Hey!
In this edition of New Yum City, I will be talking about the restaurant Riverpark!
Photo: Yelp
Located in Kips Bay, Riverpark sits along the beautiful East River. This waterfront farm-to-table restaurant serves delectable New American cuisine for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, specializing in their 3-course prix fixe holiday-themed brunches. (Their next one is on Mother’s Day). The chef and owner of Riverpark is celebrity chef Tom Colicchio, who co-founded the wildly popular and successful restaurant Gramercy Tavern. However, don’t be fooled. The ambiances at these two restaurants are completely different. Gramercy Tavern is in the heart of Manhattan, while Riverpark is more of a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and that is reflected in the food and overall dining experience as well. From their better-than-homemade French toasts to their incredible Tuscan kale salad, Riverpark takes your classic homey dishes and turn them into classy five-star restaurant delicacies.
What’s It Like Inside?
The best way to describe Riverpark is hotel restaurant meets modern museum lobby. The restaurant is located in the Alexandria Center, an urban office/lab campus that gives a creative and modern, almost futuristic, feel to the restaurant’s surroundings. The lobby of the restaurant gives off MoMA and Whitney vibes. Inside, it’s more like a hotel restaurant. The calming jazz music and view of the East River give off a very serene and peaceful ambiance and it is easy to forget that you are in New York City. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, however due to the wind from the river, I advise sitting outside in the summer months, particularly at night when you can see the beautiful twinkly lights draped over the outdoor dining area. Dining here is almost like going on a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. It gives you a moment to breathe and enjoy.
Photo: Yelp
Photos: Kristi Yang (me)
Left: View of the East River from outside Riverpark
Right: Across from me (Bellini, Almond French Toast), Me (Blackthorn Fizz, Guajillo Chicken Chilaquiles)
The Menu
The menu itself changes often, and there are different menus for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. If you are dining on a holiday, do check out their site to see if there is a holiday-themed brunch menu.
My top suggestions from each menu are:
Brunch
Starters: Pastry Board ($10)
Entrées: Almond French Toast ($16), Guajillo Chicken Chilaquiles ($18)
Sides: Buttermilk Biscuits ($6)
Lunch
Starters: Chilled Pea Soup ($13)
Salad: Spring Greens & Herbs ($15/+Chicken $21/+Salmon $21/+Prawns $22)
Pasta: Fusilli ($15/$20)
Entrées: Roasted Flat Iron ($24)
Sides: Home-made Fries ($8)
Dinner
First Course: Mushrooms & Smoked Garlic Broth ($20), Veal Sweetbreads ($23)
Pasta: Farrotto ($20/$28), Squid Ink Chitarra ($22/$30)
Main: Grilled Ribeye ($56)
For Two: Long Island Bream ($65), Rabbit ($95)
Sides: Charred Ramps ($15)
Dessert
“Cereal & Milk” ($15)
Artisanal Cheeses ($18)
Price
Rating: $$/$$$
I do think that it is possible to not spend a lot of money at this restaurant (ordering just a main, for example), however, their portions are not huge and if you are traveling all the way to the East Side, why not indulge a little? I took advantage of their $70 prix fixe Easter brunch, however, with drinks and sides, I ended up paying $111 (incl. tip!).
When Should I Go?
Personally, this restaurant is a bit on the pricier side for me, so I would reserve it for special occasions. They are known for their brunches, so I would take advantage of their Sunday or holiday-themed prix fixe brunch menus. For me, I went to Riverpark for Easter brunch, and I had a fantastic experience there. I would also suggest going on a warmer day so you get a chance to walk around outside and really get the whole experience.
Getting There
It was nice out when I went to there, so my friend and I decided to walk. However, you can also take the train. The closest subway station is at 28th St (6), and the restaurant is around a 13-minute walk from the station.
Riverpark: 450 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016
If any of these menu options interest you, or if you happen to be in the East Side, be sure to eat at Riverpark (or at least walk around outside!).
Happy eating,
Kristi