Pic courtesy of Marea
If a full-on splurge at the luxe-seafood den Marea will do in what’s left of your bank account, stop in for a snack at the crudo bar, which shows off chef Michael White’s Italian spins on sushi. The crudo dishes here are some of the most spectacular taste sensations in the city. The silky raw fish, cut like sushi or sashimi, comes dressed with spicy, sweet, or acidic flavors, as in the geoduck clam with chilies and chive blossoms or the fluke with lemon thyme and basil oil. You can also order crudo in the main dining room—along with White’s masterful seafood pastas and other marine concoctions. Note: The front room is open all afternoon—from lunch straight through to dinner—for off-hour seafood cravings.
Marea. 240 Central Park South between Broadway and Seventh Ave; (212) 582-5100.
Prices/Features: UPSC, VGT (See Welcome to Salmaland for key to letter abbreviations.)