VIBE

Long before Chef Laurent Tourondel experimented with steak, he became a seafood master. Located on the third floor of a Flatiron townhouse, and above the less formal BLT Fish Shack, is his elegant yet relaxed BLT Fish. Patrons tuck into fresh-from-sea fare on dark leather chairs neatly arranged around streaked wooden tables that line the walls and room center. Above, moonlight penetrates the angled, retractable skylight roof (perfect for nice evenings!) to illuminate the beige-accented interior, while the back wall glows with the brightly lit open kitchen. Chefs can be seen working their wonders on sold-by-the-pound whole fish, soon to be whisked to diners on gleaming platters.

CROWD

Laurent Tourondel enthusiasts, business diners, and fish foodies of the more upscale variety.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

For upscale casual, we would suggest a flattering top with pressed pants or knee-length skirt, heels, and dangling earrings.

GO HERE WITH

Groups; coworkers; significant other; a date; yourself

WHY WE LIKE IT

As expected of Tourondel’s mastery with seafood, the fish served here is delightful. You really can’t go wrong with any dish. No matter how its reputation swells, BLT Fish continues to serve fantastic fare without pretension.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

We wish they served lunch. Come spring, that retractable roof would be blissful midday!

GOOD TO KNOW

The more casual oyster bar and chowder house, known as the BLT Fish Shack, sits downstairs on the ground floor. The second floor houses BLT Fish’s private dining space, available for private parties. Laurent Tourondel operates a food empire, with restaurants such as BLT Steak, BLT Prime, BLT Burger, and BLT Market among others, located in New York and throughout the world.

CLOSEST COMPS

Providence (Los Angeles); Gaya Rive Gauche (Paris)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.