TLDR
A vibrant Chelsea seafood destination blending Swedish and Ethiopian heritage. Renowned for its unique fusion menu and lively, stylish atmosphere.
Instagram Posts References
The author had their first experience with Ethiopian cuisine at Hav & Mar and found it to be an exceptional meal. They highlight the restaurant's beautiful atmosphere and incredible hospitality, which contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. The post strongly recommends Hav & Mar to those who have been considering trying it, assuring them they won't be disappointed.
Hav & Mar is highlighted as a must-visit restaurant in New York City, with a strong recommendation for a specific ordering strategy to maximize the dining experience. The post suggests a diverse meal including a bread basket, lamb dumplings, a grilled ribeye with added lobster, biryani fried rice, and Brussels sprouts, indicating a menu with both familiar and unique offerings. The overall sentiment towards the restaurant and its dishes is overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for the lamb dumplings.
Experience Marcus Samuelsson's seafood eatery, Hav & Mar, in Chelsea, known for its vibrant atmosphere and dishes that tell a story of heritage, including the must-order Hav Bread Basket.
Details
Located in Chelsea, this vibrant seafood destination blends Swedish and Ethiopian influences to create a truly unique dining narrative [1]. With chef Fariyal Abdullahi leading the kitchen, the establishment has earned a spot on the New York Times top 100 list for 2024 and 2025 alongside a Michelin selection [2]. Guests can expect an unforgettable experience marked by a stunning atmosphere and professional, welcoming hospitality [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"The Hav Bread Basket is universally recommended as an essential starter [1]. Other highly suggested items include the lamb dumplings, grilled ribeye with added lobster, and biryani fried rice [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •coconut tres leches cake(2)
- •hav bread basket(2)
Customer Sentiment
Diners consistently praise the restaurant as a standout, high-quality destination that often serves as a preferred alternative to other busy local spots [4]. The overall experience is frequently described as exceptional, with patrons highlighting the beautiful environment and strong hospitality [3].
Caveats
Private events held in the backroom require a minimum spend of $1,500 [1], and for general dining, private party bookings may have a minimum menu cost of $95 per person [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HAV & MAR
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Anyone Eaten At Both Dogon Dc And Tatiana Nyc
"This commenter recommends Hav & Mar as a 'NYC-unique' African fusion option, suggesting it as an alternative to Tatiana, which they found overrated."
PositiveFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Hav & Mar is mentioned on the NYT top 100 list for 2024 and 2025, with a Michelin selection."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Hav & Mar was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Hav & Mar was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Hav + Mar was listed as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Hav & Mar was listed as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurant Recs Near Hudson Yards
"This restaurant is mentioned as a suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendation Near Chelsea Piers
"Hav and Mar is recommended as a dining option in the Hudson Yards area near Chelsea Piers."
PositiveFrom post: Any Restaurant Recs With A Private Room For A
"Hav & Mar was suggested for its nice backroom, which has a $1.5K minimum, and is noted for having plenty of seafood options."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"Hav & Mar is mentioned."
NeutralFrom post: Best Kitchen View Restaurants In Nyc
"Hav & Mar is mentioned as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Good Restaurants Near Chelsea Pier
"This restaurant was recommended."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Find Authentic Homemade Ethiopian Food
"This restaurant is mentioned as one of Marcus Samuelsson's current restaurants that might be a good bet, with Ethiopian influences and a focus on seafood. However, it's noted that Samuelsson himself does not cook there."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Decent Food Options Near The Javits
"The commenter recommended Hav & Mar as a great option in an area that is generally considered bleak for food options."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurant Recs For Work Dinners
"This commenter suggested checking out Hav and Mar for team dinners."
NeutralFrom post: Honest Truth About Some Very Popular Nyc
"The user suggests Hav and Mar as an alternative to Tatiana."
NeutralFrom post: Private Room For Party Review
"Hav and Mar was considered as a possible venue for a private party. The minimum menu price was $95 per person."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For First Timers
"The user seconds Hav & Mar as a recommended dining option, suggesting it as a good choice for those looking for quality food."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For First Timers
"The user suggests Hav & Mar for those who like seafood, mentioning it as a West side option that is worth considering."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Birthday Restaurant Recommendations
"The user recommended Hav and Mar as a potential dining option."
Positive