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Pesce Lulu Seafood Kitchen
Master Critic Review
Pesce Lulu Seafood Kitchen
7.8
Located inside the Hugh food hall at the Citigroup Center, Pesce Lulu is a fine fast-casual counter focused on grilled seafood, tacos, and bowls. It delivers bright, globally inspired plates at weeknight-lunch prices in a polished communal setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled mahi and shrimp tacos with fries, Fish tacos with house sauces, Plancha-grilled seafood platters
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A food-hall seafood counter that marries fast-casual prices with thoughtful plancha-grilled cooking.
Who should go: Office workers craving light, seafood-focused lunches.
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours before peak food-hall crowds.
What to order: Mahi and shrimp tacos, fish tacos, mixed seafood platters.
Insider tip: Grab a seat near the atrium windows for more natural light and a calmer feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around the Citigroup Center; expect metered spots to fill quickly. The building’s garage and nearby commercial garages offer paid parking ($20–$30 for short stays). Subway access is far easier.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly. Come as you are—work attire, jeans, and athleisure all fit the food-hall setting.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak lunch hours; still manageable for conversation, but not ideal for long chats.
Weekend wait: The Hugh food hall is quieter on weekends; generally no wait.
Weekday lunch: Short lines form between 12–1 PM but move quickly; usually under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—menu is seafood-centric with only a few vegetable sides.
Vegan options: Minimal options; may piece together a bowl with veggies, but not a strong choice for vegan dining.
Gluten-free options: Decent—grilled seafood plates and bowls can be made gluten-lean, but cross-contact is possible in a shared food-hall kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for something ultra-casual. It’s a food-hall counter with shared seating, so conversation is easy but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating in The Hugh is first-come, first-served, and usually available outside the 12–1 PM rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—open seating, quick service, and mild flavors suit school-age kids. Strollers fit in the hall, though high chairs aren’t guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable seafood cooked with more care than typical fast-casual counters; ideal for light lunches and healthy weeknight meals.
Skip if: You want a full-service seafood restaurant, raw bar, or a quiet setting—choose a sit-down spot instead.