NYC's Premier Waterfront Fine Dining spot for Lunch, Dinner & Events

(718) 482-0033

401 44th Dr (Vernon Boulevard & the East River)
Long Island City, NY 11101 40.749618 -73.955626

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WATERSEDGENYC.COM

Hours:

Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm

Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 8.05.11

Category:

Restaurants, Catering

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Waterfront Dining, Outdoor Dining, Notable Chef, View Dining, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Group Dining, Live Music, Fireplace, Notable Wine List

Cuisine:

Traditional American, Seafood

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Water's Edge

The Owner

Water's Edge

Owner

Located on the East River facing Manhattan & Roosevelt Island, Water's Edge boasts stunning views of the Queens Borough Bridge, Chrysler Building & United Nations. Eclectic Menus, exceptional service and unsurpassed ambiance makes Water's Edge a home away from home for local foodies, Manhattanites & visitors alike. The complimentary Water Ferry services guests from the East 23rd St. Pier and acts as a perfect escape for Manhattanites from The Island. Group Dining is available within the restaurant while more elaborate events are held on the upper level, featuring an unobstructed breathtaking…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

In Short – To call this the River Cafe of Queens is not much of a stretch. Both are on barges, both have a pianist. And Water's Edge has an equally dazzling view--the glass spires of midtown Manhattan. It also offers a free ferry ride to and from the restaurant. The nautically themed dining rooms are plush and spacious, and virtually every table has a water view.

Editor's Tips

Save Time:
The restaurant ferry, which runs Wednesday through Saturday, makes roundtrips on the hour from 23rd Street and the East River at Skyport Marina, beginning at 6pm.
ambiance
91.47000312805176% positive
  1. “It was a beautiful place, great view of the city and an amazing party.”
  2. “perfect view and dinner”
  3. “The ambiance was also very nice and the views of Manhattan were perfect.”
  4. “the food and the view has always been great - the service has been great too albeit a tad stiff and cold.”
  5. “We had requested a table near the window when we made the reservation, and we got a two seat table with a terrific view.”
  6. “The dining space is cavernous so that all get a good view, with the extra added touch of having everyone's seats turned toward the windows.”
  7. “The view from this restaurant is spectacular and the boats that you see while dining are a nice view of the water's edge.”
  8. “Or better yet, if on a budget and want to do something romantic, stop at the bar for a drink and enjoy the sunset.”
  9. “Terrific atmosphere, attentive waiters and excellent food.”
  10. “Don't get me wrong the place is beautiful & the view is great but if you expect great service don't go there.”
  11. “This converted barge sits on the east river with the best view of Manhattan in queens.”
  12. “The view of buildings is not impressive - maybe it's better at night?”
  13. “And oh yeah a great view.”
  14. “their decor is elegant, and the lights from the city though their glass windows brought a smile to my face that lasted all night.”
  15. “He made reservations thinking it was a real romantic place.”
  16. “If you are a discerning diner, take the water taxi there and back from Manhattan to enjoy the view, then go to a real restaurant.”
  17. “Beautiful view”
  18. “We were rushed through a dinner of mediocre food served by a waiters in dirty uniforms, only to wait 2 hours for the fireworks to begin ( it was suggested that we arrive early to get a good table/view when we made the reservation) Once they did begin we r”
  19. “The waiter was attentive, the food was delicious and the views of the city were great.”
  20. “Stunning view + Great Food & Service”
  21. “Nice view; great food; it's gonna cost you”
  22. “But honestly, they could have served me a Happy Meal and I would have been content -- I got my money's worth the moment I set eyes on the view and the dining room.”
  23. “would recommend this place mostly for the great view.”
  24. “For 25 years every July 4th we had great views of the fireworks that's why people chose to be with us.”
  25. “Great view, but terrible food”
  26. “Although it isn't a "Trendy" atmosphere by any means the view is wonderful.”
  27. “The food was rushed a bit but its a nice place to go if you want a nice view and a very good meal!”
  28. “thought the place was very romantic especially the boat ride back and forth across the East River.”
  29. “We love the atmosphere created by teh restaurant for every major holiday.”
  30. “The decor for Thanksgiving was perfect,i.e. fall colors and the exact feeling needed to enjoy teh wonderful food and service.”
  31. “We were seated at a small table surrounded by several other "young couples" while the more "mature" were seated by the windows and able to enjoy the view (the one good thing about this place).”
  32. “If you like your kitch in large doses with a hint of turn-of-century bordello and cheesy Indian "trying to be classy but failing" atmosphere, this is the place for you!”
  33. “True, a nice view of Manhattan, but it is a restaurant after all so the whole selling pitch can't depend just on view - which from the inside by the way is not spectacular due to the poor design of the restaurant.”
  34. “My wife and I went to Water's Edge for a romantic dinner.”
  35. “The decor is romantic.”
  36. “Don't go to Water's Edge for Valentine's Day you will not get a good service or a good table and very bad atmosphere.”
  37. “The food was outstanding the decor was unbelievable.”
  38. “We visited the restaurant on July 4th, hoping for a decent meal and a great view of the fireworks.”
  39. “Requested a window seat but didn't get it, which was fine because we still had a nice view a table away from the window.”
  40. “Other than that, the guests loved the view and the waiters and Maitre D were excellent.”
  41. “Starting with a boat ride from their 34th Street dock over to Long Island City and a stunning view of east side Manhattan while you dine, it just doesn't get much better than this.”
  42. “This place goes above and beyond when it comes to the most stunning views you have ever seen.”
  43. “Great place, very romantic”
dessert
0.0% positive
  1. “ordered carrot cake for dessert, which consisted of a plain stale mini muffin, with a garnish of carrots and raisins on the side.”
drinks
68.33000183105469% positive
  1. “They kept coming asking if we want to order drinks and did not except no.”
  2. “It was a tasteless wine that we know was a cheap $5 wine.”
  3. “The wine menu is impressive only if you want to spend more than $100 per bottle.”
  4. “We dont mind paying $200 for dinner and wine (stags leap), we did mind the mediocre service and OK food.”
  5. “Or better yet, if on a budget and want to do something romantic, stop at the bar for a drink and enjoy the sunset.”
  6. “They also have a sommelier who was very helpful in recommending wines and was not at all pushy in making us order the expensive bottle.”
food quality
85.86000442504883% positive
  1. “We were rushed through a dinner of mediocre food served by a waiters in dirty uniforms, only to wait 2 hours for the fireworks to begin ( it was suggested that we arrive early to get a good table/view when we made the reservation) Once they did begin we r”
  2. “We wish to see you all on an other night where we can bring our best food forward.”
  3. “We dont mind paying $200 for dinner and wine (stags leap), we did mind the mediocre service and OK food.”
  4. “The pan-seared salmon was great.”
  5. “Dined there on 7/22/08 for the 1st time, food was mediocre, not impressed, and will not go out of my way in the future to eat at Water's Edge.”
  6. “The food was the best they have served in years.”
  7. “best food in nyc”
  8. “Our appetizers of gazpacho and shrimp were excellent.”
  9. “...and at roughly $500 for two (tax and tip included), that would suggest good service, good food and a clean environment”
  10. “The food was rushed a bit but its a nice place to go if you want a nice view and a very good meal!”
  11. “Dinner was all delicious.”
  12. “Great view, but terrible food”
  13. “The food was excellent as was the service.”
  14. “The food is rich, but good.”
  15. “The poached lobster salad was mediocre at best and the lobster cold as ice.”
  16. “View was awesome and food was really good too.”
  17. “Terrific atmosphere, attentive waiters and excellent food.”
  18. “The decor for Thanksgiving was perfect,i.e. fall colors and the exact feeling needed to enjoy teh wonderful food and service.”
  19. “We visited the restaurant on July 4th, hoping for a decent meal and a great view of the fireworks.”
  20. “The food was above average, my girlfriend had red snapper, I had filet mignon, we both enjoyed our meals thoroughly.”
  21. “The food has been consistently good but not as innovative as many other restaurants in the city.”
  22. “Waters edge is a landmark in NY , food and the service is wonderful”
  23. “The food was outstanding the decor was unbelievable.”
  24. “My BF confessed after dinner that he knew it was going to be a bust when the "fresh" mozzarella in our salads was salted (I've created a monster).”
  25. “When reserving, be mindful of the weather and expect to pay good money for the delicious cuisine doesnt come cheap.”
  26. “Good quality meat, perfectly seasoned and cooked exactly right.”
  27. “The food was excellent, the service outrageous.”
  28. “Very good food.”
  29. “the food and the view has always been great - the service has been great too albeit a tad stiff and cold.”
  30. “The waiter was attentive, the food was delicious and the views of the city were great.”
  31. “The food was TERRIBLE and serving size was made for a child.”
  32. “it was really looking like there was a comeback for this place the food was good the service was good but.”
  33. “Nice view; great food; it's gonna cost you”
menu variety
50.0% positive
  1. “The wine menu is impressive only if you want to spend more than $100 per bottle.”
  2. “We weren't sure what the Prix Fixe menu would have to offer, but decided that the restaurant was too pricey to try any other time.”
overall
87.5% positive
  1. “The food was rushed a bit but its a nice place to go if you want a nice view and a very good meal!”
  2. “It's great place to go with girlfriend.”
  3. “We were seated at a small table surrounded by several other "young couples" while the more "mature" were seated by the windows and able to enjoy the view (the one good thing about this place).”
  4. “True, a nice view of Manhattan, but it is a restaurant after all so the whole selling pitch can't depend just on view - which from the inside by the way is not spectacular due to the poor design of the restaurant.”
return potential
50.0% positive
  1. “we had a terrible experince with this place we will never go back”
  2. “It was an awesome evening and we will return very soon!”
service
72.6200008392334% positive
  1. “For 25 years every July 4th we had great views of the fireworks that's why people chose to be with us.”
  2. “All in all, great service.”
  3. “Terrible service.”
  4. “The food was excellent, the service outrageous.”
  5. “The captain and waiter ( John ) were friendly and attentive.”
  6. “We were rushed through a dinner of mediocre food served by a waiters in dirty uniforms, only to wait 2 hours for the fireworks to begin ( it was suggested that we arrive early to get a good table/view when we made the reservation) Once they did begin we r”
  7. “The food was excellent as was the service.”
  8. “The decor for Thanksgiving was perfect,i.e. fall colors and the exact feeling needed to enjoy teh wonderful food and service.”
  9. “Great service.”
  10. “Save your money dont go to waters edge , terrible service and bad hospitality, It's a Circus named waters edge”
  11. “Terrific atmosphere, attentive waiters and excellent food.”
  12. “Other than that, the guests loved the view and the waiters and Maitre D were excellent.”
  13. “We dont mind paying $200 for dinner and wine (stags leap), we did mind the mediocre service and OK food.”
  14. “Our experience was subpar, we were not treated properly by the owner and the manager.”
  15. “You pay for this interesting service routine.”
  16. “The "live music" is a good piano player on a very poor quality piano; the service was overkill with host in our face every 10 min.”
  17. “Don't go to Water's Edge for Valentine's Day you will not get a good service or a good table and very bad atmosphere.”
  18. “Rude and incompetent service from people wearing dirty clothes.”
  19. “the food and the view has always been great - the service has been great too albeit a tad stiff and cold.”
  20. “Our waiter was very nice and even sang "Happy Anniversary" to us and we got a second glass of champagne on the house.”
  21. “Waters edge is a landmark in NY , food and the service is wonderful”
  22. “The waiter was attentive, the food was delicious and the views of the city were great.”
  23. “Don't get me wrong the place is beautiful & the view is great but if you expect great service don't go there.”
  24. “Everyone was very attentive to the point were the head waiter call us by name" How is everything Mr & Mrs”
  25. “Such excellent service as well.”
  26. “it was really looking like there was a comeback for this place the food was good the service was good but.”
  27. “...and at roughly $500 for two (tax and tip included), that would suggest good service, good food and a clean environment”
  28. “We were greeted by rude people and the restaurant, to be kind.”
value
45.0% positive
  1. “When reserving, be mindful of the weather and expect to pay good money for the delicious cuisine doesnt come cheap.”
  2. “We weren't sure what the Prix Fixe menu would have to offer, but decided that the restaurant was too pricey to try any other time.”
  3. “They also have a sommelier who was very helpful in recommending wines and was not at all pushy in making us order the expensive bottle.”
  4. “But honestly, they could have served me a Happy Meal and I would have been content -- I got my money's worth the moment I set eyes on the view and the dining room.”
  5. “Lunch is a great value if you can't afford a minimum of $50 pp for dinner.”
  6. “It was a tasteless wine that we know was a cheap $5 wine.”
  7. “The appetizers and $14 martini my not be your best value.”
  8. “Save your money dont go to waters edge , terrible service and bad hospitality, It's a Circus named waters edge”
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. “Its really sad but i have heard that this restaurant group Singh hospitality is the worst on long island.”
3 Star Rating: Average

07/31/11

Expensive

by TPatter at Citysearch

I went there after hearing how great it was. Wow. The bread was stale, the salad was overpriced and empty. The pasta was well cooked, didn't have enough sauce though or flavor. I though it was expensive and I prefer Bella Via just blocks away by far.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/24/11

Go straight to the Best: The Water's Edge

by SuzyQ2011 at Citysearch

I recently had my wedding (ceremony and reception) at The Water's Edge. From the very first meeting, I was impressed. The coordinator, Kathy, is phenomenal. The staff is professional, efficient, and very friendly.

The wonderful view of manhattan is an added bonus!!

All of our guests have nothing but compliments regarding our event that evening. All we can say in response is to thank The Water's Edge staff: from those directly involved to those behind the scenes.

Our wedding was flawless, rememberable and lots of fun!!!

A special thank you to Kathy, Mildred, Jason, Scott and Paul. You were all wonderful and we are eternally grateful for your assistance in making our special evening spectacular!!!!!!

4 Star Rating: Recommended

03/08/11

A Gem - Come and see for Yourself

by Nycgotham at Citysearch

First, I eat out at least 4 times per week due to my schedules and at least take the family out once for dinner every weekend. Some of the reviews sound oddly malicious with an overtone of an agenda.

The restaurants view is an absolute dream. Very romantic and while some may find the place pricey, I can say that it is not. When you take into account all the wonderful elements going on at once you will appreciate the uniqueness and quality of the restaurant.

The wait staff was very nice but could be more diverse. The food was unique and serve in a very well timed manner (a lost art in most of NYC eateries now a days). The place is very pretty and not the easiest to get to if you don't know LIC - Come to bring someone you care for - I brought my wife, 3 year old and sister-in-law. They are still talking about the place.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

03/03/11

For a Fabulous Wedding!

by private individual at Citysearch

My daughter's wedding reception at Water's Edge received the highest compliments from our guests. Everyone raved about the atmosphere (elegant rooms and absolutely incomparable views) and the fabulous food!

Service was wonderful; everyone was cheerfully cooperative and helpful. Paul, the maitre d', was totally professional and always on top of things. Thank you everyone at Water's Edge.

Ruth, mother of the Bride

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/03/11

AMAZING!!!!What a beautiful place....

by foodiem18 at Citysearch

We came here during restaurant week- I have read mixed reviews and all I have to say it is was delicious!!! We came over from Manhattan and are true foodies- so it often times hard to impress us. This was the best meal I have had in a while! The ambiance was beautiful, decor beautiful and the meal was delicious. We had the butternut squash soup, scallops, braised short ribs, and 2 amazing desserts. The service was fantastic...there were at least two waiters who came over the entire night. I highly reccommedn for the food and the views!

The Details on Water's Edge

Place Categories:

  • great view
  • good food
  • great place
  • great good service
  • attentive waiter
  • rude restaurant
  • mediocre ok food
  • very good meal
  • perfect romatic dinner
  • romantic decor
  • very bad atmosphere
  • worst dining
  • not best value
  • attentive captain
  • suggest clean environment
  • worst restaurant group singh hospitality
  • attentive john
  • wonderful evening
  • tasteless wine
  • great dinning experience
  • pushy sommelier
  • good live piano player
  • poor design
  • terrible service
  • great experince

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

New York

Best of Citysearch

New York

Message from Water's Edge

  • Complimentary Ferry from NYC
  • Private Ballroom with NYC View
  • Award Winning Wine List

Located on the East River facing Manhattan & Roosevelt Island, Water's Edge boasts stunning views of the Queens Borough Bridge, Chrysler Building & United Nations. Eclectic Menus, exceptional service and unsurpassed ambiance makes Water's Edge a home away from home for local foodies, Manhattanites & visitors alike. The complimentary Water Ferry services guests from the East 23rd St. Pier and acts as a perfect escape for Manhattanites from The Island.

Group Dining is available within the restaurant while more elaborate events are held on the upper level, featuring an unobstructed breathtaking panoramic view of the City's spectacular sights. Menus are personalized to suit the palates of each guest and full event planning services are available within.

Al Fresco dining on the wrap-around promenade. Arrive in style with your own Captain, Docking available by advanced reservation.

Water's Edge
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