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Hav & Mar
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Hav & Mar
8.4
Marcus Samuelsson’s seafood-forward Chelsea room blends Swedish and Ethiopian cues into confident, market-driven cooking. The kitchen shines with bright crudo, cleanly cooked whole fish, and spice-lifted sauces that keep plates lively rather than heavy. A Michelin-recognized spot with a stylish bar cadence, it’s one of 10001’s most reliable seafood dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brown Butter Scallops, Banana Leaf Snapper, Hamachi with Black Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Global seafood cooking anchored by Samuelsson’s flavor play.
Who should go: Seafood fans who like polished rooms and bold sauces.
When to visit: Friday lunch or early dinner for best energy.
What to order: Banana leaf snapper, brown butter scallops, hamachi crudo.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for off-menu oyster and cocktail pairings.
Hav & Mar
8.0
Marcus Samuelsson’s Chelsea-side hotel restaurant blends Swedish and Ethiopian influences into seafood-leaning comfort with flair. The room is stylish but approachable, working well for celebratory dinners that don’t need white-tablecloth formality. A strong ‘special night, still relaxed’ option in 10001.
Must-Try Dishes:
Berbere-spiced seafood plates, House meatballs with global seasoning, Seasonal raw bar selections
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Globally inflected seafood from a landmark NYC chef.
Who should go: Groups wanting a stylish but low-pressure celebration.
When to visit: Weeknights for easier reservations.
What to order: Seafood with berbere, meatballs, raw bar add-on.
Insider tip: Start at the bar for cocktails, then move to dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but limited, especially in the evening. Valet service is not offered, so consider using nearby public parking garages.
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans are fine, but opt for a slightly dressier look, especially for special occasions.
Noise level: Moderate - conversations are easy to have without raising your voice, though it can get lively during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially on weekends and holidays.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but reservations are recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are several vegetarian options on the menu, including some creatively prepared sides and a dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly options are available, but the menu leans more heavily toward seafood and meat-based dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes - there are gluten-free options, and they take care to ensure no cross-contamination with a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it's an ideal spot for a first date. The ambiance is stylish yet relaxed, creating a comfortable atmosphere for getting to know someone. The menu offers a variety of dishes that feel special without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but not recommended, especially on weekends. Weekdays tend to be quieter, so you might have a better chance of getting a table without a reservation. It's best to book in advance, particularly for evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more suited for adults, children are welcome. However, the menu isn’t specifically tailored for younger guests. It’s better for older children who can enjoy the adult-style seafood and comfort food.
Best For
Better for: Hav & Mar stands out for its blend of Swedish and Ethiopian influences, offering a unique take on seafood that other restaurants in the area don’t. It’s also great for a celebration with a stylish yet relaxed vibe, which works well for groups and date nights.
Skip if: If you're looking for a strictly casual atmosphere or a place focused solely on classic American comfort food, Hav & Mar might not be the right choice. For more traditional seafood or quieter, family-friendly dining, alternatives may suit better.
Hav & Mar
8.4
Marcus Samuelsson’s seafood house pairs Afro-Nordic ideas with crisp execution, set in a striking, art-driven room. The menu leans bright and oceanic—just enough heat, smoke, and citrus to keep each plate feeling wired and modern.
Must-Try Dishes:
Banana Leaf Snapper, Berbere-Rubbed Salmon, Teff biscuits & injera bread basket
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seafood filtered through Samuelsson’s Ethiopian-Swedish lens.
Who should go: Diners chasing stylish seafood with a twist.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for calmer pacing.
What to order: Snapper, salmon, bread basket.
Insider tip: Ask about the daily whole-fish prep before you order.
Hav & Mar
8.5
Marcus Samuelsson’s Chelsea seafood room brings a confident, globally-leaning lunch menu in a space that reads modern New York without feeling stiff. Bright crudos and fish-forward mains make it a strong choice when you want business lunch to feel like an occasion, not a concession.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi with black ceviche, Banana leaf snapper, Brown butter scallops
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven seafood with bold global accents in a high-design room.
Who should go: Clients or teams celebrating wins over lunch.
When to visit: Mid-week lunch service for best energy.
What to order: Hamachi ceviche, banana leaf snapper, scallops.
Insider tip: Share starters—portions are ideal for a paced meeting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet available for $25, limited street parking, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual - dressy but comfortable, avoid overly casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate - suitable for conversations, though ambient noise can pick up during busy hours.
Weekend wait: Typically 45-60 minutes without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, but reservations are recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - offers a selection of vegetable-forward dishes, though seafood remains the focus.
Vegan options: Limited - a few options available but not an entirely vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free options available with a separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, the upscale ambiance and delicious food make it a great spot for impressing a date, especially with its sophisticated yet approachable vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible but not recommended, especially during peak times. A reservation ensures a smoother experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The atmosphere and menu cater more to adult groups or business lunches, but children are welcome if they can appreciate fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Hav & Mar excels at upscale, seafood-focused business lunches with a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Skip if: If you're looking for casual dining or a quick bite, consider alternatives with a more laid-back environment.