TLDR
A high-energy destination for elevated Thai seafood, known for crispy whole fish and creative flavor profiles.
Instagram Posts References
Fish Cheeks was one of the esteemed restaurants contributing chefs to the exclusive Thai SELECT Dinner, which showcased a four-course menu dedicated to Isan cuisine. The post highlighted the entire menu as being stunning, with dishes noted for their thoughtful crafting and unforgettable flavors.
Details
Celebrated for its inventive, seafood-centric approach to modern Thai cuisine, this vibrant eatery has become a staple for locals and visitors alike [1, 2]. Signature preparations like whole crispy fried fluke and coconut crab curry demonstrate a commitment to bold, authentic flavors that consistently earn high praise [3, 4, 5]. While some diners have noted occasional consistency or value concerns, the overall reputation for quality and atmosphere keeps it as a frequently recommended destination for special occasions and casual nights out [6, 7].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on modern interpretations of Thai dishes with a heavy emphasis on seafood, such as whole steamed or fried branzino [3, 12, 13]. Highly recommended items include the crab fried rice, coconut crab curry, and crispy rice salad [4, 14, 15]. Some visitors noted that the chili jam is exceptional [16], though reviews for the crab curry consistency have been mixed [17, 18].
Highlights / Recommended
"Diners consistently recommend the whole fried fluke [3, 13], crab fried rice [14], and the coconut crab curry [4, 14]. The garlic martini is also frequently highlighted as a standout beverage choice [21]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •crab fried rice(14)
- •steamed fish(10)
- •crab curry(8)
- •oysters(8)
- •coconut crab curry(4)
- •zabb wings(3)
- •green curry(3)
- •pork cheeks(3)
- •crispy rice salad(3)
- •zaab wings(3)
- •steamed branzino(3)
- •cocktails(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently citing the establishment as one of their favorite Thai spots in the city [8, 9]. While most appreciate the lively atmosphere and standout culinary offerings, a minority have voiced concerns regarding noise levels, pricing, or inconsistent service experiences [10, 11].
Caveats
Some guests have expressed that the menu is relatively pricey, noting that certain entrees do not include rice, which can impact the perceived value for some diners [19, 20].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About FISH CHEEKS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Best Thai Curry Youve Had Queens Brooklyn Etc
"This user stated that Fish Cheeks' green curry is the best they've had outside of Thailand."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Good Seafood Preferably Seafood
"Fish Cheeks is listed as a seafood recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Excellent Thai From Newcomer Wanglang In Flatiron
"The commenter finds Fish Cheeks' food inconsistent and somewhat overpriced. They enjoy some dishes like raw crab and crab curry but dislike others and note that rice is not included with entrees, making it less appealing compared to other Thai restaurants."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Singular Dish Or Entreeapp
"The Coconut Crab Curry and Zabb wings at Fish Cheeks are recommended as a good solo dining option."
PositiveFrom post: Thai Food That Is Fresh Not Too Sweet Or Sticky
"Fish Cheeks is recommended as a Thai restaurant in Manhattan that is less sweet. The commenter, who has experience with Thai food from Elmhurst, enjoys it and finds it less fussy."
PositiveFrom post: Good Thai Recommendation In Greenwich Village
"This user included Fish Cheeks among several recommended Thai restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Good Thai Recommendation In Greenwich Village
"This user inquired if Fish Cheeks in Noho would count as a recommendation for the original post."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Best Dish Youve Had In 2026 And Where
"This user mentioned steamed branzino at Fish Cheeks, along with octopus at Theodora and chawanmushi and donabe gohan at Yamada."
PositiveFrom post: 2026 Nyc Food Trip Review How Did I Do Overall
"The user reiterated their strong affection for Fish Cheeks, suggesting a visit to NYC specifically to eat there and recommending the Negroni and garlic martini."
PositiveFrom post: 2026 Nyc Food Trip Review How Did I Do Overall
"In a follow-up, the user mentioned trying the Spicy Mango drink at Fish Cheeks and found it good, expressing interest in trying more cocktails on a future visit."
PositiveFrom post: 2026 Nyc Food Trip Review How Did I Do Overall
"This user defended Fish Cheeks against a claim that it's an 'Instagram spot', stating it's 'great' and suggesting it's a worthwhile visit."
PositiveFrom post: 2026 Nyc Food Trip Review How Did I Do Overall
"The user praised Fish Cheeks as their favorite restaurant in NYC and asked about a specific drink, mentioning their enjoyment of the Negroni and garlic martini there."
PositiveFrom post: 2026 Nyc Food Trip Review How Did I Do Overall
"The user rated Fish Cheeks 10/10, highlighting the red crab curry and crab fried rice as top-tier dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Fish Cheeks was listed as a favorite among Asian restaurants with great vegetarian options."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter mentions Fish Cheeks as another great Thai restaurant option in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"The original poster lists Fish Cheeks as an example of a restaurant they have loved on past NYC trips, indicating their taste preferences."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user loves Fish Cheeks and highlights the salad with cabbage leaves and the crispy rice/pork as favorites."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Fish Cheeks is listed as a frequently visited Thai spot."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user recommends Fish Cheeks."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Date Spots In Sohonolita
"The user recommended Fish Cheeks, stating it's one of their favorites in the city and that reservations are available."
Positive