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Cecconi's Dumbo
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.8
Cecconi’s Dumbo is a waterfront Italian restaurant in the Empire Stores complex where dressed-up diners eat hand-made pasta and pizza under vaulted ceilings and chandeliers or on a covered patio facing the skyline. It’s more about the full scene—views, cocktails, and polished service—than chasing the best value in town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Zucchini fritti with lemon aioli, Cacio e pepe, Wood-fired pizza with seasonal toppings
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A high-ceilinged, waterfront Italian dining room where hand-made pasta and pizzas share equal billing with Manhattan skyline views.
Who should go: Couples or small groups seeking a scenic, dressed-up Italian dinner.
When to visit: Book around sunset to catch daylight, dusk, and the skyline lighting up.
What to order: Zucchini fritti to start, a wood-fired pizza, and a classic pasta like cacio e pepe.
Insider tip: Request patio or window seating when you book; the view exponentially boosts the experience, especially for out-of-town guests.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is extremely limited in DUMBO; nearby paid lots and garages around Old Fulton Street and Brooklyn Bridge Park are the most reliable option. Ride-share is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — jeans are acceptable, but most guests lean polished with heels, button-downs, or cocktail attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can comfortably hold a conversation, but it gets louder as dinner fills up.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable pastas, salads, pizzas, and starters available.
Vegan options: Limited — some pastas and salads can be modified, but it’s not a true vegan-focused kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available; cross-contamination is possible in the wood-fired kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s an excellent first-date spot if you want instant atmosphere, skyline views, and polished service that does some of the romantic work for you.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but risky at dinner, especially on weekends. Bar seating opens up faster, but for patio or window tables you should absolutely reserve.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome during lunchtime and early dinners, but the evening vibe is geared more toward couples and adult dining than families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Views, waterfront ambiance, elevated date-night energy, and a full polished dining experience that feels special without being stuffy.
Skip if: You’re hunting for the best value Italian food, a quiet romantic hideaway, or a purely food-driven destination over scenery.
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.8
Cecconi's Dumbo serves a polished take on Northern Italian classics, including a rich lasagna that matches the room’s waterfront drama. Diners come as much for the skyline views and cocktails as for the handmade pastas, making it a go-to for occasions where atmosphere matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna, Truffled whipped ricotta, Brick oven pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Waterfront Italian with serious lasagna and postcard-worthy bridge views.
Who should go: Date nights and celebrations that justify a splurge.
When to visit: Golden hour into dinner for views and full menu.
What to order: Lasagna, truffled whipped ricotta, a brick oven pizza to share.
Insider tip: Request a river-facing table when reserving to maximize the view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited; nearby garages on Dock Street and Pearl Street typically run $20–$30 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated outfits fit the room’s upscale, waterfront setting.
Noise level: Moderate; lively dining room but still manageable for date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect long waits without a reservation; walk-ins often face 60+ minutes or may be turned away during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; reservations still recommended for outdoor tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes; multiple pastas, starters, and pizzas accommodate vegetarian diners.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable-forward dishes can be adjusted, but the menu skews dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes; gluten-free pasta options available upon request, though not all dishes can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the waterfront views, candlelit atmosphere, and polished service create a strong first impression without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during off-peak hours, but prime dinner slots and outdoor seating typically require booking in advance.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle a refined setting; no specific kid-focused amenities and the tone leans adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion dining with skyline views, polished service, and handmade Northern Italian dishes.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly pasta spot or prefer quieter, neighborhood-style Italian instead of a high-energy waterfront destination.
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.4
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Rooftop Views Revelry
Cecconi’s Dumbo is a waterfront Italian restaurant inside Empire Stores where chandeliers, brick walls, and river views frame pastas, pizzas, and spritzes. It’s a favorite for birthdays and group celebrations that want shareable dishes, a long wine list, and a lively room overlooking the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped ricotta with truffle honey, Black truffle cacio e pepe, Lobster spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Buzzy riverfront Italian with skyline views and big-group energy.
Who should go: Friends celebrating birthdays over pasta, pizza, and wine.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the room and terrace are lively.
What to order: Whipped ricotta, truffle cacio e pepe, lobster spaghetti.
Insider tip: Reserve the private dining room for more formal celebrations or speeches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in DUMBO, especially on weekends; nearby paid garages at Empire Stores and Dock Street are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; elevated denim is fine but most guests opt for polished outfits, especially for celebrations.
Noise level: Lively and energetic, especially in the main dining room; conversation is possible but expect a buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats fill quickly but turn over steadily.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though terrace seats may require a short queue on nice days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection of pastas, pizzas, and antipasti; several dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited options—salads and a few vegetable plates can be modified, but mains skew dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request and several mains are GF-friendly, though the pizza dough cannot be modified.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're aiming for a lively, high-energy setting with views; less ideal if you prefer quiet conversation or a more intimate atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly during off-hours, but weekend evenings almost always require reservations; bar seating is your best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who are comfortable in busy dining rooms; high chairs are available but space for strollers is limited during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations with views, large-group dinners, and those wanting classic Italian plates in a dramatic waterfront setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal, prefer hyper-regional Italian cooking, or need extensive vegan options.
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.7
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Inside Empire Stores on the waterfront, Cecconi’s Dumbo pairs wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas with chandeliers, marble tables, and river views. It’s a go-to for birthdays and group celebrations that want shareable Italian plates and spritzes in a buzzy, design-forward room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Ricotta with Truffle Honey, Cacio e Pepe, Lobster Spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Waterfront Italian with a terrace, skyline views, and a lively dining room.
Who should go: Groups celebrating over pasta, pizza, and spritzes.
When to visit: Weekend evenings when the terrace and bar buzz.
What to order: Whipped ricotta, truffle cacio e pepe, lobster spaghetti.
Insider tip: Ask for a terrace or window-adjacent table when booking to maximize the view.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially on weekends; nearby garages at Empire Stores and 85 Adams Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but comfortable. Dresses, button-downs, and polished denim fit the room’s design-forward vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during peak evenings; conversation is possible but expect a buzzy backdrop.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins, with terrace tables nearly always requiring advance reservations.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait, though window tables may still require a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection: pizzas, pastas, salads, and antipasti offer several well-executed vegetarian choices.
Vegan options: Limited; a few salads and vegetable sides can work, but mains are sparse for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available on request; pizzas are not reliably offered gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want a lively, beautiful setting with waterfront views. The energy leans celebratory, so it works best for extroverted or high-vibe first dates rather than quiet, intimate conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unpredictable. Bar seats or indoor walk-in tables may open up earlier in the evening; terrace seating is rarely available without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids or teens. The dining room is lively and spacious enough for groups, but it’s less suited for strollers or very young children during peak dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Larger celebrations, waterfront views, and stylish group dinners where ambience and shareable Italian dishes matter most.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate meal; need robust vegan options; or prefer a slower, chef-driven experience without a buzzy dining room.
Cecconi's Dumbo
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Girls Night Out Approved
Trendy Table Hotspots
Cecconi’s Dumbo is a waterfront Italian restaurant from the Soho House family, pairing hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas with chandeliers, marble, and terrace views of the Manhattan skyline. It is a go-to for dressed-up dinners and celebrations that still feel buzzy rather than stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle cacio e pepe, Whipped ricotta with toasted sourdough, Lobster spaghetti
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Upscale Italian cooking served in a glamorous room facing the river.
Who should go: Couples and groups celebrating with pasta, pizza, and spritzes.
When to visit: Golden hour into evening for terrace light and skyline.
What to order: Whipped ricotta, truffle cacio e pepe, lobster spaghetti.
Insider tip: Request a terrace table when booking to maximize bridge views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially evenings; nearby paid garages at Empire Stores and 85 Adams Street are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; many guests arrive in elevated outfits for photos and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is possible at smaller tables, but peak evenings can get buzzy.
Weekend wait: Plan for 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for terrace seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal to no wait, though window seats may require a short hold.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options across antipasti and pasta, including salads, whipped ricotta, and vegetable-forward mains.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and sides can be adapted, but mains skew dairy-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request; pizzas cannot be made gluten-free due to dough and oven constraints.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The waterfront setting, warm lighting, and shareable Italian plates create an easy atmosphere with just enough glamour to feel special without intimidating formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but timing matters. Walk-ins are sometimes accommodated at the bar or early evening; prime hours and terrace tables almost always require advance booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids during earlier hours, especially at lunch. Evenings skew louder and more adult-centric, with limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory dinners with skyline views, polished Italian dishes, and a glamorous atmosphere that feels lively rather than formal.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, need extensive vegan options, or prefer more casual pricing and ambience than a Soho House–affiliated restaurant typically offers.