As far as New York’s new restaurant openings go, Le Souk’s old East Village address, 47 Avenue B, has been remodeled to the nines. Its newest resident is Lamia’s Fish Market, serving a seafood-centric Mediterranean cuisine, as imagined by restauranteur Lamia Funti.
Hobnob Magazine joined in on the restaurant’s lively May pre-opening event, where the crowd, food, and drinks were equally remarkable. The most exceptional of all was the imaginative decor, allowing guests to enjoy themselves in playful and plush luxury, made possibly by designer Dara Young. The event doubled as a birthday celebration for the designer herself, which included a well-known DJ, Donna D’Cruz and continued flow of drinks as well as bites of food.
If you visited Le Souk in its heyday, you would remember the many small, dark rooms. The 7,000 square foot space called for a complete re-design that would involve a multi-level environment, offer plenty of seating, while serving up a unique otherworldly experience. Dining at Lamia’s FishMarket (officially opened mid-June) promises delicious plates of fresh and exquisite plates of seafood, an immersive environment and generous space for a private party or a seat at the Raw Bar for a date. You can expect a see-and-be-seen type of vibe and the kind of artsy and Instagrammable setting you might expect at a modern restaurant.
The front space consists of a bar, serving Cody Goldstein’s innovative cocktails, followed by a large Raw Bar in a well-lit and airy room, an Octopus Room to the side with elegant seating and lots of murals to admire, up the stairs you enter onto the Deck and Ship Rooms. The Deck is made for those who love to people watch. this is the spot that allows you to admire a large sculpture of a mermaid. The Private Dining Room/Ship Room is its own space, resembling captain’s quarters. This room is a must-see in person. Go further downstairs and find yourself in a Grotto that pays tribute to New York City’s seaport history. Wherever you get tucked away or put yourself on display, your experience at Lamia’s Fish Market is sure to be exciting and memorable. With many spaces for rent on Avenue B, Lama’s Fish Market is a glimmer of hope and brings in a promise of revival for this stretch of the East Village.
(photo at the top of the post) Our editor enjoy bites of food and is on a mission to make new friends at Lamia’s Fish Market opening party.
Lamia’s Fish Market Oyster Bar is well-lit and located in the central part of the restaurant.
One of the highlight’s of this restaurant opening was getting to hear the famous DJ, Donna D’Cruz, while taking in the nautical decor.
Our Editorial Director, Ellen Swandiak, agrees that Lamia’s Fish Market guarantees chic furniture and interesting, not to mention Instagrammable, artwork.
The bar in front with submarine backdrop, gold ceiling, and hand-accented lighting fixtures.
Guests came dressed in their best duds and there was plenty of space for photo-ops. Right, looking down under the mermaid mural, the lower level offered more tables, including this one for large parties.
Looking from the mermaid room towards the raw bar allow for peekaboo moments.
We chatted with the restaurant’s interior designer Dara Young about the different areas of the restaurant and its inspiration.
Our night ended with more food, served by dapper waiters, and plenty of champagne.
Lamia’s Fish Market 47 Avenue B (betw 3rd/4th St)
