(212) 751-4545

209 E 49th St (3rd Avenue)
New York, NY 10017 40.7551 -73.971

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Neighborhoods: Midtown East (Turtle Bay), Midtown, Midtown East

modernmexican.com/pampano/

Years in business

Established in 2004

Hours:

Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm, 5pm-11pm

Sat-Sun 5pm-11pm

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 8.14.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Business Dining, Outdoor Dining

General Info:

Open 7 Days

Cuisine:

Seafood, Mexican

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Pampano

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – The white-washed interior of the bi-level space feels like an exclusive beachside hacienda, especially in the second-floor dining room, which always seems filled with light. Palm trees sculpted onto the walls, lazy fronds spinning from the tall, angled ceiling and arched doors leading to an outdoor terrace add to the "on-vacation" vibe for a mix of midtown suits and funkier food lovers. – – The Food – Chef-owner Richard Sandoval applies his chile collection so skillfully that he never masks the essential flavors of each fish. An improbably delicate…

Editor's Tips

Delivery:
Minimum delivery is a hefty $25
Where to Sit:
The best seats in the house are in the main dining room upstairs. Downstairs is noisier and often jammed with margarita lovers overflowing from the bar.
Save Money:
Pampano offers a three-course lunch for $20.12 on weekdays.
Know Before You Go:
Love chef Sandoval's flavors but don't live uptown? Try Upper East Side favorite Maya.
Know Before You Go:
The taqueria is located in the food court of the Crystal Pavilion mall.
Know Before You Go:
The taqueria is located in the food court of the Crystal Pavilion mall.
Delivery:
Minimum delivery is a hefty $25
ambiance
93.59000205993652% positive
  1. “Although the decor is fresh and pleasant, the food was horrible and extremely over priced.”
  2. “The atmosphere is nice the food looks pretty, but the food tastes horrible.”
  3. “great atmosphere, slightly over-priced”
  4. “The decor is fantastic.”
  5. “Really liked the decor, feels like you are in the tropics and the service was great.”
  6. “The decor to the menu selection is incredibly impressive.”
  7. “The decor is nice, the service is very proffesional.”
  8. “We were seated promptly, the atmosphere was refreshing.”
  9. “The atmosphere is fantastic.”
  10. “Good food, atmosphere, and service”
  11. “Ambiance is not cozy nor charming.”
  12. “Although the ambience was very nice, this "trendy" Mexican restaurant simply tries too hard.”
  13. “Lovely decor, bright and airy upstairs (though I went on a balmy summer day, so it was a bit too hot to sit upstairs but otherwise I think it's the best seat in the house).”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “We loved the food but the dessert was a delight.”
  2. “And each course: guac, ceviche, whole snapper, swordfish, and then the corn pudding for dessert were all delicious and innovative.”
  3. “The cornbread desert was warm and soggy.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “Try their specialty drinks, margaritas are made with fresh fruit, and order the smoked swordfish dip, it is a great alternative to guacamole.”
  2. “There is a great bar with no patrons downstairs.”
  3. “only had the chance to order one drink.”
  4. “How does this restaurant make money if a person only stays long enough to order one drink?”
  5. “Things began well with excellent margaritas at the bar.”
  6. “The wine was also superb (a manger guided us through the list and recomended a spanish albarino which complimented and enhanced our civeches and our seafood entrees) So many of the dishes were great for sharing and each with such unique flavors and charac”
  7. “Great room (eat upstairs) and wine list but I would not go back.”
food quality
79.48999881744385% positive
  1. “6/5. We liked the upstairs dining space but that's about the only positive we could take from the meal.”
  2. “the food was tasty but incredibly overpriced.”
  3. “can say that the fish was fresh, juicy and tender; however, the preparation completely underwhelmed the quality of the fish.”
  4. “Their dish presentations are great, with a contemporary feel, and service is excellent, attentive, warm, and professional.”
  5. “Good food, atmosphere, and service”
  6. “We had the swordfish dip, and lobster tacos which were delicious.”
  7. “The food is pricey but amazing and totally worth it, and the shrimp quesadilla on the lunch menu can't be beat.”
  8. “THe food is DELICIOUS and the waitstaff is very attentive without making you uncomfortable.”
  9. “The food, mostly fish/seafood, tasted as good as it looked.”
  10. “thought the food was decent but nothing extraordinary compared to what i've”
  11. “They make the best, authentic tacos in the city with housemade tortillas and different salsas- be careful with some!”
  12. “Good food, terrible service and obnoxious staff”
  13. “If you are expecting the abundant typical tex-mex food, Pampano is not the right place for you.”
  14. “Great selection of seafood, everyone at my table enjoyed their food thoroughly.”
  15. “The food was bad, the service was worse, and the prices were outrageous for an establishment that pretends to be something that it is not.”
  16. “(They are also the bargain of the century at $2.75) The vegetarian torta ($7.50) had excatly the right amount of veggies to hold up to the bread and I'l be darned if my fresh fruit agua fresca didn't take me mentally onto the shores of sunny Mexicio (if o”
  17. “The atmosphere is nice the food looks pretty, but the food tastes horrible.”
  18. “went there sat night for a "light dinner" asked for shrimp to be added into my salad, and the waitress (who was barely available, we saw her three times the entire night) was very accomadating, but she failed to mention that instead of my $11 salad, i wou”
  19. “We loved the food but the dessert was a delight.”
  20. “great place, very different mexican meal.”
  21. “But, after a delicious mojito I was persuaded to try a hybiscus margarita that has changed my drinking habits.”
  22. “Although the decor is fresh and pleasant, the food was horrible and extremely over priced.”
  23. “think this place could be good if they concentrated on the food as much as the alcohol.”
  24. “was with a big group and I would say that most of us were just satisfied or unhappy with our dishes.”
  25. “was very pleased with my meal, both my appetizer (scallops & watermelon & grilled catcus) and entree (halibut with mexican chorizo, beans & spices) were both dishes i had never seen or tried before and both had excellent flavor.”
  26. “The wait staff was attentive, from explaining the meal's content, due to my date's allergies to food, to always replacing the candles on the table and water refills.”
  27. “We were there for the opening and the food was amazing.”
  28. “Others tolerated their food, but the price was ridiculous for not enjoying one bite of our meals.”
  29. “don't mind paying such prices for a thoroughly enjoyable food experience.”
  30. “Pompano is truly refreshing mexican fare, a seafood menu that shows that the south of the border cuisine doesnt always have to include heavy cheeses, rice and meat.”
  31. “In terms of food, the ceviche is truly outstanding.”
  32. “Waiter was a strange bird and when told we wanted to enjoy our dining experience and not be rushed through dinner, he assured us it takes 30 minutes to get entrees once food was ordered.”
  33. “Try their specialty drinks, margaritas are made with fresh fruit, and order the smoked swordfish dip, it is a great alternative to guacamole.”
  34. “And each course: guac, ceviche, whole snapper, swordfish, and then the corn pudding for dessert were all delicious and innovative.”
  35. “amazing food.”
  36. “when the bill arrived i questioned it, the manager came over with the most condescending attitude and told me that their "expensive shrimp" were worth the $4 each, esp since the chef had to go through the extra trouble of making the salad to my specificat”
  37. “The entrees give you an opportunity to sample some unique ingredients and preparations that make 'mexican seafood' a cuisine worth exploring.”
  38. “The food at Pompano is indeed delicious - start off with the guacamole, the ceviche and filet mignon tacos make great appetizers and the fish entrees certainly will not disappoint.”
  39. “If you dont have time to sit and eat at a restaurant and cant eat another deli sandwich this place is perfect.”
  40. “love this place-try to Mahi Mahi Cevhiche and the tacos de langosta?”
  41. “Next, the meal was disappointing.”
  42. “My boyfriend had the guacamole, which was the one highlight of the meal; however, you can get good guac at your local tacquiera, so why go to a fine dining establishment for it?”
  43. “The food really is unlike any Mexican I've had before - the flavors are familiar but presented in a beautiful and unexpected style.”
  44. “The wine was also superb (a manger guided us through the list and recomended a spanish albarino which complimented and enhanced our civeches and our seafood entrees) So many of the dishes were great for sharing and each with such unique flavors and charac”
  45. “expected a special meal at Pompano, based on the "BEST" designation on this website.”
  46. “Salsa's come in a variety of different heat intensities and colors (green or red) and another fave is the pulled pork quesadilla ($7.00).”
  47. “was not blown away at the food - it was good - but not great and at the price somewhat frustrating experience.”
  48. “The food did not disappoint either.”
  49. “The service was poor, they brought out the wrong dish twice.”
  50. “The food is overpriced, and the taste is ok at best.”
  51. “The mojitos were delicious and most of our appetizers were great.”
  52. “Great meal, completely offset by the worst service I've seen in a while.”
menu variety
90.4800033569336% positive
  1. “Great selection of seafood, everyone at my table enjoyed their food thoroughly.”
  2. “Salsa's come in a variety of different heat intensities and colors (green or red) and another fave is the pulled pork quesadilla ($7.00).”
  3. “The decor to the menu selection is incredibly impressive.”
  4. “The ceviches are all interesting, and the remaining appetizers on the menu are worth a shot.”
  5. “Our waiter was very helpful with our selections.”
  6. “The food is pricey but amazing and totally worth it, and the shrimp quesadilla on the lunch menu can't be beat.”
  7. “Pompano is truly refreshing mexican fare, a seafood menu that shows that the south of the border cuisine doesnt always have to include heavy cheeses, rice and meat.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “If you are looking for good high end mexican this is your place.”
  2. “Overall, a nice lunch in a nice place.”
  3. “great place, very different mexican meal.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “would go back again, truly an enjoyable experience.”
  2. “Great room (eat upstairs) and wine list but I would not go back.”
  3. “Food was so good though, we will definitely go back!”
service
68.5200023651123% positive
  1. “Good food, terrible service and obnoxious staff”
  2. “Good food, atmosphere, and service”
  3. “when the bill arrived i questioned it, the manager came over with the most condescending attitude and told me that their "expensive shrimp" were worth the $4 each, esp since the chef had to go through the extra trouble of making the salad to my specificat”
  4. “Great meal, completely offset by the worst service I've seen in a while.”
  5. “THe food is DELICIOUS and the waitstaff is very attentive without making you uncomfortable.”
  6. “The wait staff was attentive, from explaining the meal's content, due to my date's allergies to food, to always replacing the candles on the table and water refills.”
  7. “The staff is friendly and accomodating.”
  8. “Our waiter was very helpful with our selections.”
  9. “The service was poor, they brought out the wrong dish twice.”
  10. “the service was very attentive & friendly & speedy.”
  11. “The decor is nice, the service is very proffesional.”
  12. “went there sat night for a "light dinner" asked for shrimp to be added into my salad, and the waitress (who was barely available, we saw her three times the entire night) was very accomadating, but she failed to mention that instead of my $11 salad, i wou”
  13. “The food was bad, the service was worse, and the prices were outrageous for an establishment that pretends to be something that it is not.”
  14. “Really liked the decor, feels like you are in the tropics and the service was great.”
  15. “Their dish presentations are great, with a contemporary feel, and service is excellent, attentive, warm, and professional.”
  16. “Poor hostess, great ceviche.”
  17. “Even though the entire dining room was packed, we still had amazing service.”
  18. “thought the service was decent (somewhat intrusive because there were too many people working) and the guacomole was AWESOME.”
value
48.8100004196167% positive
  1. “the food was tasty but incredibly overpriced.”
  2. “The food is overpriced, and the taste is ok at best.”
  3. “How does this restaurant make money if a person only stays long enough to order one drink?”
  4. “Although the decor is fresh and pleasant, the food was horrible and extremely over priced.”
  5. “The ceviches are all interesting, and the remaining appetizers on the menu are worth a shot.”
  6. “The food was bad, the service was worse, and the prices were outrageous for an establishment that pretends to be something that it is not.”
  7. “the two strikes against this place is that the portions are too small, we left a bit hungry and that in the winter time the upstairs room can be quite cold & drafty given that it's designed for summer outdoor dining.”
  8. “Others tolerated their food, but the price was ridiculous for not enjoying one bite of our meals.”
  9. “The entrees give you an opportunity to sample some unique ingredients and preparations that make 'mexican seafood' a cuisine worth exploring.”
  10. “was not blown away at the food - it was good - but not great and at the price somewhat frustrating experience.”
  11. “when the bill arrived i questioned it, the manager came over with the most condescending attitude and told me that their "expensive shrimp" were worth the $4 each, esp since the chef had to go through the extra trouble of making the salad to my specificat”
  12. “The food is pricey but amazing and totally worth it, and the shrimp quesadilla on the lunch menu can't be beat.”
  13. “don't mind paying such prices for a thoroughly enjoyable food experience.”
  14. “The swordfish was good, but not outstanding, and for the prices we had expected better.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “Waiter was a strange bird and when told we wanted to enjoy our dining experience and not be rushed through dinner, he assured us it takes 30 minutes to get entrees once food was ordered.”
  2. “How does this restaurant make money if a person only stays long enough to order one drink?”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/26/10

Muy Delicioso!!!!

by meanmina nyc at Citysearch

I have been to this restaurant twice. The first time was for a restaurant week man, many moons ago. I went again a few weeks ago for an department lunch. I had the EMPANADAS DE CAMARÓN for appetizer and they were delish. As for my meal I had the lobster enchilladas and they were heavely! I am a sucker for cocktails so, I must admit that the MOJITO MARACUYÁ (passion fruit rum / puree of jicama / mint / lime) was amazing! Service was great and they even made a little something, something for our resident vegetarian who was pleased! One con is pricing, it's a little expensive but if you are out for a company dinner or lunch a definite MUST GO!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/19/09

Go nuts for the coconut paella

by Mmbnycmaple at Citysearch

Hidden jewel in midtown. Love this place. I get the same thing every time...the Paella Mariscada. I love to bring groups and out-of-towners here especially during the summer when the out-door seating area is open. No fajitas or quesadillas here! Above par Mexican.

  • Pros: Food, atmosphere, quick service
2 Star Rating: Below Average

07/10/09

amazing food...but that's it

by anvasqu at Citysearch

Guac was OK, $14 and small. Entrees were approx $30, amazingly good but small. Service was so-so. Drinks were $12-14. Ambiance is not cozy nor charming. Definitely overrated.

1 Star Rating: Poor

06/08/09

Terrible dining experience

by dtwes7 at Citysearch

Had a 9 PM reservation Friday, 6/5. We liked the upstairs dining space but that's about the only positive we could take from the meal. Generally, we are relatively easy to please; however, Pampano was thoroughly disappointing. We ordered a house margarita and glass of sangria to start, to go along with guacamole/chips appetizer. We proceed to order our entrees - my girlfriend ordered the filet mignon, I ordered the miso black cod. No more than 6, 7 minutes later are our entrees already brought out. At this point, we had barely started eating the guac/chips appetizer. Now I'm annoyed and feeling rushed. The entrees were tiny, nowhere near what you'd expect when paying $34 for a filet mignon entree and $30 for a fish entree. In all seriousness, the piece of cod I received was ridiculously small and was only served over 3 pieces of grilled asparagus, no carb whatsoever on the plate. Both still hungry, we go back to snacking on our guacamole and chips. At this point, it's literally 9:20 and we are done with our main course. 20 minutes! We ask to take the remainder of the guac/chips home. The waiter comes over to ask us if we want dessert, all but throwing the menu at us. Clearly, the waitstaff was looking to go home shortly thereafter. We decide to order the corn cake/coconut ice cream/hibiscus sauce dessert simply to delay going home (we live around the corner) - again, our dessert is brought out 2 minutes after we order! We finish the dessert, they clear the plate, and drop the check off at the table about 30 seconds later. Now I'm furious. It's 9:35 and we're discussing the bill - $155 (with tip) for chips/guac, 2 house margaritas, 1 glass of sangria, two tiny entrees and a shared dessert. To top it all off, our waiter never even brought us back our guac/chips to take home (we had already left quite upset by the time we realized). Would never go back. Haven't been this disappointed by a dining experience in quite some time.

2 Star Rating: Below Average

03/18/09

Food Exquisite, Service Bad

by JDay at Citysearch

9P meal, 10P kitchen closing. Waitstaff did everything to hurry us out before ordering: no welcome, no suggestions, no clearing of plates, multiple requests for beverage refills ignored, no dessert or coffee offering.

Great meal, completely offset by the worst service I've seen in a while.

Rowdy overserved party of 7 in the back just added to the 'charm'.

  • Pros: Ceviches were excellent
  • Cons: Waitstaff just wanted to leave

The Details on Pampano

Place Categories:

  • amazing the food
  • decent service
  • great place
  • really liked decor
  • overpriced food
  • great food experience
  • superb ceviche
  • somewhat frustrating dining experience
  • tender fish
  • delicious mojitos
  • truely mexican food
  • accomodating wait staff
  • good high end mexican
  • great dinning room
  • romantic setting
  • soggy cornbread desert
  • great wine
  • order drink
  • charming ambiance
  • thoroughly disappointing pampano
  • beautiful style
  • unique flavor
  • not disappoint fish entrees
  • fantastic atmosphere
  • recommend highly

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