September 16, 2025

Marlow East Is the Upper East Side’s Chic New Dining Gem

The Upper East Side has long been a bastion of classic steakhouses and white-tablecloth icons, but a fresh newcomer is giving the neighborhood something to talk about. Marlow East, which opened in a converted townhouse, blends a polished all-day dining program with a cocktail menu that’s as inventive as it is stylish. From the first sip to the last bite, this is one of those rare UES restaurants that feels both elevated and approachable.

Set the Scene

Marlow East’s design makes a statement without shouting. The bilevel layout features a marble-clad eight-seat bar downstairs, its curve fashioned to resemble the bow of a rowboat—a clever wink to the name. Upstairs, the 55-seat dining room is warm and understated, with just enough style to keep the Upper East Side crowd lingering well past dessert. The space toes the line between neighborhood favorite and destination-worthy restaurant, which is no easy feat in this corner of Manhattan.

Let’s Talk About the Food

Executive Chef Braxton Decker leans into contemporary American comfort with an elevated twist. Small plates set the tone: mussels escabeche brightened with sherry vinegar, or pimento cheese croquettes with a red pepper coulis that’s dangerously easy to eat by the handful.

Pastas shine, too. The blue crab agnolotti—rich with roasted crab fat and fennel—is indulgent in the best way, while the ricotta gnudi with truffle fonduta may just be one of the most satisfying bites on the menu. If you’re craving heartier fare, the buttermilk fried chicken with Parker House rolls is the definition of comfort done chic, while dry-aged steak and fresh seafood keep things classic for the traditionalists.

But the unexpected star? The corn with cheddar and tajin, served bubbling hot in a silver baking dish. It was so good, my table debated ordering another round as dessert.

Special mention goes to Mialitza, our server, who checked in with a smile at every course and made sure the evening flowed as seamlessly as the wine. It’s proof of something you can’t fake: service that elevates a good dinner into a memorable one.

How Are the Drinks?

Formerly of Eleven Madison Park, Beverage Director Kat Foster brings pedigree and playfulness to Marlow East’s bar program. My table went straight for the dirty martini—a house specialty that gets the details exactly right. Served in a chilled glass with stainless steel olive spears (crucial), the Hendrick’s gin and olive brine blend landed perfectly filthy, without tipping into salt overload. Consider it an 11/10 martini experience.

We followed with a crisp glass (okay… two glasses) of Sancerre, recommended by Marty, Marlow East’s in-house sommelier. He read our order perfectly and steered us toward a wine that paired beautifully with both the seafood starters and the richer mains. It was one of those quiet but crucial touches that elevated the whole experience.

For those looking beyond the classics, the She’s So Fresh (vodka, salted cucumber, shiso, tonic) is crisp and lively, while the Atlantic Manhatty riffs on Foster’s Appalachian roots with honey butter–washed whisky, vermouth, and beet bitters. Other highlights include the Smokestack Lightning (mezcal, chipotle, cherry, lime, cheerwine kalimotxo float) and the cheeky Dirty Pimento, which doubles down with gin or vodka, pickled pimiento, sherry, and even a touch of pimento cheese. Zero-proof options round out the menu, so there’s something stylish for every kind of night out.

Final Thoughts

Marlow East isn’t just another new opening on the Upper East Side. It’s a signal that the neighborhood’s dining scene is catching up to its downtown counterparts in both creativity and cool factor. With food that comforts and surprises, cocktails that wow, and a setting that feels like the best kind of townhouse dinner party, Marlow East is already a standout.