I'd give it six stars if I could. Old school, formal (sport coat required), but in a shiny, clean, polished, friendly way. The formality doesn't get in the way, it enhances the experience. First, a great bar inside the restaurant where -- since they don't have people eating at it -- you can actually arrive early and get a drink before dinner. Then we had a lovely meal at a great table with an amazing view (they all pretty much have great views). The menu was $195/person for starter, main, dessert and the selection as broad and the quality was high. The foie gras terrine and the lobster were great. The sommelier was great and hooked us up nice Oregon pinot noir before transitioning to an even better Burgundy. read more

The River Café - The view from just outside the restaurant - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Overall 5 stars for the ambiance and service. 4 stars for the food. Went here to celebrate a special occasion and they went out of the way to accomodate us. All the tables face the windows which have an amazing view of the city. We had the soft shell crab and foie gras; both were very good. The beef was cooked medium rare but the crust was way too charred. The desserts were very sweet. Service was excellent. read more

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Was here the other night for a celebration, the food was outstanding. The service was amazing. Everything was spot on , the atmosphere was superb there's was so many great things about this place I absolutely just love it. The skyline and the Brooklyn bridge right there. It is just a fabulous place in Brooklyn New York. I recommend it everyone. I definitely will be back in the future. If you haven't been you have to go at least one time so very worth the experience. But know it's very pricey! read more

The best views, beautiful dining room, attentive service, gorgeous gardens. Just not memorable food (and very expensive). Great for a wedding or bringing out of towners. read more

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When we requested a seat with a view, the maître D gave attitude and kick back saying all the tables were taken. We went and saw that were empty and asked other weight staff for a better table. They eventually moved us to a better table, but then everyone gave us rudeness. ended up terrible for the remainder of the night. When we left the guest who had asked for the seat change, ended up getting food poisoning and was Vo severely all night about an hour after we left with severe headaches as well. read more

The River Café is one of those quintessential New York experiences that feels both timeless and magical. From the moment you arrive, the setting is breathtaking -- perched right on the edge of the East River in Brooklyn, with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson, and the Brooklyn Bridge towering gracefully overhead. It's a setting that's hard to beat anywhere in the city, and it immediately makes the evening feel special. The service here is flawless. The staff are warm, attentive, and highly professional without being intrusive. Every detail feels carefully thought through, from the welcoming greeting at the door to the knowledgeable recommendations on both food and wine. You truly feel taken care of from start to finish. The food is exceptional, beautifully presented and crafted with care. Each dish feels elevated yet approachable, with flavors that are bold but balanced. The menu has a perfect balance of seafood, meats, and seasonal ingredients, and the desserts are as artful as they are delicious -- a perfect finish to the meal. Of course, the ambiance is what ties it all together. Dining here feels romantic and elegant without being stuffy. Watching the lights come alive on the skyline and reflecting on the water as you enjoy dinner is unforgettable. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to experience one of the most iconic dining rooms in New York, The River Café delivers on every level. It's truly a must-visit -- a place where extraordinary food, impeccable service, and unmatched views create an experience you'll want to return to again and again. Is in the expensive side... so be ready for the bill. read more

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This was a bucket list evening with friends. The 4 of us were greeted at Valet by very attentive and friendly gentleman. The grounds are unexpectedly beautiful. When we entered the restaurant, the hostess stand was staffed by helpful young women. We went to the bar to have cocktails while waiting for our table. The bartender seemed new. I asked for a vodka martini with olives. I'm not sure what it was but it tasted sour. At first I thought it was gin but maybe it was olive juice? It was good enough to drink but not great. After being seated, we were introduced to our server and our sommelier. Everyone was friendly. The best part of our meal was the amuse-bouche. And by this, I mean that each bite was a "wow" moment. The rest of our meals were very good. The lobster was an extremely small (sad) portion. I believe the winner out of the 4 entrees were the lamb chops, delicious. All our meals were very good. I think the service was a little laid back. I guess after watching "The Bear" I was expecting a little snappier staff. We waited a very long time to receive our check. Overall we had a great time and our food was fantastic. When you come here, which you should, it's the ambiance that you pay for, It is very beautiful. The bill for 4 people with tax and tip, was $1400. read more

This is one of those staples of New York thats really worth experiencing. A long time gem it's been here since the 70's. Service is top notch, interior is so beautiful, very classic and timeless. The Pièce de résistance - THE VIEW! It's one of the best views of lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge. Their dessert also comes in the shape of the bridge, how cute! I ate steak, pasta, everything was good. read more

We loved the River cafe so much that we decided to have our wedding here! We are so glad that we did it here, at first I was worried that the venue would feel too old but everything felt elegant and classy. The view was definitely amazing, the staff were great and went above and Beyond, they made sure we were able to eat, Alyson and Destiny were great as well and answered our questions right away. We had a beautiful wedding ceremony in their garden and then followed with reception inside, since the weather was nice we also used the terrace for pictures and the cocktail hour. I would recommend anyone that is interested to have their wedding here! read more

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I love this restaurant so much! We came here 10 years ago and came back again today. It was even better than i remembered! The service is everything...you feel welcomed...you know you are going to have a great experience. The restaurant is inviting with a lot of character, you feel fancy. The food...there isnt a bad bite of food. Everything is exquisite. You have to savor each bite. Its a memorable experience. read more

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They treat you like royalty and you will feel like a VIP on a boat trip. Perhaps like a British royal on the Britannia Yacht? Minus being chased by the paparazzi and the infighting! The setting, the food, and the service is Michelin level. Was this boat ever Michelin rated? Not sure but it's about that level Of quality. We enjoyed our pre-wedding dinner, our last official date before being married! For the quality and location and unique setting, the price is very fair. read more

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What an incredible place! What an incredible experience! We have walked by this place a couple of times and looked from the outside in but never thought to dine in... Until now. The place...stunning! The food...incredible! The staff...wonderful! What a great place to celebrate a special occasion or a special dinner with your love or family! We will definitely be back! Thank you The River Cafe for one of the most memorable times I have had in a very long time! read more

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Celebrated my birthday at this fine establishment on Saturday night. My boyfriend made reservations for 7:15 and I was overjoyed with happiness. From the moment you walk in you know you're in a special place. The views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn bridge are stunning. The service and the food taste and presentation were nothing short of excellent. Our appetizers, entrées, cocktails and desserts were all incredible! The Wagu Beef tartare and grilled octopus were the best I've ever tasted. The octopus was so tender and seasoned perfectly! If you like octopus order it. You will not be disappointed. The entrees we choose were Red Snapper and Bronzino. Each fish was presented beautifully and were delectable! Seasoned and cooked to perfection! The bourbon craft cocktails were also prepared nicely. The perfect accompaniment while gazing out at the gorgeous view! For dessert we choose the Brooklyn Bridge chocolate with ice cream and the soufflé. The waiter brought the dessert out with a candle to wish me a happy birthday. Nice touch! Both desserts were so pretty I didn't want dismantle them but it was too tempting. lol. omg! So delicious and worth every single calorie. lol This was a flawless dinner from start to finish. River Cafe has been on my bucket list of places to dine and it did not disappoint. Just Fabulous! Highly recommend for a special occasion or if you just want to celebrate life itself. Brava! read more

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We celebrated my sister birthday. The food was amazing a 10 out of 10. The service/ staff was fantastic along with the view of the Brooklyn Bridge was breath taking. We had the Siberian Caviar and it was delicious. The Wagyu, Shrimp, Pear Salad, Duck, Lobster, Steak, Brooklyn Bridge, Hot Soufflé and Cheese Cake was exceptional. I do recommend this place. Amazing food, service and experience. read more

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I have so many fond memories at The River Cafe during all four seasons. All the menu items I ever tried were always impeccably presented and flavors well balanced and perfectly prepared. Staff I have interacted or worked with always went above and beyond to accommodate my requests. Their attention to detail was very much appreciated. The views both from inside and outside the restaurant are the best in and of NYC. Cheers! read more

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The River Café was one of the best fine dining experiences I've had in my life. I used to work in fine dining and can confirm every single aspect of what they do is textbook. It started with the communication via email to confirm - very pleasant and asked about any food allergies in advance. You arrive and an attendant opens your car door to escort you to the restaurant where you are greeted by a very pleasant host who escorted me to meet the other member of my party who was waiting at the bar. The restaurant itself is spectacular - it opens up into a vast dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows in a prime location next to the Brooklyn Bridge. Absolutely spectacular day or night and no table has a bad view. A solo pianist was playing the piano to add to the ambiance. Typically restaurants in great locations do not have good food, but this is definitely not the case here. Every single dish they brought us was spectacular. And we were supported with gluten-free options, including bread (which is always appreciated), along the way. There was an amuse bouche between multiple courses. The duck was probably the best I've ever had! The sommelier was incredibly helpful as well in helping us choose a wine that was to our liking. I've been trying to snag a table here for years and I'm so happy I was finally able to attend. I will definitely be back! read more

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This is fine dining at its best. I came to The River Cafe once in 2018 and most recently for my birthday in 2025. The skyline view is magnificent. My seat was against the window likely due to it being a special occasion; and it's that kind of attention detail that sets this place apart from the rest. Our sommelier recommended a 2022 Pinot Noir from Oregon that was the perfect wine to pair with both seafood and red meat. Incredible experience though out and of course the food is as rich as the experience. read more

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This place is amazing. We have come two years in a row and will continue to come. It would be hard to beat! read more

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The food is pretty good (except for the desserts which were disappointing). The main issue was the service, which felt robotic and cold. I was there to celebrate a big occasion, which I put in the reservation notes and they asked about it when they called to confirm my reservation. I would have expected a place like this to feel more celebratory given how often people celebrate birthdays and anniversaries there. Also the space is very crowded and made getting around a bit uncomfortable. The view is great and the food is pretty good but I wouldn't go back. read more

I was not going to leave this review but I called this establishment with my issue and I was told it would be better if I emailed. I emailed one week after coming in on the 17th of May and still have not gotten any response. So now I am leaving a review about my food poisoning experience. This situation almost caused me to miss my flight home and had me dehydrated, bed ridden and vomiting for 4 days even after zofran. This was the original message I sent in my email. "Hello, I ate at this establishment on the 17th of May. There was a set menu but I do not eat ham so I asked if I could have the oysters chilled. When the oysters came out I put one in my mouth and the temperature was very warm, warmer than my mouth. I thought to myself, chilled oysters should not be warm. The following morning I was exhausted with diarrhea. Later that evening I woke up violently vomiting. " -I included more in my original email and my point was to inform the staff about food safety so this never again happens to any other guest. read more

The River Café - The date I was there - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The service in this restaurant is unlike any other! We felt like royalty the way every single person acknowledges and offers to make your visit perfect. The views are also absolutely stunning. I celebrated my anniversary late night here and I could not take my eyes off the city and the water out the window next to our table. The dining area is cozy and they provide a small table next to your chair to set your belongings on and there is coatcheck when you first walk in. The rest of the restaurant is gorgeous with a cobblestone pathway and tons of shrubbery and flowers. There was a wedding going on during our dinner in another room and it didn't disturb the dining area at all! I wouldn't have known had I not spotted the bride on my way to the restroom. The food was also truly fantastic. I'll include some photos because words do no justice to the presentation and flavor. read more

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Historic venue with excellent views, great ambiance and good food. We went for Valentine's Day, which offered a five-course, prix fixe meal. We arrived for our 7:30 reservation and were seated one row back from the window, with incredible views of the East River and lower Manhattan skyline. Service started off a bit slow -- we must have been seated for five minutes before we received menus -- but afterward we felt the service, attentiveness and pacing of the courses were good. The food wasn't excellent -- and perhaps that's why The River Café lost its Michelin stars after 2022 -- but it was good and very plentiful. We were stuffed by the end of the fifth course, and I couldn't finish my entreé. My one takeaway from the evening? Good value. For less than $800, the two of us enjoyed a lot of good food in a very romantic setting. We don't drink, so that bill includes the prix fixe, tax, tip, still water and several mocktails (read: the negroni, which is really just St. Agrestis's "Phony Negroni," is excellent). Will I be back soon? Unlikely, as New York City boasts so many other great restaurants that we're more eager to try first. But I'd highly recommend visiting The River Café at least once, and a Valentine's dinner is the perfect occasion for a visit. read more

The River Café - Table views of the skyline - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great experience. Lovely attentive staff and a high level of service. The food was delicious accompanied by a gorgeous view from the water. A perfect location for a special occasion. Would definitely return read more

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I have eaten here many times and the view is outstanding. The food is great with many good choices and service was spot on.

An iconic restaurant for sure. Came here for a special date night and it was definitely romantic to say the least. The gardens and grounds are beautiful. The restaurant is essentially in the east river. All the table have a view of Manhattan and you can see the Brooklyn bridge right beside you. It's a pre-fixe menu. We ordered an appetizer, entree and dessert. Before the appetizer we had 3 small amuse bouche, a corn croquette, a watermelon gazpacho, and a smoked salmon bite. It perfect starter. For our appetizers we got the oysters which were creamy, rich, phenomenal and we got the wagyu steak tartare. They mix the tartare at the table and you can add salt yourself if you'd like. Definitely thought some salt was necessary but a fun little tableside experience nevertheless. After the appetizer, we got complimentary dishes of pork belly with a waffle and a Crudo dish. Very opposite vibes but both very delicious and a fun little surprise. We ordered the lobster and beef dishes for the entrees and I preferred the beef dish. The bone marrow that came with the beef was the best part. For dessert we had the ricotta cheesecake and the Brooklyn bridge dessert. Both good. I did prefer the bridge dessert a) because it's cute and b) because it was rich and delicious with lots of passion fruit accents throughout. At the end of the night there were fireworks which I don't think is typical but great nonetheless. Overall, you're coming for the ambience with good food throughout. You will leave full despite the portions seeming small. Definitely for a more special occasion if you can snag a table! read more

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Only adding an update to include photos. We finally returned, years after our last visit, and our dining experience was even better than our last. Do they have a new chef? I thought our previous dinner was outstanding, so to us, they didn't need a new one! Or was it just a particularly good night? Don't know -- but what we do know is, we're glad we returned. The best decision we made was to save room for dessert. Photos attached. Absolutely worth it! read more

The River Café - The lemon souffle. Perfect portion for one; enough to share a bite... But only one! - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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My partner and I made it our mission to try fine dining for the first time while we were in New York and we definitely think this was a great spot to pick for what I think is a perfectly reasonable price. The one downside was that we had a really long wait despite having reservations but I believe it's because the group sitting at the table we reserved had stayed beyond their expected time so we were directed to wait at the bar in the meantime. The restaurant sits right at the edge of Brooklyn and looks out at the manhattan skyline and they have a live pianist so I didn't have much to complain about while waiting. We were given an amuse bouche to start off, now I don't eat seafood so I was given this avocado lime caviar thing that was right up my alley, but my partner got this fish prepared 3 ways sort of dish, one of which he claims to be the "best bite he's ever had in his life". So take that as you will! For appetizers, I got the gnocchi and it was absolutely melt worthy! It was everything I love and more. If you're someone who loves a good truffle pasta you will absolutely love this! My partner got the Wagyu steak tartare and he also really enjoyed it as well! Here's where I made the mistake, they give you this absolutely fluffy and crispy bread that just keeps refilling as you eat it and me having to wait an hour for my table was starving and kept munching on it and thinking this might be those pretentious fine dining places where they give you little bites of cool food but you'd still feel hungry but I was wrong! I was absolutely devastated when my beef main course was placed in front of me because i realize it was one of the best steaks I've ever had yet I was so full of bread at that point. Go easy on the bread! Truthfully, I can't remember what my partner had (it might have been the duck) but all I remember was he said that it was delicious but he wish he had my dish (so get the beef!). For dessert, we had the chocolate brooklyn bridge which was so cute (but not gonna lie not very memorable). I'm giving this five stars because the vibes were immaculate. The service was one of the most professional I've ever experienced, especially when I told them i was feeling cold from the draft near me and they loaned me a pasmina to wear for the night! This is definitely something I hope to bring my mother to someday because this an experience I'd love for her to have. And I hope can come back for more on my next trip! read more

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The venue is beautiful & the service is impeccable. The three course price fix meals are to die for. It has been on my list to come here for a while and it was worth it. On a beautiful Sunday evening , the place was full with elegantly dressed diners. Old time glamour. The killer view . It's not an everyday thing as it's quite pricey but it's worth it. read more

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Arrived with set reservations. We didn't know there was a set menu due to a wedding happening in another section of the restaurant. We came to celebrate a birthday. Enjoyed the quail egg tartare. The Brooklyn bridge chocolate dessert was delicious and super cute. Calm atmosphere. Enjoyed the views. read more

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Finally after watching so many movies of this place got to come last night. Hubby had to borrow a jacket since men MUST wear one . Jacket clashed with his Valentino shirt but it was worth it the service is impeccable our service new the menu and what he did not know he would ask the maitre D food was incredible! Wow my tartar was perfect . The amuse bouche was delicious and of course the view !! read more

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I was very disappointed at this place. It is very very overpriced. The portions are very small. It's $200 a person and you do not get much food at all. The appetizers are very small the main course I didn't know a lobster comes that small. It was very salty. My wife had that I had the duck you only get two pieces did not have much of a taste And I was still very hungry after eating the main course the dessert was pretty good. The service is very good. The atmosphere is beautiful, but this place is overrated and overpriced and I would never go back there or recommend this place to anyone. You can get a much much better and more filling dinner at any other restaurant there are thousands of restaurants in New York and Brooklyn and I would recommend many of them over this this dinner cost me $830 and I was very disappointed and still hungry when I left read more

Incredible service. Fantastic menu and view that can't be matched. Absolutely loved the specialty cocktails. This place is a gem. Don't forget your sports coat for the guys. Dress code enforced. I will definitely go out of my way to come back here the next time I am in New York. read more

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We went to The River Café right after my daughter's proposal, and it was the perfect place to celebrate. The food was outstanding, the service was so thoughtful, and the view of the city was just magical. It made an already special night even more unforgettable. read more

The River Café - New American Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The food and view were decent enough, however if you're dining there on a regular evening, it's far too crowded and they pack customers inside like sardines to the point that it ruins the ambience and experience altogether to the point It's just not worth it. While the restaurant is already on the pricier side, I would personally prefer paying more overall than having to deal with such tight spaces. It's a nice venue spot for weddings and other events, but I definitely don't intend on returning on a regular evening - It's just not worth it! read more

I'll leave two starts because I'm sure the food would have been great. Tall brunette hostess working the evening of 11/5/23 - kindly just tell the customer we're not dress appropriately. We were NY for a fall vacation. We took a ferry this night to Brooklyn and saw the restaurant from the ferry. We looked it up and saw they had open reservation on OpenTable- (I did overlook the dress code so I will take all responsibility as to why we were not let in.) We headed to the restaurant. We arrived and we're greeted by a tall brunette hostess. She asked if we had reservations we let her know that we made a reservation for 4 just ten minutes ago for open table. The hostess then let us know that this evening they had a $200 prefixed menu and we said that's great. She then let us know that there is also a dress code ....... I would have preferred her start with the dress code. I was shocked that the restaurant would let $800 dollars to begin with walk away and that would have ended up being close to $1200.00 dollars once we bought cocktails, beer and wine....plus gratuities. We were on vacation and were willing to spend. The hostess was condescending and could have just started with the dress code and didn't have to be so uptight. Apologize for not letting able to let us in or offer to book us a table another evening if we were able. Customers experience is the heart of your business, and always will be. read more

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As always, the River Café in DUMBO Brooklyn, under the Brooklyn Bridge by the East River, has the best views of the magnificent Manhattan skyline. The barge restaurant has stood up to the test of time. I have had many wonderful memories from the past here with my Mom, Dad, a couple of ex-boyfriends (wink), plus the current love of my life, and of course with many friends for many memorable fun celebrations! Service is excellent, top qualité, as is the Michelin Starred cuisine on a menu of many delights. I have posted photos which speak for themselves Happiest of Holidays to you all!! Enjoy! ***prix fixe menu is $195*** **exceptional wine list and sommelier! ** ***Open 5:30pm to 10:30pm - Reservations preferred *** read more

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If you are looking for an exclusive, romantic, tasty, elite service dining experience, then you've come to the right place. The River Cafe is unique and outstanding. You'll want to come for sunset and request a table along the windows for an unforgettable view of downtown Manhattan. I came here for my 6 yr anniversary with my fiancé, and we had the most special evening together. I couldn't believe they had a "Brooklyn bridge" chocolate dessert and managed to write happy anniversary on it. The resemblance to the actual Brooklyn bridge was uncanny. All of the food was so delicious and our servers were really dedicated to us having a memorable time. read more

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Service was horrible, I have never been treated so poorly. Servers believed they were better than everyone. Food/service was not worth 830 dollars. View was amazing but that's about the only good thing I can say about this "Michelin" star restaurant. I would not go here, many places better in the city. read more

My second time here solidified the Mediterranean Sea bass in a shrimp crust as my fav dish in the burrow. Rivaled only by the sea bass at cafe Boulud in the UES. The black bass with fish bone reduction was also inspired and this time around the Brooklyn bridge came with passion fruit which was nice. In the appetizers, the tortellini with the morel mushrooms and foam did not disappoint. I live for amuse bouches and this time the assortment of the potato leek purée in a ln egg shell, with the miso shot and tartare were inspired as always. The patio wasn't open so it was my first time in the dining room which manages to be elegant without being stuffy with my fav view of my fav city on full blast. The secret garden esque vibes outside are a totally different feeling and for another day and another review. For now, this stays my fav in good old BK read more

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I had the opportunity to experience the magic of the The River Cafe for a friend's wedding. The view is incredible, in the daylight, sunset, and nighttime. The location is absolutely one of the best, with a modest size restaurant and location that welcomes you in, treats you well, and doesn't overstate itself because the city view and food do all the talking. The food was delicate and perfect. Butternut squash soup was a fun surprise where the creme fraiche was in the bowl first and the soup was poured individually in front of each patron. The sea scallop was cripsy with delicate greens that added another layer of texture to the already beautifully cooked scallop. And finally the veal loin. Moist, tender, delicious with every bite. read more

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