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Mari
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Mari
8.8
A one-Michelin-star handroll omakase where Chef Sungchul Shim reframes temaki through a Korean lens. The pacing is elegant but approachable, with top-tier seafood and banchan-style interludes that make it feel like a full Korean tasting journey.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal handroll tasting, Cured mackerel roll, Final banchan & seafood course
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Michelin-starred Korean handroll omakase unlike anything else nearby.
Who should go: Omakase fans curious about Korean flavors.
When to visit: Weekday dinners for the calmest counter pace.
What to order: Tasting menu, mackerel roll, mushroom/veg roll sequence.
Insider tip: Skip a heavy lunch—this tasting grows richer as it goes.
Mari
8.7
A contemporary Korean fine‑dining venue offering elegant hand‑roll tasting menus in a sleek, intimate space — ideal for a romantic splurge. The balance of tradition and modern design makes it stand out for a special evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
13‑course Sushi‑Roll Tasting, Marinated Fish Hand Rolls, Seasonal Kimchi Side Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: High‑end Korean hand‑roll tasting in a modern intimate space.
Who should go: Couples celebrating milestones or splurging.
When to visit: Dinner, especially weekends.
What to order: Full tasting menu with hand‑rolls, seasonal side plates.
Insider tip: Ask for chef’s seasonal recommendation — it often includes rare ingredients.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $15, street parking is challenging in the evening due to high traffic.
Dress code: Smart casual – trendy yet polished attire is recommended, jeans are fine but lean dressy.
Noise level: Moderate - the intimate space allows for private conversations, but it can get busier during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though it can get busy around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - limited vegetarian options available, though not a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly dishes, but the focus is on seafood and protein-based items.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options, with dedicated prep areas to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely! The intimate setting, luxury dining, and unique tasting menu make it a fantastic choice for impressing your date while offering a memorable, romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it's possible, it's not recommended, especially on weekends. Mari is a popular spot, and tables fill up quickly, particularly during peak dining hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Mari is best suited for adults or older teens, especially those enjoying fine dining. The atmosphere is elegant and quiet, making it less appropriate for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Mari excels in offering a luxurious and intimate fine-dining experience with high-end Korean hand-rolls, making it a standout for romantic splurges and special occasions.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual or family-friendly restaurant with extensive vegetarian or vegan options, Mari may not be the best fit.
Mari
8.9
Mari delivers a refined Korean hand‑roll omakase in a cozy Hell’s Kitchen setting — precise, artful, and intimate. Locals book in advance for chef‑driven tasting menus that highlight seasonal fish and rice. The Michelin star sets a high bar for quality and consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase hand‑roll set, Seasonal nigiri dozen, Chef’s choice dessert course
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Korean hand‑roll omakase by a Michelin‑starred team.
Who should go: Seafood lovers wanting intimate omakase.
When to visit: Dinner after 7 p.m., reservations recommended.
What to order: Full omakase roll set, seasonal nigiri, dessert course.
Insider tip: Ask for the seat by the counter for chef interaction.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, valet available for $15.
Dress code: Smart casual attire recommended, no shorts or flip-flops.
Noise level: Moderate - quiet enough for intimate conversation but some background buzz.
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options, but a few dishes can be adapted.
Vegan options: Very limited - 1-2 options, best to inform in advance.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the intimate setting and chef interaction create a romantic atmosphere perfect for a memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's highly recommended to reserve in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant fills up quickly due to its Michelin-star reputation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children. The setting is more suited for adults, and the tasting menu experience may not hold children's attention.
Best For
Better for: Mari excels at offering an intimate, Michelin-star tasting experience with a focus on Korean hand-rolls, making it a unique option for seafood lovers seeking artistry in their meal.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual dining experience or a large variety of dishes, consider alternatives that offer more mainstream or family-friendly options.
Mari
8.7
Upscale Korean dining with refined small plates and elevated cocktails — a go‑to for late‑night sophistication after a show. Perfect for guests looking for quality and ambiance in one stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean fusion small plates, Signature cocktail, Chef’s seasonal special
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Contemporary Korean plates paired with cocktails in a polished space.
Who should go: Couples, friends out late, cocktail seekers.
When to visit: After 11 PM, post‑showtime.
What to order: Small plates sampler, signature cocktail, dessert special.
Insider tip: Go late — quieter bar seating for a more relaxed vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Hell's Kitchen, but valet is available for $15.
Dress code: Smart casual – trendy, upscale attire recommended.
Noise level: Moderate – quiet enough for intimate conversations, but the atmosphere is lively.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 min wait without a reservation, especially after 11 PM.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though it can get busier closer to the weekend.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – there are vegetarian options on the menu, including some innovative small plates.
Vegan options: Limited – a few vegan-friendly dishes, but not a dedicated menu section.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free options are available with careful preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, absolutely! The ambiance is perfect for a romantic first date – intimate, chic, and sophisticated.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and late nights when the restaurant is busiest.
Is it kid-friendly? While the restaurant has a trendy atmosphere suited for adults, it's not ideal for young children. It's better suited for those aged 18 and up.
Best For
Better for: Mari excels in offering an upscale late-night Korean dining experience with signature cocktails, perfect for date nights and after-show dinners.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual, family-friendly meal or a quick bite, this might not be the right spot.