River Deli

A Cozy Brunch at Brooklyn

We visited River Deli, a charming little Sardinian restaurant tucked away in a quiet brownstone neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Even the walk to the restaurant put us in a good mood - the peaceful streets, tree-lined sidewalks, and cozy houses made everything feel calm and pleasant. It was the kind of morning where you instinctively slow your pace, take a deep breath, and start romanticizing your life.

The exterior of the place was cute and understated, blending perfectly into the row of brownstones on the block. Inside, the space was filled with warm lighting, rustic wooden furniture, and an adorable, homey vibe that made us instantly feel relaxed.
Even though we arrived a bit past the typical brunch hour, there were still quite a few people enjoying wine, espresso, and late brunch at their own pace. There was no sense of rush or turnover pressure - just a soft buzz of conversation and clinking glasses.

We sat near the window where the sunlight poured in, softly warming the table and giving our plates a golden glow.
We really recommend the window seat! Watching the street and soaking up the ambiance made our meal feel even more special.

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What We Ordered

They have a chalkboard with the daily specials written on it, usually hung near the bar area.
The staff was friendly and welcoming - they gave us a brief explanation of the day’s dishes and answered our questions patiently. So don’t worry if you miss the blackboard before you sit down - they’ll walk you through it.

We started with a glass of white wine, which was crisp, light, and just dry enough to pair well with brunch.
The table also came with sauces and oil on the side - not really necessary for the dishes we ordered, but a nice touch nonetheless.

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Bistecca e Uova

Grilled hanger steak with 2 eggs and home fries

We asked for the steak medium rare, but what we got was very, very well done — no trace of pink at all.
That was a bit of a letdown, especially since hanger steak can be so flavorful when cooked properly. On top of that, it was extremely salty — so much so that it didn’t even need a sauce (and we love sauces). The eggs were fine, slightly runny, and the home fries were rustic and hearty, though nothing particularly memorable.

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Omelette con Pancetta e Mozzarella

Omelette with pancetta and mozzarella, served with mixed greens and home fries

The omelette looked promising and had a good amount of filling, but flavor-wise, it was also pretty salty.
The pancetta brought a smoky edge, but the salt kind of drowned out everything else. The mozzarella added a nice melty texture, but it didn’t really balance the saltiness. The salad on the side was a welcome bite of freshness and acidity, which helped cleanse the palate between bites.

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Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino

Spaghetti with egg pancetta, black pepper, and Parmigiano cheese

Finally, something we really enjoyed! The spaghetti was cooked al dente, and the flavors were simple, classic, and balanced. The black pepper and cheese brought warmth and richness, while the pancetta added savory depth without being overpowering. It was comforting, flavorful, and didn’t leave us parched — unlike the other dishes.

Plus, it came in a really cute plate that somehow just made the experience feel more special.
Weird how much a plate design can affect your mood — but aesthetics really do matter!

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How Was It?

Overall, everything was just a bit too salty.
If the seasoning had been toned down even 15–20%, it would’ve been a solid, satisfying brunch. The flavors were good in concept, and the ingredients felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared - but the salt overwhelmed what could’ve been much more enjoyable plates.

Also, the overcooked steak was unfortunate.
We don’t mind a slight miss on doneness, but this was more than just a slight miss - and for a brunch dish centered around the steak, that’s kind of hard to overlook.

Still, the ambiance of the restaurant made up for a lot. The space was beautiful, the vibe was calm but not sleepy, and the service was warm and unpretentious.
Everyone working there had this gentle energy - they let you take your time, they didn’t hover, and they genuinely seemed happy to be there.

One thing to note: this place is cash only.
There is an ATM inside the restaurant, but still - best to bring cash with you to avoid the hassle.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a salt-forward flavor profile, River Deli is absolutely worth checking out at least once. The dishes are rustic and hearty, the ingredients are high quality, and the neighborhood atmosphere is unmatched.

It’s the kind of place where you could sip wine for two hours, chat with a friend, and feel totally at home.

Even though the food didn’t totally win us over this time, we’d still come back to give dinner a shot - especially given how cozy and charming the setting was. And hey, maybe next time we’ll request our steak extra rare just to meet in the middle.

After brunch, take a walk down to the waterfront - you can see the Manhattan skyline, and on a nice day, it’s the perfect way to end your visit to one of Brooklyn’s most peaceful little corners.