Open since 2009, Marea in NYC remains one of the most popular Columbus Circle restaurants. It’s equally buzzy for power lunches, after-work dining, and late-evening cocktails illuminated by the stunning backlit bar, accented with Egyptian onyx.
A coastal Italian seafood destination, locals and out-of-towners flock here for Marea’s famous raw fish creations, luxe pastas, and thoughtful desserts. The flagship restaurant of Altamarea Group, Marea has since launched in cities like Los Angeles, Istanbul, Mumbai, and New Delhi, where its celebration of the sea entices diners globally.
From crudo to cooked crustaceans, Marea has provided a deep dive into the ocean’s finest offerings since the day it first opened under the watchful eye of chef PJ Calapa. We walk down memory lane to discover how this colorful seafood spot went from an exciting new opening to the legendary restaurant it is today.
Visit the Sea On the Isle of Manhattan
The most famous dish at Marea has been there since the get go. We’re talking about the red wine-braised octopus fusilli, complete with luscious bone marrow. As a unique take on surf and turf, the succulent dish sings with rich fat, bright acid, and a pleasing chewy texture that brings diners back for more.
But don’t stop there. Since Marea sources the seafood locally from distributors such as Octopus Garden, Pierless, and other celebrated purveyors, all the fish is as fresh and high-quality as it can be. For example, Calapa’s signature raw fish appetizer proves ideal with four, thinly-sliced pieces of hamachi or seabream topped with caviar, jalapeño, or citrus. The branzino tartare, made with crunchy pistachios, crispy shallots, and topped with thinly-sliced radish to give it a flower-like appearance, also wows.
Right now, the ricotta-filled ravioli with corn, basil, sungold tomato, and pine nuts give diners a taste of summer, as does the lobster roll, a seasonal favorite. Of course the seafood experience wouldn’t be complete without a whole fish, and the dover sole is exceptional. The meaty white fish comes topped with a choice of sauces including a tasty lemon sauce, a la meunière, Kaluga caviar butter, a clam-based sauce, and Mediterraneo, which comprises tomato, eggplant, anchovy, and pine nut.
Marea Offers an Experience Beyond Seafood
Marea, which means “tide” in Italian, also sings with bounty from the land. Try the Bistecca (dry-aged sirloin) served with little gem salad and bone marrow panzanella. Or, order the pan-roasted duck breast with a sweet-and-sour stone fruit sauce that comes alongside turnip and mustard greens.
Notably, someone with a sweet tooth will also be dazzled by Marea’s dessert offerings too. The tiramisu comes topped with a hard chocolate ganache and visually resembles a coffee bean. Take a spoon and crack it open to reveal the soft inside, and pair with a side of mascarpone gelato. Looking for something simple? Try the refreshing semifreddo with frozen vanilla mousse, strawberry, and basil.
A Microcosm of New York City
Aside from the food, Marea expertly captures the energy of New York City. It’s a place where a group of hot shot lawyers come to celebrate winning a big case in the bustling main dining room, while a group of well-heeled tourists stop in for martinis and caviar bites in the garden. You’ll see couples meeting for a casual, reservation-free dinner and drinks at the bar, while others save seats well in advance for a grand celebration.
The restaurant is vibrant with a captivating bar and sunny and spacious main dining room which overlooks Central Park. The welcoming service makes you feel right at home while still delivering an elevated experience. Notably, Marea was one of celebrated chef Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants, and he raved about the aforementioned fusilli.
A Lasting Impression
The culinary scene in New York City is famously cutthroat — a restaurant being open for over a decade is a cause for celebration. As a Columbus Circle mainstay flanking Central Park, Marea embodies much of what makes a great New York City restaurant; outstanding dishes that have stood the test of time, new items to infuse fresh energy into the menu, and a lively dining room that feels timeless, elegant, and comfortable all at the the same time. The Marea of today remains the same great place as the Marea I visited as a recent college graduate. And, even as I have changed, it feels great to dine in a spot with so much comforting history.
Visit Marea Sunday through Thursday from 12 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12 to 11 p.m. 240 Central Park S., Columbus Circle, marearestaurant.com
