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The Otter
Master Critic Review
The Otter
7.9
Tucked inside The Manner hotel, The Otter does New England-leaning seafood with a chef-y twist, from crab agnolotti under Ritz crumbs to swordfish frites in a glossy peppercorn sauce. A dim, Art Deco-inspired room and a seafood-focused cocktail list make it feel like a quietly ambitious SoHo hideaway.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crab Agnolotti with Ritz Crumble, Swordfish Frites au Poivre, Scallop Crudo
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Hotel dining room where playful, high-low seafood dishes meet moody Art Deco design.
Who should go: Diners chasing inventive seafood in a tucked-away setting.
When to visit: Dinner or weekend brunch when the room feels most alive.
What to order: Scallop crudo, crab agnolotti, swordfish frites.
Insider tip: Enter through The Manner’s lobby and ask for a table near the murals for the best sense of the room.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; metered street parking is limited in SoHo and tight after 6pm. Nearest reliable option is the Thompson St. or Prince St. garages, both a 3–5 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; polished denim is fine, but most guests lean dressy due to the hotel setting and Art Deco room.
Noise level: Moderate—soft music and a hum of conversation; you can comfortably hold a date-night conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; the dining room is small and fills early.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though brunch-adjacent midday hours can see short delays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—expect 2–3 composed vegetable or pasta dishes, but the menu skews seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—may require modifications; not ideal for strict vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be made gluten-free with adjustments, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the moody lighting, intimate tables, and creative seafood dishes make it a strong choice for a stylish but not overly formal first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—walk-ins are accepted, but availability depends on hotel guest traffic. Arrive early or target bar seating for the best chance.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—older kids comfortable in quieter hotel dining rooms will be fine, but there’s no dedicated children’s menu and the ambiance skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, chef-y seafood in a quieter, tucked-away setting compared to the louder, scene-driven SoHo seafood spots.
Skip if: You want a broad non-seafood menu, lively late-night energy, or robust vegan options—nearby restaurants may suit those needs better.