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Esca

Critics' Pick

402 W. 43rd St., New York, NY 10036
at Ninth Ave. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-564-7272 Send to Phone

Critics' Rating: Price Range: $$$$
Reader Rating:
7.2 out of 10

17 Reviews | Write a Review
Cuisine: Italian, Seafood

Photo by John Saponara

Map

Rate & Review

Hours

Mon, noon-2:30pm and 5pm-10:30pm; Tue-Sat, noon-2:30pm and 5pm-11:30pm; Sun, 4:30pm-10:30pm

Nearby Subway Stops

A, C, E at 42nd St.-Port Authority Bus Terminal

Prices

$20-$29

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa

Special Features

Hot Spot
Lunch
Notable Chef
Notable Wine List
Outdoor Dining

Alcohol

Full Bar

Reservations

Recommended

Profile

Somewhere in between overseeing Babbo and Lupa, taping his cooking show, and just basking in the glory of his own undeniable greatness, Mario Batali has found time to earn another gastronomic gold star. At Esca, the overachiever in the orange clogs, partner Joe Bastianich, and chef David Pasternack do for Southern Italian seafood what Le Bernardin has done for French. The crudo (think Italian sashimi) is incredibly fresh and of the highest quality; pastas like spaghetti with fresh chiles, mint, and a one-pound lobster are irresistible. And the whole fish for two, roasted in a sea-salt crust that's cracked tableside, is a riveting performance worthy of the theater-district locale. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld

Recommended Dishes

Crudo, $14-$17; spaghetti with chiles, mint and a one-pound lobster, $27; whole fish cooked in a sea salt crust, $58

Reader Ratings

7.2

Great Dining Experience

trucks from 10930 | Posted on 2/5/08

Overall Reader Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)


Food:	10
Service:	10

Décor:	7

Value:	7

This is a world classg restaurant. We were a party of 4 that ordered the 7 course Tasting Menu. Portions were small but by the time we walked out we were stuffed. Wife could not finish what we were served. Pricy...Read More

Came away hungry

janetdoc from 33410 | Posted on 7/5/07

Overall Reader Rating: 4 (Not Recommended)


Food:	4
Service:	8

Décor:	9

Value:	2

Service was fine, but the food itself created a characature of a fine restaurant. Pasta dishes came out cold, and with laughably small portions. How much does pasta cost these days? Pastas had to be returned for a reheat. The sardine...Read More