French seafood w/ outstanding crudo & raw bar [1]. NYT Top Restaurants mention & exceptional wine list. Offers bar-only seating.
Penny, a French seafood restaurant in the East Village, has garnered attention since its feature in the NYT Top Restaurants list. Despite a potentially sterile atmosphere, the food is outstanding, with particular praise for its crudo and raw bar selections. The establishment also boasts an exceptional wine list and offers bar-only seating for a lively dining experience [1].
Penny is celebrated for its exceptional seafood, with a strong emphasis on crudo and a well-curated raw bar that includes oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp [1, 2]. The restaurant reinterprets French seafood dishes with a minimalist approach, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. While praised for its seafood, one diner noted that not all dishes, like the 'icebox,' were equally loved, though the overall quality of the seafood was high [1, 2]. A slice of chocolate cake from the downstairs establishment, Claud, is also highly recommended [2].
"Highly recommended are the crudo and the raw bar selections, including oysters, clams, mussels, scallops, and shrimp. A slice of chocolate cake from Claud downstairs is also a must-try dessert."
Customers generally have a positive sentiment towards Penny, often highlighting its outstanding food, particularly the crudo and raw bar selections. Some reviews mention a sterile atmosphere but compensate with praise for the food quality and wine list [1].
Important Note
Penny may have limited table seating and is best suited for smaller groups, ideally a maximum of 3-4 people. It might be difficult to accommodate larger parties, such as an 8-top [1, 2].
"The commenter listed Penny as a recommendation."
Neutral"Penny is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2026 with a Michelin selection."
Neutral"This user commented that Penny is best suited for a maximum of 3-4 people."
Negative"This user seconded the recommendation for Penny, recalling a fun birthday experience but noting it might be difficult for a group of 8."
Neutral"In response to a question about group size, this user recommended Penny but cautioned it's not ideal for an 8-top, though it's great for small groups at the bar."
Neutral"This user suggested Penny but noted it might be difficult to accommodate a group."
Neutral"Penny was listed as a potential seafood restaurant option."
Positive"This user recommended Penny as a fun seafood restaurant in the East Village with good bar seating."
Positive"This commenter pointed out that Penny has limited table seating and may not accommodate a group of 11."
Negative"Penny in the East Village was listed as a potential restaurant."
Positive"Penny is a wine bar in NYC that, despite being known for seafood, was recommended for wine-related activities."
Positive"This user commented that they loved the raw platter at Penny."
Positive"The user loved Penny and found the seafood to be very well done. While they didn't love all dishes besides the icebox, they praised the high quality and deliciousness of the seafood."
Positive"Penny/Claud is mentioned as a unique wine bar to consider, especially if there are waits at other places."
Neutral"This user believes Penny is the best choice for the birthday dinner, citing its perfect vibes for the described criteria."
Positive"Penny is recommended as a top pick for a birthday dinner, particularly for its bar-only seating and excellent crudo."
Positive"Penny is described as a French restaurant that has become hyped since being featured in the NYT Top Restaurants list. Despite a sterile atmosphere, the food is outstanding, and it offers bar-only seating with great service."
Positive"Penny is recommended alongside Quique Crudo for its excellent food, with the user highlighting its great crudo."
Positive"This user simply mentioned "Penny" as a recommendation for a birthday dinner."
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