Connection is the most important part of sharing a meal.

New York City is filled with incredible food from every cuisine imaginable, but I would argue that Thai food is among the very best. Fish Cheeks delivers on every level: atmosphere, service, and most importantly, food. I’ve always loved a restaurant that emphasizes presentation because the saying “the eyes eat before the mouth” truly holds up here.

During my lunch at Fish Cheeks, temperatures had dipped into the negatives in the East Village, so I was craving something warm and comforting — but also fresh and light. The Rawaaeg Duck Curry and Fresh Corn Salad combination struck that balance perfectly. Each bite of the salad brought a bright, almost spring-like freshness to my palate, while the curry anchored the meal with deep, savory, nutty richness. The duck was tender and flavorful, but the broth was the true standout — layered, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Another pairing I have to commend is the Isan Style Grilled Chicken and Crispy Rice Salad with Pork. As someone who prioritizes protein in almost every meal, the chicken immediately stood out. It was grilled to perfection — juicy, slightly charred, and infused with a subtle sweetness and fragrant complexity that made me wonder about the marinade’s exact composition.

The crispy rice salad, meanwhile, delivered texture in every bite. The seasoned rice, coconut, chilis, pork, and medley of herbs created a dynamic contrast of crunch and spice. I will say that the mint leaned slightly overpowering at times, briefly overshadowing some of the more delicate flavors. Still, this was a minor note in what was otherwise an exceptional dish.

What may be my favorite characteristic of Fish Cheeks, though, is its commitment to shared dining. The format encourages ordering multiple plates for the table, allowing everyone to experience a range of flavors together. It transforms a meal into something larger than the food itself — a shared moment, a shared memory. And sometimes, those memories become the ones that matter most down the line.

I will always commend a restaurant that reinforces what I believe is the most important part of dining: connection.

Fish Cheeks

Tartinery Café