By William Jackson
The Best Seafood Restaurants in NYC
It's tough to beat
New York City for seafood options. From traditional Mediterranean to good old American salmon, from Maryland crab to deep-sea tuna, New York has it all. With so many seafood restaurants to choose from, it's hard to determine the best, but these four represent a specifically ethnic offering, high elegance, something wholly original or a mix of the three.
Taverna Kyclades
For a wide variety of Greek and Mediterranean seafood, consider this taverna. Kid- and group-friendly, it offers sit-down and take-out meals. Seating is available inside and outside. Dishes include char-grilled octopus, peasant salad with scallops and lemon potatoes and fish. Enjoy the fresh pita in the restaurant's famous garlic dip. A typical meal costs between $10 and $20.
Taverna Kyclades
3307 Ditmars Boulevard
Astoria, New York 11105
Tel: (718) 545-8666
http://www.tavernakyclades.com
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
While a tad more pricey (meals cost between $20 and $50 per person), this restaurant offers everything from fresh oysters and lobster to its famous bone marrow with oxtail marmalade. The décor is elegant and sophisticated, and the waitstaff is famous for its knowledge of the menu and friendliness. Try the restaurant's specialty: salmon.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10012
Tel: (212) 274-0404
http://www.blueribbonrestaurants.com
Pearl Oyster Bar
Any list of New York City seafood restaurants would be incomplete without this one. While quite pricey (with meals ranging from $20 to more than $50), it offers everything from oysters (of course) and steamers to shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls and its well-known clam chowder. The restaurant also offers several mussel dishes, crab cakes and an array of desserts.
Pearl Oyster Bar
18 Cornelia Street
New York, NY 10014
Tel: (212) 691-8211
http://www.PearlOysterBar.com
Le Bernardin
The most expensive restaurant on this list (a meal can cost anywhere from $40 to $100), Le Bernardin is conveniently located in New York's theater district. Restaurant attire is formal (men should wear jackets). The main dining room is large and elegant and decorated with muted colors. Try the tuna with olive oil sauce and potato crisps, or sink your teeth into the restaurant's salmon rillette and flatbread. The striped bass and langoustine and crab are also delicious. The restaurant has a full bar.
Le Bernardin
155 W 51st Street
The Equitable Building
New York, NY 10019
Tel: (212) 554-1515
http://www.le-bernardin.com
About the Author:
William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Gayle Lindgren.
