The River Café was overall a really beautiful and memorable dining experience. From the moment we…read morearrived, the service stood out, valet was available and they took our car right away, which made things feel seamless from the start. The atmosphere in DUMBO completely changed the second we stepped onto their grounds. I've been to DUMBO countless times, but this felt like seeing it through a completely different lens. It was more elevated, calm, and almost tucked away from the usual buzz. When we walked in, everything felt very curated and intentional. There was even a staff member dedicated to opening and closing the door as guests passed, which added a very refined touch. We were seated at our table and asked if we could sit by the window, but unfortunately, we were told those tables were reserved for regulars, which was a bit frustrating. That said, they did bring over small stools for our purses, which I loved. The menu is prix fixe, where you choose one appetizer, one entrée, and one dessert. To start, the chef sent out a few complimentary bites. One was a falafel that was beautifully done. It wascrisp on the outside, vibrant green on the inside, and paired with a flavorful sauce that really elevated it. There was also a warm mushroom broth that, while simple, was comforting and enjoyable. Another bite was a salmon tartare on a cracker, which personally wasn't my favorite. For appetizers, I asked for a recommendation and went with the hot foie gras. It was good, but I've definitely had better. We also had sourdough and their classic bread, which I ended up pairing with the foie gras, and that combination worked nicely but didn't make up for the taste. For my main, I ordered the Dover sole, which was recommended to me. The fish itself was a beautiful cut and cooked very well, though slightly over-salted. It came with a very thin layer of purée, which honestly felt a bit minimal. I wish there had been more to balance out the dish and eat alongside the fish. It was also served with a single zucchini flower, which wasn't particularly memorable. Overall, the dish had great elements but felt slightly incomplete. For dessert, I had the "Brooklyn Bridge," which was rich and indulgent. It featured a layer of chocolate cake and a dark chocolate mousse, with chocolate molded into the shape of a bridge, which was a really nice visual touch. They also brought out four small chocolates to share. I do wish each person had gotten their own set, since we ended up having to pick and choose who got which flavor. The service throughout the night was warm and accommodating for the most part. When we wanted to go up to the terrace, one of the staff members kindly opened the door for us and even offered to take photos. Another hostess went out of her way to show us a different room in the restaurant, which added to the overall experience.
