On one of the overcast, damp June days, we headed to South Street Seaport for lunch at Jean-Georges The Fulton. We had hoped to dine on the patio but instead sat inside, overlooking the harbor.

The food was attractively presented, the service was outstanding, but I felt something was missing. Oh, everything was tasty, but just missing the finesse of making the flavors perfect, as usual in Jean-Georges’ dishes.

For starters, we shared the unusual and tasty fresh mozzarella and warm octopus with lemon zest ($32) and the Long Island fluke in a spicy habanero vinaigrette ($19). We paired these dishes and our entrees with a Sancerre, Domaine Pierre Martin, 2023 ($85), featuring notes of lemon verbena, fresh-cut grass, and minerality.

Two of us split the compressed shrimp “burger” with some sriracha mayo and French fries ($26) and the Maine lobster roll with house-made vinegar chips ($38).  The kitchen kindly split them for us! Another enjoyed their spaghetti alle vongole with clams ($34).

We had befriended the maitre d’, Allie, who assisted in fixing things along the way (replacing warm fries with hot ones, and soggy potato chips with fresh, crisp ones). I asked and learned that the chef was off that Monday. Don’t get me wrong, the food was good, but it was missing something.

We ended with a birthday song and a candle in their fresh mango curd and passionfruit gelee, served with sponge cake and topped with vanilla chantilly ($14).

I recommend a visit, do tell Allie that Bite of the Best sent you!

The Fulton
South Street Seaport
Northeast corner of Pier
89 South St #17
New York, NY 10038
(917) 633-4221
thefulton.nyc