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Sea Fire Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sea Fire Grill
8.7
The Sea Fire Grill is a contemporary American seafood restaurant from the Benjamin Steakhouse team, pairing pristine fish and shellfish with polished service and a clubby, fireplace-warmed room. With thousands of strong reviews, it’s one of Midtown’s most reliable options for upscale seafood near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Lobster Roll, Pan-Roasted Day Boat Scallops
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-touch American seafood with precise execution, a serious wine program, and a refined Midtown setting.
Who should go: Seafood-focused business diners, dates, and celebratory groups.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or business lunches when service is at full stride.
What to order: Jumbo lump crab cake, lobster roll or whole fish, scallops.
Insider tip: Ask about the raw bar and off-menu seasonal fish specials if you’re a regular.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on Lexington Avenue; nearby garages on 48th–51st Streets typically run $35–$55 for evening stays.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers, dresses, and elevated separates fit the room; polished jeans are acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — a lively dining room but controlled enough for business conversations and date-night dialogue.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes with a reservation if the room is turning; walk-ins can face 45–60 minutes or no availability.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait with a reservation; walk-ins are usually seated within 10–15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present — expect a composed salad, vegetable starters, and occasionally a non-seafood entrée.
Vegan options: Very limited — modifications may be possible but there are no dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Strong — many seafood preparations are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen is accustomed to accommodating GF requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished service, refined seafood presentations, and warm, clubby ambiance create an impressive but not overly formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but unreliable. Weeknights before 6pm or after 8:30pm offer the best odds; peak hours and weekends typically book out.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for teens or mature kids; the menu and atmosphere skew adult with no children’s menu or dedicated amenities.
Best For
Better for: High-touch service, pristine seafood execution, and a quieter, more refined Midtown atmosphere than many competitors.
Skip if: You want a casual seafood shack vibe, prefer ultra-modern tasting menus, or need extensive vegan/vegetarian options.
Sea Fire Grill
8.7
Sea Fire Grill is Benjamin Restaurant Group’s seafood-forward steakhouse, pairing pristine fish and shellfish with serious prime steaks in a polished Midtown East dining room. Locals and business travelers use it for power lunches, date nights, and celebratory surf-and-turf dinners near Grand Central.
Must-Try Dishes:
Surf & Turf with filet mignon and lobster, Lobster Bisque, Spanish Octopus
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seafood-focused fine dining that still treats prime steaks and surf-and-turf like headliners.
Who should go: Business diners and couples wanting upscale seafood and steak.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or weekday lunches when service runs at full tilt.
What to order: Surf & Turf, Lobster Bisque, Spanish Octopus.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal crudo or shellfish specials if you want the kitchen’s freshest picks.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited during business hours; meters free after 7pm. Nearest reliable option is the ICON garage at 140 E 48th St (2–3 minute walk).
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers, dresses, polished denim acceptable. Avoid overly casual gymwear.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinners but controlled enough for business conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, though larger groups should book ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present — salads, sides, and occasional seasonal vegetable entrées.
Vegan options: Sparse — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many seafood and steak items are naturally gluten-free; GF modifications available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, attentive service, and strong seafood-and-steak menu create an elegant but not stuffy setting ideal for an elevated first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are feasible early on weeknights or for late dinners. Prime hours often require booking, though bar seats are a reliable backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — the space is upscale and geared toward adults, but well-behaved older kids and teens fit fine. No dedicated kids' menu.
Best For
Better for: Refined surf-and-turf dining with polished service, especially for business meals or celebratory seafood-forward dinners.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly steakhouse or a restaurant with extensive vegetarian/vegan choices.