TLDR
Innovative East Village seafood hotspot with a top-tier wine program. Perfect for small parties and raw bar lovers; just arrive early for walk-in access.
Instagram Posts References
Penny is a seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar that the reviewer highly recommends, stating that every dish was perfect and wouldn't be skipped. They praised the creative and balanced flavors, noting unique preparations like a marsala dish with fish. The restaurant is also mentioned as being ranked #19 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. The reviewer acknowledges it's expensive but worth the cost.
A seafood-forward spot in the East Village that highly encourages walk-ins for a casual, high-quality dining experience.
Details
Located in the East Village, this highly acclaimed seafood destination is celebrated for its exceptional raw bar and innovative dishes, earning a spot on prestigious best-of lists [1], [2]. While the dining experience is widely considered amazing, the restaurant is known for its limited seating and high demand, making it difficult to secure a reservation [3], [4]. Guests frequently praise the expert wine program and the high-quality, creative preparations found throughout the menu [5], [6].
Food Overview
This seafood-focused menu is consistently lauded for its freshness and creative flair, featuring standout items like tuna carpaccio, shrimp cocktail, and the unique fish marsala [1], [6]. The sesame brioche with butter is a frequently cited must-order, and the ice cream sandwich is widely regarded as an essential, creative dessert [1], [5], [6].
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently rave about the high-quality seafood and expert sommeliers, though many note the frustration of its extreme popularity and limited reservation availability [3], [5], [6]. It is widely considered an exceptional dining experience, particularly for smaller groups at the bar [4], [6].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PENNY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Mediumupscale Places With Great Wine Lists For A
"Recommended as a spot with a great wine list and incredible sommeliers."
PositiveFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"An amazing but difficult-to-book restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"An upscale seafood option; advice is to arrive slightly before 5 PM."
PositiveFrom post: On The Hunt For For Good Or Interesting Bread
"The sesame brioche at Penny's is absolutely loved."
PositiveFrom post: Looking To Treat Ourselves To A High End Dinner
"The commenter listed Penny as a recommendation."
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