Celestine

"The view from Celestine is so nice it’s almost cheesy. If you snag a table on the outdoor patio, you’ll find yourself practically beneath the Manhattan Bridge, with the East River and downtown Manhattan right in front of you. So if you’re looking to impress a few tourists, this upscale Mediterranean restaurant will get the job done. You might assume that the food is an afterthought, but, fortunately, that’s not the case. Everyone should be happy sharing a $32 mezze platter and some well-cooked branzino.  " - bryan kim, will hartman

"The stunning, floor-to-ceiling views at Celestine could make even a mediocre date go magically right. The food menu — grilled prawns, short rib ragu — is straightforward with a dozen or so wines available by the glass. In warmer months, seating is available outdoors." - Eater Staff

"The only way Celestine could be closer to the water is if it were on a boat, and it’s best if you can get a seat outside or near the window here. This Dumbo restaurant has a great view of the Manhattan Bridge, and it's the perfect place to book a last-minute table for an important meal that you forgot to plan. The Eastern Mediterranean food—mezze, lamb skewers, halibut with zhug, branzino—gets the job done, and the riverside setting feels special occasion-worthy." - Willa Moore, Bryan Kim, Carina Finn Koeppicus, Hannah Albertine

"Your clients from LA mentioned that it’d be nice to have dinner near the water. Instead of taking them to a clubstaurant or asking why they need to see water when they live next to the ocean, go to Celestine. This Mediterranean spot in Dumbo has great views of the East River and Manhattan, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio that gets a nice breeze. Unlike other waterfront spots in the neighborhood, Celestine actually feels pretty casual, so it’s a good place to impress clients without making a big deal about it." - Team Infatuation

"The back patio at Celestine sits right above the waterfront in Dumbo, and the view will make your date suddenly feel open to the idea of going on another date with you. While you take in a couple of bridges, the East River, and Manhattan, you can eat a big plate of Mediterranean mezze. The food is a little bit pricey - but this place isn’t too stuffy, so it’s not like you’ll have to find whatever you wore to prom and put that on before you come here." - bryan kim, katherine lewin, hillary reinsberg