16 Simple Seafood Restaurants In New York That Locals Can’t Stop Loving

New York does seafood with attitude, from bustling markets to breezy docks where trays arrive piled high. If you crave briny oysters, buttered lobster rolls, or a simple grilled fish with lemon, this list keeps it real and delicious. Expect unfussy rooms, paper-lined trays, and flavors that locals line up for week after week. Hungry yet You’re about to plan your next 16 meals.

1. Grand Central Oyster Bar — Midtown, Manhattan

Old New York charm meets a never-ending raw bar beneath those famous vaulted tiles. Slide into a counter seat, order oysters by the dozen, and watch shuckers work at lightning speed. The pan roast arrives velvety and steaming, a ritual worth braving rush-hour crowds.

Service moves briskly, so you can sneak in before a train or linger with a glass of white. The menu spans coasts and seasons, giving you options from briny to creamy. Keep it classic with oysters and a pan roast, and you’ll understand why locals keep returning.

2. Astoria Seafood — Astoria, Queens

Pick your fish from the case, point to the shrimp, and hand it over to be cooked simply with lemon and oil. It feels like a lively market, with clattering trays and the scent of the grill. Freshness is the star, so keep sides minimal and flavors bright.

Expect a casual scene where you’ll stand in line, choose your catch, and grab a table when your name is called. Grilled branzino is crisp-skinned and juicy, and fried shrimp disappears fast. Bring friends and share a spread that tastes like summer.

3. Taverna Kyclades — Astoria, Queens

Greek-style seafood that feels like a ferry ride away from the Aegean. The room hums with chatter, plates of lemony potatoes, and grilled octopus charred just right. Whole fish lands with a drizzle of olive oil and a shower of oregano.

Lines can be long, but the payoff is a meal that tastes fresh and celebratory. Servers move fast, keeping the mood upbeat and the wine flowing. Order grilled octopus and a whole fish, and be ready to mop up every last drop.

4. Elias Corner for Fish — Astoria, Queens

No-frills tables, charcoal smoke in the air, and straightforward plates cooked to perfection. The chalkboard lists what came in, then it hits the grill or fryer. Lemon potatoes and a squeeze of citrus make everything sing.

Come for snapper or sea bass and leave plotting your next visit. The portions are generous, prices are fair, and the attitude is honest. Keep it simple with char-grilled fish and a crisp salad on the side.

5. Randazzo’s Clam Bar — Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

Old-school red-sauce comfort with a zippy house sauce that locals defend like treasure. Sit at the counter or grab a booth and let the clams arrive hot or medium-hot. Fried calamari crunches under a blanket of that famous spicy red.

The menu reads like a neighborhood memory, and the service keeps things moving. It’s messy, satisfying, and exactly what you want after a long day. Start with hot clams, follow with calamari, and keep napkins close.

6. Clemente’s Maryland Crab House — Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

Brown paper on picnic tables, hammers clacking, and piles of Old Bay style crabs. This is a roll-up-your-sleeves situation where the spice lingers and the smiles spread. When all-you-can-eat season hits, friends turn into teammates.

Crab cakes offer a meaty break between shelling sessions, and the waterfront breeze keeps things easy. It’s a summer tradition that tastes like vacations without leaving the borough. Bring patience, appetite, and a sense of fun.

7. Brooklyn Crab — Red Hook, Brooklyn

Multi-level decks, mini-golf vibes, and buckets brimming with shellfish. Sunset over the harbor turns the place into a postcard. Families, dates, and crews all dig into snow crab legs and peel-and-eat shrimp.

It’s casual, loud, and perfect for lingering with a beer. The food is straightforward and satisfying, especially on warm evenings. Order a bucket, grab some napkins, and enjoy the view.

8. Red Hook Lobster Pound — Red Hook, Brooklyn

Maine-style lobster rolls in a cozy neighborhood shop that feels like a mini getaway. The warm buttered roll is rich and clean, while the classic mayo version hits familiar notes. Add clam chowder and you’re basically on vacation.

Service is friendly, the lines move, and the seafood tastes like it just left the dock. It’s simple in the best way, focused on doing one thing well. Order the warm buttered lobster roll and a cup of chowder.

9. Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. — Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Part fishmonger, part counter, all about sustainability and freshness. The crudo is clean and precise, and the fish tacos are a weekly habit. Lobster rolls here feel light yet indulgent.

You can grab fillets for home or sit down for a quick bite. Staff knows their sourcing, and it shows on the plate. Order fish tacos, a crudo, and maybe split a lobster roll if you’re feeling generous.

10. Cull & Pistol — Chelsea Market, Manhattan

Tucked inside Chelsea Market, this spot serves tight, polished plates with big flavor. The raw bar sampler is a tour of textures, from briny oysters to sweet clams. Lobster ramen surprises with depth and comfort.

It’s great for a market break or a casual date where you can still people-watch. Pair your spread with a crisp white and take your time. Start with the raw bar, then lean into that ramen.

11. The Lobster Place (Seafood Hall) — Chelsea Market, Manhattan

Part market, part cafeteria line, all seafood energy. Grab-and-go sushi, steaming lobsters, and bisque make decisions tough. Watch the steam rise as lobsters are pulled from the pot and cracked to order.

Perfect for a quick lunch that still feels special, especially if you find a quiet corner. Freshness is obvious, and prices are fair for the quality. Steamed lobster and a cup of bisque is the move.

12. Seamore’s — Multiple NYC Neighborhoods

Casual and cheerful, with market-fish plates that change with the catch. The blackened reel deal lets you pick a fish and pair it with smart sides. Fish tacos land with crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime.

It’s an easy weeknight fix when you want something light but satisfying. Friendly service and breezy design keep the vibe upbeat. Order the blackened reel deal or go all-in on tacos.

13. The Boil — Lower East Side & Others

Plastic bibs on, gloves snapped, and seafood bags arriving in a cloud of garlic butter. Pick your spice level and mix shrimp with snow crab for a feast that demands napkins. The table becomes a party fast.

It’s messy, loud, and deeply satisfying, especially with corn and potatoes soaking up the juices. Grab friends and share the chaos. Shrimp and snow crab with garlic butter is the sweet spot.

14. Johnny’s Reef — City Island, Bronx

Line up with cash and watch trays of fried seafood fly from the counter. The marina view makes the mountain of fries taste even better. It’s fast, salty, and exactly what you want after a beach day.

Pick fried shrimp or whiting, grab tartar sauce, and claim a picnic table outside. The vibe is pure New York summer. Bring a hoodie for the breeze and stay for sunset.

15. City Island Lobster House — City Island, Bronx

Classic platters stacked with broiled and steamed favorites that feel timeless. Portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to share. The dining room buzzes with families celebrating everything from birthdays to Tuesdays.

Lobster tail steals the show, while stuffed clams scratch a nostalgic itch. Service is warm and efficient, even on busy nights. Stick with the classics and you’ll leave happy.

16. Jordan’s Lobster Dock — Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn (and Island Park, LI)

Dockside tanks, picnic tables, and the sweet smell of drawn butter. Steamed lobsters come bright red and perfectly cooked, ready to crack and dunk. The lobster roll is a tidy alternative when you want less work.

Casual and family-friendly, it’s a choose-your-own-pace kind of place. Add corn on the cob and make it a mini feast. Sun, sea air, and simple seafood never fail.