Good Fish in Manhattan
 

Hi, my daughter, a resident of Manhattan, wants to take me for a birthday lunch in two weeks. She usually takes me to very expensive restaurants (Picholine, Payard, Chanterelle, Lever House), but I would like to try a nice seafood place (I like salmon, sea bass, scallops) that is not so costly. Can anyone in NYC recommend a place that they like? I am looking for a restaurant were the bill would be about $100 for two, without alcohol.

Thanks,
Handmaiden

Greek restuarants often have wonderful fresh fish that doesn't cost an arm and a fin, but it is best if you like your fish grilled and plain (rather than French and sauced).

A possibility:

Trata Estiatorio
1331 Second Ave., New York, NY 10021
between 70th and 71st Sts.
212-535-3800

http://tinyurl.com/p5vdv

Thank you. If the fish is served whole, with the head attached, my daughter will not be thrilled.

Has anyone had experience with Aquavit? Or is that out of my price range?

Happy 4th! God bless our brave soldiers in Iraq. Freedom is not free.

Christine

Mary's Fish Camp
Pearl Oyster Bar
BLT Fish
Lure Fishbar
Mermaid Inn

Aquavit is pricey.

Try Redeye Grill at 56th & 7th, with a strong recommendation of the sea bass.
Acquvit is higher than your $100-for-two range.

Handmaiden,

July 10-14 and July 17-21st is Restaurant Week in NYC. Aquavit is listed as a participating restaurant for lunch during this time.

Happy Birthday!

Thank you, seetheworld. I forgot about that. Years ago I went to Union Sq. Cafe during Restaurant Week and had a very nice lunch with a friend from high school. It didn't break the bank.

My daughter's husband is an ivestment banker and she doesn't care about cost. I am the daughter of two immigrants (Italy, Poland), and can't see spending so much money on a meal. My mother would have a stroke if she ever had to pay more than $10 for an entree! I never mention to her where Emily and I go to eat in New York.

Thank for all the suggestions. I will check these places out.

Christine

handmaiden,

I have often found the menus during restaurant week very limited and the food made with less care.

The truth is that serving first rate fish in Manhattan is inherently expensive -- more expensive than if you are in Brooklyn and certainly more expensive than if you are in Italy. I would accept that, for your daughter, the cost is relative to her income, and her income allows the best -- and eat the best!

To save $50 dollars at the cost of having a second rate meal doesn't quite make sense.

Aquavit or Esca are wonderful choices. You needen't tell Mom.

I'm not sure why we needed to know, but perhaps it's time you tell Mom that grandson-in-law is an investment banker.

I'd recommend the Blue Water Grill. I've never had a bad meal there.. and the prices really aren't too high.. considering the quality. You can view the lunch menu online at www.brguestrestaurants.com
Enjoy!
Jenny

I put my vote in for Docks on 3rd & 40th. The fish, steak and yam fries are all yummy!!!

Aquavit is beyond your budget. Frankly, I think Trata is expensive for what it is, although the fish is very fresh and delicious (if simply) prepared.

I'd try Blue Water Grill or its sister restaurant, Atlantic Grill. Both are good food, decent atmosphere, reasonable prices.

Thanks for the suggestion for Blue Water. It looks perfect, and I like Union Square for the Farmer's Market.

Christine

What about the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal? It's so NYC, and the fish (and especially the oysters) are very tasty!
http://www.oysterbarny.com

I'd also recommend Blue Water Grill and Docks as others have mentioned. Yum!

I third the suggestion of Docks, it is the BEST seafood intown, very fresh, and lots of selection.

There are now 2 Docks one on 3rd and 30th and one on Broadway, not sure what the cross street in the 80's I think.

I have to say that I really don't like the food at Docks or the Oyster Bar, but I'd heartily second Blue Water Grill. You'll have no problem making reservations for lunch in 2 weeks. But I'd also suggest you take a look at Asiate, which is at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at Columbus Circle and has a lovely view of Central Park. Not sure you could do lunch there for $50 per person (it's more of a $100-plus per person place for dinner, but lunch is probably cheaper). The suggestion of a Greek restaurant that does grilled fish is also a good one. Most of them will de-bone the fish and remove the head so you don't have to look at it while you eat.

I have already made my mind up for Blue Water Grill. No more suggestions are needed. Thank you all very much. You Fodorites are great.

Christine