Union Square's dining scene just got a significant uptick with the opening of Seahorse, a new seafood brasserie located in the W New York – Union Square hotel. As reported by Eater, the chic establishment opened its doors on Wednesday, capturing the culinary prowess of chef John Villa and the strategic finesse of restaurateur John McDonald of Mercer Street Hospitality. The 125-seat venue is designed by none other than the Rockwell Group, noted for its alluring series of arches and a mirrored raw bar that promises to be a centerpiece for the interior.
According to an article by Time Out, the Rockwell Group has fostered a maritime fantasy within the space, incorporate elements like mother-of-pearl and yacht-style wood touches. Caught in the drama of the elegant space, diners will find a sprawling seafood counter and a 40-foot mural by Brooklyn's En Viu studio. The splashy interior is immediately distinctive when stepping into Seahorse, with a smart use of texture and color that elevates the nautical theme subtly.
Not resting on visual allure alone, the menu curated by Chef Villa – a veteran with a noteworthy past at Judson Grill and Tao – is a testament to high-quality seafood, as Eater outlines. Starters range from $16 to $28 and include offerings like oysters, crudo, and shrimp cocktails, along with more intricate concoctions such as cured and smoked Spanish mackerel enhanced with extra-virgin olive oil and colatura. Pastas and main courses follow, promising a range that caters to varied tastes, with prices going from $24 for pastas to up to $64 for entrees.
Seahorse seems poised to make a splash beyond its delectable menu, featuring a cocktail program that includes creations like the "Seahorse Martini" and the "Ideal Unwind". Described by Time Out, these drinks blend premium ingredients like Monkey 47 gin and Toki Japanese whisky, with innovative accents such as yuzu and lemongrass syrup, aiming to complement the culinary selection with equal parts creativity and class. With the backdrop of a dining room reminiscent of an Art Deco yacht club and situated just steps from the Union Square Greenmarket's fresh produce, Seahorse casts a wide net to draw in diverse gourmands.
The restaurant now welcomes guests for dinner and is looking to expand its service to include lunch soon. Whether it's for a catch-up over cocktails or a full-course meal, Seahorse is fast becoming a culinary landmark not just for its food, but for the immersive dining experience it presents right in the heart of New York City. For further information and to make reservations, interested parties can visit the official Seahorse NYC website.
