 10005 South St At, New York, NY 10038

This temporary location in Riverside Park becomes accessible when the cherry blossoms bloom. The relaxed restaurant has a bar and a kitchen where it serves sandwiches, salads, and burgers. Although it is not fine dining, the service is quick and the food, which is served in plastic baskets, is tasty. As the sun sets over the river and the children play at their feet, parents can linger over a beer.

Three different food items—a pizza with the Margherita flavor, a hot dog with the "old-fashioned" topping of brown mustard and sauerkraut, and pretzel bites—touch on different categories of New York City's well-known cuisine. The general interest menu also offers sandwiches, salads, and hamburgers. Of course, the returning bill of fare also includes ice cream.

Up to 800 people can be seated on Ellington in the Park's two grand levels. Beyond it and any licensed-for-booze park restaurant's boundaries, public alcohol consumption is still prohibited, but the expansive location's immersion among the trees and Hudson River view give the impression of being fully ensconced in one of the city's best green spaces without even having to travel very far.

• Tripadvisor ratings: 4.0/5
• Website: https://ellingtoninthepark.com/
• Location: Riverside Dr &, W 105th St, New York, 10025