Marea - New York City
Italian and Seafood | Lunch with Family | Mid to High Price
Why We Went:
Walked a few blocks to lunch in the city following a real estate tour with my family. Wanted to spend time together during spring break and have a delicious seafood and pasta meal that my brother would never eat.
What we ordered:
- Appetizers: Ostriche (oysters served with red wine mignonette, marea cocktail sauce, lemon), from Arcadia Point, Washington, Peconic Gold, New York, and Merasheen Bay, Newfoundland
- Mains: Risotto all’aragosta
- Sides: Patate
- Dessert: N/A
What Stood Out:
- The simplicity balanced with complex flavoring stood out about this restaurant. The oysters began with a mignonette that subtly complemented the fresh seafood without overwhelming the palate, as mignonettes tend to do at times.
- The Risotto was extremely satisfying, as the mesh of butter and herbs, along with the freshly prepared lobster, was light yet satiating enough for the perfect formal lunch.
- Even the simple fingerling potatoes were imbued with truffles and herbs, serving as an intricate yet also simple preparation.
Other Aspects:
- The service and ambiance of the restaurant were excellent. Wait, staff was plentiful and attentive, the restaurant itself was beautifully decorated with deep blues and marble whites, and the environment was quiet, relaxed, and upscale. The lunch hour during a weekday, with many on corporate lunch outings, likely contributed, but the overall dining experience was excellent.
- In terms of value for money, Marea trends on the expensive side, living up to its reputation as an upscale New York option near Central Park.
- If I were to return, I would order the lobster roll. It is featured as a specialty on the menu, and as delicious as the risotto was, I somewhat regretted not trying the lobster roll.
Would I go back?
Yes. Convenient location, beautiful ambience, great service, and delicious and fresh food.