TLDR
Moody, subterranean New England-style seafood shack in the East Village serving inventive riffs on coastal classics and an exceptional, curated wine list.
Instagram Posts References
Smithereens is recommended for having the best martini in NYC, specifically their signature Fish Sauce Vesper.
Smithereens is featured for its innovative Seaweed Dulse Martini, which represents a 'Savory Pivot' in the martini market, offering a unique flavor profile for those seeking an alternative to the traditional olive garnish.
Smithereens NYC hosted a special inaugural family meal and wine dinner, which was a collaborative event featuring chef Andy Baraghani and Robert Mondavi wines. The setting appears upscale and intimate, with guests seated at tables adorned with wine glasses and menus. The menu included several distinct courses, suggesting a curated fine dining experience. The overall ambiance and presentation of the dishes indicate a high-quality culinary event.
Vicki Denig reviews Smithereens, an East Village seafood-focused restaurant that reimagines New England staples with a bold, dark atmosphere.
Vicki Denig reviews Smithereens, an East Village seafood spot that remixes New England traditions with a creative wine program focused on chardonnay and grenache.
Willa Moore reviews Smithereens, a New England-inspired seafood restaurant in the East Village, praising its innovative dishes and atmosphere.
Details
A subterranean East Village gem, this New England-inspired seafood spot offers a moody, "sexy submarine" atmosphere that defies typical light-and-airy nautical tropes [1]. Chef Nick Tamburo transforms regional classics through creative remixes like quahog-studded risotto, while the beverage program features expertly curated wines and adventurous cocktails [3], [4], [5]. Regularly cited as one of the best dining destinations in NYC, it remains a consistent favorite for its bold, creative approach to fresh seafood [4], [6].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on imaginative New England-inspired seafood, with customers widely raving about the butter-rich lobster rolls, grilled mackerel, and housemade anadama bread with seaweed butter [1], [3], [4], [5]. While the creative dishes—such as the clam chowder-inspired risotto and unique desserts like the celery ice cream float—are often celebrated, a minority of diners have described the menu as underwhelming or lacking in value [1], [3], [4], [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SMITHEREENS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Your Favorite Clam Dishes In Manhattan Or Brooklyn
"The user notes they had amazing clams here."
PositiveFrom post: Seafood Restaurant Recommendations That Are Must
"The commenter enjoyed their recent experience at the restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Lobster That Will Convince Me Theres Any Point To
"The restaurant is noted for its lobster roll."
NeutralFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"Amazing restaurant, though noted as hard to book."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"Recommended by the user as an alternative for seafood."
PositiveFrom post: Need Dinner Rec Similar To Lei Wine Bar The Four
"Mentioned as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Need Dinner Rec Similar To Lei Wine Bar The Four
"States the place rocks."
PositiveFrom post: 11 Days In New York Some Of The Things I Ate And
"This commenter did not find the food to be exceptional, suggesting other places would be better."
NegativeFrom post: 11 Days In New York Some Of The Things I Ate And
"The author had an amazing dinner here on a previous visit and found lunch to be equally amazing."
PositiveFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Smithereens is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2026 with a Michelin selection."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Smithereens was suggested as a potential seafood restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Nytimes The 100 Best Restaurants In Nyc 11100
"This is one of many restaurants listed by the commenter from the NYTimes list."
NeutralFrom post: Cool Anniversary Restaurant
"Smithereens is suggested as having a vibe that is more relaxed and quirky than Bridges, but with similarly great and cool food."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"Smithereens is recommended as a replacement for Crevette and Jeju Noodle Bar."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"Smithereens is highly recommended, though obtaining a table can be difficult. The restaurant is known for its creative seafood dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"Smithereens is mentioned as a restaurant at the forefront of great and creative seafood dishes in NYC. It can be tough to get into, but showing up early or taking a bar seat might work."
PositiveFrom post: Influencedeinfluence My Seafoodheavy Restaurant
"The commenter highly recommends Smithereens, especially if you enjoy good wine, noting Nikita as one of the best sommeliers in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restraunts Really Pretty Ambiance
"Smithereens is listed as a restaurant suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Any Lobster Rolls Comparable With Maines
"The author felt that Smithereens did not have enough lobster meat for the price and was not particularly tasty."
NegativeFrom post: Any Lobster Rolls Comparable With Maines
"Smithereens is mentioned as being very good, though the author questions if it's a different style than Maine lobster rolls."
Positive