Feb 17, 2026

Grub Street

Whole fish for the Lunar New Year

Featuring

Feb 17, 2026

Grub Street

Whole fish for the Lunar New Year

Featuring

10 favorites — from whole snapper tacos to kombu cured mackerel — worth sharing.

Highlighting ten exceptional whole-fish dishes in New York City to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a tradition symbolizing harmony and abundance. The list features a diverse range of preparations, from the culturally significant Squirrel Fish at Blue Blossom to innovative fusion dishes like the rice-flake-crusted Red Snapper Tacos at Limusina. Other notable mentions include the Mediterranean-inspired Branzino with Za’atar Meunière at ilili, which is elegantly fileted tableside, and the turmeric-marinated whole fluke at Fish Cheeks. Spanning various cuisines and neighborhoods, these recommendations underscore the city's current "big-fish era," offering diners numerous ways to participate in the festive spirit of the Year of the Horse.

Article author:

Cathy Erway