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MAREA RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 582-5100

Address: 240 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH 10019

TLDR

Upscale Italian seafood spot on Central Park South. Stellar pasta dishes, esp. octopus & bone marrow fusilli; known for refined flavors & impeccable presentation.

Reddit Sentiment for MAREA RESTAURANT(based on 119 Reddit opinions)

60% Positive27% Neutral13% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

italian 76seafood 17fine dining 3seafood 46pasta 22italian 22View All

Neighborhoods

Midtown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Recent Articles

Details

Nestled on Central Park South, this upscale Italian seafood haven is celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance and exquisite dishes. Renowned for its dedication to fresh, sustainable seafood and expertly crafted pasta, it offers a memorable dining experience often compared to cinematic moments. From raw fish and crudo to standout pasta creations like the octopus and bone marrow fusilli, the menu promises a journey for the palate, complemented by beautifully presented desserts.

Food Overview

This Italian seafood restaurant is highly regarded for its refined dishes, with a particular emphasis on pasta and fresh seafood. Standout recommended dishes include the Uni Pasta, octopus and bone marrow pasta, and the lobster and burrata appetizer. While generally praised, some diners have noted a decline in quality over time and found the food to be overly salty on occasion. Prices are noted as being on the higher side, especially for drinks.

Highlights / Recommended

"The octopus and bone marrow pasta, uni crudo, uni pasta, and the lobster and burrata appetizer are frequently recommended dishes. The tiramisu is also highlighted as a standout dessert."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • octopus bone marrow pasta(2)
  • red wine braised octopus pasta with bone marrow(2)
  • fusilli(2)
  • octopus(2)

Customer Sentiment

Overall, customer sentiment leans positive, with many praising the exceptional pasta and seafood dishes, as well as the sophisticated ambiance. However, a recurring sentiment notes a decline in quality over the years and concerns about high prices, particularly for drinks.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About MAREA RESTAURANT

This post is a strong recommendation for Marea as a top seafood restaurant with a nice ambiance. It specifically highlights the tiramisu as an unusual but amazing favorite and praises the octopus and bone marrow pasta as one of the best dishes ever.
Multiple commenters recommend Marea for a celebration dinner near Columbus Circle, praising its excellent pasta, especially the bone marrow pasta, and its high-quality seafood. Despite the high price point, it's considered worth it for special occasions.
A discussion thread where multiple long-time patrons express disappointment with Marea's perceived decline in food and service quality, with some calling it 'very mid' or 'just ok' compared to its past excellence.
Marea is recommended as a seafood-focused spot that is 'always a hit with the parents,' even with picky eaters. The octopus bone marrow pasta is specifically highlighted as a must-try.
The uni crudo at Marea is highly recommended, noted for its generous portion of uni and lardo topping, and is described as a dish worth returning for.
The lobster and burrata appetizer at Marea is specifically praised and recommended by users who enjoyed it.
This thread discusses the exorbitant price of cocktails at Marea, with one patron reporting a $32 martini and another noting the high cost of mocktails, contributing to the overall expense of dining there.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Recommendation Upscale Manhattan Restaurant Which

"Marea had an older clientele around 6 PM, with a younger crowd arriving after 8 PM, suggesting it might fit the user's request for an older demographic."

Positive
Mar 25, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Upscale Restaurant For A Group Business

"Marea is suggested as a dining option for the business dinner."

Neutral
Mar 18, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyt Dinner And No Drinks Restaurants Are

"A patron recently paid $32 for a martini in NYC, highlighting the excessively high drink prices in the city."

Negative
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Celebration Dinner Near Columbus Circle

"This commenter considers Marea their favorite restaurant for special occasions, stating the bone marrow pasta is worth the high cost."

Positive
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyt Dinner And No Drinks Restaurants Are

"The high cost of cocktails at Marea and other establishments is notable. Even mocktails are priced very high, at $14-16, making them nearly as expensive as alcoholic drinks."

Negative
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyt Dinner And No Drinks Restaurants Are

"A patron was shocked that the cheapest cocktail at Marea was $32, finding it exorbitant. The hostess repeatedly offered non-alcoholic options."

Negative
Mar 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Celebration Dinner Near Columbus Circle

"Marea is recommended as an excellent restaurant, and the user mentions being taken there for their birthday."

Positive
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Celebration Dinner Near Columbus Circle

"Marea is listed as a restaurant recommendation."

Neutral
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Celebration Dinner Near Columbus Circle

"This user agrees Marea is excellent and very expensive. They specifically recall a memorable pasta dish with octopus and bone marrow."

Positive
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Celebration Dinner Near Columbus Circle

"Marea is suggested as a restaurant option, with a note about its high price point."

Neutral
Mar 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Dining Near Central Park Southevents In Nyc

"This commenter agreed with the previous recommendation for Marea."

Positive
Mar 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Solo Dining Near Central Park Southevents In Nyc

"The commenter suggests sitting at the bar at Marea and ordering the fusilli, octopus, and bone marrow with a glass of red wine."

Positive
Mar 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Which Restaurants Source Their Beef From

"An old article from 2010 suggests that Marea was one of the restaurants that had Creekstone Farms beef printed on its menu."

Neutral
Feb 12, 2026View Comment →

From post: Moody Restaurants Around Central Park For

"This user recommended Marea as a dining option, noting it might be above the user's budget."

Neutral
Feb 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recommendations Around Central Park

"Marea was listed as a recommended restaurant."

Positive
Feb 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Recommendations Around Central Park

"Marea was recommended as an Italian dining option near Central Park South."

Positive
Feb 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Italian Dinner Recommendations

"This commenter recommended Marea for a special occasion, noting its great menu and that while prices are high, the experience is always satisfying."

Positive
Feb 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Italian Near Midtown

"The commenter suggested Marea as another dining option."

Neutral
Feb 4, 2026View Comment →

From post: Graduating Nyu Need Dinner Recs

"La Marea was mentioned as a dining option."

Neutral
Feb 2, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iso Fancy Restaurant Wearing Ballgown Attire

"The commenter has previously worn a gown to Marea for a post-opera dinner and felt comfortable."

Positive
Jan 27, 2026View Comment →