New York is known for its overwhelming amount of restaurants and famous chefs that reside at them. With so many options, it’s hard to choose where to eat while touring the Big Apple.
Next time you’re taking the scenic route on some of the most popular places for boating in New York, be sure to make a stop at one of these top restaurants on the waterways. Try the fresh, local catch of the day, take in the beautiful lakefront view, or share a unique cocktail with friends.
The River Café
This is a unique location to dine at. You’ll find the River Café under the Brooklyn Bridge, which provides you with a stunning view of the New York skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
Since 1977, this elegant restaurant has been a favorite for travelers, known for its award-winning wine list, romantic patio music, and awesome cuisine. Just make sure you understand the laws on boating and drinking in New York if you try some of the Café’s cocktails!
Grand Banks
Named “Absolute Best Waterfront Dining in NYC” by New York Magazine and “Best Outdoor Dining in NYC” by The Village Voice, this oyster bar is definitely worth checking out!
At Grand Banks, enjoy a menu of harvested East and West Coast oysters, nautical-themed cocktails, and delicious wines and champagnes. Be sure to check out their featured menu and seasonal dishes!
Le District
The restaurant mogul Peter Poulakakos launched an industrial-styled French food complex in New York known as Le District.
The 30,000-square-foot market is divided into a bakery café, meat and cheese stalls, an open-air grocery shop, and the sit-down brasserie, Beaubourg. Escape into a French market for the day and enjoy a cultural adventure of the senses at this one-of-a-kind New York restaurant on the waterway.
Island Oyster
New York Harbor once produced massive amounts of oysters, in part due to its nearly 220,000 acres of reefs. Island Oyster, located on Governor Island, pays tribute to that legacy with this outdoor oyster bar and beer garden.
Sit down and take in the view while you enjoy sustainably harvested shellfish sourced both near Long Island and British Columbia. Or, if you’re more of a meat lover, you can dig into other options, such as Black Angus burgers and grilled corn on the cob.
The 32,000-square-foot venue contains a waterfront bar, a separate white-marble oyster bar, and four large and communal tables.
Brooklyn Crab
Brooklyn Crab in New York City has been a staple in Red Hook, Brooklyn, since 2012.
One of this restaurant’s missions is to serve sustainable food to every single visitor that passes through. Most of the dishes created are sourced from local, sustainable sources with a variety of seafood options such as fish and shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, a selection of snow crab, fresh Maine lobster, and more.
The restaurant overlooks the harbor, which you can enjoy on the large outdoor patio or in the dining room area. Overall, this is a perfect place to stop and have some fresh, sustainable seafood while you take in the beauty of the harbor.
The Loeb Boathouse Central Park
This restaurant has been up and running since around 1874, where visitors could purchase refreshments, take boat rides, and watch sites. This structure burnt down, unfortunately. However, in the 1950s, the current Loeb Boathouse took its place.
Come check out this legend for yourself and enjoy a meal in any season. There is overhead heating on the deck to extend the season as long as possible.
Riverpark
A little more on the pricey side, this picturesque restaurant is located on a unique garden plaza with romantic East River views in Manhattan’s Kip’s Bay neighborhood.
The Riverpark restaurant offers a dynamic culinary experience with a modern American menu that changes seasonally. It showcases the restaurateur’s very own urban farm just feet away from the kitchen, making it fresh, local, and organic produce.
Enjoy Great Food and Safe Adventures When Boating in New York
Hopefully, these top New York restaurants on the waterway have helped make your decision-making a little easier.
While you explore New York’s waterways and eateries, make sure you practice good safety essentials on the water. One of the best ways to learn everything you need to know about safety when boating in New York is to take the online boater education course through BOATsmart!
Our course is fun and engaging, making it easier to learn crucial information about staying safe on the water — so you have more fun adventures exploring New York’s best places to boat and eat.
First published in August 2018. Content most recently reviewed and updated for relevance and accuracy October 15, 2024.
