Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in New York City

New York City is a seafood lover’s dream, offering everything from luxurious fine dining to casual, wallet-friendly spots. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic date, or just craving fresh oysters and buttery lobster rolls, NYC’s seafood scene has it all.

Here’s a handpicked list of the best seafood restaurants in NYC, featuring top-rated spots that guarantee an unforgettable meal.

1. Sea Fire Grill – Upscale Seafood Dining

📍 Midtown Manhattan

If you’re looking for elegant seafood in ManhattanSea Fire Grill delivers with its sleek ambiance and premium dishes. Their raw bar features fresh oysters, while grilled branzino and seafood towers impress diners. Perfect for romantic dinners or business meals.

2. Aqua Boil – Casual Cajun Feasts

📍 Multiple Locations

For a fun, hands-on experience, Aqua Boil serves up Cajun-style seafood boils with shrimp, crab, and lobster drenched in garlic butter or spicy sauces. A great affordable seafood spot in NYC for groups.

3. Cull & Pistol – Fresh & Laid-Back

📍 Chelsea Market

Nestled inside Chelsea Market, Cull & Pistol is a go-to for lobster rolls, clam chowder, and fresh oysters. A fantastic downtown NYC seafood restaurant for a quick yet delicious bite.

4. Ocean Prime – Luxury & Celebrations

📍 Midtown West

A favorite for birthdays and special occasionsOcean Prime offers top-tier seafood like Chilean sea bass and jumbo lump crab cakes. Its upscale vibe makes it one of the best seafood restaurants in NYC for celebrations.

5. Crab House NYC – Garlic Butter Heaven

📍 Times Square

Famous for its garlic butter crabCrab House NYC is a lively spot with generous portions. Ideal for tourists and locals craving a hearty seafood feast.

Also Read : Best Restaurants in Seabrook:A Food Lover’s Guide

6. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – Fun & Family-Friendly

📍 Times Square

Inspired by Forrest Gump, this themed restaurant serves shrimp in every style—fried, grilled, or boiled. A great family-friendly seafood restaurant near Times Square.

7. Shaking Crab (Hell’s Kitchen) – Bold & Flavorful

📍 Hell’s Kitchen

Another fantastic seafood boil spotShaking Crab stands out with its bold sauces and messy, delicious eats. A top pick for affordable seafood in NYC.

8. Crave Fishbar – Sustainable & Fresh

📍 Midtown West & Upper East Side

With a focus on sustainably sourced seafoodCrave Fishbar excels with dishes like tuna tartare, oysters, and lobster rolls. A reliable choice for fresh seafood in NYC.

9. Lure Fishbar – Romantic & Nautical

📍 SoHo

Designed like a luxury yacht, Lure Fishbar is one of the most romantic seafood restaurants in NYC. Their sushi and crudo selections are exceptional for date nights.

10. Fish Cheeks – Thai-Inspired Seafood

📍 NoHo*

For something different, Fish Cheeks offers Thai-style seafood like coconut crab curry and whole branzino. A unique pick among top seafood spots in NYC.

NYC’s Top 10 Seafood Restaurants Review

Sea Fire GrillMidtownSeafood Tower★★★★★
Aqua BoilMultipleCajun Seafood Boil★★★★☆
Cull & PistolChelsea MarketLobster Roll★★★★☆
Ocean PrimeMidtown WestChilean Sea Bass★★★★★
Crab House NYCTimes SquareGarlic Butter Crab★★★★☆
Bubba GumpTimes SquareShrimp Mac & Cheese★★★☆☆
Shaking CrabHell’s KitchenSignature Crab Boil★★★★☆
Crave FishbarMidtown/UESTuna Tartare★★★★☆
Lure FishbarSoHoSushi Platter★★★★★
Fish CheeksNoHoCoconut Crab Curry★★★★☆

Also Read : The 10 Best Seafood Restaurant Halifax

FAQs About NYC Seafood Restaurants

What are the most popular seafood dishes in NYC?

Lobster rolls, oysters, crab cakes, clam chowder, and seafood boils are NYC favorites.

Where do celebrities eat seafood in NYC?

Stars often dine at Ocean Prime, Lure Fishbar, and Le Bernardin (a 3-Michelin-star French seafood restaurant in Manhattan).

What’s the best seafood restaurant for a birthday in NYC?

Ocean Prime and Lure Fishbar are excellent for celebrations with their upscale vibe and top-notch dishes.

Which NYC seafood restaurants are budget-friendly?

Aqua Boil, Shaking Crab, and Bubba Gump offer great seafood at reasonable prices.

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