Last Updated: 13 days ago
Phone: (212) 582-5100
Address: 240 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH 10019
An elegant Italian seafood spot known for its phenomenal pasta & crudo. Pricey but worth it for special occasions.
This upscale Italian seafood restaurant on Central Park South offers a ritzy dining experience with a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood and impeccably crafted pasta dishes. Reviewers consistently highlight the sophisticated ambiance and the quality of their crudo and pasta, with specific praise for the uni pasta and octopus bone marrow pasta. While some diners note it can be pricey, many consider it a worthwhile splurge for special occasions.
Specializing in Italian seafood, this restaurant is lauded for its fresh crudo, particularly uni and octopus preparations, and its expertly crafted pasta dishes. Specific favorites include the uni pasta and the red wine braised octopus pasta with bone marrow. While most feedback is positive, some recent comments mention a decline in food quality and an increase in saltiness.
"Standout dishes frequently mentioned include the uni pasta, red wine braised octopus pasta with bone marrow, and the lobster and burrata appetizer. The gnocco fritto with lardo and uni is also noted as a dish worth returning for."
Overall, customer sentiment leans positive, with many praising the restaurant as a great choice for special occasions, citing excellent seafood, pasta, and ambiance. However, a notable portion of recent feedback suggests a decline in quality and value compared to its earlier years.
Important Note
Some recent reviews suggest a decline in the restaurant's quality and value compared to its earlier years, with some diners finding the food overly salty or merely average.
"This user suggests Marea as an alternative for a birthday dinner, specifically recommending the braised short ribs and the red wine braised octopus pasta with bone marrow."
Positive"This commenter suggested Marea as a nice option for Italian seafood."
Positive"Marea is listed as an expensive but very good restaurant to try and get a reservation for."
Positive"This commenter notes that pasta dishes at Marea can cost around $50, with some reaching up to $70."
Neutral"This user simply suggests Marea when the topic of expensive pasta dishes comes up."
Neutral"The bar at Marea is highly recommended, especially for solo diners, and is suggested as a good spot after a walk in Central Park."
Positive"Marea is definitely recommended."
Positive"Marea is recommended."
Positive"This user recommended marea."
Neutral"Echoing prior sentiments, this user was also bummed that Marea, once their favorite restaurant, has declined in quality."
Negative"Due to a rude hostess, this commenter did not stay to dine at Marea and is now glad they didn't after reading other negative comments."
Neutral"This comment expresses a negative sentiment towards Marea, describing it as expensive, overly salty, and frequented by 'posers'."
Negative"The commenter found Marea to be 'just ok' during a Mother's Day visit, indicating it wasn't particularly great."
Neutral"Recalling a visit about 10 years prior, this commenter stated that Marea was great back then, implying a change since."
Positive"Their experience at Marea in 2022 was exceptionally bad in terms of both food and service, a stark contrast to its formerly phenomenal quality."
Negative"This user found Marea to be 'very mid' on a recent visit, a significant drop from its phenomenal state in 2011 and 2015."
Negative"This commenter and their wife, who used to love Marea, found the service and food to be mediocre during their last visit, which was disappointing."
Negative"The author feels Marea has declined significantly from its previous incredible state, now being merely average despite still being better than many restaurants."
Negative"In response to a query about Marea's current status, it was noted that the restaurant lost a Michelin star in 2019 and that Michael White has left the Altamarea group."
Negative"The user inquired if Marea, previously a popular spot, still maintains its quality."
Neutral
