The Otter

The atmosphere here is, I think, the point. It's incredibly sexy and quite unique-nautical with a 50s feel. Think lacquered navy walls, white wood-paneled ceilings, curved banquettes, wicker bar stools, marble accents, and a striking, Gauguin-ish mural wrapping around the back corners. The food is very good, although certainly nothing out of this world: inventive but reliably good dishes. And they source perfectly crisp lettuce (which is frustratingly rare). Despite the Otter's tremendous charm it's a bit empty! I suppose that's one of the perils of being a hotel restaurant.

The Otter: right in the front yard of The Manner Hotel like a little secret garden—is one of those rare outdoor dining experiences that nails it without trying too hard. On a warm summer evening, the setting is magic: string lights, cozy seating, and a kind of quiet charm that makes you forget you’re in the middle of Manhattan. It has that Euro café vibe without the jet lag. The menu itself is surprisingly simple—no gimmicks, no twelve-word descriptions—but every single thing we ordered was on point. Perfectly crisp fries, a standout burger with a buttery brioche bun, and a grilled peach salad that hit that sweet-savory balance just right. It’s not the kind of place you go to be dazzled by molecular foam; it’s where you go to actually enjoy your meal and your company. The service was warm, present, and not remotely pushy. They let you linger, which I appreciate—especially when the evening air is just right. Add in the fact that you can drift right back up to your chic little room at The Manner after dinner, and it’s a full-circle win. In a city where “outdoor dining” often means a plywood box on the street, The Otter is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Five stars.

First of all thank to their hospitality that we brought us champagne since we’ve been celebrating our anniversary, They started with brioche and 3 different butters which was so delicious! Oysters were so fresh and the main course halibut had such a clean taste and great broth. Clams were so good too. All lovely and the atmosphere is great. They are so friendly too. We ordered ice cream for desert which was extremely sweet that the sweetness sticks in your throat! The whip cream and grapes were not good too, so I’m guessing probably they don’t have pastry chef so eat any food and they are great, save the dessert for later!

I was staying at The Manner Soho and had dinner at The Otter several times. Each night was exceptional. The martinis were perfectly mixed, the fideo clams were a standout, and the NY strip served on a hot plate was simply unforgettable. Warm, elegant atmosphere and top-notch service. I’ll definitely come back.

Loved the art deco style of this restaurant! It is spacious and could be good for a bigger group too. We tried the halibut and the lobster roll and got a few apps and a side of green beans. I really liked the side of green beans and the lobster roll! I was worried that it may not be filling, but it was. We had the rice pudding dessert and that was just okay, but they had other options too

A Terrifying Experience at The Otter Restaurant, at Manner Hotel in SOHO. As our server approached, she inquired about any allergies. I confidently stated that I had none, but my colleague, aware of his seafood allergy—specifically to oysters—cautiously communicated this crucial detail. We felt reassured that the staff would take care to accommodate us. However, what happened next turned our pleasant anticipation into a moment of sheer horror. After placing our orders, tension began brewing when I noticed my colleague's expression change. He glanced nervously at his plate as the server returned with our meals, and I could sense his unease. A Second Chance at The Otter Restaurant: A Disappointing Experience Having had a difficult experience during my first visit to The Otter restaurant at the Manner Hotel, I was grateful when the manager reached out to invite me back. He kindly offered to comp the meal in hopes of redeeming my perception of the establishment, and I was optimistic about giving it another try. However, my second experience turned out to be just as disappointing. Upon arriving, we were greeted by our server, who seemed friendly but didn’t inquire about any allergies or dietary restrictions – an oversight that set the tone for the evening. We made our dietary requirements clear from the outset: no meat or pork, emphasizing our need for careful attention to these requests. Unfortunately, despite our clear communication, the server failed to ensure that our needs would be met. When our meals arrived, I was dismayed to discover that my dish contained pork, which was both surprising and frustrating. This oversight revealed a lack of attention to detail and care that one would expect from a dining establishment, especially my colleague that I invited is Muslim, and she took a small bite unbeknown, the vegetable corn dish had pork in it I was devastated and after having been offered a second chance. My colleague and I were so sick for a week long vomiting & diarrhea stomach hurting and cramping crazy due to this terrible terrifying experience that I had with The Otter after we discover the dish isn’t in fact vegan and contained bacon. I told the server she begins to fraternize with other staff talking and pointing at our table laughing and making a terrifying moment feel even worst by laughing & acting as if my concern was a joke. I never in my life ever felt like this humiliation & disgusting fear from a restaurant. While I appreciate the manager’s attempt to make amends by inviting us back, this experience has left me feeling disheartened. Dining out should be a pleasure, free from concerns about dietary mishaps. It’s clear that there’s still work to be done in ensuring that all guests feel heard and accommodated.

Pretty decent spot in soho. Opened a couple months ago and pretty easy to get a spot. The sautéed squid was amazing and the best dish of the evening! The dips that came with the bread was tasty too. We also got the steak, crab agnolotti, halibut, and tuna tartar. They were all pretty good except for the halibut was pretty bland and dry so I’d skip that. Finished with the pistachio tiramisu which was delicious and filled with lots of pistachios.

Really delicious seafood dishes in a classic art deco setting. Highlights were the steamed halibut with chestnut broth, golden borscht and the homemade ice cream is an absolute. Highly recommended!

The Otter offers a intimate vibe and great service! Standout dishes were the Parsley Root Anglotti and the Mushroom Fettuccine. Another honorable mention was the Roast Chicken and Grits. The grits were delicious and the addition of the mushrooms gave the perfect chewy bite. We also ordered the Steamed Halibut, but I'd personally pass on that. While it was cooked perfectly, both the broth and the fish itself were extrmely salty.

We came to The Otter for the first time on a recent Saturday night. We had a reservation but had we not, getting in would not have been a problem -- while there were plenty of diners it was never overcrowded and always quiet enough to hear conversation easily. We ended up staying almost four hours because the atmosphere was so relaxed and pleasant! As seafood lovers (one of us from New England) we were overall really impressed with the freshness and preparation of all the food. The lobster roll is probably the best we've had in NY, with a good portion of very sweet perfectly cooked meat. The fish and chips likewise was not overly greasy and a nice twist on the usual with mackerel. The fries are simply addictive. For starters, the tuna tartare was gorgeous and the fava bean salad Light and flavorful. Our only slight disappointment was the fideo w clams; we hoped to try the usual shells and clams on the menu which likely would have been more filling. With just eight clams and the small fideo noodles it felt like there was more broth than anything else (though said broth WAS good). For dessert the Boston cream pie was beyond -- tasted exactly like the classic but with layered sponge cake and cream it was somehow very light. A must for any fan of Boston cream pie. Overall service was very attentive and friendly. We will likely return for lunch -- the lobster roll and fish and chips alone are worth the return trip.

Came here on a Saturday night and the food and service were absolutely incredible, shoutout to Hugo!! If there is anything you must get, you NEED to have the lemon rice pudding. Truly one of the best desserts I have ever had. We started with the scallop crudo which was absolutely delicious and so fresh. It has a nice kick and was a great way to start the meal. The complimentary bread rolls and 3 butters were also so warm and delicious. We then had the chopped cauliflower caesar which tasted similar to cauliflower rice and is cold but was so delicious and light. For pasta we had the crab agnolotti which was absolutely incredible. The agnolotti has a delicious cheesy filling and there are huge chunks of crab. The ritz crackers add a really nice crunch. We also got the swordfish steak frites which were not my favorite of the night but still really delicious and peppery and the fries were nice and crispy. The best item by far of the night was the lemon rice pudding. It is so light and lemony and the golden raisons filled with a raison paste were so incredibly delicious. One of the best desserts I have ever had. Incredible service, really beautifully decorated, and delicious wine (syrah). Will have to come back!

I loved the food here, not ashamed to say it. It is a bit surprising that this restaurant has not caught on yet but my guess would have to be the location (Sessanta was good too but didn't last) or pricing (quite expensive) but the food itself was objectively very good. I'm also pleased to see a new restaurant offering unique dishes. If I see another restaurant in WV/Soho offering a steak, a chicken, and a branzino I'll die, The Otter takes chances with unique recipes and ingredients and they actually worked well (better than Manuela's attempt IMO). Standout was the scallop crudo, and dessert!

This restaurant opened up before it should. Ordered 4 items: tuna tartar, the shrimp cocktail, scallops, and the positano spritz. The scallops were such a tragedy. Two scallops - beautifully plated, and great quality but so spicy that you couldn't taste the scallop at all. The shrimp cocktail was delicious, high quality, sauces were fine but I would recommend they substitute the orange sauce they provide with it. The tuna tartar is the most confused dish I've seen in a long time. I couldn't take more than a couple of bites - texturally, visually unappealing and the taste was not worth the calories. Big props to the bartender (who had to seat me and take my order since there was no other staff available), the positano spritz was tasty and I appreciate them for having non-alcoholic beverages on their menu. They've clearly made the investment into this restaurant, definitely recommend working the menu a bit more to highlight the ingredients.

Mixed bag, but very cute ambience and worth going if you know what to order! Service was excellent - fabulous staff. The dressed seafood platter was excellent (except the oysters which were very average and bland. tuna or clams were best bites so save these for last). Scallop crudo was yum and came highly recommended, but the dressed seafood platter outshined it. Skip salt roasted prawns. Tasty but it wasn't giving as much as I wanted it to and was not worth the price. Skip the clams and shells. It was dry, bland and we each had one bite and then left it. Just trying too hard! I loved the parsley root crab pasta, my friends didn't as much. I ate their helpings! Pistachio tiramisu was good, but you can't be a purist about it. Pistachios are very big chunks on top. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed! Bread & butter service is delicious! Packed full of flavor. Fries were super well seasoned. IMO sit at the bar for the seafood platter & fries & a cocktail. Both mocktails on their menu were fantastic. Would order both again.

Had an amazing dinner at this new spot. The steak and swordfish both were beyond our expectations. The swordfish was the best I have had in my life, and the steak easily trumped minetta's famous cote de boeuf - and was nearly the same size for half the cost. The dining room was lively but not loud by any means - at times I felt like I wasn't even in the city. The vibe was hip and classy, but not in an intimidating way. The cocktails were stellar. The cold fish plate was another I wish I had gotten more of, as it melted in your mouth and exploded with flavor. Our server, Adeira, was more than a professional. There was zero of the negative or 'too good' energy you often find too much from staff working in this neighborhood. She was kind, helpful and extremely knowledgeable. She was warm, welcoming and accommodated all of our dietary restrictions and went above and beyond in terms of service. Despite it being busy, nothing took long, and we never felt rushed. Happy this place is around, we had a marvelous date night with food and service that blew us away. Get in while you can.

I had dinner here last night with a few of my friends. It was simply incredible! No notes at all. The staff were kind and attentive. The drinks were fantastic, the ambiance perfect and each food item we got was 10/10. Would recommend The Otter to anyone looking to dine downtown!! Can't wait to go back.

Alex Stupak needs to go back to his culinary roots and focus on his Mexican restaurants. When we arrived (between 7:30 and 7:45 pm) on a Saturday night in Soho, the only customer in the place was one woman at the bar so other than her and the two of us the restaurant was empty. Despite our being the only customers, it took 15 minutes before anyone came over to us. He asked us what kind of water we wanted and we asked for sparkling water. He came back several minutes later and said that they had no sparkling water, which is mind boggling for a hotel restaurant. We also asked to order drinks and he told us that he would send over the waiter who we still hadn't seen. When the waiter eventually came over he asked us what we wanted to eat. We told him that we wanted to order drinks first. He took our cocktail order and then left. When we saw him again we asked about our drinks (remember this is an empty restaurant) and he responded that he would put in our order (which we had given 10 minutes before). At that point we said never mind and left. Not one single member of the staff asked us why we were leaving or if there was a problem. Please read my other reviews, you will see that I give fair reviews and understand the challenges of opening a restaurant.

The service at this lovely new restaurant was excellent, however we were underwhelmed at the brunch menu. While my mushroom omelette looked pretty, it was eggs with a spicy mushroom ragu and salad on top. Since it was my birthday, they surprised the table with a yummy tiramisu. And we were surprised when it showed up on our check! Though promptly taken off when we inquired about the charge. The restaurant itself is very pretty from the interior to the tables to the loo!

Man the food was 10 out of 10. I mean flavor, presentation. There was so much intention behind the menu. Literally something for everyone on the menu. Even the string beans were amazing. I am very impressed and have already been here twice! Service was good and I the vibe of the hotel and restaurant is just so awe.

We had an early'ish' reservation and the restaurant was quiet when we arrived - 6:45pm. The staff were friendly but I would say amateurish. Despite being plenty of seating options we were initially seated right beside the waiter's station and kitchen door. We asked if we could move to another table and they did oblige. Our waitress, although very pleasant was not well trained. She came to our table 4-5 times in short order to ask if we were ready to order (felt rushed) ,we asked if we could have minute and then she did not return for another 20 minutes. She was not clear on many details about the dishes. Unsure. Our food was good but not great. My husband found a piece of plastic in his pasta. The manager did offer to comp the dish and was very apologetic. I ordered the halibut, it was a nice simple dish and quite tasty. No little gem lettuce in sight and cilantro that was not on the menu. We opted out of ordering dessert ordered 2 cappuccino's .... 2 espresso's arrived. The decor is great. Maybe they are still working out the kinks just think at this price point we had hoped for more.