Travel Itinerary
There’s a special thrill in discovering a seafood restaurant that feels like a secret waiting to be shared.
In New York, plenty of spots skip the spotlight yet serve plates that rival the best-known names.
Picture buttery lobster rolls, crisp fried clams, and oysters so fresh they taste like they were pulled from the water moments ago.
Some sit along quiet harbors, others hide in city corners, but all reward the journey. These 17 under-the-radar seafood restaurants are the kind of places you’ll remember long after the last bite.
1. Crevette: French Coastal Charm in Brooklyn
Tucked away on a quiet Brooklyn street, Crevette brings Marseille-style seafood to New York without any pretense.
The tiny bistro seats just 24 people, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s home.
What makes this place special isn’t fancy techniques – it’s the straightforward preparation that lets supremely fresh ingredients shine.
2. El Pingüino: Spanish-Inspired Seafood Haven
Who knew a Greenpoint bar could transport you straight to San Sebastián? El Pingüino nails the Spanish tinned fish experience with an impressive selection of conservas displayed proudly behind the counter.
Beyond preserved delicacies, their raw bar showcases East Coast oysters with clever mignonette variations.
The cocktail program deserves special mention – try the Martini Española with olive oil-washed gin and a splash of fino sherry. Weekend crowds prove this spot won’t stay under-the-radar much longer.
3. Penny: Sustainable Seafood in a Neighborhood Setting
Penny feels like the neighborhood seafood joint every block should have. This unassuming Clinton Hill spot sources impeccably from small-scale fisheries, posting their daily catches on a chalkboard that changes constantly.
Grab a seat at the curved wooden bar to watch chefs prepare your fish – the simplest dishes often showcase the most skill.
Their fish sandwich (available only at lunch) features whatever’s freshest, lightly battered and served on housemade focaccia.
4. Flex Mussels: Moules Frites Mastery
Don’t let the punny name fool you – Flex Mussels delivers serious seafood in a refreshingly unpretentious Upper East Side setting.
The concept is brilliantly focused: over 20 different preparations of mussels, each served in massive pots with unlimited fries.
Flavor profiles range from traditional (white wine and garlic) to wildly creative (coconut curry with lemongrass).
5. Maison Premiere: Absinthe and Oysters in Williamsburg
Stepping into Maison Premiere feels like time-traveling to New Orleans circa 1920. The horseshoe-shaped marble bar centers around an absinthe fountain, where bartenders in suspenders prepare drinks with theatrical flair.
While most come for the impressive oyster selection (often 30+ varieties), savvy regulars know to order from the small but exquisite hot menu.
Their seafood plateau might be the most photogenic in the city, but the taste surpasses even the presentation. The lush garden out back provides a magical setting during warmer months.
6. Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.: Market-Fresh Simplicity
Half fish market, half eatery, Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. embodies the “know your fisherman” ethos.
The retail counter displays the day’s sustainable catches, while the tiny restaurant section serves them with minimal intervention.
Their lobster roll – available in both Maine and Connecticut styles – ranks among the city’s best, served on a perfectly toasted split-top bun.
7. Siren Oyster Bar & Restaurant: Staten Island’s Hidden Pearl
Worth the ferry ride alone, Siren gives Manhattan spots serious competition without Manhattan prices.
Located just ten minutes from the St. George terminal, this Staten Island gem serves pristine seafood with waterfront views.
The raw bar features local Atlantic treasures, but don’t overlook hot offerings like their legendary crab cakes – mostly lump meat with minimal filler.
8. Sea Wolf Bushwick: Industrial-Cool Seafood Hangout
Housed in a former garage with roll-up doors that open completely during summer, Sea Wolf brings beach vibes to industrial Bushwick.
String lights, picnic tables, and a laid-back atmosphere make this the perfect spot for group gatherings.
The menu focuses on approachable seafood favorites done right – think perfectly fried clam strips, peel-and-eat shrimp with punchy cocktail sauce, and fish tacos topped with cabbage slaw.
9. Abuqir: Egyptian Seafood Simplicity in Astoria
Abuqir operates on a brilliantly simple concept: pick your fish from the display case, choose how you want it prepared, then wait for seafood magic.
This no-frills Egyptian spot in Astoria has developed a devoted following for its straightforward excellence.
Whole grilled branzino comes perfectly charred with lemon and herbs. Prices remain refreshingly reasonable – most meals cost significantly less than Manhattan seafood spots.
10. Randazzo’s Clam Bar: Sheepshead Bay Institution
Family-run since 1932, Randazzo’s embodies old-school Brooklyn seafood at its finest. The red sauce alone – a secret family recipe they call “sauce” – has achieved legendary status among NYC food enthusiasts.
Fried calamari here achieves the perfect texture: tender inside with crackling exterior. Their steamers, served with clarified butter and broth for dipping, transport you straight to a New England clam shack.
11. Dame: British-Inspired Seafood Excellence
From pop-up to permanent sensation, Dame brings British fish-and-chips culture to Greenwich Village with a refined twist.
The signature dish features sustainable Atlantic cod in a shatteringly crisp batter alongside triple-cooked chips and housemade mushy peas.
Beyond the fish-and-chips, seasonal offerings like grilled bluefish with summer vegetables showcase technical prowess.
12. 9th Avenue Blue Seafood Bar & Eatery: Gowanus Gem
Blink and you might miss this sliver of a restaurant nestled between warehouses in Gowanus. 9th Avenue Blue operates with a passionate commitment to supporting small-boat fisheries and sustainable aquaculture.
The menu changes constantly, but their seafood chowder – a creamy, smoky masterpiece loaded with daily catches – remains a constant.
Communal tables foster a convivial atmosphere where strangers become friends over shared seafood towers.
13. Sailor: Maritime Magic in Park Slope
Sailor brings coastal New England charm to Park Slope with nautical decor that somehow avoids feeling kitschy.
The restaurant’s tiny footprint (just 28 seats) means everyone gets personal attention from the knowledgeable staff.
Daily specials written on a mirror reflect whatever looked best at the morning fish market. The cocktail program leans heavily on rum-based classics that complement the maritime theme.
14. Filé Gumbo Bar: New Orleans Seafood in Tribeca
Louisiana natives seeking authentic Cajun flavors make pilgrimages to Filé Gumbo Bar, where seafood-packed gumbo simmers all day in cast iron pots.
The dark roux base develops incredible depth without overwhelming the sweet crab and plump shrimp.
Beyond gumbo, blackened redfish and crawfish étouffée transport diners straight to the bayou. Live jazz on weekends enhances the NOLA atmosphere.
15. Strange Delight: Unexpected Seafood Fusion in Queens
Defying easy categorization, Strange Delight blends Asian and Scandinavian influences in a converted Ridgewood garage.
The chef’s background in both Korean cooking and Nordic preservation techniques creates truly unique seafood experiences.
Fermented shrimp rice cakes and salt-cured mackerel with pickled vegetables exemplify their boundary-pushing approach.
16. Fish Cheeks: Thai Seafood Authenticity in NoHo
Named after the most prized part of a fish (the cheeks), this NoHo spot delivers unapologetically bold Thai seafood flavors.
The chef siblings behind Fish Cheeks grew up in a restaurant family in Bangkok, bringing generations of expertise to their craft.
The restaurant’s bright decor and fish-scale wall create an energetic atmosphere that matches the vibrant flavors.
17. Theodora: Greek Island Flavors in Dumbo
Theodora channels the spirit of a seaside taverna on a Greek island, despite being tucked under the Manhattan Bridge.
The whitewashed space provides an appropriate backdrop for seafood that tastes like it was pulled from the Aegean moments ago.
Grilled octopus achieves that elusive perfect texture: charred outside, tender within. Their fish roe spread (taramasalata) puts commercial versions to shame with its silky texture and complex flavor.