TLDR
Elevated English seafood in a lively, intimate Village setting; iconic fish and chips and indulgent sticky toffee pudding.
The Infatuation reviews Dean's, a new British seafood pub in Soho from the masterminds behind King, highlighting its authentic stargazy pie, casual atmosphere, and extensive list of English wines and Guinness.
Details
A highly-rated Greenwich Village destination, this English seafood restaurant has earned a devoted following for its elevated fish dishes and vibrant atmosphere [2]. The kitchen excels at seasonal, seafood-centric preparations, often accompanied by an adventurous wine list [1]. While widely celebrated as a top-tier spot, the dining room is famously tiny and can become quite loud during peak hours [4].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on refined, British-inspired seafood, with the signature fish and chips receiving significant attention; while many call it the best in the city [7], [8], [9], others occasionally find the batter or portion size inconsistent [7], [10]. Highly recommended items include the grilled oysters hollandaise [6], [7], sticky toffee pudding [2], [5], [7], and various seasonal specials like poached leeks or hiramasa [5], [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"The grilled oysters hollandaise [6], [7] and the signature sticky toffee pudding [2], [5], [7] are widely considered must-order items."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •fish and chips(29)
- •sticky toffee pudding(11)
- •oysters(5)
- •eton mess(4)
- •grilled oysters(4)
- •tuna toast(3)
- •squid skewers(3)
- •cocktails(2)
- •fish & chips(2)
- •fish(2)
- •clam pie(2)
- •tuna tartare(2)
- •food(2)
- •squid and scallion skewers(2)
Customer Sentiment
Overall sentiment is very positive, with many diners praising the high quality of the food and the unique, energetic vibe [2], [7]. However, some patrons have voiced concerns regarding the high price point, noise levels, and the restaurant's very limited seating capacity [4], [7], [10].
Caveats
The restaurant is very small, notoriously loud, and often difficult to secure a reservation for, which may lead to a cramped dining experience [4], [7], [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About DAME
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats Your Favorite Shrimp Dish That Youve Had In
"The user recommends the morels stuffed with red shrimp."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"The user suggests Dame over Crevette, though notes that Lords is better."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"The user had an outstanding dinner at Dame, highlighting a variety of dishes beyond the popular fish and chips."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"Dame is described as having bolder, less refined flavors compared to other options. The user notes the fish and chips are overrated."
NeutralFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"Dame is noted as having very limited space and being difficult to book for a short visit."
NeutralFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"The restaurant is noted as being tiny and cramped, with prices having increased significantly, turning it into a special occasion spot."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"The user was disappointed with the meal, noting that only the fish and chips lived up to expectations while other seafood dishes lacked seasoning."
NegativeFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"Dame is described as a small, intimate space with an open kitchen. While the seafood plates are elevated, the user finds the fish and chips batter to be poorly executed compared to other menu items."
PositiveFrom post: Dame Or Crevette Which Restaurant Is Better Are
"The food is described as good, but the price point is criticized as excessive."
NeutralFrom post: Lords Sohogreenwich Village 506 Laguardia Place
"Describes Dame as a gem and praises specific seafood dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Lords Sohogreenwich Village 506 Laguardia Place
"Mentions a fantastic fish and eel pie special and praises the cocktails."
PositiveFrom post: Lords Sohogreenwich Village 506 Laguardia Place
"Found the fish and chips disappointing compared to high expectations, noting the fish was meager."
NegativeFrom post: Lords Sohogreenwich Village 506 Laguardia Place
"Recommends visiting Dame for dinner for specific dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Lords Sohogreenwich Village 506 Laguardia Place
"Considers Dame the sister restaurant to Lord's and identifies it as having NYC's best fish and chips."
PositiveFrom post: Best Restaurant To Try To Get Into This Weekend
"The user successfully walked in for dinner during a holiday weekend when the restaurant was otherwise typically hard to book."
PositiveFrom post: Need Dinner Rec Similar To Lei Wine Bar The Four
"Compared to Four Horsemen for its intimate interior and similar menu format. Notes the menu is seafood-heavy but not necessarily raw."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter said they could eat an entire tray of the grilled oysters hollandaise from Dame."
PositiveFrom post: Lastminute Reservation Downtown To Catch Up With
"This user listed Dame as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For The Best Savoury Pot Pies In
"Dame in the West Village is recommended for its Fish Pie."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Good Seafood Preferably Seafood
"Dame is listed as a seafood recommendation."
Positive