Celestine
Mediterranean restaurant · DUMBO ·
Wood-fired Mediterranean & Middle Eastern fare with river views
Wood-fired Mediterranean & Middle Eastern fare with river views
"Tucked beneath the Manhattan Bridge, this coastal Mediterranean restaurant stands out with its unobstructed views of the downtown skyline from its Dumbo perch. Outdoor seating is definitely the go-to move if it’s available." - Nadia Chaudhury
"The only way Celestine could be closer to the water is if it were on a boat. It’s best if you can get a seat outside or near the window, where there are great views of the Manhattan Bridge. Despite the whole waterfront schtick, the restaurant is oddly not so hard to book last-minute. If you have an important meal you forgot to plan and like Eastern Mediterranean food, their mezze, roasted beets with tahini, and branzino get the job done." - willa moore, bryan kim, sonal shah, molly fitzpatrick, carina finn koeppicus, hannah albertine
"A lot of the places on this list are good for several cocktails, maybe some fries, and very little food, but Celestine is a Mediterranean spot in Dumbo where you should go for a full, sit-down meal with indoor and outdoor water views. There’s a wood-fired oven in the middle of the dining room, servers who are extremely excited to tell you about their small-production wines from Croatia or the Canary Islands, and a menu that might include things like arancini, and a branzino for two. Bring your parents here. Or come for an outdoor date night when a crowded boat bar just won’t cut it." - willa moore, bryan kim, neha talreja, matt tervooren, molly fitzpatrick
"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." - molly fitzpatrick, bryan kim, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah
"Your boss needs a place with a view, but you’ve tried and failed to book a table at Manhatta. Try Celestine instead. It isn’t on a rooftop - but it’s at the edge of the Dumbo waterfront, and it has a great view of the East River and Manhattan. The food is Mediterranean, and while it isn’t perfect, it’s pretty solid overall (we particularly like the Turkish dumplings). It’s also a nice minimalist space with high ceilings and big windows - and despite the fact that the view is probably worth several million dollars, reservations aren’t too tough." - bryan kim, chris stang
