Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in New York

Aqua Boil brings Louisiana-style seafood boils to Hell's Kitchen, and the messy, hands-on experience is half the fun. Order the Signature Seafood Boil—your choice of shellfish (go with the combo of shrimp, mussels, and crab) tossed in their addictive garlic butter sauce with corn and potatoes, dumped right on your paper-lined table. Bibs are provided, and you'll need them as you crack shells and soak bread in the leftover sauce. It's casual, fun, and perfect for groups who don't mind getting their hands dirty, with a festive vibe that makes it feel like a backyard crawfish boil in the middle of Manhattan.

Grand Banks is NYC's most unique seafood experience—a historic wooden schooner permanently docked at Pier 25 transformed into a floating oyster bar with stunning Hudson River views. The Bronzino Crudo is summer on a plate, but honestly, you're here for the oysters, the rosé, and the sunset views of the water and New Jersey skyline beyond. It's seasonal (closed in winter), so plan accordingly, and expect waits on beautiful evenings—but sipping a cocktail on the deck while boats drift by is quintessential New York. Best for groups of friends or a memorable date, though the open-air seating means it's not ideal for serious conversations.

Cull & Pistol inside Chelsea Market is what happens when a James Beard-nominated team decides to do a casual oyster bar right. The New England Lobster Roll—served warm with butter or cold with mayo—is textbook perfect, generous with chunks of sweet lobster meat on a buttered, griddled bun. Grab a seat at the marble bar, watch the shuckers work their magic, and order a few varieties of East and West Coast oysters alongside that roll. The location in Chelsea Market means you can browse afterward, making it perfect for a weekend afternoon outing that combines food and shopping.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Broadway is pure tourist fun wrapped in Forrest Gump nostalgia, and honestly, there's no shame in enjoying it. Yes, it's a chain, but the Times Square location delivers solid shrimp preparations (boiled, fried, grilled—every which way) in massive portions that satisfy crowds and families. The Shrimper's Net Catch—a combo platter of their best preparations—is the move here, and kids love the movie trivia on the tables. It won't win any culinary awards, but for reliable, family-friendly seafood in the heart of the Theater District at reasonable prices, it delivers exactly what it promises.

Pesce Lulu is the kind of intimate Italian seafood spot that Midtown East office workers dream about during long meetings. Chef-owner Lulu brings Southern Italian coastal traditions to this cozy space, where the Linguine alle Vongole is absolutely transcendent—sweet manila clams, garlic, white wine, and just enough chili flake to keep things interesting. With only 331 reviews but a stellar 4.8 rating, this relative newcomer is flying under the radar while delivering consistent excellence. The space is small and can get loud when full, but that only adds to the convivial, trattoria-like atmosphere.

Aquarelle brings Mediterranean warmth to the East Village with a cozy, candlelit space that feels like a secret hideaway on Avenue B. This neighborhood gem specializes in grilled whole fish—think branzino and dorade—served simply with lemon, olive oil, and herbs that let the quality speak for itself. The vibe is romantic and unpretentious, with a carefully selected wine list leaning heavily on Greek and Italian bottles. It's the kind of place you take a date when you want to impress without the Midtown stuffiness, and locals fiercely guard this treasure from becoming overrun with tourists.

Ocean Prime in Midtown West is where corporate Manhattan meets surf-and-turf elegance, complete with a buzzy bar scene that transitions seamlessly from after-work cocktails to full dinner service. The Ten Layer Carrot Cake is legendary (yes, at a seafood restaurant), but don't miss their Smoking Shellfish Tower—a dramatic presentation of the freshest oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster tail served over smoking dry ice. The energy here is infectious, making it ideal for groups celebrating deals closed or birthdays, with a nightclub vibe that kicks in later. It's pricey, but the portions are generous and the see-and-be-seen atmosphere is part of the draw.

Oceans elevates seafood to fine-dining artistry in the Flatiron District, with a sleek, modern space that feels both intimate and impressive. This is where NYC's seafood aficionados come for special occasions, drawn by Chef's tasting menus that change with the seasons and showcase globally-inspired techniques. The Hamachi Crudo with yuzu and microgreens is a masterclass in balance and restraint. Expect to spend generously, but every dollar translates to plate after plate of Instagram-worthy, palate-challenging excellence that justifies the splurge.

Sea Fire Grill brings upscale seafood to Midtown East with a sophisticated dining room that's perfect for impressing clients or celebrating special occasions. Their raw bar is exceptional, but it's the Lobster Thermidor—served tableside with theatrical flair—that keeps power brokers coming back. The wine list is carefully curated to complement seafood, and the service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive. With its prime location between Third and Lexington, it's become a go-to for pre-theater dinners and expense-account meals.

Tucked in the heart of Midtown, Big Blue Seafood & Grill has quietly become a local favorite with an impressive 4.9-star rating that speaks volumes. This no-frills spot focuses on quality over pretense, delivering impeccably fresh fish in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that works equally well for a quick business lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends. The Chilean Sea Bass is the star here—perfectly seared with a miso glaze that regulars rave about. Don't let the moderate prices fool you; the quality rivals spots charging twice as much, making it one of Midtown's best-kept secrets.