New York City is known for its vast selection of restaurants, including some with an impressive seafood selection. For seafood lovers and those searching for a stellar seafood experience in the Big Apple, there are plenty of choices to choose from. From casual restaurants to chic eateries, New York offers many options for landlocked locals and visitors alike.
In this guide, we’ll show you the top spots to explore to get the most delicious and delectable seafood dining experience in New York City.
Heartland Brewery & Chophouse
Located at the heart of Union Square, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse is a perfect balance of restaurant, bar, and beer hall. This chic spot serves up flavorful, fresh seafood dishes that you won’t be able to resist. The menu consists of classic dishes like lobster bisque, crab cakes, scallops Benedict and swordfish steak. With local beers on tap and a good selection of wines, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse is the perfect place to enjoy a seafood dinner with friends.
North River Lobster Co.
North River Lobster Co. is a floating seafood restaurant and bar situated onboard a 1920s-style steamship docked at Pier 81 along the Hudson River. It is a popular spot for those who want to enjoy a unique seafood dining experience plucked from the depths of the sea. The menu features grilled octopus, grilled jumbo prawns, lobster rolls, lobster mac & cheese and oysters on the half shell.
Take a break from the onshore hustle and bustle and jump onboard North River Lobster Co. for an unforgettable seafood dinner experience.
Aquagrill
Aquagrill, located in the heart of Soho, serves up sumptuous seafood fare in a charming, intimate setting. The restaurant is well-known for using the freshest seasonal ingredients cooked in innovative ways. Dishes such as wild Scottish salmon, river trout, pan-seared halibut, jumbo lump crab cakes and seared scallops are served with delectable sauces that add a unique dimension of flavor to every meal.
The spot is also popular for its Happy Hour every day from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which has specials like $1 oysters, $2 beers and $5 glasses of house wines. Aquagrill is definitely a great place to enjoy some delicious seafood in a cozy atmosphere.
Grand Central Oyster Bar
The Grand Central Oyster Bar is a classic seafood spot in New York City’s iconic Grand Central Terminal. What sets this seafood joint apart from other restaurants is its impressive selection of fresh seafood from both nearby coastal areas and far-off countries. Besides oysters, the place serves up classic New England seafood dishes like steamers, chowder, and lobster rolls.
For more adventurous diners, the Grand Central Oyster Bar also offers dishes like octopus carpaccio, monkfish curry and Portobello stuffed with crabmeat.
Mary’s Fish Camp
Situated in the West Village, Mary’s Fish Camp is a casual seafood joint. The small cozy spot offers a menu featuring delectable seafood dishes like New England clam chowder, pan-roasted cod, ale-battered fish and chips and lobster rolls. With its cozy vibe, attentive staff and a reasonably-priced menu, Mary’s Fish Camp is the perfect spot for a seafood dinner date.
Luke’s Lobster
If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a mouthwatering lobster roll, you should definitely check out Luke’s Lobster. With several locations in New York City, Luke’s Lobster has become a go-to spot for delicious, buttery lobster rolls and a variety of other seafood specialties. The place also serves up Maine shrimp rolls, crab rolls and an extensive selection of seafood chowders, stews and soups.
Ed’s Lobster Bar
Ed’s Lobster Bar is an upscale, iconic seafood spot located in the historic neighborhood of SoHo. With its water-themed décor and an impressive seafood selection, Ed’s Lobster Bar has become a popular lunch and dinner spot for locals and tourists alike. Featuring creative seafood dishes like fricassee of shrimp and mussels, sautéed diver scallops and pan-roasted striped bass, each meal at Ed’s Lobster Bar is sure to be delicious and memorable.
Redeye Grill
For those looking to enjoy a cozy evening out with seafood, Redeye Grill is the spot. Boasting a seafood-focused menu with a focus on sustainability, this spot serves up a wide range of dishes from oysters, grilled octopus and grilled artichoke to scallops, seared tuna and salmon. Redeye Grill also has a great selection of raw bar items that are sure to please seafood lovers.
Pearl Oyster Bar
If you love oysters, Pearl Oyster Bar is the spot. Offering an impressive selection of East and West Coast oysters, this friendly establishment also serves up other seafood classics like clam chowder, crab cakes, grilled salmon and shrimp tacos. The spot also has a great selection of beer and wines, making it an ideal spot for an oyster dinner date.
The Condon Shellfish Co.
A new addition to NYC’s seafood scene, The Condon Shellfish Co. is a casual seafood spot, with an impressive seafood selection. Sourcing all their seafood from the waters of Long Island, The Condon Shellfish Co. offers dishes like lime-poached mussels, littleneck clams, mussel chowder and a selection of steamers.
The restaurant also has an extensive selection of wines and beers, ensuring a pleasant evening out for couples and groups alike.
From cozy little spots to grand eateries, New York City offers plenty of delicious seafood options that are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner spot or you’re searching for a seafood dining experience with all the bells and whistles, the city has it all. To find the best seafood restaurants in NYC, be sure to check out this guide!
