Business catalogNew YorkRanking 2026
Seafood restaurant New York
Finding the Finest Seafood in the Big Apple
New York City is a global culinary hub, offering everything from casual oyster bars to high-end fine dining establishments. When searching for a Seafood restaurant New York, it is important to consider the freshness of the catch, the variety of the menu, and the overall atmosphere of the venue. Whether you are looking for a classic lobster roll or a sophisticated multi-course tasting menu, the city provides endless options to satisfy your cravings.
How to Evaluate a Seafood Restaurant New York Ranking
Navigating the vast dining scene can be overwhelming, which is why our 2026 Seafood restaurant New York ranking is designed to help you make an informed decision. When evaluating a potential spot, look beyond the star rating. Pay close attention to the content of recent reviews, as they often provide insights into the current quality of service, the consistency of the kitchen, and the ambiance. A high-quality establishment will typically have a balance of positive feedback regarding both their signature dishes and their staff's professionalism.
Understanding Public Feedback
To ensure our list remains objective and helpful, this selection of 13 businesses is based entirely on public Google reviews. We analyze the aggregate ratings, the total volume of feedback, and the specific sentiments expressed by diners to determine which locations consistently deliver an exceptional experience. By focusing on these metrics, we aim to highlight the best Seafood restaurant in New York for your next outing. Remember that individual preferences vary, so reading through a few recent comments can help you determine if a specific restaurant aligns with your personal taste and expectations for a memorable meal.
- Companies ranked
- 13 Companies
- Average rating
- 4,6 Avg. rating
- Edition year
- 2026 Edition
Updated June 20, 2026
Company ranking
13 places- 014,9(962 reviews)Portal score 8,6
Big Blue Seafood and Grill is highly regarded for its exceptional, attentive service and high-quality seafood dishes. While most guests praise the atmosphere and staff, some visitors feel the restaurant caters primarily to tourists and lacks a unique culinary identity given its high price point.
- Exceptional and attentive service
- High quality seafood dishes
- Welcoming and pleasant atmosphere
- 024,8(1,125 reviews)Portal score 8,5
Aquarelle NYC is widely praised for its beautiful, modern atmosphere and high-quality seafood dishes like the seafood tower and squid ink pasta. While many guests enjoy the celebratory vibe and attentive service, others report inconsistent experiences regarding long wait times and perceived high costs.
- Beautiful and modern decor
- Fresh seafood towers
- Squid ink pasta
- 034,8(4,128 reviews)Portal score 8,5
Customers generally report a positive dining experience characterized by friendly, attentive service and high-quality seafood. While many guests praise the atmosphere and drink options, some diners have expressed dissatisfaction with the flavor profile of the seafood boil and specific menu item presentations.
- Friendly and attentive service
- High quality seafood
- Well-prepared cocktails and drinks
- 044,7(3,168 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Aqua Boil is a popular Hell's Kitchen destination known for its fresh seafood and flavorful Cajun-style boils. While most diners praise the quality of the ingredients and the attentive service, experiences regarding spice levels and pricing can vary.
- Fresh seafood quality
- Flavorful Cajun sauce
- Attentive and friendly service
- 054,7(839 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Oceans is an upscale seafood restaurant in New York City widely praised for its fresh, high-quality fish and elegant, spacious atmosphere. While most guests report impeccable service and memorable dining experiences, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in service attentiveness and high noise levels.
- Incredibly fresh seafood
- High-quality sushi and sashimi
- Elegant and spacious ambiance
- 064,7(5,280 reviews)Portal score 8,4
Fish Cheeks is a popular, seafood-focused Thai restaurant in Manhattan known for its bold, flavorful dishes and vibrant atmosphere. While most diners praise the consistent quality and unique menu, some guests find the food overly salty or note that the spice levels have mellowed over time.
- Flavorful crab fried rice
- High-quality seafood dishes
- Attentive and friendly service
- 074,7(1,384 reviews)Portal score 8,4
The Mermaid Oyster Bar is highly regarded for its fresh oysters, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive, friendly service. While most diners have excellent experiences, some note inconsistencies with portion sizes and the quality of specific menu items like the lobster roll and side crackers.
- fresh and delicious oysters
- friendly and attentive staff
- inviting and cozy ambiance
- 084,6(1,212 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Cull & Pistol is a highly regarded seafood restaurant located within Chelsea Market, frequently praised for its exceptionally fresh oysters and diverse menu. While most guests enjoy the lively atmosphere and attentive service, experiences can vary regarding seating policies and management interactions.
- exceptionally fresh oysters
- high quality seafood dishes
- popular happy hour deals
- 094,6(1,669 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Sea Fire Grill is a Midtown East restaurant frequently praised for its high-quality seafood, steaks, and cozy atmosphere featuring a fireplace. While most guests report exceptional service and a welcoming environment, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality and occasional issues with seating proximity.
- Exceptional seafood and steak
- Warm and cozy ambiance
- Attentive and friendly service
- 104,5(702 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Clam is a popular neighborhood seafood spot known for its fresh raw bar, high-quality fish entrees, and pleasant outdoor seating. While most guests praise the attentive service and consistent food quality, some diners have noted inconsistencies with specific side dishes and occasional service delays.
- Fresh raw bar oysters
- High-quality fish entrees
- Friendly and attentive service
- 114,6(2,621 reviews)Portal score 8,3
Ocean Prime is widely praised for its high-quality steaks, seafood, and exceptional customer service, making it a popular destination for celebrations and special occasions. While most guests report a top-tier dining experience, some visitors have noted inconsistencies regarding the quality of the bread basket and occasional delays in service.
- High-quality steaks and seafood
- Attentive and professional service
- Excellent atmosphere for celebrations
- 124,5(3,772 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Lobster Place is a popular, lively seafood destination within Chelsea Market known for its fresh, high-quality lobster rolls, oysters, and sushi. While many diners find the experience worth the cost, others note that the venue can be crowded and the portion sizes relatively small for the price.
- Fresh, high-quality lobster
- Excellent selection of oysters
- Lively, authentic market atmosphere
- 134,5(579 reviews)Portal score 8,3
The Mermaid Oyster Bar is a popular destination near Times Square known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. While many guests praise the quality of the food and the happy hour value, experiences with service consistency vary significantly between attentive and slow.
- Fresh oysters
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
- High quality happy hour
Company comparison
| Position | Company | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Big Blue Seafood & Grill | 4,9 |
| 2 | Aquarelle seafood & mediterranean east village restaurant NYC | 4,8 |
| 3 | Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar | 4,8 |
| 4 | Aqua Boil | 4,7 |
| 5 | Oceans | 4,7 |
| 6 | Fish Cheeks | 4,7 |
| 7 | Mermaid Oyster Bar | 4,7 |
| 8 | Cull & Pistol | 4,6 |
| 9 | Sea Fire Grill | 4,6 |
| 10 | The Clam | 4,5 |
| 11 | Ocean Prime | 4,6 |
| 12 | Lobster Place | 4,5 |
| 13 | Mermaid Oyster Bar Times Square | 4,5 |
Frequently asked questions
- How do I choose the best seafood restaurants in New York?
- To find the best seafood restaurants in New York, start by reviewing our curated list of the top 20 businesses. We recommend prioritizing establishments like Big Blue Seafood & Grill, which currently holds an impressive 4.9/5 rating.
- What should I look for when picking a seafood restaurant?
- Look for restaurants that prioritize fresh, seasonal catches and maintain high hygiene standards. You can gauge the quality of a venue by checking its overall rating and reading recent customer feedback to see if the dining experience aligns with your expectations.
- How should I interpret the ratings for seafood restaurants?
- Ratings provide a snapshot of customer satisfaction, but it is helpful to look at the consistency of reviews over time. While our ranking features 20 businesses, keep in mind that the average rating for the category is currently unavailable, so focusing on top-rated spots like Big Blue Seafood & Grill is a great starting point.
- What can I expect when dining at a top-rated seafood restaurant in 2026?
- In 2026, you can expect a focus on sustainable sourcing and elevated culinary techniques at the city's premier locations. Prices vary depending on the specific menu items and the level of service provided at each establishment.
- What is a practical tip for visiting seafood restaurants in New York?
- A practical tip is to make reservations in advance, especially when visiting highly-rated venues like Big Blue Seafood & Grill. Checking the menu online beforehand can also help you understand the variety of dishes offered, as prices vary depending on the market availability of fresh seafood.