If you’ve spent any time driving along the edge of Williamsburg, you’ve seen it. That somewhat unassuming brick building tucked away at 400 Kent Avenue. It doesn't look like the glass-and-steel luxury condos currently devouring the Brooklyn skyline. Honestly, it looks like a survivor. And it is. Giando on the Water Brooklyn NY is a strange, beautiful anomaly in a neighborhood that has changed more in the last decade than most cities do in a century.
It’s the kind of place where you half-expect to see a scene from a Scorsese film unfolding in the corner booth. But that’s exactly why people love it. Or why some people just don't get it.
The first time you walk into Giando, the contrast is jarring. Outside? The grit of Kent Avenue and the constant hum of construction. Inside? Massive crystal chandeliers, white tablecloths, and a window wall that hits you like a physical force. You aren't just looking at the Manhattan skyline; you’re practically wearing it.
Why Everyone Obsesses Over the View (and They Aren't Wrong)
Let's be real for a second. There are plenty of places in New York with a "view." Most of them involve squinting between two buildings or paying $30 for a lukewarm cocktail on a crowded rooftop.
Giando is different.
Because of its specific positioning on a bend of the East River, you get a panoramic shot of three bridges: the Williamsburg, the Manhattan, and the Brooklyn. It’s a trifecta. At night, when the city lights reflect off the water, it feels like a movie set. I’ve seen people who have lived in New York for thirty years walk into that banquet hall and just... stop.
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The Layout You Need to Know
- The Main Dining Room: This is where you go for a "normal" dinner. It’s downstairs, right on the water.
- The Grand Ballroom: Upstairs. This is the wedding powerhouse. If you’ve been invited to a gala here, this is where you’re headed.
- The Outdoor Patio: 7,500 square feet of private riverfront. It’s basically a massive balcony over the East River.
The "Old School" Vibe: Is It Dated or Classic?
This is where the opinions start to split. If you’re looking for a "minimalist, industrial-chic, Edison-bulb" kind of place, Giando is going to give you a heart attack. It is unapologetically old-school Italian-American. We are talking about plush carpets, ornate gold-rimmed chairs, and a staff that treats "hospitality" as a lifelong profession rather than a side hustle.
Personally? I think it’s refreshing. In a city of "concept" restaurants that disappear in six months, Giando has been around for over 30 years. There’s a weight to that. The owner, Anthony Prudenti, and the longtime managers like Joe Leone, have seen it all. They aren't trying to be "trendy." They’re trying to give you a massive plate of pasta while you look at the Empire State Building.
What About the Food?
Let’s talk about the menu, because people get very opinionated here. You aren't getting "deconstructed" anything. This is traditional Italian.
The Penne alla Vodka is a staple. It’s creamy, it’s heavy, and it’s exactly what you want it to be. The Chicken Francese and Veal Marsala are consistent crowd-pleasers. I’ve heard some foodies complain that it’s not "adventurous" enough, but honestly, that’s missing the point. You come here for the classics.
- The Seafood: Since it's right on the water, the Fried Calamari and Baked Clams are usually the move.
- The Dessert: If you don’t get the Italian Cheesecake or a Cannoli, did you even go to an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn?
- The Pricing: It’s not cheap. You’re paying for the real estate. Expect a prix-fixe lunch around $25-$40, while dinner and events can climb significantly higher.
The Wedding Machine: Why It’s Still a Top Choice
Giando is a wedding factory in the best possible way. They do one event at a time, which is a big deal in NYC. You won't find yourself sharing a hallway with another bride.
The "Giando Wedding" has a specific reputation. It’s efficient. It’s organized. Joe and Liz (the event gurus there) are famous for being "no-nonsense." They know how to move 200 people from a cocktail hour on the patio to a sit-down dinner without a hitch.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event here, the outdoor ceremony space is the "money shot." Having the Williamsburg Bridge as your altar backdrop is hard to beat, but please check the wind report. Being right on the river means it can get breezy enough to ruin a veil in seconds.
Realities and Limitations
Look, I’m not going to tell you it’s perfect. It’s not.
The location is a bit of a "dead zone" for public transit. If you aren't taking an Uber or driving (they do have valet parking, which is a godsend in Williamsburg), it’s a hike from the L or JMZ trains.
Also, if you’re a fan of "small plates" and "tasting menus," the portion sizes here might overwhelm you. It is hearty food. It is "Sunday dinner at Grandma's" food, but with a better view.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Make a Reservation for Sunset: If you’re just going for dinner, check your weather app. Aim to be seated 20 minutes before the sun goes down. The transition from day to night over the Manhattan skyline is the entire reason you're paying the bill.
- Dress the Part: You could wear jeans, but why? This is a place for a blazer or a nice dress. The room is formal; you’ll feel better if you match the energy.
- Valet is Your Friend: Parking on Kent Avenue is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a street spot. Just pull up to the front and let the valet handle it.
- Intimate Events: While they can hold up to 400, they also do smaller rooms for 40-50 people. If you have a milestone birthday or a retirement party, it’s one of the few places in Brooklyn that feels "grand" for a mid-sized group.
At the end of the day, Giando on the Water is a piece of "Old Brooklyn" that refused to leave. It doesn't care about TikTok trends or what’s "cool." It cares about white-glove service, big views, and even bigger plates. If you can appreciate that, it's easily one of the most memorable spots in the five boroughs.
Next Steps for Planning Your Visit
To get the most out of your trip to Giando, call their main line at (718) 387-7000 to confirm their current dinner hours, as they often close the main dining room for private weddings on Saturday nights. If you're scouting for a venue, request a walkthrough of both the upstairs ballroom and the lower patio to see how the lighting changes between the two levels. For a casual introduction, try their weekday lunch prix-fixe, which offers a much lower entry point to experience the view without the "wedding-level" price tag.