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Marea
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Marea
9.1
A Michelin-starred Central Park South institution specializing in coastal Italian seafood with high-gloss technique. The crudo program and house-made pastas remain the calling cards, served in a power-dining room that feels celebratory without going stuffy. Expensive, but the kitchen’s precision keeps it destination-worthy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with octopus and bone marrow, Crudo tasting, Gnocchetti with lobster
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Seafood-driven Italian mastery in a Michelin setting.
Who should go: Celebrations and fine-dining seafood fans.
When to visit: Lunch for calmer service, or early dinner.
What to order: Crudo, fusilli, a seasonal fish entrée.
Insider tip: Bar seating is a great solo splurge with full menu access.
Marea
8.9
An established Italian‑seafood landmark on Central Park South blending refined execution with consistent excellence — a top choice for beautifully crafted fish and pasta dishes in a polished setting. The menu’s elegant seafood pastas and whole‑fish preparations reflect the pedigree and long‑standing acclaim locals and critics respect. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Ravioli, Whole‑Fish Branzino, Lobster Fra Diavolo
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Michelin‑caliber seafood pasta and whole‑fish dishes with impeccable consistency.
Who should go: Food‑focused diners and celebrators.
When to visit: Dinner for full experience.
What to order: Seafood ravioli, whole fish, lobster fra diavolo.
Insider tip: Reserve ahead — window seats with park view go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available for $15. Street parking is difficult, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual — upscale, but jeans are acceptable if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to low — perfect for conversation, though it can get a bit lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Expect a 45-60 minute wait without a reservation on weekends.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait typically during weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — there are vegetarian options, though seafood is the focus.
Vegan options: Limited — there are a few vegan-friendly dishes, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free options available, with a dedicated preparation area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, absolutely. The romantic ambiance, paired with impeccable food, makes it a great spot for impressing a date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but highly unlikely, especially during peak times. It’s best to reserve ahead, particularly for prime seating.
Is it kid-friendly? While Marea has a refined atmosphere, it’s not the most kid-centric. It’s best suited for older children or special occasions rather than family-friendly dining.
Best For
Better for: Marea excels at serving refined seafood dishes, particularly pasta and whole fish, in a luxurious, upscale setting. If you’re looking for an elegant, memorable dining experience, this is a standout.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual or family-oriented dining experience, or if you prefer a restaurant with more vegetarian/vegan options, consider alternatives.
Marea
8.7
A refined Italian‑seafood spot blending Mediterranean tradition with upscale execution — pasta, fresh fish and crudo are superb and well‑regarded. Regulars appreciate its stylish setting near Columbus Circle and its reputation as one of Manhattan’s top destinations for Italian seafood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Linguine with Red Clam Sauce, Mediterranean Branzino, Citrus‑Drizzled Crudo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Italian‑seafood finesse with refined pastas and fresh fish near Central Park.
Who should go: Fans of upscale Italian seafood.
When to visit: Dinner or luxury lunch near the park.
What to order: Linguine with red clam sauce, Branzino, crudo with citrus.
Insider tip: Lunch deals sometimes offer unexpectedly good value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $20, street parking is challenging in the evening, especially near Central Park.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans acceptable but leaning dressy. Business attire or upscale date-night outfits are preferred.
Noise level: Moderate to low - a quiet atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 45-60 minutes without a reservation, especially on busy evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially on weekdays before 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - a good selection of vegetable-based pasta and fresh vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - a few options available, including vegetable pasta dishes and salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free dishes, with a variety of options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Marea's elegant atmosphere and upscale Italian seafood menu make it perfect for a romantic and memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's recommended to book in advance, especially for dinner. Walk-ins are possible but expect longer wait times, particularly on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Marea is more suited for adults, especially couples or business dinners. Children are welcome but may not find the menu as appealing.
Best For
Better for: Marea excels in upscale Italian seafood and elegant dining, offering a luxurious experience with a focus on fresh fish and pasta that rivals top Italian restaurants in NYC.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere or a family-friendly venue, consider alternatives like Carbone or L'Artusi.
Marea
8.9
Seafood‑forward Italian with masterful execution of crudo and handmade pasta draws both locals and visitors. Known for refined ambiance and standout dishes like crudo and whole fish preparations, Marea remains a go‑to for special occasions. Service is polished and consistent, matching the high‑end dining theater of the space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy fusilli with sea urchin, Whole branzino crudo, Lobster tagliolini
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Seafood‑forward Italian with top‑tier crudo and handmade pasta.
Who should go: Upscale diners seeking luxury Italian seafood experiences.
When to visit: Evenings for dinner; reservations recommended.
What to order: Spicy fusilli with sea urchin, whole branzino crudo, lobster tagliolini.
Insider tip: Ask for crudo specials — they often include seasonal catch not on menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet service available ($15), limited street parking near the venue, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual – jeans are acceptable but lean toward dressy for the luxurious ambiance.
Noise level: Moderate – can easily hear your conversation, though the upscale environment keeps it relatively quiet.
Weekend wait: Expect 30-45 minutes wait without a reservation, especially during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but reservations are still recommended for guaranteed seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – some pasta and vegetable-based dishes, but the focus is heavily on seafood.
Vegan options: Limited – around 2-3 options, primarily side dishes or pasta with no cream or butter.
Gluten-free options: Yes – the kitchen offers a dedicated gluten-free prep area, ensuring safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely – Marea's romantic and sophisticated atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for impressing a date, with the added bonus of Instagram-worthy dishes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s highly recommended to book a reservation in advance, especially for dinner. Walk-ins are possible, but expect long waits during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not specifically geared toward families with young children, but older kids may enjoy the flavors. The upscale environment makes it more suited to adult dining.
Best For
Better for: Marea excels in offering a high-end, refined seafood experience with an emphasis on crudo and handmade pasta. The service and ambiance are among the best in the city for a luxury dining night out.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a more casual dining experience or prefer a wider variety of non-seafood options, other Italian spots may be a better fit.
Marea
8.4
Specializing in seafood and handmade pasta, Marea blends refined Italian‑seafood tradition with accessible elegance near Central Park. Locals come for fresh fish, crudo, and a reliably polished dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Astice (lobster) pasta, Crudo sampler, Whole grilled fish
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Italian‑seafood fusion steps from Central Park.
Who should go: Mid‑range fine‑dining seekers.
When to visit: Dinner post‑park walk or theater night.
What to order: Lobster pasta, crudo, grilled fish.
Insider tip: Window seats give park views at sunset.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available at $25, street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans are okay but lean dressy for the upscale vibe.
Noise level: Moderate - you can easily have a conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, especially during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but reservations are recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are options, but they are limited to a few dishes.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options available, but not the focus of the menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options with a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's perfect for a romantic first date. The intimate ambiance, scenic views of Central Park, and refined dishes set a sophisticated tone for a memorable experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's possible, but highly unlikely, especially during weekends and evenings. It's best to book ahead to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Marea is not specifically kid-friendly, and it's better suited for adults due to its upscale atmosphere. It may not offer child-friendly menu options, but children over 12 may enjoy the refined dining experience.
Best For
Better for: Marea excels in offering an elegant yet trendy dining experience with a focus on seafood and handmade pasta, perfect for a luxury date night or special occasion.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more casual seafood experience or have young children, there are better alternatives nearby that offer a more relaxed vibe.
Marea
9.0
Marea combines refined Italian seafood and pasta in an elegant Columbus Circle setting — ideal for a polished date‑night dinner. The attentive service and sleek surroundings make it a go‑to when you want a romantic, memorable evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crudo seafood platter, Tagliolini with crab & spicy tomato, Lobster fra diavolo (special)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 9
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: High‑end Italian‑seafood mashup with polished ambiance and award pedigree
Who should go: Couples celebrating special occasions
When to visit: Weeknight or weekend dinner reservations
What to order: Crudo platter, crab tagliolini, lobster fra diavolo
Insider tip: Reserve in advance — best window seating overlooks Columbus Circle
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $25, limited street parking in the area, especially after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual - dressy but not overly formal; jacket recommended for men
Noise level: Moderate - can hear your date, but background music creates a refined ambiance
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian options including pasta and salads
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan options such as vegetable crudo and pasta dishes
Gluten-free options: Yes - separate prep area for gluten-free dishes
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, Marea is ideal for a romantic and polished first date. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service set the tone for a memorable evening, and the menu offers a range of sophisticated options that impress without overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's best to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends. The restaurant can get quite busy, and wait times without a reservation can be long. If you're walking in, try to visit on a weekday during lunch hours when it's less crowded.
Is it kid-friendly? Marea is more suited for adults, particularly couples on date nights. While children are welcome, the upscale ambiance and high-end menu might not appeal to younger diners. It's recommended for ages 12+.
Best For
Better for: Marea excels in offering a luxurious, romantic dining experience with a refined atmosphere and Italian seafood specialties, perfect for date nights and special occasions.
Skip if: If you're looking for a casual or family-friendly Italian spot with a broader menu and more casual atmosphere, consider alternatives like L'Artusi or Carbone.
Marea
8.8
A Central Park South power-dining room where coastal Italian leans hard into crudo and luxe pastas. Private rooms feel celebratory without being stiff, and the kitchen keeps seafood rich but clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with Red Wine Octopus & Bone Marrow, Astice (Nova Scotia Lobster), Crudo Sampler
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-end Italian seafood with a scene-y, park-side private dining setup.
Who should go: Seafood lovers hosting a stylish Midtown event.
When to visit: Early dinner before a show or park stroll.
What to order: Fusilli octopus, crudo, whole lobster.
Insider tip: Book a room facing the avenue for peak people-watching.
Marea
8.6
An elegant Central Park South dining room known for seafood-driven Italian cooking and a steady power-lunch crowd. The crudo and house pastas are the move when you want something luxurious but not heavy. Service is sharp without being stiff, perfect for client flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fusilli with Octopus and Bone Marrow, Langoustine Crudo, Burrata with Sea Urchin
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Seafood-forward Italian with signature pastas and crudo.
Who should go: Client lunches and seafood-pasta fans.
When to visit: Weekdays early lunch for a calmer room.
What to order: Fusilli, any crudo, a seasonal pasta.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar if you need a tighter lunch timeline.