Flyfish Club - Manhattan, NYC

Intro:

I had visited this members only restaurant last week with a friend who introduced me to this 4 month old gem. I've already recommended this spot a handful of times - to both friends and strangers who I've casually had conversations about food with. 

Firstly...Flyfish memberships. I'm just going to give you a concise idea of what's expected here for your own discernment. This is a members only situation with memberships starting at $2300 with a $700 initiation fee for those under 30 years old. Standard individual memberships require a $3500 annual fee with a $1500 initiation fee. All memberships require an application to be reviewed by the team.   

The food here was impeccably fresh and creative - often causing me to question where the fusion of different influences come from within the plates. You’ll get a mix of seafood along with a seemingly American twist to it. However, it’s not your average American joint, whatsoever. There’s sophistication here through and through. Every dish made me excited for the next. Interesting combinations of flavors, beautifully plated presentations, and freshness of product made me eager for the next plate. 

For me personally - I’d tell you it’s worth every ounce of effort to dine here. Follow with me through this review to make your own judgement.  

Location:

• 41 East Houston in Manhattan 

What I Ate:

Raw Bar: 

• Japanese Hamachi Crudo ✨

  • green apple and wasabi, yuzu kosho, mint 

• Bluefin Tuna Shashimi 

  • garlic soy, crispy shallot, scallion, red onion

• Octopus Carpaccio “Muffuletta” 

  • crispy soppressata, lemon agrumeto, olive relish 

• Classic Peruvian Ceviche

  • rocoto chile, lime, sweet potato, corn nuts

    
    

Japanese Hamachi Crudo

Maki Roll:

• Oscar Royale ✨

  • wagyu, snow crab, yuzu hollandaise 

• Crispy Rice

  • Oestra Caviar, horseradish crème fraiche & Chives 

Oscar Royale & Crispy Rice

Pasta:

• Casarecce ✨

  • pistachio pesto, zucchini, italian sausage, parmesan 

Casarecce

Mains: 

• Wild Alaskan Halibut 

  • PEI mussels, yukon golds, caramelized fennel, tomato, saffron cream sauce 

• Chicken Caesar 

  • crispy chicken milanese, creamy sicilian caesar, campo rosso bitter fall greens, toasted sesame, garlic crumbs,  parmesan 

    
    

Dessert:

• Sticky Toffee Pudding 

  • vanilla ice cream, walnuts 

Cocktail:

• Pineapple Cucumber Margarita: Tequila, Pineapple, Cucumber, Lemon, Tajin

Yes, we feasted. And no, I don't feel guilty.

Atmosphere:

We love a meticulously designed interior, so this place got two thumbs up from me on that part. Every small detail reminded me of being in/by the sea.  I love when a restaurant can fully immerse me in the entire experience.  It goes beyond the food, visuals and emotional evokement are key players. The lighting was low and warm with orange, red, and yellow hues.  It’s sexy, it’s classy, it’s very New York.  The details in the light fixtures were incredible, often reminding me of oyster shells and even scallops.  The decoration of the bar seemed to be glass blown fixtures, placed adjacently next to one another resembling scales of a fish. I’m not sure that that was the goal, but at least that’s what I got from it.  Seating appliances were all different in correspondence to the area of the dining room. For example, the bar chairs were differently designed than the ones in the main room, and also than those of the ones in the initial seating area when you walk in.  It’s the little details like that that will get me every time.

They do have an additional space downstairs for an Omakase experience, and also another bar adjoining, giving a speakeasy sort of vibe.  Colors, music, and decoration had changed when you entered.  I loved the switch in dynamic & how it gave you a sense of exclusivity from the dining room upstairs. 

Service:

Throughout the night, the overall performance of the service was superior.  The attitude of service was inviting and welcoming, and the attention given by staff was on point and prompt.  Knowledge of the menu was prevalent and well explained by our waiter.  I also appreciated his eagerness and excitement for us to try dishes he suggested.  It shows a sort of investment and devotion towards the overall mission of the restaurant, so that’s always a good sign. When you have staff that cares about the establishment and what’s being offered, it proves that what they’re delivering is of value. 

⭐⭐⭐ Rating:

My rating is based off of my own scale, sorted into 15 different subcategories that hit key points. These points involve what I believe encompasses the overall experience of the establishment. It's meant to offer just and fair judgement based on all aspects of the hospitality industry.

Overall Rating (1 being the worst, 5 being the best):

= 4.1⭐

I absolutely loved this entire experience, and I look forward to a return.

***Note: “✨” indicates favorite dishes