A Chinatown Seafood Week From Counter to Harbor

Start at Sun Hing Lung for shrimp rice rolls, then walk to Seng Seafood Restaurant for a longer Chinatown meal. This pairing suits a hunter who wants two distinct formats without a long detour. I would ask Seng's manager about off-menu dishes before settling on its seafood soups.

Reserve this stop in the sequence for the oyster-minded diner. Tolo's menu includes raw seafood and oysters alongside Chinese plates, with a wine list to match. I like the chef's counter for watching the kitchen. Ask about the current raw selection before choosing a first plate.

Choose Chinese Tuxedo / Peachy's when a raw plate needs a room with a story. The restored opera house and downstairs speakeasy make this a different Chinatown food stop from Tuesday's counter. I would start with the hakashi crudo, then consider the oxtail buns for contrast.

Shift east to Peck Slip for Quick Eternity, a nautical bar with seafood snacks, cocktails and a micro-bookstore. It suits the diner who wants conversation as much as a plate. I would browse Idler Books before ordering; check the kitchen window if food is the priority.

Make the Hudson Street excursion the week's considered splurge. César offers a seafood-forward French and Japanese tasting menu, with a counter for watching the chefs. I would choose the counter for the show. Ask about the current menu and wine pairing before committing to the longer meal.

Head to Tribeca for Grand Banks when oysters and a harbor view matter as much as the meal. The wooden sailboat turns the seafood hunt outward from Chinatown. I would order oysters and take in the Hudson. Aim away from sunset if a crowded deck sounds less appealing.

Return to Chinatown for a gentler finish at Dim Sum Go Go, a fit for the diner who wants a choice of made-to-order plates. I would look first at the shrimp rice paper and snow pea leaf dumplings. Save the seafood and meat platter for a group.