TLDR
Moody, subterranean New England-style seafood shack in the East Village. Known for creative, modern riffs on coastal staples and an exceptional wine program.
Instagram Posts References
Smithereens is highlighted as having the best seafood prix fixe in NYC. The dining experience is described as excellent from start to finish, with a focus on fish. The ambiance is noted as a moody, subterranean room. The author expresses a strong desire to return. Recommended dishes include the whole fried whiting with tartar sauce and the buckwheat pancake with smoked bluefish.
Smithereens in the East Village is shown serving tartare, likely beef tartare, accompanied by bread and butter. This indicates a menu that includes classic dishes with a focus on quality ingredients and presentation.
The author had a strong start to their August eats with the lobster roll from Smithereens. They explicitly state that they 'adored everything' they ate at Smithereens, highlighting the buckwheat pancake as 'INSANE'. The dessert, an apple cider donut with vanilla ice cream, was also described as 'amazing'.
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
This moody, subterranean East Village destination offers a modern, edgy remix of New England-style seafood [1], [2]. Under the guidance of Chef Nick Tamburo and sommelier Nikita Malhotra, the restaurant has garnered acclaim for its creative plates and an expertly curated wine list that highlights Chardonnay and Grenache [3], [4], [5]. While it has been recognized on the New York Times top 100 list, the popularity of the space means that securing a reservation can be quite challenging [6], [7], [8].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on imaginative, seafood-forward New American cuisine with a New England backbone [1], [5], [8]. Standout creative dishes frequently highlighted include the quahog-studded risotto, whole barbecued mackerel, and smoky abalone skewers [2], [4], [5], [6]. While the lobster roll is iconic, diner experiences with it have been polarizing due to its $55 price point and inconsistent meat portions [12], [13].
Overall sentiment is highly positive, with many diners describing their experiences as amazing and recommending it as a top spot for date nights [9], [10]. While the vast majority praise the atmosphere and food, a few visitors have expressed concerns regarding pricing and the perceived value of certain items like the lobster roll [11], [12].
Caveats
Reservations are notoriously difficult to obtain, though showing up early or opting for a bar seat can sometimes improve your chances of getting in [7], [8].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SMITHEREENS
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Under The Radar Holy St Howdidyoufindthis Dinner
"Mentioned as a notable Manhattan restaurant by a local."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurants You Keep Going Back To Any
"Brief recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Hard To Get Reservations That Are Now Getable And
"The restaurant is described as being underwhelming and not worth the visit."
NegativeFrom post: Any Recommendations For Someone Who Misses
"A recommended restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Your Favorite Clam Dishes In Manhattan Or Brooklyn
"The user notes they had amazing clams here."
Positive