Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s Swedish- and Ethiopian-inspired restaurant in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood features flavorful seafood-forward dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a restaurant that feels like New York—bold, beautiful, and buzzing with creative energy—Hav & Mar in Chelsea is calling your name.
This seafood-forward spot from Chef Marcus Samuelsson blends global flavors, eye-popping art, and a vibe that’s both stylish and warm.
Whether you’re out for a date night, birthday dinner, or cocktails with friends after work, Hav & Mar delivers something special. Think fine dining without the stuffiness, where the food is as lively and colorful as the crowd.
I had the pleasure of dining here during my New York City girls’ trip, and loved our dining experience so much, I had to share it here with all of you.
This is a place where you come hungry, and leave inspired. Let’s dive in!
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About Hav & Mar
Chef Samuelsson opened Hav & Mar in 2022. The restaurant name itself is a nod to his roots: “Hav” meaning ocean in Swedish and “Mar” (from “mar”) translating to honey in Amharic, reflecting the restaurant’s “Swediopian” concept .
Executive Chef Fariyal Abdullahi leads a talented team, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for blending global flavors. She is a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Best Chef: New York State.
Here, you’ll find gracious hospitality, creative and delicious dishes, show-stopping cocktails, and a groundbreaking wine list spotlighting BIPOC and female producers.
All of this has helped land Hav & Mar two stars from The New York Times, among other industry accolades.
Warm ambiance and service
The inviting warmth of Hav & Mar envelops you immediately as you step into the space. The restaurant vibe is both comfortable and sophisticated, making it an ideal spot for various occasions.
Original artwork by Derrick Adams adorns the walls, including captivating depictions of Black mermaids that add a whimsical yet profound touch to the dining experience.
I love a good open kitchen, and the open kitchen design at Hav & Mar is right in the heart of the dining room.
And the service here is as warm and inviting as the space itself. Every staff member we came into contact with was helpful, friendly, and full of smiles.
THE bread basket you need to try
And of course, the food at Hav and Mar is outstanding. Here’s a look at everything we ate during our visit.
First, we can’t write about Hav and Mar without mentioning the bread basket. You think you’ve had bread baskets before, but trust me: this is one of the best bread baskets I’ve had at any restaurant.
The Hav Bread Basket has two teff biscuits, blue cornbread, injera crisp, flatbread, shiro hummus & peach jam for $19. The variety of breads and spreads is the perfect way to start a meal.
Swedish and Ethopian-inspired seafood-forward menu
For starters, we enjoyed the Swediopian, which has berbere-cured salmon, cucumber, avocado.
We also ordered the seasonal salad, which was the Winter Salad of delicata squash, endive, baby gem, and truffle.
For main courses, we ordered some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
Pasta lovers will enjoy the Havatini 2.0. It’s campanelle pasta with shrimp and crab, in a uni butter sauce.
Our vegetarian friend loved the Wild Mushroom Curry. It’s a warm, comforting dish made with a mushroom medley, seasonal vegetables, coconut rice, and fresh cilantro.
I loved the Dawa Dawa salmon. The fish was cooked perfectly and served in a tamarind broth with haricots verts and cipollini onions.
Decadent desserts
To round out the meal, we split the Chocolate Cake, which had layers of rich white & dark chocolate with caramel.
Drinks
Hav and Mar has a nicely curated wine list, which highlights BIPOC and female producers.
The cocktails here are as inventive and fun as their names. For something different, order a “ART, BUT I DON’T CHOKE” which has, you guessed it, artichokes, along with bourbon, coffee and orange.
The “T’KILL-YA WITH PEACHES” is made with blanco tequila, poblano, chamoy, berbere, and sour ale.
Hav and Mar Restaurant FAQs
Currently, Hav & Mar does not offer outdoor seating.
Yes, nearby parking garages are available at 550 W. 25th Street and 555 West 24th Street.
Approximately $150–$200, depending on selections.
Yes, options like the Wild Mushroom Curry and various vegetable-forward dishes are available.
While there is no strict dress code, smart casual attire is recommended.
No, pets are not permitted inside the restaurant.
Yes, families are welcome, though the atmosphere is more suited to adults and older children.
There is a parking garage at 550 W. 25th Street and 555 West 24th Street.
Getting to Hav & Mar
The nearest train stations to Hav & Mar restaurant are:
- 7 train stops at 34th St Hudson Yards
- C and E trains stop at 23rd St
- 1 train stops at 23rd & 28th St
- R and W trains stop at 28th St
- A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 trains stop at 34th Street Penn Station
Nearest Bus Stops
- M12 stops at 26 St & 11th Ave (at our doorstep)
- M23 stops at 24 St & 11th Ave
- M11 stops at 27 St & 10th Ave
- M34 stops at 34th Street & 11th Ave
Dine at Hav & Mar
Starrett Lehigh Building
245 11th Avenue, NY, NY 10001
NW corner of W. 26th and 11th Ave
Phone: 212-328-8041
Dinner Hours: Sunday & Monday: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (last reservation at 8:30 pm)
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (last reservation at 9:30 pm)
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, bar only
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
What’s nearby
The High Line – Just a few blocks from Hav & Mar, the High Line is an elevated linear park built on a historic freight rail line. It winds through the West Side of Manhattan, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River, stunning gardens, interactive art installations, and cool urban architecture. It’s the perfect pre-dinner stroll or post-lunch escape. Pro tip: sunset on the High Line is magic.
Chelsea Market – Craving more food, boutique shopping, or artisan souvenirs? Head to Chelsea Market, a legendary indoor food hall just minutes away. It’s packed with local vendors offering everything from oysters and tacos to handmade jewelry and cookbooks. It’s a paradise for foodies, and the vibe is always lively and creative.
Whitney Museum of American Art – Art lovers, rejoice. The Whitney Museum, dedicated to 20th- and 21st-century American art, is located at the southern end of the High Line. The museum features rotating exhibits from iconic and emerging artists, and its rooftop terrace offers beautiful views of downtown Manhattan. It’s the perfect pairing with Hav & Mar’s own art-filled interior.
