Forget the predictable seafood platter. Smithereens NYC is serving up an East Village dining experience that takes New England coastal cooking somewhere deliciously unexpected. Think fresh seafood, inventive cocktails, moody interiors and desserts that might make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about celery.
Located at 414 East Ninth Street, Smithereens opened in late 2024 under chef and owner Nick Tamburo, who draws inspiration from the flavors and food traditions of New England. The restaurant has since earned serious attention from New York’s dining critics, including a place on The Infatuation’s highly regarded NYC restaurant rankings.
Seafood With a Creative Twist
Smithereens isn’t your grandmother’s clam shack—and that’s part of the appeal. The compact menu celebrates seafood with a playful, modern approach, featuring dishes that balance familiar coastal flavors with unexpected combinations.
Among the standouts is the restaurant’s lobster roll, featuring generous chunks of lobster in a warm, buttery bun. The grilled fish dishes are equally tempting, while a bowl of beans enriched with shrimp, mussels, squid and uni delivers a taste of the ocean without requiring a ferry ticket.
And then there’s dessert. Smithereens has developed a reputation for adventurous sweet endings, including a celery-root ice cream float that sounds like a culinary dare but has earned fans for its surprisingly harmonious flavors. For less adventurous diners, the apple cider doughnuts offer a more familiar—and equally tempting—finale.
A Cozy East Village Hideaway
With its dim lighting, intimate dining room and distinctive atmosphere, Smithereens feels like a neighborhood secret worth sharing. Sommelier and co-owner Nikita Malhotra oversees a carefully curated wine list that changes regularly, making each visit an opportunity to discover something new.
How to Get a Reservation
Smithereens accepts reservations through its official website, with tables released 14 days in advance at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Walk-in space is also typically available, depending on demand. Sunday lunch offers another reason to visit.
Ready to explore? Visit Smithereens NYC’s official website to browse menus and book your table.
In a city overflowing with restaurants, Smithereens proves that sometimes the most memorable seafood comes with a little mystery—and a surprisingly delicious celery float.
