This was fun. It's more about the boat, the location, and the view as the sun starts to go down than anything else, but we enjoyed it. Excellent, but pricey (but the VIEW!!!) oysters. I think mignonette should not be served in a salt dispenser. I definitely missed the chopped shallots.
The caviar hash brown was cute and tasty. The shrimp were kind of soggy and small in the chilled shrimp dish.
Ceviche was way too acidic overpowered the rest of the dish.
The scallops were excellent and looked beautiful.
Fellow dining companions enjoyed their lobster rolls.
The ragu was weird to me. Didn't have enough personality for a vegetarian dish, but the boyfriend enjoyed it.
We did send back our fries because they were ice cold but they sent back some hot ones.
Nice cocktails. Amazing Irish manager who is incredibly charming. Our server was a little awkward and disorganized, but also gracious.
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Sarah-Mikal Dalusma
Google
a year ago
5.0
The service, the food, and the ambiance were all excellent. This restaurant is on a literal boat, so I would recommend checking the weather app to look at the Wind MPH (anything above 12MPH will rock the boat a little much, so it you or your friends get seasick, I would recommend going on a less windy day). It’s a little on the pricier side because, of course, they offer a wide variety of seafood and each of the dishes we got were delicious.
J
Jeff Burns
Google
2 months ago
4.0
Really beautiful view, lovely to eat on deck. Some of the food was great (fresh and clean oysters, nice pickled veg. assortment, well-cooled trout filet). The chowder was served still very cold in the center. Drinks were OK. The hostess was welcoming and helpful. Oysters preparers were happily chatting with us as they worked. Servers were nice but not around much- they had a lot of area to cover. It's not cheap (almost $50 for a dozen oysters). But, eating topside on a small clipper ship with a view of downtown Manhattan is hard to beat!
T
Tyler Ellis
Google
2 months ago
5.0
Can't beat the atmosphere: a beautifully modified wood sail boat bobbing along the East River just across from the Southern tip of Manhattan. Great sunset views. The food was fantastic: delicious oysters, amazing lobster roll and the scallops were perfect. Service was polite and attentive.
K
Kristen L. Matulis
Google
3 months ago
5.0
I am obsessed with Pilot, I highly recommend this place! The boat has a great atmosphere to it and there are amazing views of Brooklyn + Lower Manhattan, regardless of where you sit. The food is incredible, the cocktails are delicious, and the staff are SO kind (Hannah took great care of our group)! I can't wait to return here, the vibes are immaculate and I will definitely be back!
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Laura Pariso
Google
3 months ago
5.0
I enjoy this place for brunch very much, it’s literally located on a boat so if aware if you can get seasick easily! Everything I got was amazing, the oysters were small but sweet and flavorful.
The crudo sea beam was very appetizing and refreshing because of it’s citrusy taste along with some herb and tomatillo.
The hash browns was well cooked and just perfect and you can pair with the steelhead caviar, sour cream and pickled onions and transcend the flavor to the next level.
The lobster roll was buttery and surprising with a generous amount of lobster! I added the leftover caviar on top of it and it’s full of seafood umami flavor.
At the end, I had the key lime mousse and the gateau, and the gateau was a delicious crumbly chocolaty cake/cookie mixture, I couldn’t finish it because I was too full but I wish I could have.
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Timothée Bourcier
Google
3 months ago
5.0
Amazing place and great experience at pilot, the view is outstanding during the sunset. Be aware that the boat is rocking especially when sitting on the sides.
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Vince Rappa
Google
3 months ago
4.0
Pilot is truly a unique dining experience. The classic sailboat that houses this restaurant is full of charm and character. The view of lower Manhattan is unbeatable and a lot of fun to watch as you enjoy dinner.
The food is fantastic but the entrée portions are rather small. The service is friendly and fast but not at the level you would expect for a restaurant like this.
I look forward to enjoying a meal here again soon.
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Lulu
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Great views and drinks! The oysters are a bit small compared to other locations. This location is dog friendly. I wish they had more food options. If you have motion sickness, I would advise not to eat here.
C
Campbell Cross
Google
4 months ago
4.0
I think its a once a year or couple times a year type of place, because everything is overpriced. Also the effort that is required for you to not fall over while you’re sitting on a barstool on a moving/swaying docked boat is considerable… The “black duck salt” oysters were just OK, they were on the smaller side for sure. The Navy Point oysters were medium to large size and are basically just Blue Point oysters (less flavorful but larger, more meat). I ordered a Revolución cocktail and my wife ordered a lemonade type drink. It took like 20 minutes for the drinks to come out, I finished my first 6 oysters and my wifes entree came out before we got our drinks. I got served the wrong cocktail but I didnt say anything because I’d already waited too long (they served me a “permanent vacation” instead of a “revolución”.) It was delicious but I didn’t order it. Again I didnt make a fuss because I had already waited too long so I just drank it as it was another rum based drink. I don’t know if I will return because there are more affordable oyster spots nearby (henry public for one example). The lobster rolls looked small to me so I didn’t order ($32 compared to lukes lobster which is like $26).
D
Drew Aichele
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Can I give atmosphere a 6 star? These drinks and oysters are for sure highlight. What a fun and special place to go. So cool. You pay for the views and being on a boat but if you’re a fan of Andy Sandburg…actually no don’t sing that song while you’re here. They’ll push you overboard. Amazing place. Drinks are so fun and did you know, IM THE CAPTAIN NOW!
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Sheila Xia
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Great location! The menu is great. Loved all the drinks and food.
T
Tanya Yarosh
Google
5 months ago
5.0
Amazing place. Must visit for the view and atmosphere, and the boat itself is so unique. You have everything you need for a great time : good food, amazing view, pleasant music and great atmosphere overall. The staff were also great and professional. We had oysters, sea scallops and lobster salad and all the food was delicious. Great place for the special occasion for sure.
M
Marc Taylor
Google
5 months ago
5.0
Wonderful manhattan views. Drinks were slightly watered down. Although docked, there was some motion from waves created by other vessels, so those with motion sickness should definitely come prepared. The fries are absolutely perfect, and the variety of oysters was good. My colleagues said the oysters were exquisite. Definitely plan to return. Make sure to make reservations.
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Vina Dai
Google
6 months ago
5.0
It was a last min reservation for 4:00pm which was the perfect time to go but plenty of people did walk-ins as well. The staff were nice and attentive. Food was delicious! Love the lobster roll. Scenery is great on the water. The cocktails were refreshing and made just right as well.
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Erik Johnson
Google
6 months ago
4.0
Go for cocktails, oysters, and a good time. The food, otherwise, is just fine - but not the point. The views of Lower Manhattan are outstanding. So is the service. Make reservations. Go early.
S
Sonny Ratcliff
Google
6 months ago
5.0
This boat is magic. I’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries as well as just getting drinks and enjoying the sunset and amazing views from here. If it’s available request the Captain’s Table at the front of the boat, is that the bow, I think that’s the bow. The oysters are always great and the house cocktails are delicious. Great place for a full meal or just drinks and an order of fries.
E
EK T
Google
7 months ago
5.0
Dining with a different experience on a yacht moored by Brooklyn heights piers. Specialties are the seafood especially the oysters. Servers were friendly. Boat can sway a bit with passing boats for those who gets a bit queasy and seasick. The food were great and oysters fresh. Great view of lower Manhattan.