Embark on a tantalizing journey through the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City, where the humble tuna tartare elevates itself to an art form. Beneath the metropolis’s frenetic pace lies an intricate tapestry of flavors and textures, waiting to be explored. From gleaming Manhattan skyscrapers to the charming streets of Brooklyn, here is a curated selection of ten tuna tartare offerings that promise to shift your perspective on this classic dish. Each locale serves a signature version that ignites curiosity, invigorates the palate, and cultivates a deeper appreciation for the nuances of culinary craftsmanship.
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1. Sushi Nakazawa
Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 924-2212
Website: sushinakazawa.com
Pioneering the Japanese culinary aesthetic, Sushi Nakazawa offers an exquisite tuna tartare that embodies a nocturnal elegance. Nestled in the West Village, the dish is enriched with avocado cream and a sprinkling of miso, presenting a sublime interplay of rich and umami flavors that transports diners to the shores of Japan.
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2. Catch
Address: 21 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Contact: (212) 392-5978
Website: catchrestaurants.com
In the heart of the Meatpacking District, Catch’s crispy tuna tartare showcases the transformative capability of modern seafood cuisine. Accompanied by wonton chips and a zesty soy lime dressing, each bite is a fortuitous culmination of flavors, heightening curiosity for what lies beyond the conventional borders of sushi.
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3. Nobu NYC
Address: 105 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 219-0500
Website: noburestaurants.com
Esteemed for its fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines, Nobu’s tuna tartare is an ethereal composition adorned with delicate citrus and a strikingly vibrant wasabi sauce. A visit here transcends mere dining, inviting guests to revel in a gastronomic experience where sophisticated flavor combinations dance upon the plate.
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4. Keens Steakhouse
Address: 72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
Contact: (212) 947-3636
Website: keenssteakhouse.com
With a storied history that dates back to 1885, Keens Steakhouse diverges from the traditional seafood route. Their rendition of tuna tartare, enriched with a velvety avocado and served atop crispy potato galettes, invites a nostalgic reverie, merging old-world charm with contemporary culinary artistry.
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5. Lure Fishbar
Address: 142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 431-1825
Website: lurefishbar.com
A hidden gem in SoHo, Lure Fishbar serves a tuna tartare that is as much about texture as it is about savor. The culinary team artfully incorporates ginger and sesame oil, creating an intoxicating aroma that gives way to a multifaceted flavor journey, its presentation both whimsical and refined.
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6. Blue Ribbon Sushi
Address: 119 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 343-0404
Website: blueribbonsushi.com
In the vibrant enclave of Nolita, Blue Ribbon Sushi offers a tuna tartare laced with a tantalizing array of toppings, including crispy shallots and microgreens. The experience here delves deeply into the ethos of simplicity, allowing the freshness of the fish to radiate while complementing ingredients harmoniously engage the senses.
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7. Balthazar
Address: 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-1414
Website: balthazarny.com
This quintessential brasserie in SoHo serves a tuna tartare that harmonizes with its chic environment. Accented with chives and capers, Balthazar’s dish reflects a rendezvous of French flair and seaside freshness, encouraging diners to linger over its artfully balanced flavors.
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8. Carbone
Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 691-0555
Website: carbonenewyork.com
At the revered Italian-American establishment Carbone, the tuna tartare is a vivacious blend of culinary traditions. Enhanced with basil and drizzled with olive oil, this presentation encourages an exploration into how Italian elements can brightly illuminate a seemingly dualistic dish.
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9. Marea
Address: 240 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019
Contact: (212) 582-5100
Website: marea-nyc.com
With a focus on coastal Italian fare, Marea offers a tuna tartare that is invigorated by a citrus-infused oil and capers. Each forkful is a celebration, merging the briny notes of the sea with hints of freshness that provide a vivid backdrop to any dining experience.
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10. The Sea Fire Grill
Address: 158 E 48th St, New York, NY 10017
Contact: (212) 888-9988
Website: theseafiregrill.com
Situated in Midtown, The Sea Fire Grill’s version of tuna tartare harmonizes seamlessly with modern American cuisine. Complemented by a refreshing cucumber-miso dressing, this dish exhibits a refinement of flavor profile that redefines expectations and invites reflections upon the multifaceted nature of seafood.
As this exploration through New York City’s tuna tartare scene reveals, the veritable palette of flavors found in these kitchens invites both reflection and excitement. Each establishment presents a unique interpretation, beckoning diners to venture beyond the ordinary and engage their senses in novel and inspiring ways. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or new to the realm of seafood delicacies, these ten tantalizing destinations ensure your culinary journey is anything but mundane.









