Spice Market, Manhattan

Outstanding food, service and ambiance and I need to say more to fit Yahoo's character requirement

The atmosphere is just beautiful and the food is just amazing all around. The appetizers, the entrees and the dessert were all to die for. I would definitely go back to this restaurant, I had a lovely time.

After hearing so much about the Spice Market, I made the trek down to the infamous meat-packing district with Leah to see what the fuss was about regarding one of Jean-Georges most popular restaurants. The appetizers were impressive; we ordered the steamed mussels and peppered prawns. Both were yummy and I was looking forward to the entrees. Out comes the fish (I forgot which one it was), which was tasteless and drenched in a plate full of kim chee. The garlic egg shrimp noodles left something to be desired (however, the bits of shrimp in that dish were excellent). The coconut rice was good, but I'd say the best part of the meal is the papadam they serve you in the beginning with the spicy dipping sauce. At most, Spice Market is a place where you go to hang out with your friends, not for the food. The downstairs dining area is seductive and moody. Upstairs is airy and is good for people watching. Momofuku near Astor Place is a better bet for asian food.

My fiance took me for my Birthday Dinner last night at 7 p.m., which was Mother's Day, but at Spice Market it might has well have been called Fright Night. Everything was horrible. Drinks, service and food. No one comes by to ask how your meal is or if they can get you anything to drink. We probably waited in our seats for nearly 25 minutes before anyone came by to even bring us water and the place wasn't even crowded! You practically have to wave your arms if you want any service! And even that doesn't help. When we complained about one of the dishes not tasting so good our waiter suggested another one but CHARGED US FOR BOTH! THIS PLACE IS HIGHWAY ROBBERY! On top of that my fiance asked the staff for a surprise Birthday Cake which the waiter never brought. When he brought our check she had to ask him in front of me what happened to the cake? He said he never got the information - not I'm sorry I'd be happy to get it for you now. We dine out quite often in the Meatpacking District and would NEVER RECOMMEND OR COME TO THIS PLACE AGAIN. You are basically paying for a name not the food or service.

I do not like Thai/Asian food but this place blew me away! I was a bit scared when I read the menu but we ordered 6 apps, and every single one was delicious! The Halibut was AMAZING! I won't even mention dessert! WOW! Atmosphere was beautiful. Not a place to go to if you are seeking the quiet. Very busy place but I went with my husband and it is romantic. Dark Thai setting. Def. need to make reservations if you go.

Food wise, this place is way overrated. Asian fusion restaurants like Tao or Spice Market don't tend to please me because in the back of my head I know you can get better Asian food in Chinatown or other Asian NY neighborhoods. Nothing on the menu sticks out as memorable. If youre looking for good food, spend your money elsewhere. Additionally, they recommend you eat it family style. If you want a group to eat your dishes family style, then serve them family portions or at least know how many dishes to recommend to make sure we get satiated from the meal. Ambiance wise, I felt like I was in line for the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland. It was as lame as a Rainforest Cafe, and the waiters have got to get new outfits. The seats and tables also could be improved. Having two hostesses and a host greet you at the door is TOO MUCH..its WEIRD. It says a lot about a restaurant if it requires a total of 3 people to greet you upon entry. Service wise, our waiter was literally spacing out. He seemed like he was on another planet. They made huge mistakes, didn't replace dishes, and served their dessert ice cream in a box which you had to open yourself. I don't want to have to open my dessert in a little take-home looking box. Just give the ice cream and don't make me work at it! Tacky. Overall, genuine to the its roots in the meatpacking district, the restaurant tries too hard. I would not recommend it to anyone, unless you want to be seen at a trendy spot. If that's your goal, however, don't bother with the food and just grab a drink downstairs.

My wife and I went for our 3rd anniverssary and it was great. So romantic and great spicy food.