Top 7 Seafood Restaurants in NYC That Locals Love

In a vibrant and bustling city like New York City, there is no shortage of high-class seafood restaurants to try out. Whether you’re craving some fish tacos or a hefty plate of shrimp pasta, you can find all of this and more in the Big Apple. Need some suggestions? Check out our review of the top 7 seafood restaurants in NYC now! 

Looking for a fun and practical gift to surprise your loved ones with? Purchase a virtual GiftYa card for them this Christmas! Within seconds, you can text your friends and family members a new virtual GiftYa card. These virtual cards can be applied to a number of different restaurants around the city, including the ones we featured below.  

1. Marea

Upscale Italian bar known for its fresh seafood dishes and extensive wine list

240 Central Park S | Midtown West | marea-nyc.com

Located in Midtown West, Marea offers a fine, upscale selection of fresh seafood to guests. Led by Chef Michael White, Marea successfully blends the savory flavors of coastal Italy with the cosmopolitan style of New York City. Over the years, Marea has also received a number of accolades and recognitions including one Michelin star and the 2010 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. 

Both dinner and weekend brunch are served at this elegant restaurant. Speaking of the menu, you’ll find appetizing dishes like the Spigola and Ravioli Doppi on it to fill your stomach. Inventive cocktails, wine, and beer are also available to enjoy alongside your dish. 

“Fantastic dining! From the decor to the service and down to the food. The outdoor dining for COVID is very pretty and floral, and very well covered in case it rains. I love how our server thoroughly explained the menu and gave great recommendations as well as options we can do. They even automatically split the appetizers and such into two separate plates of our own.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Marea. 

2. New Lake Pavilion

Restaurant in Flushing known for its inventive seafood dishes and dim sum

6015 Main St. | Queensborough Hill, Flushing 

If you’re looking for a more casual spot to enjoy some fresh seafood, head to Lake Pavilion. This informal Chinese restaurant offers delicious dim sum and seafood dishes inside a laid back setting. Roast pork, pan-fried lamb chops, shrimp dumplings, and more make this a prime eatery to visit. The prices here are pretty reasonable, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or casual dinner. 

“Excellent, traditional dim sum and easy to get to location. The service is efficient, the dim sum menus are in chinese but I was able to dictate my usual 8-10 dim sum cravings and she got them down for me. Their egg tarts are a stand out - super flaky dough. All in all a great place, everything tasted fresh.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for New Lake Pavilion. 

3. Pearl Oyster Bar

Lobster rolls, fried oysters, and more await you at this popular seafood restaurant

18 Cornelia St. | West Village | pearloysterbar.com

Located in the West Village, the Pearl Oyster Bar was opened several decades ago when the owner realized there was a dire shortage of seafood in the city. To fix this, founder Rebecca Charles rebuilt classic seafood staples into inventive dishes fit for the Big Apple. 

Pearl offers a classic raw bar filled with market oysters, little neck clams, shrimp cocktail, and chilled Main lobster. Soups, salads, and small plates are also available as light appetizers. As for the entrees, you’ll want to try the Lobster Roll Sandwich or Pan-Fried Crispy Chicken Breast. An extensive wine and beer list is also available for guests. 

“I have not been out to eat a lot this year, but I went here on a date, and all the seafood was done to perfection. All the staff came by and made sure we were ok throughout the meal. They had a nice outdoor area to comply with pandemic dining rules, and the tables were nicely spaced out.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Pearl Oyster Bar. 

4. Estiatorio Milos

Greek restaurant in Midtown West that offers delicious, though expensive, seafood dishes

125 W 55th St. | Midtown West | estiatoriomilos.com

Looking for a new date night spot? Try Estiatorio Milos, a popular Greek restaurant located in Midtown. Estiatorio Milos offers a la carte, business lunch, weekend brunch, and mid-day menus. All menus are available on the restaurant’s spacious outdoor terrace. Both the weekend brunch and business lunch menus offer three appetizing courses while the a la carte and mid-day menus feature a wide selection of dishes suitable for almost every taste bud. 

“For our entrees, my sister ordered the tuna burger. I ordered a delicious white fish that they had on the lunch special. My mom ordered the chicken on the lunch menu. All of our entrees were terrific with great flavors and the portion sizes were huge! Overall, a wonderful experience at Milos.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Estiatorio Milos. 

5. The Clam

Charming restaurant that offers a clam-focused seafood menu

420 Hudson St. | West Village | theclamnyc.com

The Clam is a popular restaurant located in the West Village. Known for its seasonal menu, The Clam offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes and drinks. Stopping by for lunch? Order a La Frieda Burger or some Crispy Cod Fish Tacos. For dinner, The Clam offers a raw bar filled with fresh options like the Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Six Littleneck Clams. A full beverage menu featuring cocktails, wine, and beer is also available. 

“Super yummy! Oysters were fresh and delish, tasty clam dip, salmon tartare was okay ( a little too much soy sauce for my taste), lobster arancini was perfect! Service was great and tables in the shade (dinner time) a huge plus with the current outdoor dining situation during 90 degree days. Can't wait to try everything else on the menu!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Clam. 

6. Mari Vanna

Russian restaurant that serves creative dishes and plenty of vodka inside an elegant and rustic atmosphere 

41 E 20th St. | Flatiron | marivanna.ru/en

Have you ever visited a Russian restaurant before? If not, you’re missing out! To start, we recommend visiting Mari Vanna. Located in the Flatiron district, Mari Vanna is ready to welcome you into its charming and cozy dining space. On the menu, you’ll find delicious options such as the Golubtsy, a cabbage dish stuffed with veal, and the Beef Stroganoff. Sweet desserts like the Medovik and Sirniki are perfect for finishing off your meal! 

“The food was great. We had borscht, beef stroganoff, the artichoke salad and one of the dumpling appetizers. There are gluten free options - the waiter told me almost all the entrees can be made gluten free except the chicken Kiev. We also ordered a five shot flight of the infused vodka to split - strawberry, apricot, two pickle and garlics and one horseradish. I downed the apricot and strawberry with no problem, it was really delicious and smooth.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Mari Vanna. 

7. Flex Mussels

Popular seafood restaurant that offers a delightful array of fresh mussel dishes

174 East 82nd St. | Upper East Side, Yorkville | flexmussels.com

Long ago, Flex Mussels was a small seafood shack located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Now, it’s located on the Upper East Side in a modern eatery. You’ll find dozens of savory and delicious mussel dishes at this popular restaurant. Thai, Bangkok, Mexican, and other fascinating mussel dishes can be found on the menu. In addition to its signature Prince Edward Island mussels, Flex also offers fresh oysters, clam strips, shrimp, and lobster. Whatever you order, you are sure to leave filled and satisfied. 

“If you are a fan of mussels, well this is definitely the place for you! However this place has other things and not just mussels so don't be alarmed if muscles aren't your thing! The staff is pleasant and the ambiance is very nice and the climate is just right. A couple menu items I suggest: the West Coast Oysters, the Maine Mussels, and the Lobster Roll.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Flex Mussels. 

What seafood restaurants do you plan on visiting the next time you’re in New York City? Let us know!