The 23 Best Waterfront Restaurants & Bars in New York Right Now
That’s one of the reasons why I love New York: fantastic river views and a super gastro scene. The selection of good restaurants and bars is large, many experiment with different influences and there is a lot of emphasis on high quality.
For me, this is one of the best combinations ever: sitting somewhere relaxed (even though you’re in the middle of New York City!), enjoying the views and having a delicious meal or drink.
These are My Favorite Best Waterfront Restaurants and Bars in New York
I hope you enjoy it – and the best: they all accept reservations!
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01
Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight
Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.
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02
Pilot Brooklyn
Sea Food Restaurant in DumboOur Highlight
As you know, we love the two-master “Grand Banks” at Piers 25 in Manhattan. The same operators now have a counterpart, the Pilot Brooklyn, at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Enjoy a sensational view of Manhattan with a drink in hand – or enjoy smaller (but delicious) seafood dishes!
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03
The Frying Pan
American Restaurant in Chelsea
The Frying Pan is a ship that’s open during the summer months in NYC. In here as an absolutely awesome bar scene with the view of the Manhattan sky line.
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04
Industry Kitchen
American Restaurant in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The restaurant offers typical American cuisine with modern influences. Fresh ingredients form the basis for the dishes. Salads, pizza and freshly grilled meat combined with first-class wines make a visit to the Industry Kitchen highly recommended. Beer lovers and cocktail fans will get their money’s worth here, because the selection is great.
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05
Drift In
Sea Food Restaurant in West VillageOur Highlight
The Drift In is one of my latest new discoveries in New York: it’s located right on the Hudson River promenade in the West Village. They serve oysters and the best lobster roll in town – no wonder, the team behind the Drift In is the same as at my beloved PILOT Brooklyn and GRAND BANKs. Just great!
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06
The River Café in Brooklyn
American Restaurant in Dumbo
The River Café is a first-class restaurant that offers one of the best views of Manhattan due to its location on the East River. Predestined for a romantic candlelight dinner. If you want to eat here, you should definitely reserve a table. Preferably as early as possible. Attention dress code: It is a bit fancier and therefore at least jeans & jacket for men and elegant for women.
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07
Watermark
American Restaurant in Financial District
Watermark Restaurant & Bar Pier 15 NYCThe Watermark is located at Pier 15 very close to the Brooklyn Bridge on the East River. You can’t miss it because the famous Pier 17 (must see!) and the famous two-master at Pier 16 is right next to it. The Watermark is an outdoor bar and American restaurant in one and always worth a visit, especially in good weather.
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08
Brooklyn Crab
Sea Food Restaurant in Red HookOur Highlight
Brooklyn Crab is a real insider spot, which you can reach within 20 minutes from Manhattan on the IKEA Ferry. The seafood is sensational, you can sit indoors or outdoors and if you stay long enough you can enjoy the sunset over the Statue of Liberty.
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09
The Brooklyn Barge
Bar in GreenpointOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Barge is a really great place – it is located on the East River in Greenpoint / Brooklyn and offers stunning views.
Why do I like the Brooklyn Barge so much? Greenpoint is off the beaten path, and the menu is small but really delicious! The dishes have Mexican and American influences, are perfect for sharing, and you can enjoy them in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
By subway, take the green line G to “Nassau Avenue Station” or even better: take the NYC Ferry to the “Greenpoint” stop!
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10
The Fulton
Sea Food Restaurant in Financial District
Located in Lower Manhattan, The Fulton is a sleek and modern seafood-focused restaurant that offers a chic and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior is designed with a nautical theme, featuring exposed brick walls, wood accents, and large windows that offer views of the Hudson River.
For Valentine’s Day dinner NYC, The Fulton typically offers a special menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a selection of creative cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Some dishes featured on the Valentine’s Day menu include oysters, lobster, and sushi rolls. The restaurant also has a selection of meat and vegetarian options for those who prefer non-seafood entrees.
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11
Le District
Food Market in Lower Manhattan
Another food court awaits you in Le District – here you can visit various restaurants and wine bars.
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12
North River Lobster Company
Sea Food Restaurant in Hell's KitchenThe North River Lobster Company is a floating lobster shack on the Hudson River – and the only one in New York City. It’s located on Pier 81, which puts it in close proximity to Times Square. In addition to fresh seafood dishes and refreshing cocktails, there’s also beer on the menu.
With regular cruises on the Hudson River, you can have brunch here as well as a casual sunset dinner while admiring the breathtaking Manhattan skyline.
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13
Panorama Room
Rooftop Bar in Roosevelt Island
The Panorama Room is a rooftop bar & lounge and belongs to the Graduate New York Hotel on Roosevelt Island. Located on the 18th floor, it offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of New York City. At the Panorama Room you can get fresh seafood dishes and a delicious brunch, but also various alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.
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14
Westlight NYC
Rooftop Bar in WilliamsburgOur Highlight
The Westlight in Brooklyn is considered one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in New York – and rightly so! It belongs to The William Vale Hotel and has a rooftop bar, a lounge area, a bar and a restaurant. What distinguishes the Westlight from many other spots is the unspoilt panoramic view of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
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15
Tatiana Restaurant & Grill
BBQ in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
Located directly on Brighton Beach, you can enjoy delicious burgers, salads and grilled fish in addition to the beautiful view.
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16
Harriet's Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar in DumboOur Highlight
Be sure to check out the 1 Hotel Rooftop and Garden Bar, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.
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17
Celestine
Italian Restaurant in Dumbo
Celestine is wonderfully located right on the East River at the Manhattan Bridge in DUMBO and offers you a sensational view of the New York skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Manhattan Bridge.
If you are looking for a romantic and very special restaurant, you definitely have to check out Celestine!
Photo by Melissa Hom
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18
Ruby's Bar & Grill
Bar in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
Ruby’s has been around since 1934, where you can end the day with cocktails, wine or beer and a snack.
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19
Island Oyster
Sea Food Restaurant in Governors Island
Island Oyster is a small insider spot on Governors Island, where you can enjoy a great view of the southern tip of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Just right with a drink in your hand!
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20
Ellington in the Park
Other Restaurants in Upper West SideEllington in the Park is a trendy beachfront restaurant right on the Hudson River. As soon as the sun sets over the Hudson River, the restaurant transforms into a casual bar with live music & fresh food. The bar on the top floor was built from a shipping container and offers a great view of the water. On the lower level you can play beach volleyball and soccer, for example. The perfect location for a summer evening!
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21
Johnny's Reef Restaurant
Sea Food Restaurant in BronxThe restaurant Johnny’s Reef on City Island in the Bronx serves delicious seafood dishes. The menu has been carefully created and the chef uses only the freshest ingredients from the market. From lavish dishes to light meals, there is something for everyone. The location on the island offers a beautiful maritime view of the sea.
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22
Bar Blondeau
Rooftop Bar in Williamsburg
Right next to the Brooklyn Brewery (our favorite beer) is the Wythe Hotel with its rooftop bar “The Ides”. From there you have a great view on the skyline of Manhattan. And: the bar is totally relaxed: no bottle service (i.e. you don’t have to take off whole bottles of champagne and co.) and no dress code make for a relaxed atmosphere.
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23
Baylander Steel Beach
American Restaurant in Morningside HeightsBaylander is a former harbor work ship that was in service during the Vietnam War. The bar and kitchen are former storage containers that were used to feed deployed troops.
The menu includes a variety of dishes such as burgers and wings, but cocktails and various desserts also promise a delicious evening. Baylander Steel Beach is located directly on the Hudson River and offers a great view of the water, especially at sunset.
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