Dardanel

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Inspired by the strait that connects the Black and Mediterranean seas, this Midtown seafood spot makes a serious bid for authenticity: It imports its fish daily from the Mediterranean region—branzini from Turkey, anchovies from the Black Sea, St. Peter's fish from Israel. "There's that taste of the Mediterranean ocean," says co-owner Eddie Gundogdu about the dishes, adding that "the fish is a little saltier—you don't even have to [season] it anymore." Yes, you can get grilled whole anything, but for a more unique spin, try less predictable fare like stuffed flounder, jammed with spinach, sun-dried tomato, green pepper and mushroom. Huge plus: Most dishes clock in at under $20, in case those economic jitters might be dampening your appetite.

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Turtle Bay restaurants, Midtown East restaurants, Midtown restaurants, New York restaurants, Mediterranean restaurants, Seafood restaurants