A modern New England seafood shack in the East Village - think 'sexy submarine' vibes with innovative dishes & killer wine list.
Willa Moore reviews Smithereens, a New England-inspired seafood restaurant in the East Village, praising its innovative dishes and atmosphere.
This East Village gem offers a modern take on a New England seafood shack, with a dimly lit, cozy, and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a 'sexy submarine.' Chef Nick Tamburo masterfully prepares seafood, blending innovative combinations with classic preparations, while sommelier Nikita Malhotra curates a wine list that perfectly complements the oceanic fare. From unique appetizers and creative cocktails to polarizing but intriguing desserts, Smithereens provides a distinctive and memorable dining experience.
Smithereens specializes in New England-inspired seafood with a modern twist. While many rave about dishes like the lobster roll, grilled mackerel, and a unique 'Beans' seafood medley, some find certain offerings flavorless or polarizing, particularly the desserts. The cocktails and wine list, however, consistently receive high marks.
"Standout dishes include the lobster roll, grilled mackerel, and the 'Beans' seafood medley. The cocktails and wine list are also frequently praised."
Customer feedback is divided, with many praising the unique cocktails, excellent wine list, and standout seafood dishes like the lobster roll, while others found some dishes underwhelmed or overpriced, and service occasionally anxious.
Important Note
Some diners have found certain dishes to be underwhelming or flavorless, and the desserts can be polarizing. The service has also been described as anxious by one reviewer.
"Smithereens is listed as a recommendation."
Positive"Smithereens is mentioned as a 'fancier' spot in the East Village where one can dress up, noting the general chill vibe of such places."
Positive"Smithereens is recommended as a potential date night spot."
Positive"Smithereens is recommended if you sit at the kitchen bar counter."
Positive"Smithereens is suggested as a great option for a kitchen view, though it might be a tough reservation to get."
Positive"The commenter had one of their best meals of the previous year at Smithereen's."
Positive"The user mentioned Smithereens as a restaurant that opened in October and was covered by food media almost a year ago, questioning its inclusion on a 'best new restaurant' list due to being 'old news'."
Neutral"The user found Smithereens to be very underwhelming and not worth the high cost."
Negative"The user mentioned Smithereens was fine but did not stand out among other new restaurants they tried."
Neutral"This commenter recommends Smithereens for those seeking a similar vibe to Theodora, noting it has an excellent wine list and good value."
Positive"The user had a delicious experience with a collaboration involving Smithereens and is looking forward to trying the restaurant."
Positive"This user recommended Smithereens."
Neutral"This user recommended Penny and Smithereens."
Neutral"This user recommended Penny, Smithereens, and Dame."
Neutral"This user simply mentioned "smithereens" as a recommendation."
Neutral"The apple cider donut at Smithereens is described as perfection, costing $6 and being very juicy with a dusting of acid."
Positive"Smithereens was listed as one of several restaurant suggestions for a birthday dinner in NYC."
Neutral"This user found the grilled mackerel at Smithereen's to be awesome, noting its jerk-adjacent seasoning."
Positive"The user reviewed Smithereens' menu and found it underwhelming in its "new england" offerings."
Negative"The user considers Smithereens' lobster roll to be the best they've had outside of New England, stating it holds up well compared to their recent trip to Maine."
Positive
