Manhattan’s 10 Downing Street latest tenant is here to stay, and no it’s not the prime minister of the United Kingdom, who shares the same address in London. For fans of Dame and Lord’s, the restaurant in residence proves far more exciting, as it’s the owner’s third project, Crevette.
Catching a Coastal Vibe in the Heart of NYC
You won’t find any British references here, instead the seafood-heavy menu leans toward coastal Europe, drawing inspiration from the South of France, coastal Spain, and the Riviera. At the same time, the dining room feels unmistakably New York with tall front windows, bistro-style white linens, and cozy cream-colored booths begging for a low-key party. Michael McGregor’s bright and whimsical 10-foot-tall painting of a dinner table stretched across one wall adds to the whimsy.
Since opening last year in early February, the phone-eats-first newcomers have shifted into West Village regulars and diners looking for laidback and delicious seafood. It helps that Crevette is so versatile, drawing in a crowd looking for a night out or an elevated weekend lunch. Cozy corner tables work for an intimate date, while larger tables in the center of the restaurant work perfect for groups of friends. The menu shifts regularly, giving diners plenty of reason to keep coming back.
Developing a Provencal Menu
Patricia Howard, co-owner of Crevette, described the menu as “grounded in traditional Provençal cooking with Catalan and Ligurian influences, combined with the seasonal, farmers’-market approach and relaxed nature characteristic of Ed’s food.”
Ed, as one may deduce, is chef Ed Szymanski, Howard’s husband and co-owner. Taste what she meant by starting with a small bowl of addictive olives to pair with a solid White Negroni or a classic Boulevardier. Continue the feast with fresh oysters and, when available, a bay scallop enhanced with Cara Cara orange and smoked trout roe. Add in the Shrimp Cocktail Provençal with aïoli and Calabrian chili, which delivers a little kick straight from the Italian coast.
Anchor the experience with the Bluefin Tuna, Guindilla Pepper & Crispy Potato, a lovely dish that delivers a satisfying balance of richness and crunch. The Spanish Tortilla (with rotating toppings) recently came crowned with confit garlic and yellowfoot chanterelles, and earlier we saw a generous heap of juicy peekytoe crab.
Don’t skip the whipped ricotta; served with Cantabrian anchovies and toast, it’s a study in how a dish can be simple and bright. For mushroom fans, the Grilled Wild Mushrooms, Egg Yolk & Lardo lean into deeper, smokier flavors, with the rich yolk tying everything together. Keep the Seafood Rice on your radar too. The paella-like dish comes in a wide pan, and arrives with a socarrat, that crispy layer of rice at the bottom that you should absolutely scrape up and devour. The kitchen frequently riffs on the dish as well, with recent versions featuring artichokes, morcilla, and scallops, or an Arroz Negro stained with squid ink prepared with saffron, octopus, and grilled squid.
Capping Off a Beautiful Evening
By this point the rhythm of Crevette becomes clear, as dishes arrive at an easy, steady pace while the dining room hums around you, building the energy naturally without ever feeling rushed. The buzz carries late into the night as drinks keep flowing. A solid and approachable wine list complements the seafood-focused menu, with bottles that lean toward the same coastal European regions inspiring the kitchen.
For those sticking with cocktails, the Poseidon with mezcal and Cynar offers a slightly more adventurous option, balancing smoky and bitter notes in a surprisingly smooth way.
To finish, the playful pastis selection offers a moment of ceremony at the table as you ponder the next bite. Desserts here prove just as thoughtful as the main menu, with fresh churros served with a delicate chamomile custard and the Dark Chocolate Torta delivering a decadent finale. Opt for an aperitif like the Bicicleta to cap it all off.
Visit Crevette for dinner on Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 5 p.m. Lunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. 10 Downing St., West Village, crevettenyc.com
