The Revitalized South Street Seaport is a Resilient Neighborhood Worth Exploring
On frequent high school trips to New York City, I recall feeling adventurous straying from Time Square to explore other areas of the Island. As I ventured to Lower Manhattan, I felt the thrill of finding a *fake* Louis Vuitton on Canal Street, seeing the Statue of Liberty and the odoriferous smells that permeated the cobbled streets of the South Street Seaport’s Fulton Fish Market.
Moving to the city in my 20’s, I continued to discover these southern Manhattan enclaves, often frequenting South Street Seaport, which for centuries had been a commercial hub for the trade industry. While no longer used as a trading center, ships from this era were still docked in the river and it remained bustling with tourism. I also vividly remember the devastation that Hurricane Sandy brought to the historic Seaport district ten years ago, displacing businesses and residences. Now a decade since the super storm rampaged the Seaport, it has risen like a Phoenix from the ashes.
The newest addition to the neighborhood that I just experienced is 33 Seaport and its standalone dining experience, Restaurant Pearl. The 33 Seaport Hotel is a new boutique property in the Seaport. The 66-room hotel exudes intimate luxury and features a collection of eight signature suites with furnished terraces and views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The hotel brings the balance of classic comfort and youthful energy for the traveler looking for a fresh yet authentic New York City moment, slightly away from the city’s busy epicenter.
While the hotel’s name is derived from its address, the number 33 is rich in symbolism, said to signify new beginnings, creative talents, growth, and abundance. The guest rooms are thoughtfully curated with European-influenced design elements inspired by the history of the surrounding community. Design details include handcrafted teak millwork, white marble, rain showers and handcrafted Italian furnishings. Amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, concierge services and signature amenities such as locally made chocolates and welcome drinks. Hungry hotel guests and locals can expect a unique take on food and beverage at 33 Seaport Hotel with two options.
The hotel’s lounge, Jewel Bar, prioritizes an elevated cocktail program with tableside mixology and highly curated drinks in unique glassware paired with small, shareable plates.
The standalone dining experience, Restaurant Pearl, features a Korean-influenced menu. The restaurant embodies a foodie’s eclectic take on modern dining within an immersive atmosphere carefully crafted to match the energy of the guests. The room, with about 40 seats, features a distinct bar for a four-guest beverage experience and seasonal outdoor seating along the cobbled road.
The multi-faceted menu has a selection of premium ingredients and a plethora of plant-based offerings. I tried the blue tuna, wagyu beef and mushrooms on a tableside hot stone paired with yuzu and infused oils. The menu also offers a variety of other sharable boards such as: sea (chilled prawns, lobster, king crab, scallop ceviche, mussels, clam), land (cured salami, bresaola, nocchiona, San Danielle, prosciutto, chorizo) and banchan (soybean sprouts, spinach, spicy cucumber salad, zucchini, steamed eggplant, spicy radish salad, cabbage kimchi, braised potatoes) among other items.
The remainder of Restaurant Pearl’s menu is divided into four categories: lighter, handheld, roasted and grilled. “Lighter” items come in options like gnocchi and cold noodle while “handheld” includes a Gilgeori toast. A sea bass and a chicken dish are some of the items in the menu’s “roasted” section. Proteins such as a wagyu tomahawk and veal chop are some of the stars in the “grilled” section. I also indulged in the crispy Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich; 14oz Filet with ochujaru hollandaise; and Scallops in brown butter and lemongrass aioli.
The robust beverage menu is built on a strong foundation of mixology. The multicultural focus is memorable, highlighting the Korean influence with a Soju program combining unique flavor profiles and cultures while balancing heritage and home. It’s highly recommended to dip your toe into this Soju drink program and also try other creations in the Old Fashioned and Negroni categories.
Matching the excellence of the menu is the attentive staff. Knowledgeable with an exceptional attention to detail, they elevate the already incredible dining event.
Within a short stroll of the hotel is Pier 17’s scenic waterfront and a labyrinth of winding cobbled roads with hidden gems. Stop by the stately Tin Building by Jean-George with an array of upscale markets, stores and dining experiences as well as Cobble Fish, Tuck Room, Funny Face, The Little Shop speakeasy, McNally Jackson Books and Mure + Grand.
