Seemor
LautBWorth Trying
15 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003
· Malaysian restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Singaporean restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (2206 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Union Square Malaysian spot with standout roti and rendang, creative fusion touches, cramped and loud room, and inconsistent execution/value; reserve and expect $45–60 per person.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Laut delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality—roti canai and rendang earn consistent praise—and warm, responsive service. However, quality varies noticeably between visits, and tight seating and peak-hour crowding detract from the experience. The Union Square location and contemporary Southeast Asian approach appeal to diners seeking accessible, flavorful cooking, but execution gaps and operational constraints keep it from grade A-grade territory.
Restaurant Summary
Steps from Union Square, Laut buzzes with lively energy and a polished, street-market vibe. Servers are often warm and efficient, though peak hours can feel cramped and loud. One diner summed it up: "Roti was flaky, dishes rolled out fast, but the room roared." The cooking leans contemporary Malaysian with regional touches—think roti canai, rendang, laksa, plus a few fusion-leaning twists. The culinary approach leans creative and ingredient-driven: familiar Southeast Asian staples with modern edges rather than strict tradition. Fans rave about rich curries and roti, while some find chili crab too sour or certain soups underseasoned. For families, it works if kids like simple, crowd-pleasers: roti, fried wontons, Pad See Ew, and jasmine rice are easy wins. There is no explicit kids menu, and bolder flavors (belacan, tamarind, heat) can challenge picky eaters, so order from the roti or wok sections to keep it friendly.
At a Glance
- Excellent roti and flavorful rendang/laksa when on form
- Central Union Square location with strong transit access
- Very loud and cramped at peak; reservations may seat late
- Pricing is high for portions on some dishes
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- robust_roti_station
- broad_southeast_asian_menu
- union_square_proximity
What People Love
- Flaky roti with rich curry dip
- Comforting, aromatic laksa
- Warm, attentive servers when not slammed
- Street-market style ambiance with polished touches
Points of Concern
- Room gets very loud; conversation can be difficult at peak times
- Reservation delays and occasional rushing near closing reported
- Inconsistent execution: some dishes bland or overly sour
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (many mains $30+), portions vary
- Review patterns show creative fusion; conservative palates may struggle
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Roti Canai, split a rendang and a wok noodle, add a green or coconut rice side to balance heat
- Seafood lovers: choose Ikan Bakar over chili crab if you prefer savory-spicy over sweet-sour
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-Union Square outing with flavorful sharing plates
- Date night in a buzzy room
- Small groups exploring Malaysian staples
- Adventurous diners open to fusion twists
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Union Square area with offices, shops, and market; heavy foot traffic and mixed locals/tourists.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, crowded at peak hours; typical urban vigilance recommended.
Nearby: Near Union Square Park, subway hub, farmers market, retail and other restaurants; strong pre/post-activity options.
GramercyGramercy is a relatively upscale and residential neighborhood with a calm, village-like atmosphere. It features a mix of historic brownstones and modern apartments, with a dining scene that includes upscale restaurants, cozy bistros, and trendy cafes. The area is known for its exclusivity, including the private Gramercy Park, and attracts diners looking for refined yet approachable culinary experiences.
Stuyvesant SquareStuyvesant Square is a small, distinct area within Gramercy characterized by its historic park and a slightly more residential feel. Dining here tends to be more casual and neighborhood-focused, with a mix of classic New York eateries and newer, health-conscious spots.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:45
Tuesday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:45
Wednesday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:45
Thursday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:45
Friday11:30–15:00, 17:00–21:45
Saturday13:00–22:00
Sunday13:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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