18 Humble New York Seafood Restaurants Locals Go To Again and Again

New York’s best seafood doesn’t always come with white tablecloths and fancy prices.

Hidden throughout the state, from bustling city islands to quiet lakeshores, humble seafood joints serve up the freshest catches that keep locals coming back for more.

These no-frills spots prove that outstanding seafood is about quality, not pretense.

1. Johnny’s Reef (City Island, Bronx)

Picture this: paper plates, plastic chairs, and some of the best seafood in the Bronx. Johnny’s Reef doesn’t win any beauty contests, but locals pack this waterfront shack for good reason.

Their fried clams are legendary, served in portions that could feed a small army. The lobster rolls overflow with sweet meat, while the fish and chips arrive golden and grease-free.

Cash only keeps things simple here.

2. Tony’s Pier (City Island, Bronx)

Tony’s feels like eating at your Italian uncle’s house, if he happened to live on a pier. This family-run spot has been slinging seafood since the 1960s, and nothing much has changed.

The lobster fra diavolo will make you forget you’re in the Bronx. Their seafood salad combines fresh shrimp, calamari, and scallops with just the right amount of lemon.

Portions here are generous enough to share, though you won’t want to.

3. City Island Lobster House (City Island, Bronx)

Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This place serves serious seafood without the attitude. The lobster house specializes in Maine lobsters that arrive daily, swimming in tanks until your order comes in.

Their clam chowder tastes like it came straight from New England. The raw bar showcases oysters from both coasts, shucked to order by pros who know their shellfish.

Weekend waits can stretch long, but locals say it’s worth every minute.

4. Seafood Kingz 2 (City Island, Bronx)

The name might sound like a fast food joint, but Seafood Kingz 2 takes their fish seriously. This Caribbean-influenced spot brings island flavors to City Island with dishes that pack serious heat.

Their jerk salmon burns in all the right ways, while the curry shrimp transports you straight to the islands. The fried snapper arrives whole, crispy outside and flaky inside.

Spice levels here aren’t for beginners, so order accordingly.

5. Randazzo’s Clam Bar (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)

Randazzo’s has been a Sheepshead Bay institution since 1957, and four generations of the same family still run the show. Their recipe for success hasn’t changed: fresh clams, simple preparation, fair prices.

The clams casino here set the Brooklyn standard. Their linguine with clam sauce uses pasta cooked perfectly al dente, tossed with littlenecks that taste like the ocean.

Old-school Italian-American hospitality makes everyone feel like family.

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

Maryland crabs in Brooklyn might sound weird, but Clemente’s makes it work beautifully. They fly in blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay twice weekly, ensuring peak freshness for their crab feasts.

The all-you-can-eat crab nights turn into messy, wonderful affairs. Their crab cakes contain more crab than filler, a rarity in most restaurants.

Bibs and mallets are standard equipment here, along with plenty of napkins.

7. Nick’s Lobster House (Canarsie, Brooklyn)

Nick’s sits right on the water in Canarsie, giving diners million-dollar views without the matching price tag. This family spot has weathered every Brooklyn trend by sticking to what works: fresh seafood, honest cooking.

Their lobster bisque tastes rich without being heavy. The seafood platter feeds two hungry adults with lobster, shrimp, scallops, and fish.

Sunset dinners here feel like vacation, even on weeknights.

8. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams (Rockville Centre, Long Island)

Bigelow’s brings authentic New England clam shack vibes to Long Island, complete with whole belly clams that locals drive miles to enjoy. Their frying technique creates impossibly light, crispy coatings.

The clam rolls overflow with sweet, briny clams that taste like summer. Their fish and chips use cod so fresh it practically swims onto your plate.

Lines form early on weekends, but the wait never disappoints serious clam lovers.

9. Peter’s Clam Bar (Island Park, Long Island)

Peter’s looks like a beach shack that wandered inland, complete with weathered wood and nautical knickknacks. This Long Island landmark has been serving the same families for decades.

Their steamers come with perfect broth for dipping, while the clam chowder tastes like it simmered all day. The lobster rolls get stuffed with chunks of sweet meat.

Cash only keeps things old school, just like the recipes.

10. Jordan Lobster Farms (Island Park, Long Island)

Jordan Lobster Farms operates more like a seafood market with tables than a traditional restaurant, which keeps prices reasonable and quality high. They’ve been in business since 1938, perfecting their approach.

The lobster here costs less than most restaurants because you’re buying direct. Their clam bake packages include everything needed for backyard feasts.

Cooking instructions come free with every purchase, ensuring perfect results at home.

11. Little Creek Oyster Farm & Market (Greenport, North Fork)

Little Creek grows their own oysters in Peconic Bay, meaning you can’t get much fresher than this. The farm-to-table concept applies perfectly to these briny beauties.

Their oysters taste distinctly of Long Island waters, with a clean finish that makes them addictive. The raw bar also features clams and scallops from local waters.

Educational tours show how oysters grow, making this both dinner and a learning experience for curious eaters.

12. Southold Fish Market (Southold, North Fork)

Southold Fish Market combines the best of both worlds: a top-notch fish market and a simple restaurant serving what they sell. Everything here comes from local waters or trusted suppliers.

Their fish tacos use whatever swam in that morning, ensuring peak freshness. The lobster salad sandwich packs sweet meat into a buttered roll without unnecessary additions.

Market prices change daily based on what’s available, keeping things interesting for repeat visitors.

13. Clam Bar At Napeague (Amagansett, Hamptons)

This roadside shack proves that great seafood doesn’t need fancy surroundings. The Clam Bar sits between the highway and the bay, serving locals and summer visitors with equal enthusiasm.

Their clam fritters arrive hot and crispy, packed with chopped clams and fried to golden perfection. The fish sandwich uses whatever local boats brought in that day.

Picnic tables and paper plates keep things casual, letting the seafood be the star of the show.

14. The Lobster Roll “LUNCH” (Amagansett, Hamptons)

Known simply as “Lunch” to locals, this Hamptons institution has been serving perfect lobster rolls since 1965. The restaurant’s name says it all: simple food done exceptionally well.

Their lobster roll contains nothing but sweet lobster meat, a light mayo dressing, and a perfectly toasted bun. The clam chowder tastes like it came from a Nantucket kitchen.

Celebrities eat here, but they wait in line like everyone else for these legendary rolls.

15. Gosman’s Dock Restaurant (Montauk, Hamptons)

Gosman’s sits right on Montauk harbor, where fishing boats unload their daily catches. This prime location means the seafood travels mere yards from boat to plate.

Their stuffed lobster arrives swimming in butter, while the fish and chips use striped bass caught in local waters. The raw bar showcases Long Island’s best shellfish.

Harbor views come free with every meal, making this a complete Montauk experience that locals treasure year-round.

16. Doug’s Fish Fry (Skaneateles, Finger Lakes)

Doug’s brings ocean flavors to the Finger Lakes region, proving that great seafood can thrive far from the coast. This local chain started in central New York and never forgot its roots.

Their fish fry uses beer batter that stays crispy without being greasy. The scallops taste sweet and tender, while the clam strips satisfy without breaking the bank.

Portions here could feed a small village, making Doug’s a favorite for families and budget-conscious diners alike.

17. Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In (Oswego, Lake Ontario)

Rudy’s combines two American classics: drive-in dining and fresh seafood. This Lake Ontario institution has been serving car-side meals since the 1960s, never changing their winning formula.

Their fish sandwich uses Lake Ontario perch, crispy and flaky inside a soft bun. The fried clams taste surprisingly good for being hundreds of miles from the ocean.

Carhop service adds nostalgia to every meal, making this a unique dining experience that locals cherish.

18. Ted’s Fish Fry (Capital Region, Multiple Locations)

Ted’s started as a single hot dog cart in Troy and grew into a beloved regional chain known for their fish fry. Their success comes from never compromising on quality despite rapid expansion.

The fish arrives golden and grease-free, paired with perfectly seasoned fries. Their tartar sauce gets made fresh daily, providing the perfect complement to crispy cod.

Multiple locations make Ted’s accessible throughout the Capital Region, but each maintains the same high standards that built their reputation.