The 16 Best Seafood Restaurants in New York City
Which seafood restaurant in New York is the best?
Are you looking for the best seafood restaurants in New York? Then you’ve come to the right place – unfortunately, I hate oysters (I’ve tried them 10 times), but I really like everything else. I’ve been to New York City quite frequently with my best buddy Tino and he loves oysters, so it came that we really tried a lot.
Which spots we have grown fond of, where you get the best seafood from fish to crabs, lobster, and oysters, I will now tell you here. Some spots belong to other categories, for example, my beloved Grand Banks, Pilot, the Brooklyn Crab, and a bagel spot, but they all have one thing in common: great seafood!
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite Seafood Restaurants in New York
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01
Grand Banks
Sea Food Restaurant in TribecaOur Highlight
Water, a great view of Manhattan and a great atmosphere – the location is simply the best. You are sitting on a historic ship called F/V Sherman Zwicker on the Hudson River and can enjoy New York from the water when the weather is fine. The place also serves great drinks and seafood.
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02
Pilot Brooklyn
Sea Food Restaurant in DumboOur Highlight
As you know, we love the two-master “Grand Banks” at Piers 25 in Manhattan. The same operators now have a counterpart, the Pilot Brooklyn, at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Enjoy a sensational view of Manhattan with a drink in hand – or enjoy smaller (but delicious) seafood dishes!
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03
Brooklyn Crab
Sea Food Restaurant in Red HookOur Highlight
Brooklyn Crab is a real insider spot, which you can reach within 20 minutes from Manhattan on the IKEA Ferry. The seafood is sensational, you can sit indoors or outdoors and if you stay long enough you can enjoy the sunset over the Statue of Liberty.
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04
Aqua Boil
Sea Food Restaurant in Hell's KitchenAqua Boil is a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant that you will want to plan on dining at AFTER your Broadway experience. This casual Cajun-inspired place is going to leave you messy, but that’s such a good thing. It’s a fun and vibrant place where you choose your catch from a bounty of seafood like crawfish, mussels, or even a whole Dungeness crab. You then choose your sauce and heat level of spices. You’ll love every messy bite of this interactive eating experience. Reservations are limited, but the waitlist may be an alternative.
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05
Elias Corner
Sea Food Restaurant in Astoria
Elias Corner offers delicious Greek dishes – with the emphasis mainly on fish and seafood. Attention: There is no map. Have a look at the tables at the bar or check online beforehand what dishes are available!
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06
Grand Central Oyster Bar
Sea Food Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
If you want to enjoy oysters in a real historical ambience, you should definitely go to Grand Central Oyster Bar. When I’m here with my best buddy, he goes for the oysters – I prefer to eat fish, after all, it’s also one of the most popular in the city as a sea food restaurant.
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07
Island Oyster
Sea Food Restaurant in Governors Island
Island Oyster is a small insider spot on Governors Island, where you can enjoy a great view of the southern tip of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Just right with a drink in your hand!
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08
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Sea Food Restaurant in Red Hook
Red Hook Lobster Pound is a seafood restaurant in Red Hook, Brooklyn. It is known for their lobster rolls and seafood that’s been caught in Maine.
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09
Sagaponack
Sea Food Restaurant in Flatiron DistrictSagaponack in NYC is a stylish seafood restaurant specializing in modern coastal cuisine with Asian and Mediterranean influences. With fresh seafood, creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a unique culinary experience in the Flatiron District. We particularly recommend the oysters and lobster rolls.
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10
Drift In
Sea Food Restaurant in West VillageOur Highlight
The Drift In is one of my latest new discoveries in New York: it’s located right on the Hudson River promenade in the West Village. They serve oysters and the best lobster roll in town – no wonder, the team behind the Drift In is the same as at my beloved PILOT Brooklyn and GRAND BANKs. Just great!
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11
Seamore's
Sea Food Restaurant in Battery Park City
Seamore’s is a trendy and hip seafood restaurant founded by Michael Chernow. It is one of our restaurant tips for New York, because the atmosphere, the food selection and also the quality are just great!
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12
The Fulton
Sea Food Restaurant in Financial District
Located in Lower Manhattan, The Fulton is a sleek and modern seafood-focused restaurant that offers a chic and upscale atmosphere. The restaurant’s interior is designed with a nautical theme, featuring exposed brick walls, wood accents, and large windows that offer views of the Hudson River.
For Valentine’s Day dinner NYC, The Fulton typically offers a special menu featuring a variety of seafood dishes, as well as a selection of creative cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Some dishes featured on the Valentine’s Day menu include oysters, lobster, and sushi rolls. The restaurant also has a selection of meat and vegetarian options for those who prefer non-seafood entrees.
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13
Johnny's Reef Restaurant
Sea Food Restaurant in BronxThe restaurant Johnny’s Reef on City Island in the Bronx serves delicious seafood dishes. The menu has been carefully created and the chef uses only the freshest ingredients from the market. From lavish dishes to light meals, there is something for everyone. The location on the island offers a beautiful maritime view of the sea.
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14
Astoria Seafood
Sea Food Restaurant in AstoriaIf you want to eat really fresh fish in New York, you have to go to Astoria Seafood! The restaurant is totally unconventional—you simply choose your fish or seafood directly from the display, tell them how you want it prepared, and sit down at one of the tables. It’s loud, lively, authentic—and the food is absolutely amazing. Perfect for a casual evening with friends and huge seafood platters!
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15
Greenpoint Fish and Lobster Company
Sea Food Restaurant in GreenpointIf you’re in the mood for really good seafood in a relaxed atmosphere, then Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. in Brooklyn is the place for you. The restaurant combines a fish market and a kitchen, so you can be sure that everything is super fresh. The lobster rolls are particularly recommended, which are available both warm with butter and cold with mayo.
The fish tacos and crudo are also excellent. There is a selection of craft beers and cocktails to accompany your meal. Inside, there are a few high tables and a bar, but the highlight is the large outdoor area – perfect for a relaxed evening with friends.
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16
Russ & Daughters
Other Restaurants in Lower East Side
Russ & Daughters isn’t exactly a classic seafood restaurant, but the smoked fish dishes here are truly incredible!
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