Best seafood in New York

57 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC, r/nyc

Diners favor Grand Central Oyster Bar for its raw oysters, oyster pan roast and historic room. Several recommend the counter rather than a full meal from the kitchen. The oyster selection draws repeated praise, but shucking and cooked dishes divide opinion: some diners report shell fragments or underwhelming mains. A diner who liked the oysters and stew found the rest of the meal disappointing.

48 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Mariscos El Submarino draws recommendations across its New York outlets, including Jackson Heights. Grilled shrimp, aguachiles and octopus tacos receive repeated praise, and diners also recommend the ceviche and octopus guacamole. Views are not unanimous: one diner dislikes the grilled shrimp, while another prefers a rival's version. Diners at Clinton Hill and Park Slope report underseasoned dishes; those experiences concern those branches rather than Jackson Heights.

34 people recommend, 1 warns against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Fish Cheeks draws recommendations across its New York outlets, including the explicitly named NoHo restaurant. Crab curry and steamed fish receive repeated praise, and diners also recommend its oysters. Opinions differ: one diner disliked the oysters, while two NoHo diners found the crab curry mediocre or poor value. Another diner loved the steamed fish but found the service and other dishes underwhelming.

Noho

27 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Abuqir in Astoria for Egyptian-style whole fish, scallops and grilled shrimp. Several describe choosing seafood and its preparation, and a diner recommends the grilled option in particular. One visitor praises the scallops while noting the presentation is simple. Another warns that waiting in line could be awkward on a short trip, and one commenter prefers Astoria Seafood.

Astoria

26 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Many diners recommend Dame, and several point to its fish and chips, while two diners praise the oysters and two more praise the tuna. Opinions on the fish and chips are split: two diners found it disappointing or underwhelming, and one says it resembles the dish in spirit but isn't the real thing. A couple of diners find it pricey, and one commenter says it is not a fast, casual spot.

19 people recommend, 2 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Red Hook Lobster Pound is recommended across its New York outlets, including the original Van Brunt Street restaurant. Diners praise the lobster rolls, and several specifically suggest taking food from Red Hook to Valentino Pier or the nearby park. Price is a caveat: one visitor left without ordering after seeing the cost. Another commenter criticizes a food-hall outlet, not the original restaurant.

18 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Diners recommend Maison Premiere for oysters, with repeated praise for the range of varieties. Cocktails also draw approval. One diner recommends the seafood tower, while another singles out the scallop crudo. Value depends on the diner: one finds the place expensive, while another considers its oysters fairly priced.

Williamsburg

17 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Diners recommend Upstate in the East Village for its oyster-and-beer happy hour. Several describe it as good value, and two praise its oyster selection. One diner calls the bar homey, another likes the bar overall, and a third singles out the clam fettuccine. Reported deals differ over time, and one commenter recalls an order limit, so check the current terms.

East Village

17 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Astoria Seafood for grilled scallops and the pick-your-own seafood experience. Several describe choosing seafood and its preparation. One diner recommends bringing friends to try more dishes, while two distinct commenters say ordering can overwhelm newcomers. It is not an unqualified favorite: one diner liked the experience but was disappointed by the seafood quality.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Lure Fishbar in SoHo for seafood, with one praising its oyster selection and others singling out the salmon tiradito and fried red snapper. One longtime fan considers it good value but has not visited recently. A dissenting commenter says they have never found it reliable for fish or seafood; that is not evidence of a recent decline.

Soho

14 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Diners recommend Greenpoint Fish & Lobster for lobster rolls, oysters and lobster bisque. Three commenters praise the food broadly, and two recommend the fish sandwich. One diner likes its lobster roll while still preferring Maine's versions overall. Dissent includes a commenter who dislikes the restaurant and another who considers the lobster portion too small for the price.

13 people recommendvia r/astoria

Diners recommend Mar's in Astoria for oysters, and one particularly likes the mignonette. A diner praises its Sunday happy hour; two others describe Monday specials. Some find it a pricier choice than nearby alternatives. One visitor enjoyed the oysters' taste but found them unusually small.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC, r/astoria

Diners recommend Hamido in Astoria for seafood they can choose and have cooked to their liking. One diner praises the scallops, and another recommends the whole fried fish. Several see good value. The cooking style divides opinion: one diner finds it overcooked, while another likes the baked fish despite calling the restaurant overhyped. A third prefers Abuqir's Egyptian-style fish.

Astoria

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Penny for razor clams, with separate praise for its oysters, lobster and shrimp cocktail. One diner likes the bar seating, and another recommends it for an anniversary. It may not suit every meal: one commenter would choose Crevette when seafood is the priority, another finds it too focused on cold dishes, and a birthday visitor doubts it would work for a large group.

Ev

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many commenters recommend Cull & Pistol for its oysters, and a few point to the happy hour, where two say oysters are discounted on weekdays. One diner found the swordfish sandwich with oysters ideal before a show, and one commenter praises the octopus. One commenter finds the Orient Points too salty, and another says the space is a bit small, though they find the meals consistently excellent. One commenter suggests sitting at the bar.

12 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Le Bernardin's seafood, with several praising scallop preparations and two recommending the lounge lobster roll. The cost is a recurring caveat. Opinions differ beyond that: one diner finds it unimaginative, another preferred the vegetarian tasting, and a diner who liked the scallop and shrimp dishes found the Dover sole and amberjack overcooked.

11 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Diners recommend Docks Oyster Bar for seafood, with oysters and happy hour among the specific draws. One diner praises the oyster selection, and another uses it for business lunches, describing it as reasonably priced and a traditional New York seafood restaurant. A separate commenter recommends the New England-style chowder.

11 people recommendvia r/astoria, r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Le Petit Pêcheur in Astoria for seafood, and two distinct commenters call it the best they have tried locally. Several describe choosing fish and its preparation. One diner praises the sauteed scallops and fried sardines, another recommends the fish soup, and a third suggests calamari cooked Provencal style. Three diners describe the meal or lunch as good value.

Astoria

10 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Crave Fishbar draws oyster recommendations across its New York outlets, including the Upper West Side branch named by commenters. Happy hour is a recurring draw, but reported deals vary by location and date. One diner still considers it good value after price increases, while another doubts it suits a special seafood dinner. A separate diner prefers the Upper East Side branch.

UWS

10 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Wu's Wonton King for seafood, particularly king crab cooked three ways. Walnut shrimp and shrimp wontons also draw praise. One diner recommends it for a lively group meal rather than an elegant dinner, and another would choose it for a special occasion only if the group orders king crab. A visitor finds the seafood choice narrower than at East Harbor.

10 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Smithereens for seafood. Two praise the abalone skewers, while other recommendations include the lobster roll, clams and clam chowder. One diner who tried much of the menu liked the smoked fish and lobster roll but found the halibut disappointing. Another considers its lobster-roll style different from Maine's.

10 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Sabry's is an Egyptian seafood restaurant in Astoria that many people recommend. Two commenters praise the whole branzino, and a commenter likes the baked clams. One commenter says it edges out Hamido, and another calls it their favorite of the group. One commenter puts it last among the places named, behind Abuqir and Hamido.

Astoria

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many commenters recommend Cervo's for seafood, and several single out its crispy shrimp heads as a highlight. Two diners recommend the prawns a la plancha, and one commenter points to the crispy fish heads as a starter. One commenter suggests Crevette instead when seafood is the main priority.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Mermaid Inn draws recommendations across its New York outlets. Diners praise the oyster happy hour and lobster rolls, but value and execution divide opinion. One commenter finds the happy hour poor value; a diner who lives on the Upper West Side finds the oysters small and bar seats hard to get. A diner who enjoyed a lobster roll would have preferred it hot.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/astoria, r/FoodNYC

At Off the Hook in Astoria, a few people say the oysters are good, several find it good value, and many mention oyster deals on Mondays and during happy hour. One diner calls it underrated and says the crab legs are great. Some diners warn against it, and a few rank Mar's above it. One commenter says quality has slipped, and another had a poor visit that may have been bad luck.

Astoria

9 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Marea for crudo and seafood pasta. Two praise its crab pasta, and another names the shrimp gnocchetti as a favorite. One commenter recommends the lobster-and-burrata appetizer. The octopus fusilli also receives praise, though one diner has not eaten it for several years. Some frame Marea as a splurge rather than an everyday choice.

8 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Mermaid Oyster Bar is recommended across its New York outlets, including the named MacDougal Street location. Diners praise the oysters and happy hour. In the MacDougal discussion, one diner recalls visiting with a child, another saw families there, and a third recommends the kids' menu. Those experiences are reports of past visits, not a guarantee of current menus or service.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many people praise the food at San Sabino, and a couple of diners name the lobster triangolini as a standout. One diner calls the pasta alla vongole incredible, another finds the smoked chili crab farfalle unusual but tasty, and one diner enjoys the lunch atmosphere, with its large, bright windows. Another diner calls the lobster ravioli excellent. One diner found it unremarkable and said it did not stand out for seafood.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Most people recommend Flex Mussels, and a few single out the mussels, with one pointing to the varied preparations. One diner has enjoyed the oysters there, and another calls the fried hake sandwich delicious. A couple of diners are less enthused, with one finding the selection limited and another finding the seafood mains standard.

7 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Ama Raw Bar draws oyster recommendations across its East and West Village locations, with the West Village branch explicitly named by commenters. Happy hour is a recurring draw. One commenter finds the place charming but the oyster selection limited. The overall praise covers the business across both locations, rather than only the West Village.

West Village

7 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Avra draws seafood recommendations across its New York outlets, including the explicitly named 48th Street restaurant. One diner recommends the grilled branzino, another likes the lobster spaghetti, and another praises the salmon tartare. A diner also considers lunch good value. Dish recommendations without a named outlet should not be treated as experiences specific to 48th Street.

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many commenters recommend Balthazar, a French bistro in Manhattan, and many people praise its raw bar and oysters. A few recommend eating at the bar, though one of them notes that food quality is debated. One commenter calls its seafood among the best for plain, unadorned preparations, and another advises getting the seafood tower. A different commenter warns that the tower is less presentable and generous than rival towers and calls the restaurant mediocre and pricey.

Manhattan

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/AskNYC

Most people who comment recommend Jeffrey's Grocery, and a commenter calls it a laid-back seafood spot. One commenter praises the shrimp cocktail as perfectly cooked, another diner liked the lobster roll, and another commenter likes the crab dip. One diner finds it fine but pricey and says it is not their top pick.

6 people recommendvia r/astoria, r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Taverna Kyclades for seafood, with Astoria explicitly named in several recommendations. Octopus and grilled shrimp are specific Astoria picks. One diner enjoyed the Astoria restaurant but preferred Le Petit Pecheur afterward, finding its fish lighter and less heavily buttered. Other recommendations do not specify a branch.

Astoria

6 people recommendcounted across its outletsvia r/FoodNYC

Denino's draws recommendations for clam pizza across its New York outlets, including the Greenwich Village restaurant explicitly named by one diner. That visitor liked the clam pie, and another agrees that the pizzeria deserves more attention. A different commenter considers the brand an adequate substitute rather than the city's best clam pizza.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Soothr for crab dishes. Two name its crab curry noodles, one recommends the crab fried rice with green sauce, and another picks the Dungeness crab. Two separate commenters also recommend the koong karee in a discussion of favorite shrimp dishes.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Barney Greengrass for lox and other smoked fish. One suggests whitefish salad, while two praise its fish-and-egg scrambles. Another ranks its smoked fish above Russ & Daughters, and a separate commenter says they travel across a borough for its lox.

6 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend The Commodore for its fish sandwich, with one naming the hot fish version in Williamsburg and another calling it their top fried-fish-sandwich pick. One commenter recommends its tuna melt too, and another praises the shrimp po boy. A further recommendation is explicitly second-hand rather than a report of a visit.

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend F&F Pizzeria in Brooklyn for clam pizza. One calls it their favorite among several clam-pizza options, and another includes it among Brooklyn spots making good clam pies. The praise is not unanimous: one commenter agrees with the suggestion but finds the pizza underwhelming, while another says its clam slices do not satisfy their craving compared with New Haven versions.

Brooklyn

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many people recommend Theodora, and one diner finds its raw crudo and wood-fired grilled fish balanced well. One diner says the branzino pleases fish lovers, another names the two-color fish as a standout, and a third suggests ordering the mackerel toast if you can get a table. One diner finds it pricey and self-important about its wood-fired cooking.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Great NY Noodletown for soft-shell crab, with one calling it the best crab they have tried. A commenter advises eating it at the restaurant because takeaway can become soggy. Two diners are less impressed: one finds the flavor and texture unremarkable, while another says it satisfies a crab craving without being spectacular. One also recommends the salt-baked shrimp.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Los Mariscos in Chelsea Market draws recommendations for seafood tacos. One diner especially likes its fish and shrimp tacos, while another suggests the ceviche as well. The small menu is a trade-off: a diner who tried the restaurant found the food good but wanted a broader choice.

Chelsea Market

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Diners recommend Bahari for seafood in Astoria. One names its cuttlefish as a favorite dish, another praises the octopus, and a third recommends the branzino. A commenter responding to the cuttlefish suggestion says the restaurant deserves more attention.

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC, r/Brooklyn

Diners recommend Nick's Lobster House on Flatbush Avenue for a seafood meal. One calls its clam chowder a regular choice and also recommends the lobster bisque; another enjoyed the baked clams. A commenter suggests reserving ahead. One endorsement is qualified: the diner would include it among Brooklyn lobster options but would not call it the best.

Brooklyn

5 people recommendvia r/FoodNYC

Essex Pearl draws recommendations for lobster rolls and oysters. One diner names the Pier 57 food-hall location as their favorite lobster-roll stop in the city. Another followed that suggestion and enjoyed the food and green sauce. Oyster happy-hour recommendations do not all specify an outlet, so they should not be treated as current Pier 57 deals.

Pier 57 Food Hall

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/FoodNYC

Many commenters recommend Quique Crudo, and one diner said they enjoyed the shrimp aguachile. Another diner called it amazing and worth a visit soon, suggesting an early visit to avoid a wait, which can depend on the day. A different diner found a scallop pricey, though they praised the mole.

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/astoria

Most commenters recommend Sanford's for oysters, and a couple of diners say its happy hour keeps oysters budget-friendly. One diner calls the Rockefeller oysters at happy hour excellent, though not mind-blowing. Two diners are less impressed: one found the happy hour oysters less flavorful, and another did not think the oysters were good.