Celestine is a Mediterranean restaurant at 1 John St in DUMBO, Brooklyn, beneath the Manhattan Bridge. Floor-to-ceiling windows look across the East River toward the bridges and Manhattan skyline, while outdoor tables bring you close to the waterfront. The menu draws on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, with shareable mezze and larger wood-fired mains. Order hummus or whipped labneh to start, then consider grilled octopus, steak or fish. The polished dining room and attentive service suit a date or a special occasion.
A waterfront dining room beneath the bridge
Celestine sits at 1 John St on the DUMBO waterfront, at the northern end of Brooklyn Bridge Park. The Manhattan Bridge passes directly overhead. From inside, floor-to-ceiling windows frame the East River, the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Depending on your seat, you may also see the Brooklyn Bridge. The large windows bring daylight into the contemporary dining room, and at night the bridge and city lights give the view a different character.
The outdoor terrace puts you closer to the river and the bridge. Tables facing the skyline are first come, first served, so booking ahead does not guarantee one. If sitting outside is important, ask about availability when you arrive. The setting has a trade-off: trains cross overhead regularly, and the sound can interrupt conversation on the patio. Inside is the more sheltered choice if you want a quieter meal.
A menu for sharing, then settling in
The menu takes a seasonal approach to Mediterranean cooking, with Middle Eastern and North African influences. Mezze make a natural start for the table. Hummus and whipped labneh are among the options, and other dishes mentioned on the menu include pistachio feta spread and short rib manti, small dumplings served with garlic yogurt. You can build a meal around a few plates to share before choosing a main.
Larger dishes include wood-fired proteins. The roasted half chicken comes with toum and gremolata; whole branzino is served with salsa Veracruz. Chermoula-rubbed branzino for two is another preparation noted on the menu. Other reported orders include grilled octopus and ribeye steak. Menu selections are seasonal, so the dishes available can change. For dessert, Basque cheesecake is a reported choice; chocolate ice cream and chocolate mousse cake have also appeared among diners’ orders.
Choosing a table and occasion
Celestine’s setting and service make it a fit for date nights, birthdays and other special meals. The atmosphere is polished, and diners have described attentive, welcoming service. It is also used for private events, including weddings and milestone celebrations.
For the broadest view, request a table by the windows when you reserve, but treat the request as a preference rather than a guarantee. The terrace is appealing on a pleasant day, with greenery around the seating and an open outlook across the water. If conversation is your priority, choose indoors instead. At golden hour, the bridge and skyline shift in the changing light; after dark, the illuminated bridge becomes part of the view. Celestine is an upscale restaurant, so plan for a higher-priced dinner rather than a casual, inexpensive stop.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Celestine?
Celestine is at 1 John St in DUMBO, Brooklyn, beneath the Manhattan Bridge and beside the East River.
Should I reserve a table at Celestine?
Reservations are recommended. Outdoor tables facing the skyline are first come, first served, so a reservation does not secure a patio seat.
Can you eat outside at Celestine?
Yes. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace by the river. Trains passing overhead can be loud, so an indoor table is a better choice if you want a quieter meal.
What kind of food does Celestine serve?
The menu draws on Mediterranean cooking, with Middle Eastern and North African influences. It includes shareable mezze and larger mains, including wood-fired proteins.
