MareaGoing downhill nowTwo years ago Marea had superb and creative food. Now, the quality is rapidly receding although the prices have not.
It's still an excellent location and comfortable attractive room and the service is good, but the magic is gone.6/15/2013 12:00:00 AMExquisite Food!I'm in love with Marea! The food is delicious and impeccable. The waiter assigned to our table seemed a tad bit out of it and was not as attentive as other wait staff I've dealt with at this place before. Our waiter contributed nothing to our dining experience and wasn't necessarily friendly. The upside is that the food, which is the star, was stellar!!!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMDinnerFood was good, wine was good but unfortunately the waitress was so rude, impatient and rushed us out of the restaurant. Do they really need to turn tables? Service is as importance and really disappointed from a restaurant of thi caliber.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMsuperb in every wayWe have been going to Marea since it opened and it has been excellent every time. The room, the service, the people are all sophisticated as is the energetic uber cool vibe. Best crudo you will eat in NY. The fusili dish with marrow and octopus is a must. Fantastic every time we have it. staff very knowledgeable about wines, cocktails and dishes. excellent choices in all areas. Go.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMPushy Maitre d'We enjoyed the food. The Branzino was fantastic. The Sushi for the most part was expensive and tasteless. I would go back but I have to make a comment about the Maitre d'. We were meeting another couple and we arrived 10 minutes early and he attempted to rush us to the table. We declined and said we would like to wait at the bar. He gave us a look. 10 minutes later he returns telling us he has a fabulous table and we should take it now. We asked if he could hold that 'fabulous table' for 5 minutes. Again another look. Our friends arrived 10 minutes later and we weren't even done with the kiss hello when I here 'come right this way'. You will not get a warm welcome in this place. But they will get plently of your money.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMa Splurge but Worth it.A bit on the expensive side even for New York, but well worth it. The fish is extraordinary, as are the pastas. An evening to remember.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMA Great Special OccasionThough the room is large, my request for a romantic corner table was honored and got to seat perpendicular to my date (to share intimate conversation) rather than across from him; service was excellent with friendly personalities & a sense of humor exuding from our waitress, the sommelier, and others on staff; the food was beyond excellent...all servings...the decor is warm and elegant but not stuffy; the noise level was just enough to convey an alive feeling, though not sure how it would have sounded had we'd sat in the middle of the room (reserved for large, talky groups so probably not a problem). Expensive and definitely worth it...would definitely recommend.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMNew Menu Just = New FavoritesI love introducing people to Marea -- my gift to them returns my gift to me in seeing them delight in the extraordinary dining experience that is Marea's signature... and then there is that leetle extra benefit in that *I* get the credit for it!
While I recommended the ever-offered Brodetto di Pesce to my guest, and she swooned with every bite and spoonful, I tried the Capesante and got to add a new favorite to my repertoire -- the scallops were cooked to perfection and beautifully complemented by the fiddlehead ferns and polenta, so I did a fair amount of swooning of mine own. The Bombolini were a perfectly light and sweet ending to a perfect meal.
I awoke this morning wishing Marea was open for breakfast so I could have some more...6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother Fine MealMy wife and I took our son and daughter to celebrate our son's birthday at Marea. We had an early reservation at 5:45 pm and planned to take the A Train from the Financial District to Columbus Circle. However, weekend work on the subway turned the 30 minute ride into a one hour and 15 minute nightmare, during which we were trapped underground without cell phone service. When we finally emerged from the station at Columbus Circle more than 30 minutes late for our reservation, we worried that we'd have to grab dinner from a food cart somewhere. Thankfully, Marea's front of house accommodated our very tardy party. As my wife and I had experienced only a couple of months earlier, the service and food were wonderful. Thank you, Marea.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMCentral Park GemMarea was absolutely beautiful. The ambience and decor was great and the food was quite delectable. My boyfriend and I had reservations for a Saturday evening and was seated within seconds of arriving. Note to self, definitley get a reservation! We each got an appetizer and entree with wines paired with each meal. Be ready to spend no less than Our server Gary was amazing! Very knowledgable about the menu and wine. Overall, a great experience! On our way out, we were given a delicius cake muffin tied with a Marea bow, it was so quaint! Will definitely visit again.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday BestWe went to Marea to celebrate my father's birthday. He was treated with special attention in this elegant restaurant. All the pastas and seafood were well prepared, in particular the octopus pasta and tuna appetizer. Highly recommend it for a special occasion lunch.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe business lunch combo forThe business lunch combo for $45.00 was well worth it. Tartare was done just right, Fusilli was delicious, the only suggestion would be if the pasta could be a bit softer.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was very good but had someIt was very good but had some drawbacks.
My $22 appetizer had exactly 1 ONE shrimp. And overall I thought it was far
too expensive for what we got.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Service!My wife and I shared a wonderful meal here on our wedding anniversary. The service was top notch! I'm not just talking about politeness, our server was such a sweetheart who went ABOVE and BEYOND to make sure our dining experience was nothing short of magnificent. I would highly recommend Marea to any of our friends travelling to NYC.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellentA little different, a little pricey, but well worth the treat~6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!Outstanding food and service.
Portions quite small.
Perfect for a late night meal.
International crowd.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMMarea - not your typical ItalianI found out about Marea from Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation series. When Anthony featured Marea, it looked really good. So I decided to take some corporate diners with me. It was fabulous... Marea is more like Italian version of Le Bernardin, but they also give certain modern Japanese cuisine feel to their food as well (probably because they mainly use seafood). You can get good pasta as well, but I definitely recommend the 5 course tasting menu lunch priced at $80 per person. I hope to go back there again...6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMA truly unique gemThe Fusilli (with octopus and bone marrow) is other-worldly and worth the hype. The Ricci is absolutely amazing as well. The petit fours (this one was similar to a macaron - coffee/espresso flavored) that came with the check were a delicious surprise as well. If you are a true fan of seafood and pasta, then you can't pass this place up. Go for lunch if you want to go a little easier on the wallet.6/3/2013 12:00:00 AMAlmost everything was great...I enjoyed my Marea experience - the food was great, our server was attentive, selections were adequate. My main complaint is the hostess; it wouldn't hurt for her to smile and be more pleasant. I'm actually surprised that your restaurant would employ someone who didn't look happy to be working there.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMBest Italian SeafoodEverything was amazing, was kind of upset we were sat in the lounge area.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant was perfectThis restaurant was perfect for our anniversary. The dinning room had a nice formal atmosphere while being bright and airy. We were seated right away. The service was knowledgeable and attentive. They asked us if we were theater bound (which we weren't). We chose the four course option with the wine pairing. The servings were appropriately size so we could enjoy everything without stuffing ourselves. The pairing was excellent. We'll be back.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyable dinnerSuperb service - really among the best I have ever experienced - one sip of water, and the glass was refilled. It seemed any, and every question we had was answered with: "Whatever you want, we can do"! Food was quite good - menu very inventive. Know, however, that this is not a restaurant to visit if you're not a fish lover!
Incredible wine list - alas, I didn't order the $18,500 1985 bottle from Burgundy, but was directed by the sommelier to a very nice Brunello for just under $150.
The decor is modern and elegant. The bar is stunning - tables are spaced nicely and chairs very comfortable.
Overall it was a wonderful experience that lived up to my expectations of a Michael White restaurant (must admit, I miss Convivio and Alto!).6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMMarea, almost perfectWe enjoyed everything, but the smell of fried fish as soon as we entered the dining room. It is a pitty because I consider Marea one of the best in NYC. The can and they have to do something to avoid the inconvenience.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing Oasis in NYCThere were 3 in my party and each one of us enjoyed every aspect of the dining experience. We were there for lunch, were not rushed and were treated exceptionally. Food was spectacular, both in taste and presentation. Wait staff were so pleasant and still very professional. Please take the opportunity to experience this 'amazing oasis in NYC ' as soon as you can.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMMarvelous!What a lovely evening. The care we received as well as delicious food were outstanding. Great wines. I highly recommend Marea.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMHigh class ItalianWe had my birthday lunch at Marea (tip: go for lunch and it's not as expensive) and had a wonderful seafood tasting. The portions are not large, but we did feel satisfied at the end. The food is expertly prepared and served--we loved the crudo tasting, the lobster salad, pasta with crab, and succulent scallops. Pricey, but for that special occasion.
One minor criticism: when my wife made the reservation, she indicated it was for my birthday--they made no acknowledgement when they served dessert--fine restaurants will usually do a little something. The service was professional but a bit cold.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Perfect MealWe went to Marea for my birthday. My husband had the tasting menu, I chose the business menu and we had wine. The quality of the food, attention to detail and overall service was outstanding. It was truly "the perfect meal."5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMToo Salty!The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing. Menu offers interesting and diversified dishes. Looking forward to returning and trying additional items on the menu5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent in all respectsThis is the 5th or 6th time I ahve eaten there. It is a must stop for us when we visit NY. Pasta is perfectly done, seafood is excellent. Sommelier is good and service is good. What is there to complain about?5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMNeed to know placeExcellent environment and service, it is a must know restaurant in NY. Decoration is fantastic!5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMMarea is Several Cuts AboveMarea and Ai Fiori are the flagships of the outstanding Altamarea group and each is outstanding and special in its own way. Our recent dinner at Marea featured four fabulous courses. The crudo, pasta, and fish at Marea are always outstanding as are the desserts. Service is relaxed but very professional and servers are knowledgeable, friendly, unobtrusive, and efficient. The restaurant looks great--very warm and comfortable. Although it is expensive, it is very reasonable for a restaurant at this high end of New York City cuisine. This is one of the really great restaurants in New York.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAs good as the reviews. PrixAs good as the reviews. Prix Fixe Lunch one of the great bargains in NYC. A must do if you are a foodie.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Food Lousy PacingThis may be the best value in NYC. Seriously, get the fixed price and you get a michelin starred place at a very fair price. About that I have no gripes. BUT the kitchen was overwhelmed. Our dinner took three hours, and there was no reason for that. Great food, lousy pacing.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMFour course prix fixeMarea was a good meal but not superb when I compare it with the fare at Le Bernadin. As other diners have noted, the appetizers were excellent. The pastas (garganelli and gnochetti) were also great. However incomparison with preceding courses, the turbot and halibut seemed to fall short. This doesn't mean that the fish wasn't perfectly cooked. I loved the affogado, even though it is very simple.5/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazingWe ate there as a celebration of our son's starting to culinary school at the CIA in Hyde Park. Food and service was absolutely wonderful.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMIncredible on all levels.Incredible on all levels. The Ricci may have been the best bite of food I've ever had.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMany reasons this is toughMany reasons this is tough table to book, all of those reasons are worthy! Not a off moment; service flawless, professional, friendly, room perfectly dampered for sound, comfortable seats, thoughtful lighting, tables just the right size for conversation and all the plates. Raw seafood plate selected by waiter, each a unique taste. Uno, the favorite. Octopus starter a standout as were the sweetbreads, what a sauce! Mains of swordfish, signature pasta octopus w/beef marrow and the whole fish were memorable. Finally, sweets kept coming. Yogurt/honey sorbet was ambrosia, as was chocolate gelato. Chef sent out bamboloni to dip in chocolate and tiny cream puffs. We rolled out of there, very happy, eager to return. Bravo, fine dining at its best!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMlovely ambience but food couldlovely ambience but food could be a bit more zesty. Nice ingredients but not enough zing.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOnly great.This is not an inexpensive restaurant but well worth it. If you don't order everything you can actually eat reasonably.
Our waitress, Alyson, was extremely well versed in wine and the menu plus she was a ton of fun. No stuffiness and no rush.
Great time, great food, beautiful decor.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother pleasant experienceOn each of our last four visits to NY, we've had lunch or brunch at Marea's. Moreover, we've sent friends and relatives there to savor the great meals produced in Marea's kitchen. If we're in the city for more than two days, more likely than not, we'll have a meal there.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingI had very high expectations having read the reviews, but it was even better. The octopus was sublime. The scallops were excellent. I dined alone and was very comfortable, service was great. I can't wait to go back.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSpectacular againRemarkable are the Calarmari Shanghai Style and our waiter GEORGE!!!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch Tasting MenuIntrigued by the many appealing choices on the menu, we selected the tasting menu. The seafood, uniformly cooked perfectly,(lightly), included a great variety of fish, styles and flavors. We especially loved the lobster with burrata, pasta with sea urchin and crab, and scallops. The room is very modern and sleek with an active street level park view, without any street sounds. We felt the service could have been more attentive to match the food and ambiance.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMStayed all eveningThis is a special place, not the fanciest, but still very special, not the most daring for foodies, but very nice atmosphere and wonderful Italian cuisine; we each enjoyed our dishes. I thought the soft shelled crab was outstanding. My daughter loved the ravioli. Those were the stand outs of the evening. I plan to go there again when I am next in NYC.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and presentation.Excellent food and presentation. First class however heavy on the wallet.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat friday night restaurantI went to Marea late on a Friday night on a double date and we all had a great time. We are younger in age (22-23) and decided to try out a nice restaurant and we were not disappointed.
The menu was excellent, making the ordering process difficult as so much of the food seemed fantastic.
The ambiance was great and the customers around us were lively and 'fun' which I found surprising for a restaurant with such a great reputation (I was expecting a more pompous crowd).
The four of us had a great time and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates good food.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMFresh fabulous ingredientsDid the 4 course tasting menu. Got a chance to try a little of everything. Ingredients were fresh, wines were superb. Can't wit to go back5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable, wonderful, delicious,Memorable, wonderful, delicious, beautiful, mouth watering, addictive, five star service5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSuperb mealWe went to Marea for dinner on a Monday night at 9 pm, which was the only time we could get a reservation from a week in advance, and it was totally full. We ordered from the raw bar, which came very quickly, but unfortunately we had to wait over an hour for our antipasti to arrive. I received a half glass of wine on the house, while my dining partner didn't receive anything. They really could have taken more of an effort to compensate for the slow pace of the kitchen, especially at those prices. That being said, the food was delicious and I would without a doubt go back. Pasta dishes have great portions, and the octopus antipasto was fantastic. Definitely give Marea a try.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding dining experienceRead the reviews on this restaurant and thought I'd take my Mum for dinner on Mother's Day. It was a dinner to remember. The food was incredible, wine excellent and service outstanding. Highly recommend to anyone.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AM