Offering the most spectacular views of Manhattan is part of what makes Water’s Edge Restaurant so special. The other part is that the food matches the setting.
After a recent renovation by new owner Singh Hospitality Group, operators of nine restaurants and catering facilities on Long Island, the cherished and respected restaurant has been brought back to its former glamour and quality. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to dine there for lunch or dinner. The menu has been carefully designed by their master chef.
We began our meal with a crunchy crab cake loaded with fish and light bread crumbs served on a bed of corn spuma. The roasted baby beet tower was beautiful to look at and tasty, too. The goat cheese Mousse Brûlée was piled between the beets in a balsamic reduction. Another winner is also the braised short rib timbale served on braised endive with chanterelles in a red wine reduction. Of course there is the perfectly-prepared classic Caesar Salad served with shaved Reggiano cheese, a nice touch. We also sampled the char-broiled baby octopus. The large portion was served with fingerling potatoes, capers and yellow peppers sprinkled with a jalapeno oil.
For vegetarians, one of our party appreciated the stuffed vegetable trio – mushroom cannelloni, a stuffed tomato and squash. It was a delight to the eye and palate.
There is an extensive and impressive wine list that goes from moderate to expensive and the staff can advise you on your selection.
We couldn’t miss the desserts and Water’s Edge has outstanding choices. My husband had his favorite, a warmed apple crisp topped by vanilla ice cream. My friend loved the banana bread pudding served with a caramel sauce. For me, my decadent side was satisfied by the chocolate molten lava cake served with vanilla ice cream. I tried to leave some over out of respect to my figure but this one was irresistible.
Of course, if you are having a party the second floor is perfect with its floor-to-ceiling windows and marvelous food that we sampled in the dining room. They can accommodate up to 350 people.
The attentive staff and superb food make Water’s Edge in Long Island City a destination location wherever you live. There is even a weekend ferry boat that brings guests from Manhattan to their deck on the East River.
Try it, you’ll love it!
Water’s Edge Restaurant
The East River at 44th Drive
Long Island City, N.Y. 11101
Phone 718-482-0033
Fax 718-937-8817
Dinner Monday through Saturday
5:30 to 11 p.m.
Lunch Monday through Friday
noon to 3 p.m.
Free and valet parking on-site.
