Seemor
Crave FishbarA-Worth Trying
945 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
· Seafood restaurant, Angler fish restaurant, Fish restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1195 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Midtown East seafood spot with standout oysters, octopus, and seared tuna; creative fusion touches, good service, and a popular happy hour, but value complaints and a few safety/portion gripes mean expectations should be set.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Crave Fishbar delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by a rotating oyster selection and creative seafood preparations, paired with attentive service. Consistency shows some variation—particularly around happy hour portions and occasional off-nights—while isolated food safety reports prevent a higher grade. The warm, bustling setting appeals to oyster enthusiasts but lacks the distinctive character to elevate this to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with dim lighting and the steady clink of oyster platters. Staff are often praised as attentive and welcoming, guiding guests through a rotating list of bivalves. One diner put it simply: “oysters were the highlight” and the octopus sealed the deal. The culinary approach leans contemporary and fusion-driven: classic seafood with global twists like Thai curry, zaatar, miso glazes, and crudo. It suits oyster obsessives and seafood fans who enjoy creative preparations more than minimalist tradition. Regular menu prices sit on the higher side, while happy hour draws crowds despite limits and smaller portions. For families, options exist but it is not overtly kid-centric. Sliders, fries, simple grilled fish and pastas can work for cautious eaters, but much of the menu skews adventurous seafood. If your crew loves oysters and grilled fish, you will be fine; picky eaters may feel constrained.
At a Glance
- Deep, fresh oyster selection with rotating varieties
- Tender plancha octopus and well-seared yellowfin tuna
- Happy hour oyster limits and smaller portions than expected
- A few reports of off dishes and occasional rude service
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- deep_oyster_selection
- sustainable_seafood_focus
- creative_fusion_seafood
What People Love
- Feeling of being looked after by attentive staff
- Rotating, briny oysters that taste fresh
- Charred, tender octopus that stands out
- Seared tuna with flavorful sides like Mexican corn
Points of Concern
- Happy hour limits on oysters and reduced portion sizes frustrate some diners
- Mixed feedback on certain items (lobster curry, warm crab roll) suggests uneven execution
- A few isolated reports of getting sick after oysters or lobster roll; majority report freshness
- Pricing is premium for portions; value best at happy hour
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-86 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose an oyster flight then share the octopus; split a Naked Fish with sauce vierge for lighter balance
- Order a substantial entree alongside HH bites to avoid leaving hungry
Perfect For
- Oyster-centric happy hour with friends
- Date night with seafood and cocktails
- Business casual dinners near Midtown offices
- Seafood lovers who enjoy global flavors
Location Insights
Area: Midtown East mix of offices and residential; after-work crowd and date-night traffic near 2nd Ave.
Safety: Generally safe, busy corridors with steady foot traffic and good lighting.
Nearby: Close to offices, hotels like the InterContinental Barclay, and other bars/restaurants; convenient for happy hour.
Turtle BayTurtle Bay is a primarily residential and commercial neighborhood with a mix of upscale apartments and office buildings. The dining scene includes a variety of casual and fine dining options catering to business lunches, after-work gatherings, and local residents, with a generally safe and accessible urban atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–22:00
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday17:00–22:00
Friday17:00–22:00
Saturday17:00–22:00
Sunday17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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