New York is known for its overwhelming amount of restaurants and famous chefs that reside at them. With so many options, its hard to choose where to eat while touring the Big Apple. Next time you’re taking the scenic route of NY (check out the most popular boating on New York’s waterways for a fast and easy boating route), be sure to make a stop at one of these top New York restaurants on the waterway to 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 very unique location to dine at as it’s located 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 travellers being known for its award winning wine list, romantic patio music and awesome cuisine.


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! 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. 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 mass 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 restaurants 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 from the inside 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 site-see. This structure burnt down, unfortunately and in the 1950’s 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 in order 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. This restaurant offers a dynamic culinary experience with a modern American menu that changes seasonally.  It showcases the restaurateurs very own urban farm just feet away from the kitchen making it fresh, local and organic produce.


Pier A Harbor House

This retrofitted re-creation of the Gilded Age is divided into three levels and anchored by a soaring clock tower. The nautical themed decorations like the pipes from steamship engine rooms give it an authentic feel. Upstairs, the second-floor dining room is split into four, named for a maritime police boat, a firefighter patrol boat, the nearby Lady Liberty and W.R. Grace, the mayor who signed off on the pier. The top tier is used as an event space and has a beautiful view, overlooking the harbor.


Hopefully these top New York restaurants on the waterway have helped made your decision making a little easier. We also have some tips for an awesome boating weekend in New York to make your day even easier!