TLDR
Exquisite seafood-forward raw bar and wine destination in the East Village. Perfect for intimate, high-end dining experiences.
Instagram Posts References
Penny is a seafood-focused restaurant and wine bar that the reviewer highly recommends, stating that every dish was perfect and wouldn't be skipped. They praised the creative and balanced flavors, noting unique preparations like a marsala dish with fish. The restaurant is also mentioned as being ranked #19 on North America's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. The reviewer acknowledges it's expensive but worth the cost.
Details
Located in the East Village, this acclaimed seafood-focused destination is ranked 19th on the 2026 North America's 50 Best Restaurants list [1]. Known for its inventive, balanced flavors and high-quality raw preparations, the restaurant pairs a curated wine selection with expertly crafted dishes [2], [3]. While securing a spot can be competitive, it is a highly regarded destination for smaller parties seeking an upscale dining experience [4], [5].
Food Overview
Specializing in modern American seafood, the menu features standout raw items and unique, creative preparations [2], [3]. Highly recommended dishes include the tuna carpaccio, confit oysters, and the exceptionally popular sesame brioche with butter [2], [6]. The ice cream sandwich is a frequently lauded dessert, while the raw platter is also a crowd favorite [2], [3].
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended items include the tuna carpaccio, confit oysters, sesame brioche with butter, and the ice cream sandwich [2], [3]. The Ice Box Plus, featuring live scallop and razor clams, is also frequently noted [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •tuna carpaccio(3)
- •sesame brioche with butter(2)
Caveats
The restaurant has limited seating and is generally not well-suited for groups larger than 3-4 people [4], [5]. It prioritizes walk-ins, with reservations being limited and highly sought-after [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About PENNY
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Mediumupscale Places With Great Wine Lists For A
"Recommended as a spot with a great wine list and incredible sommeliers."
PositiveFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"An amazing but difficult-to-book restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: New York Best Seafood Eats Looking For 2 Days
"An upscale seafood option; advice is to arrive slightly before 5 PM."
PositiveFrom post: On The Hunt For For Good Or Interesting Bread
"The sesame brioche at Penny's is absolutely loved."
PositiveFrom post: Looking To Treat Ourselves To A High End Dinner
"The commenter listed Penny as a recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Penny is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2026 with a Michelin selection."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"This user commented that Penny is best suited for a maximum of 3-4 people."
NegativeFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"This user seconded the recommendation for Penny, recalling a fun birthday experience but noting it might be difficult for a group of 8."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"In response to a question about group size, this user recommended Penny but cautioned it's not ideal for an 8-top, though it's great for small groups at the bar."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"This user suggested Penny but noted it might be difficult to accommodate a group."
NeutralFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"Penny was listed as a potential seafood restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Best Seafood Dinner Experience In Manhattan With
"This user recommended Penny as a fun seafood restaurant in the East Village with good bar seating."
PositiveFrom post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th
"This commenter pointed out that Penny has limited table seating and may not accommodate a group of 11."
NegativeFrom post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th
"Penny in the East Village was listed as a potential restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Nyc Wine Happenings For People Into Wine
"Penny is a wine bar in NYC that, despite being known for seafood, was recommended for wine-related activities."
PositiveFrom post: 4 Days Eating Through Nyc
"This user commented that they loved the raw platter at Penny."
PositiveFrom post: 4 Days Eating Through Nyc
"The user loved Penny and found the seafood to be very well done. While they didn't love all dishes besides the icebox, they praised the high quality and deliciousness of the seafood."
Positive