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Celestine
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Celestine
8.5
Celestine is a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant at the base of the Manhattan Bridge with wraparound windows framing the skyline and river. Its mezze, lamb, and seafood skew slightly upscale without feeling formal, making it a favorite for date nights that hinge on both flavor and views. The terrace and soft, candlelit interior tilt romantic whether you’re sharing a bottle of wine or a family-style spread.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Mezze Platter, Harissa Roasted Chicken, Whole Branzino
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Riverfront Mediterranean plates with dramatic bridge views and soft lighting.
Who should go: View-obsessed couples sharing mezze, wine, and a long evening
When to visit: Book just before sunset to watch the skyline shift to night
What to order: Mezze platter, harissa roasted chicken, whole branzino
Insider tip: Ask for a window or terrace table and plan a post-dinner waterfront walk.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in DUMBO, especially near the waterfront; nearby paid garages along Front St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated outfits feel at home with the views, but no formalwear required.
Noise level: Moderate; the room is lively during peak hours but still allows comfortable conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-in waits can stretch 45–75 minutes depending on weather and terrace demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal waits, with same-day reservations easy to secure when lunch service is offered.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of mezze and several mains can be made vegetarian; staff is accustomed to modifying dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; expect a few mezze options and occasional seasonal vegetable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Many plates are naturally gluten-free, including seafood and grilled items; cross-contact is manageable but not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Celestine’s river views, warm lighting, and shareable mezze create an easy, romantic atmosphere without overwhelming formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly on weekdays, but weekends are challenging. Walk-ins should arrive early and be open to bar seating or outdoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly; the space skews romantic and adult-focused, though well-behaved older kids are welcome during earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Couples seeking skyline views with Mediterranean flavors in a setting that feels special without being stiff.
Skip if: You want extremely quiet dining, budget-friendly plates, or highly adventurous cuisine—other DUMBO spots may fit those needs better.
Celestine
8.4
Celestine is a Mediterranean-leaning restaurant on the DUMBO waterfront where floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace frame the Manhattan skyline. Menus center on mezze, seafood, and vegetable-forward plates that skew polished but relaxed, ideal for date nights, small celebrations, and long brunches with views.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whole branzino for two, Lamb ragu with tomato and garlic, Lamb croquettes
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Mediterranean plates served with sweeping river and skyline views.
Who should go: View-focused diners who want polished but relaxed Mediterranean.
When to visit: Sunset into evening or weekend brunch on the terrace.
What to order: Mezze spread, whole branzino for two, lamb croquettes.
Insider tip: Book outdoor seating in warm months; the patio is highly coveted.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the waterfront; nearby paid garages on Water St. and Pearl St. offer the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished; elevated outfits fit the room’s ambiance and the skyline-forward setting.
Noise level: Moderate; indoor tables can get lively during peak hours but still allow easy conversation, while terrace seating is generally quieter.
Weekend wait: Expect little to no chance of walk-in seating; reservations are essential and walk-in waits can exceed 60 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically calm with little to no wait, especially for indoor seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options across mezze, salads, and vegetable-forward plates; easy to build a full meal.
Vegan options: Moderate selection; several mezze and salads are naturally vegan or easily adapted.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are gluten-free or adaptable; staff can guide substitutions, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—sweeping skyline views, warm lighting, and shareable mezze create a relaxed but elevated atmosphere ideal for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays at off-peak hours, but unlikely during sunset or weekend dinner; the terrace is almost never available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally better for adults; older kids may be fine during brunch, but the ambiance, menu style, and pacing skew romantic rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, elegant Mediterranean plates, and a romantic terrace setting that outshines most DUMBO competitors for date nights and special-occasion brunches.
Skip if: You want ultra-formal fine dining, high-energy group dining, or a menu with extensive meat-heavy or comfort-classic options.
Celestine
8.5
Celestine is a modern Mediterranean restaurant on the DUMBO waterfront where floor-to-ceiling windows and a wraparound terrace frame the Manhattan skyline. Mezze, branzino, and lamb skew polished but relaxed, making it a go-to for anniversaries, proposal dinners, and long brunches with a view.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze platter, Whole branzino, Lamb chops
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Mediterranean plates served against floor-to-ceiling bridge and river views.
Who should go: View-obsessed couples planning romantic celebrations.
When to visit: Book just before sunset to watch the skyline change.
What to order: Mezze platter, whole branzino, grilled lamb chops.
Insider tip: Request terrace seating in warmer months for the most dramatic photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially near the waterfront; paid garages on Front Street and Pearl Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning polished—date-night attire fits the room; upscale denim is acceptable but most guests dress intentionally.
Noise level: Moderate; the dining room stays lively but you can comfortably hold a conversation, especially at terrace tables.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes, especially near sunset.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; terrace seating may take an extra 5–10 minutes in warm weather.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several strong options, including mezze, salads, and vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—expect 2–3 mezze or modified dishes; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Multiple GF-friendly dishes, especially seafood and grilled items; note that breads and some mezze contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—views, lighting, and shareable mezze make it an easy, romantic setting without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during weekday lunch, but sunset and weekend evenings are tough; walk-ins may find limited bar or terrace openings depending on weather.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; well-behaved children are welcome, but there’s no dedicated kids’ menu and the ambiance leans romantic.
Best For
Better for: Couples prioritizing skyline views and shareable Mediterranean plates in a polished, celebratory setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate room without waterfront foot traffic, or need extensive vegan or gluten-free entrée options.
Celestine
8.4
Celestine sits right on the DUMBO waterfront, serving Eastern Mediterranean–leaning plates in a room wrapped with floor-to-ceiling windows and a seasonal terrace. Mezze, seafood, and vegetable-forward dishes make it a favorite for date nights and small celebrations that want polished food without stiffness.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter, Whole Branzino for Two, Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Mediterranean plates served against bridge-and-skyline views from the terrace.
Who should go: View-focused diners planning romantic dinners or brunch.
When to visit: Sunset into evening or warm-weather weekend brunch.
What to order: Mezze platter, whole branzino, grilled lamb chops.
Insider tip: Book early and request outdoor terrace seating when the weather cooperates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the waterfront; nearby garages at Empire Stores or on Water Street usually have availability but can be pricey.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests lean polished due to the views and celebratory vibe, but elevated jeans and a nice top are perfectly appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate; the dining room stays conversational even during peak hours, with slightly more buzz on the terrace.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes depending on weather and terrace demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially indoors; the terrace may see a short queue on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several mezze, salads, and vegetable-forward mains are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 dishes can be made vegan or are naturally vegan, but mains skew more seafood- and dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Good selection — many mezze, proteins, and salads are gluten-free or can be adjusted; staff is accustomed to navigating substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the skyline views, polished plates, and steady noise level create an intimate setting without feeling formal or high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but timing matters. Weeknights and earlier seatings offer better walk-in success. Terrace seating for walk-ins is unlikely on warm-weather days.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the space is comfortable for well-behaved kids at brunch or early dinner, but the menu and ambiance lean more adult and date-focused. No dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Romantic waterfront meals, sunset celebrations, and Mediterranean flavors in a polished but relaxed setting.
Skip if: You want a lively rooftop party vibe, very casual dining, or a wide range of vegan entrées — other DUMBO spots may fit those needs better.
Celestine
8.5
Celestine is a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on the DUMBO waterfront known for vegetable-forward plates, mezze, and thoughtful mains framed by floor-to-ceiling bridge and skyline views. Its softly lit dining room and seasonal terrace make it a staple for modern date nights and small celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal mezze platter with house-baked flatbread, Whole grilled branzino with herbs and citrus, Spiced lamb chops with yogurt and charred vegetables
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Mediterranean plates served beside floor-to-ceiling windows and river views.
Who should go: View-focused diners planning romantic dinners or brunch.
When to visit: Sunset or weekend brunch when the terrace is open.
What to order: Mezze spread, whole branzino, spiced lamb chops.
Insider tip: Book early and ask for a window or terrace table by the water.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially near the waterfront; nearby paid garages on Water St. and Pearl St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — polished tops, dresses, and elevated denim all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is comfortable, but the room gets livelier during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: Walk-ins may face 45–75 minutes depending on weather and terrace demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easier to secure window tables midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — vegetable-forward mezze and mains make it approachable for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Moderate — 2–3 dishes can be made vegan, though options rotate seasonally.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — several mezze and proteins are naturally gluten-free; staff is used to modifying plates.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the waterfront views, warm lighting, and shareable mezze create a relaxed but elevated atmosphere that works well for a first date without feeling over-the-top.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable; walk-ins may snag early or late tables, but prime-time window or terrace seating is unlikely without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the setting is refined and better suited to older kids or teens. There’s no dedicated kids’ menu, and the ambience leans romantic rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Panoramic river and bridge views, polished Mediterranean flavors, and a stylish dining room that feels celebratory without being formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, budget-friendly meal, or prefer heartier portions and casual service over scenic ambience and shared mezze plates.
Celestine
8.3
Celestine is a Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on the DUMBO waterfront, pairing bridge and skyline views with a seasonal menu that leans into vegetables, mezze, and thoughtfully sourced meats and fish. It functions as both an events venue and dining room, making it a polished choice for brunches, occasions, and view-driven dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mezze Platter, Whole Branzino, Spiced Lamb Chops
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seasonal Mediterranean plates served beside floor-to-ceiling river and bridge views.
Who should go: View-focused diners planning polished brunches or celebrations.
When to visit: Sunset or weekend brunch for light, views, and terrace energy.
What to order: Shared mezze platter, whole branzino, spiced lamb chops.
Insider tip: Request a window or terrace table when reserving to maximize the skyline.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially near the waterfront; nearby paid garages on Pearl St. and Water St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—elevated outfits fit the room and skyline views; polished denim is acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate; conversation is comfortable at most tables, though patio and peak dinner service can get lively.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes depending on weather and terrace demand.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially outside peak tourist hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—mezze, salads, and vegetable-forward mains offer multiple satisfying options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—1–2 mezze and a vegetable entrée can be adapted; confirm with staff for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes are naturally gluten-free or can be modified; staff is accustomed to handling requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—waterfront views, soft lighting, and shareable mezze make it an easy win for a polished but not overly formal first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but uncertain—walk-ins are taken, but prime-time terrace and window seats rarely open up. Arrive early or target weekday evenings for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—staff is accommodating and the spacious layout helps, but the menu and atmosphere skew adult and occasion-driven. Best for older kids or family celebrations rather than toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Scenic, view-driven meals with Mediterranean dishes that balance polish and seasonality—ideal for celebrations and brunches with ambience.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick meal, or prefer louder, more wallet-friendly neighborhood spots without a view premium.