A Cozy Brunch at Brooklyn
We visited River Deli, a charming little spot tucked away in a quiet brownstone neighborhood in Brooklyn. Even the walk to the restaurant put us in a good mood — the peaceful streets and cozy houses made everything feel calm and pleasant.
The exterior of the place was cute and understated, and the interior had warm lighting and an adorable, homey vibe. Even though we arrived a bit past the typical brunch hour, there were still quite a few people enjoying wine and late brunch at their own pace.
We sat near the window where all the sunlights were coming in. We really recommend the window seat!
What we ordered
They have their today’s special menu written in the blackboard. Employees will give you brief explanation about the specials before we make the orders, so don’t worry if you miss the blackboard before you decided to order.
- Bistecca e uova
Grilled hanger steak with 2 eggs and home fries They asked us how we’d like our steak cooked — we said medium rare, but what came out was… very, very well done.
It was also super salty — honestly, salty enough that it didn’t even need a sauce.
- Omelette con pancetta e mozzarella
Served with mixed salad and home fries The omelette itself was nothing special — just your average omelette — but like the steak, it was also quite salty.
- Spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino
Spaghetti with egg pancetta, black pepper, and parmigiano cheese This was actually our favorite of the three. The flavors were simple and balanced, and finally something that wasn’t overly salty!
Plus, it came in this really cute plate that weirdly made me happy. Aesthetics matter!
How was it?
Overall, everything was just a bit too salty. If the seasoning had been toned down just a little, it would’ve been a really solid meal. Aside from the steak being way overcooked, the flavors themselves weren’t bad — but the saltiness made it hard to fully enjoy. This place is cash only. There is an ATM inside the restaurant, but still — best to bring cash with you to avoid the hassle. That said, the vibe, the space, and the charm of the neighborhood all made it a lovely spot. Even though the food was a bit too salty for our taste, the area is perfect for a post-meal stroll with a Manhattan skyline view.
Final Thoughts : Should you go?
So if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a saltier flavor profile, River Deli is worth checking out at least once.