My friend and I came here on a Friday night—definitely a busy spot, so I’d recommend making a reservation. The happy hour oysters are a solid deal, but they’re on the smaller side. They were fresh, just not worth full price in my opinion. The drunken mussels were the standout—super flavorful and worth ordering. I also liked the miso jalapeño rice (not as spicy as it sounds). The real highlight is the vibe. The bar has a great atmosphere, but note that there’s only one bathroom, which isn’t ideal when it’s crowded. I’d recommend this spot for drinks and small bites, especially the mussels—not necessarily for a full dinner.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a fresh seafood experience in New York City, Ama Raw Bar East Village is a must-visit spot. Located at 190 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009, this charming restaurant brings together the best of raw seafood, creative cocktails, and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Walking into Ama Raw Bar East Village, you immediately feel at ease. The modern decor with touches of wood and soft lighting gives the space a cozy vibe, while the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses set the tone for a fun and relaxing dining experience. The open kitchen adds to the energy, giving diners a glimpse into the meticulous process that goes into preparing every dish.
As the name suggests, Ama Raw Bar specializes in fresh seafood, with an emphasis on oysters. The menu features a selection of East Coast oysters, all served on ice with a variety of sauces that elevate the natural flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned oyster lover or a newcomer to the raw bar scene, the options are diverse enough to cater to any preference.
But Ama isn’t just about oysters. The menu also includes a range of other raw offerings, such as tuna tartare, scallop crudo, and a selection of ceviches that change seasonally to keep things exciting. If you're in the mood for something different, try their signature Ama bowl, a creative combination of raw fish, avocado, and vegetables, served with a tangy dressing that ties everything together perfectly. The freshness of the seafood is undeniable, and each dish is a testament to the skill and dedication of the chefs behind the bar.
For those who prefer cooked dishes, Ama offers a variety of options that pair beautifully with the raw bar selections. Think grilled octopus, clam chowder, and a lobster roll that rivals any in the city. These dishes provide a satisfying balance to the raw offerings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
The drink menu at Ama Raw Bar East Village is just as thoughtfully curated as the food. The cocktail list features unique concoctions, many of which incorporate fresh herbs and fruits to complement the light and refreshing flavors of the seafood. The wine list, too, is impressive, with a focus on crisp whites and bubbly options that pair perfectly with oysters and ceviche.
One of the standout features of this place is its commitment to sourcing sustainable seafood. The team at Ama works with local suppliers to ensure that the ingredients are not only fresh but responsibly harvested. This focus on sustainability has earned the restaurant recognition among eco-conscious diners, making it a great choice for anyone who cares about where their food comes from.
The service at Ama is also noteworthy. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they’re serving. Whether you’re looking for recommendations or need help choosing between the various oysters on the menu, the team is always ready to offer insight with a smile.
With its prime location in the East Village, Ama Raw Bar is the perfect spot for a night out with friends, a date, or even a casual meal on your own. The vibe is welcoming and relaxed, yet the quality of the food and drinks speaks to a level of expertise that sets Ama apart from other raw bars in the city.
The restaurant is known for its consistent quality, with many regulars praising the freshness of the seafood and the creativity of the dishes. Diners often leave raving about their experiences, with reviews highlighting the seamless blend of flavors, the impeccable service, and the overall atmosphere of the restaurant.
Whether you’re a fan of raw seafood or just looking for a great spot to enjoy a meal with friends, Ama Raw Bar East Village offers a dining experience that’s hard to beat. The combination of fresh ingredients, expert preparation, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout destination for anyone craving top-notch seafood in the heart of the East Village.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great cocktailsPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toilet ✓ Wheelchair-accessible car parkOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsParking
✓ Free of charge street parkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 381 reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Experience at Ama Raw Bar! My beautiful wife and I had an incredible experience at Ama Raw Bar in the East Village. The food was fresh and delicious—especially the oysters—and the vibe was perfect for a relaxing night out. What truly made the night special was the outstanding service. Our server Austin was incredible—attentive, friendly, and genuinely made us feel at home. Carly was also amazing and added such a great energy to the experience. We left already planning our next visit. Highly recommend!
Really affordable, incredibly fresh-tasting oysters at a happy hour price of just $1.25. The staff is genuinely warm, and the whole atmosphere is fun, relaxed, and refreshingly unpretentious. The only drawback was the shucking: most oysters arrived with quite a bit of shell debris and were mangled on the half shell. For a raw bar, we expected a little more finesse (no one likes to bite and pick out shell fragments, haha), though it may have simply been an inexperienced shucker on duty that day. Even so, the quality, value, and overall vibe more than make up for it. We’ll absolutely be back. Still a five-star spot in our book.
We had our wedding reception here. Full restaurant, private event. The staff, service and banquet menu is top notch. Carly, the events manager, worked with me to craft a special cocktail menu and was available anytime to answer questions. The event went off without a hitch, even with last minute guest count increases and slight changes. The owner, Will, is the warmest hospitable person and that is clearly passed down to his incredible team. Thank you Ama for making our night unforgettable!
Just had my birthday party here, and they took such great care of us. Austin is truly a gem of a human and made everything so special and perfect. The Kiki room was perfect for my group and the drinks were amazing.
I frequently go to the West Village location and this location is fantastic! The menu has mostly the same items but a few are different and I like the variety. The best part is they have a fantastic mussels, wine, and oyster special on Mondays and Wednesdays from open to close. The service is great and will definitely be back!
My husband and I always choose this restaurant for our special occasions, and once again, it exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, Austin, our server, made the experience unforgettable. He was incredibly attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and offered great recommendations. His warm and friendly service truly added a personal touch to our celebration. We were also impressed by Carly, the general manager, who stopped by our table to ensure everything was perfect. Her professionalism and genuine care for the guests really stood out. It's clear she takes pride in creating an exceptional dining experience. With outstanding service from both Austin and Carly, we’ll continue to return for all of our future celebrations. Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great food and even better service!