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The Sea Fire Grill

158 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017
$
Seafood

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Master Critic Review

The Sea Fire Grill 8.6
Midtown East – Lexington Avenue Corridor
The Sea Fire Grill is an upscale Midtown East seafood-and-steak spot known for polished service, precise execution, and a serious raw bar. Diners come for refined seafood towers, lobster preparations, and a sleek room that works for both business entertaining and special-occasion dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Seafood tower, Lobster bisque, Spanish octopus
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.8 Consistency: 8.7 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Seafood-focused fine dining where raw bar towers and composed plates share equal billing.
Who should go: Business diners and couples seeking polished seafood.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or Friday lunches for peak energy.
What to order: Seafood tower, lobster bisque, Spanish octopus.
Insider tip: Ask about seasonal crudo or off-menu shellfish specials before ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lexington Avenue; nearby paid garages on 48th–51st Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — blazers, button-downs, and elevated tops fit the room; dark jeans are acceptable when polished.
Noise level: Moderate — tables can converse comfortably, though peak dinner hours bring a lively hum.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though prime business dining windows (12–1pm) can fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some composed salads, sides, and pasta-based dishes are available, but the menu is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — expect 1–2 adaptable dishes; best to call ahead for accommodations.
Gluten-free options: Many seafood preparations are naturally gluten-free, and the kitchen can modify most dishes upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the refined room, strong service, and polished seafood presentations create an elevated but approachable setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible earlier in the evening or at lunch; for peak dinner hours, walk-ins may face a wait and bar seating becomes the best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved older children but not geared toward families — no dedicated kids’ menu and the atmosphere skews business and date-night.
Best For
Better for: More polished seafood execution and service consistency than many Midtown peers, with a stronger raw bar and more refined plating.
Skip if: You want a casual, budget-friendly seafood meal or a menu with extensive vegetarian or vegan options.