12 Best Seafood Restaurants In NYC To Eat At In 2024 (+ What To Order)

Photo credits: Cervo’s

Some of the world’s best restaurants have made NYC their home, and this list includes many seafood places as well.

From widely recognized names to relatively new entrants, with mesmerizing waterfront views or contemporary dining within the city, these restaurants offer a proper seafood dining experience.

Choose any seafood NYC restaurant from the list below, and be prepared to satisfy your deepest seafood cravings!

1. Maison Premiere

Photo credits: MAISON PREMIERE

Surrender to the charm of New York, Paris, and New Orleans at Maison Premiere, known for its extensive selection of oysters and craft cocktails. 

The quaint and intimate setting makes it ideal for a special night out. 

Maison Premiere has one of the best oyster selections in the whole of NYC, which means your first order here should be Oysters!

Don’t miss the Steamed Mussels. Served with spicy nduja and gumbo sofrito, this plate of food will make you leave with a full tummy and heart!

As for drinks, no matter what you order, you can rest assured it will taste stellar!

What to order: Oysters, Lobster Roll, Steamed Hollander Mussels

Address: 298 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

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2. Oceans

Photo credits: Oceans New York

Experience a taste of the world with Oceans’ globally-inspired seafood menu. 

The sophisticated dining area in this Michelin-recommended restaurant complements dishes like the standout Tuna Tartare, crafted with pine nuts and avocado.

Another one of the chef’s signature dishes is Lobster Mac & Cheese. With a generous amount of lobster meat, this dish is rich and decadent and is the best side dish to have on your table.

It’s a perfect spot for both family meals and romantic dinners.

What to order: Tuna Tartare, Alaskan Black Cod, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Warm Doughnuts

Address: 233 Park Avenue S, New York, NY 10003

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3. Fish Cheeks

Photo credits: jenamiranda

At Fish Cheeks, enjoy bold, family-style Thai dishes like the must-try Coconut Crab Curry. 

The Prawn Karee is another crowd-pleaser. Stir-fried with soft scrambled egg and curry powder, this dish screams with flavor and tastes amazing with Jasmine Rice.

The lively atmosphere adds to the authenticity of the dining experience.

It’s a place where sharing is recommended, but you might want to keep the curry all to yourself!

What to order: Coconut Crab Curry, Crab Fried Rice, Steamed Fish with Thai Herbs, Prawn Karee, Jasmine Rice

Address: 55 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012

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4. Sushi Nakazawa

Photo credits: Sushi Nakazawa

Chef Nakazawa’s take on omakase sushi aptly exemplifies the Japanese tradition and artisanship gestured with supreme hospitality.

MICHELIN-starred Sushi Nakazawa hosts a mostly black-and-white space where sushi masters display their exemplary skills in creating out-of-this-world morsels of this Japanese staple.

Surrender to a blissful omakase — a work of art, dare we say — as you savor a Nigiri-exclusive lineup of roughly 20 varieties of sushi made from the highest quality ingredients sourced globally, particularly Japan.

What to order: Omakase Menu, Bottles of Sake

Address: 23 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014, United States

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5. Blue

Photo credits: Blue Bar & Eatery

Blue brings the Mediterranean to New York with its fresh seafood and finest tapas, complemented by craft beers and in-house pizzas.

The sophisticated and romantic atmosphere is perfect for date nights. 

Don’t dare to miss the Chef’s Crudo Plate, featuring three freshly prepared raw dishes!

What to order: Chef’s Crudo Plate, Platter of the Sea, Linguini alle Vongole, Seafood pizza

Address: 856 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

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6. Masa

Photo credits: badgal_julie

The only three-star Michelin-rated Japanese restaurant in New York, Masa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience all sushi lovers deserve.

The omakase you’ll have at Masa just doesn’t compare to anywhere else. Their sushi counter made of Hinoki, sanded to perfection daily, is a work of art in itself.

If you want the best high-end Japanese dining experience ($$$) in New York, Masa is your best bet.

What to order: Omakase

Address: The Shops at, 10 Columbus Cir Floor 4, New York, NY 10019

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7. Oceana

Photo credits: Oceana Restaurant

Just steps from Rockefeller Center, Oceana impresses with its modern elegance and exceptional seafood, backed by over three decades of culinary excellence. 

The Tuna Tartare is especially notable for its delightful balance of acidity and saltiness. And with an award-winning wine list, Oceana is, indeed, a prime choice for any occasion.

What to order: Lobster Scampi, Tuna Tartare

Address: 120 W 49th Street, New York, NY 10020

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8. Cervo’s

Photo credits: Cervo’s

Cervo’s combines the coastal flavors of Spain and Portugal in a lively yet cozy setting in Lower Manhattan. 

Highlights include the Crispy Shrimp Heads, a crunchy delight perfect for starters. It’s hard to get a table, so booking ahead is advised.

What to order: Crispy Shrimp Heads, Louisiana White Prawns a la plancha, Manila Clams with vinho verde

Address: 43 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002

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9. The Fulton by Jean-Georges

Photo credits: The Fulton

Pairing stellar views of the Brooklyn Bridge with otherworldly seafood dishes, The Fulton by celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is, without a second thought, one of the very best seafood restaurants in NYC.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten brings high-quality crudos like the Yellowfin Tuna enhanced by a tangy Yuzu mustard sauce. It’s a feast for both the palate and the eyes!

What to order: Yellowfin Tuna, Long Island Fluke Tartare, Warm Octopus and Fresh Mozzarella, Black Sea Bass, Longevity Noodles

Address: 89 South Street, New York, NY 10038

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10. Saint Julivert

Photo credits: Saint Julivert Fisherie

Saint Julivert offers a creative blend of Spanish and Mexican small plates in a narrow yet vibrant setting. 

Their unusual wine list complements dishes like the Cantabrian Anchovies served with compound beet butter. It’s an ideal spot for adventurous foodies looking for bold flavors.

What to order: Cantabrian Anchovies, Whipped Mackerel

Address: 264 Clinton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

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11. Crave Fishbar

Photo credits: Crave Fishbar

At Crave Fishbar, you can indulge in sustainable seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Known for having “NYC’s best oyster happy hour,” it’s a must-visit for everything oyster.

Each visit promises new flavors, more memorable memories, and a consistent delight!

What to order: Oysters, Salmon Sashimi Tostada, Thai Lobster Curry, Handmade Squid Ink Spaghetti, Chocolate Chip Cookie

Address:
-Upper West – 428 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024
-Midtown – 945 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10022

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12. Dame

Photo credits: Dame

Dame has evolved from a pop-up to a beloved permanent seafood fixture in New York. 

The space may be small, but it’s bright and beautifully designed, with a focus on refined seafood dishes.

The Fish & Chips is a permanent menu favorite, known for its perfect crunch and flaky texture.

What to order: Fish & Chips, Grilled Oysters with Green Chartreuse Hollandaise

Address: 87 MacDougal Street, New York, NY 10012

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New York City is also one of the best places to eat Italian food (other than Italy, of course!).

You can find a list of the most phenomenal Italian restaurants in NYC right here.