With its waterfront location and globally recognized culinary scene, it’s no surprise that seafood stars on the menu at many top restaurants in New York City. At the best seafood restaurants in NYC, you’ll find everything from freshly-shucked oysters to perfectly grilled whole branzino served up in whatever atmosphere you’re after, whether it’s upscale and elegant or lively and laid-back.
Go for refined fresh Greek seafood in a high-end haven in Midtown West. Try a luxe five-course seafood menu with a Peruvian twist on the Upper East Side. Enjoy sushi and steak at an energetic place with rooftop dining in the Meatpacking District. Whatever you’re after, NYC’s got it.
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Discover the 10 best seafood restaurants in NYC.
For the freshest seafood in a landmark location — reserve a table at Grand Central Oyster Bar (Midtown East)
Grand Central Oyster Bar is where you head for more than 25 different varieties of seafood in an iconic spot beneath Grand Central Terminal. Step back in time where magnificent vaulted tiled ceilings and charming red-and-white checkered tablecloths await. Fill them with elegant seafood favorites like a hand-picked daily catch from the Fulton Fish Market and platters of fried oysters with tartar sauce. Finish off your meal with a slice of tart homemade key lime pie.
For an award-winning venue with show-stopping seafood — check out Hav & Mar (Chelsea)
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s MICHELIN Plate-awarded Hav & Mar is a must-visit for show-stopping seafood and drinks. Decked out with colorful original artwork, the industrial-chic spot is known for stunning seafood dishes from James Beard semifinalist Fariyal Abdullahi. Try the spicy berbere-cured salmon with cucumber and avocado. At the cocktail bar, check out the wine list that features BIPOC and female producers, and save room for the glogg poached pear dessert.
For Southern-inspired seafood dishes in a chic oyster bar — book a table at Strange Delight (Fort Greene)
Swing by oyster bar Strange Delight for New Orleans-inspired seafood in a warm, vintage setting. With three distinct seating options, including a cozy oyster counter, you’re here for charbroiled oysters, seafood towers, and updated classics like blackened swordfish belly. The cocktail menu nods to the Big Easy, with a Ramos gin fizz and hurricane service for two alongside expertly made martinis and Sazeracs.
For Mediterranean fine dining at one of the best seafood restaurants in NYC — grab a table at Estiatorio Milos (Midtown West)
Founded by chef Costas Spiliadis, Estiatorio Milos celebrates Mediterranean cuisine and seafood in an elegant setting. With soaring, lofty ceilings, oversized earthenware urns, and warm hospitality, this refined spot showcases pristine seafood flown in daily from the Greek Islands. Try the famed Athenian-style lobster pasta or the Greek-style charcoal-broiled lamb chops. Check out the weekday three-course prix fixe menu to sample a range of dishes.
For seafood with bold flavors from Peru in a contemporary setting — make a reservation at Mission Ceviche (Upper East Side)
One of the best seafood restaurants in NYC Mission Ceviche is a pioneering Peruvian restaurant from chef Jose Luis Chavez. The space blends organic textures and hanging plants to create a modern, lively retreat. Go all out with the five-course chef’s selection menu with seafood standouts like mahi mahi ceviche, grilled octopus, grilled branzino, and a specialty Peruvian dessert of choclo con queso. Wash it all down with pisco-infused cocktails.
For sushi and steak at an energetic place with rooftop dining — ensure your table awaits at Catch (Meatpacking District)
Catch is where you go for world-class seafood and sushi flown in from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, alongside a premium steak program known for its Japanese Wagyu and tableside hot rock cooking. Set in a landmark building with three levels—including a whimsical terrace and a a rooftop with stellar NYC views—you’re here feast on signature dishes like the hellfire roll, truffle sashimi, and miso-glazed sea bass, all served in a lively, shareable format that defines the restaurant’s energetic style.
For Italian pasta and seafood in an easy-going space — visit Il Pesce (Gramercy Park)
Check out Il Pesce, where Italian crudo, antipasti, and pasta come together in a casual, open marketplace-style bistro at one of the best seafood restaurants in NYC. Sit at the counter and watch the cooks as you wait for your marinated scallops or head-on Hawaiian blue shrimp before you move on to house-made bigoli pasta with olive oil poached clams. Semi-sweet chocolate mousse is the grand finale.
For premium seafood, sushi, and steaks in a swanky setting — head to Oceans (Union Square)
Recognized with a MICHELIN Plate in 2022, Oceans is a sophisticated seafood restaurant led by executive chef Andy Kitko. Highlighting the finest catches from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean, the menu includes pristine sushi, standout raw bar selections, whole fish served grilled or thinly sliced as sashimi, and premium steaks. Set in a stylish space and a great spot to celebrate a special occasion, Oceans combines warm hospitality with stellar cocktails and an extensive wine list.
For sustainable seafood and casual dining at one of the best seafood restaurants in NYC — snag a table at Crave Fishbar (Upper West Side, Midtown, and Upper East Side)
Go to Crave Fishbar when you want wild-caught, sustainable, and responsibly farmed seafood in an inviting and easy-going setting. Here, environmental responsibility goes hand-in-hand with bold flavors. Don’t miss fan-favorite dishes like handmade spicy squid ink spaghetti and Thai lobster curry. The popular oystergram happy hour serves up to 20 varieties nightly.
For must-try seafood and steak in a sophisticated location — lock your spot at Ocean Prime (Rockefeller Center)
Head to Ocean Prime when you have a reason to celebrate over a noteworthy menu of delicate sushi, fresh seafood, and steak. The sleek interior, with its linen-clad tables and fine tableware, sets the stage for a romantic or special occasion meal of impressive dishes like teriyaki salmon or lobster linguine. The elegant menu also includes fancy chophouse fare like filet mignon with a loaded baked potato. Don’t skip the ten-layer carrot cake.
The best seafood restaurants in NYC celebrate the very best catches from at home and across the globe. Enjoy premium sushi in a sophisticated MICHELIN-recognized spot or catch up with friends over oysters in a chic New Orleans-inspired space with seafood towers and Southern-style dishes.
