The 10 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!

1. 01

   Grand Banks

   Sea Food Restaurant in Tribeca

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   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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2. 02

   Pilot Brooklyn

   Sea Food Restaurant in Dumbo

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   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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3. 03

   The Frying Pan

   American Restaurant in Chelsea
   

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   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.
4. 04

   Industry Kitchen

   American Restaurant in Financial District

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   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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5. 05

   Drift In

   Sea Food Restaurant in West Village

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   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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6. 06

   The River Café in Brooklyn

   American Restaurant in Dumbo
   

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   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.
7. 07

   Island Oyster

   Sea Food Restaurant in Governors Island
   

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   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!
8. 08

   Watermark

   American Restaurant in Financial District
   

   Watermark Restaurant & Bar Pier 15 NYC

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   The 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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9. 09

   Brooklyn Crab

   Sea Food Restaurant in Red Hook

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   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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10. 10

    The Brooklyn Barge

    Bar in Greenpoint

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    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!