The Otter — Restaurant in New York

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...

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...

My husband and I were hungry around ten o'clock in SoHo, so we popped into The Otter hoping to find some decent oysters and a shrimp cocktail. We did not anticipate to find such a unique and flavorful seafood experience on such short notice.

We ordered the roasted prawns, the dressed seafood platter, and the oysters. The shellfish was perhaps the best we've had outside London powerhouse J. Sheekey and certainly the best we've had in New York so far. Each bite on the seafood platter was extremely flavorful, and the variety of preparations of the dishes more than justified the cost.

Another highlight of the meal was The Otter's inventive cocktail menu. I had the cheapest glass of sparkling wine. But my husband enjoyed a delicious twist on the whiskey sour, the Seafoam Sour, and the Otter Dirty Martini. Reader, this was the most delicious martini we've tried. If you like a stout drink that keeps its subtlety, you're in the right place.

Let the amazing staff at The Otter take care of you. You...