Unearth The Voyage
New York City and Long Island are home to some of the freshest, most delicious seafood on the East Coast. But you don’t need white tablecloths or fancy menus to enjoy incredible oysters, lobster rolls, and fried clams. From century-old institutions tucked under Grand Central to roadside shacks on the North Fork, these under-the-radar spots deliver big flavors without the fuss.
1. Grand Central Oyster Bar (Manhattan)
Walking into this underground gem feels like stepping back a hundred years. Vaulted Guastavino tile ceilings arch overhead while diners slurp fresh oysters at marble counters. Tripadvisor recently gave it a “One of a Kind” honor, and honestly, they’re not wrong.
The menu keeps things refreshingly straightforward: pick your oysters, order a bowl of creamy chowder, maybe add grilled fish if you’re extra hungry. No complicated sauces or trendy twists—just quality seafood done right. It’s the kind of place where tourists and commuters sit side by side, united by their love of simple, excellent food.
2. Cull & Pistol (Chelsea Market, Manhattan)
Right in the heart of Chelsea Market sits this raw-bar gem run by The Lobster Place crew. Shiny cases display pristine oysters on ice while chefs shuck and plate with practiced efficiency. You can grab a stool at the bar or snag a small table nearby.
Lobster rolls come piled high with sweet meat, crudos showcase whatever’s freshest that day, and grilled fish arrives perfectly seasoned. Nothing feels overly fussy or complicated here. The vibe encourages you to pop in hungry, order what looks good, and leave completely satisfied without spending your entire afternoon.
3. The Clam (West Village, Manhattan)
Chef Mike Price runs this neighborhood favorite where locals actually eat regularly—always a good sign. Exposed brick walls and wooden tables create a cozy atmosphere that feels more like someone’s really nice dining room than a restaurant. The raw bar gleams with freshly shucked shellfish.
Fried clam strips arrive golden and crunchy, chowders taste rich without being heavy, and seasonal fish gets treated with respect rather than buried under sauces. Everything tastes clean and bright, letting the seafood’s natural flavors shine through. It’s polished cooking without any of the stuffiness that sometimes comes with quality.
4. Maison Premiere (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Stepping through the doors transports you straight to the French Quarter with its New Orleans-inspired decor and laid-back energy. Absinthe fountains gleam behind the bar, but the real stars are the oysters—dozens of varieties carefully sourced and lovingly presented. The staff actually knows their bivalves and will happily guide you through the options.
Cocktails flow freely here, pairing beautifully with briny shellfish. The whole experience encourages you to slow down, sip something interesting, and slurp your way through a dozen oysters without rushing. It’s fancy enough to feel special but relaxed enough to visit in jeans.
5. Randazzo’s Clam Bar (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
Since 1959, this family spot has earned its nickname as “The Pride of Sheepshead Bay” by doing one thing incredibly well: classic Italian-American seafood. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths set the scene for platters of fried calamari, steamed mussels, and those famous baked clams everyone raves about.
The spicy red sauce has achieved legendary status among regulars who’ve been coming here for decades. Nothing about the experience tries to be trendy or modern—and that’s exactly why people love it. You come for comfort food that tastes like your Italian grandmother made it, served with zero pretense and maximum flavor.
6. Johnny’s Reef (City Island, Bronx)
Pull up to this waterfront institution and prepare for a seriously casual experience. Order at the counter, grab your number, then wait for someone to call out your basket of fried goodness. Picnic tables overlook the water where boats bob gently in their slips.
The portions are enormous—shrimp, clams, and lobster tails all get the deep-fried treatment and arrive piled impossibly high. Seagulls circle overhead hoping for scraps while families dig into their meals with plastic utensils. It’s messy, loud, and absolutely perfect for a sunny afternoon when you want maximum seafood with minimum fanciness. Bring cash and your appetite.
7. Duryea’s Montauk (Montauk, Long Island)
Rosé flows like water at this bayside beauty where the dress code is basically “whatever you wore to the beach.” Steamed lobsters arrive bright red and ready to crack open, while seafood platters showcase the day’s best catches. The view alone is worth the drive out east.
Seasonal hours mean you need to plan your visit, but when those doors are open, it’s pure Montauk magic. Order simply—the kitchen doesn’t need to do much when the seafood is this fresh. Sunset dinners here have launched a thousand Instagram posts, but the food backs up the hype with straightforward, delicious preparations.
8. Clam Bar at Napeague (Amagansett, Long Island)
For over forty years, this roadside shack has defined Hamptons summer for those in the know. Picnic tables sit under the sun while customers line up for lobster rolls stuffed generously with sweet meat. The smell of fried clams drifts through the air, making everyone’s mouth water.
There’s nothing fancy about eating at a weathered picnic table, but that’s entirely the point. Sand might still be between your toes from the beach, and nobody cares. The food tastes better somehow when you’re this relaxed, this close to the ocean. It’s a ritual that families return to year after year, summer after summer.
9. Southold Fish Market (Southold, North Fork, Long Island)
Walking into an actual working fish market where you can also order lunch feels refreshingly authentic. Glass cases display whole fish on ice while the counter serves up chowders, fish and chips, and stuffed flounder to a steady stream of locals. The North Fork knows good seafood, and this place delivers.
Lobster rolls get assembled right in front of you, packed with chunks of fresh meat and just enough mayo. Everything tastes like it came straight from the boat—because it basically did. Grab your order and find a spot at one of the casual tables, surrounded by people who clearly eat here weekly.
10. Peter’s Clam Bar (Island Park, Long Island)
Since 1939, generations have gathered at this waterside classic where the motto seems to be “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Raw clams arrive ice-cold and briny, lobster rolls overflow with meat, and platters come loaded with everything you could want. The dock provides front-row seats to boat traffic and sunset views.
Old-school doesn’t mean outdated here—it means reliable, familiar, and consistently good. Families celebrate birthdays at the same tables where their grandparents once ate. The recipes haven’t changed much in eight decades, and customers wouldn’t want them to. Sometimes tradition tastes better than innovation.
11. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams (Rockville Centre, Long Island)
Counter service and barstools set the scene at this Long Island staple where belly clams reign supreme. Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, they arrive hot and ready to devour alongside creamy chowders and simple sides. The staff moves quickly but always finds time for a friendly word.
It’s fast food in the best possible sense—quick, affordable, and delicious without any sacrifice in quality. Regulars have their usual orders memorized, and the kitchen knows exactly how they like it. No reservations needed, no waiting around forever—just solid seafood served with a smile. Perfect for when you want something good without any fuss or formality.
12. Doug’s Fish Fry (Skaneateles & Cortland, Finger Lakes)
This upstate favorite proves you don’t need ocean views to serve outstanding seafood. Perfectly fried fish, scallops, and shrimp emerge from the kitchen with that ideal crispy-outside, tender-inside texture that’s harder to achieve than it looks. The Skaneateles location stays open daily, welcoming hungry visitors year-round.
Pick your platter, grab some tartar sauce, and prepare for simple perfection. The batter stays light and crunchy without being greasy, letting the seafood’s natural sweetness come through. It’s become a Finger Lakes tradition for families driving through, proving that sometimes the best seafood joints are nowhere near the coast.
