Best Upscale Oysters in Manhattan | Top 5 Upscale Spots

19 restaurants in Best Upscale Oysters in Manhattan | Top 5 Upscale Spots

• Cho Dang Gol — Korean · rated 5/5: This soulful sanctuary invites diners into a world of artisanal Korean comfort, where the air is thick with the savory steam of royal oxtail soup and the delicate, earthy aroma of house-made tofu. The table transforms into a vibrant tapestry of textures, balancing the silky heat of spicy seafood rice cakes and cod roe omelets with the irresistible crunch of golden fried cod and savory, handmade mandu. It is a communal celebration of culinary heritage where every sizzling platter of dubu duruchigi and colorful ssam wrap offers a taste of home-cooked warmth in an inviting, bustling setting.
• Ke Aloha Sushi & Poke Bowl — Japanese · rated 5/5: Ke Aloha Sushi & Poke Bowl captures the vibrant essence of the islands, inviting guests to enjoy the bright, clean flavors of the Pacific in every colorful bowl. Shimmering cubes of ahi tuna and buttery salmon mingle with zesty wasabi citrus and savory teriyaki glazes, creating a kaleidoscope of textures that range from delicate seafood to hearty seared steak. This refreshing escape celebrates coastal freshness, offering a harmonious dining experience where traditional Hawaiian spirit meets modern culinary artistry.
• The Shell — Seafood · rated 4.8/5: The Shell invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rhythmic shucking of oysters and the clink of chilled wine glasses set the tempo for a coastal escape. Glistening platters of brine-kissed shellfish and expertly prepared catches celebrate the ocean’s purest flavors, creating a vibrant dining experience that feels like a sophisticated afternoon spent by the sea.
• Mastro's — Steakhouse · rated 4.5/5: Mastro’s exudes a high-octane elegance where the sultry notes of a live piano bar mingle with the sophisticated clink of crystal martinis under shimmering chandeliers. Succulent, butter-topped steaks sizzle alongside dramatic seafood towers veiled in dry ice, creating a theatrical feast that concludes perfectly with the rich, golden indulgence of their legendary warm butter cake.
• Estiatorio Milos — Greek · rated 4.5/5: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary of Mediterranean elegance, where a glistening altar of pristine seafood on ice serves as the vibrant heart of the room. The kitchen honors the raw beauty of the Aegean with the simple alchemy of charcoal, sea salt, and liquid-gold olive oil, creating a masterclass in flavor served amidst an atmosphere of crisp white linens and sophisticated coastal charm.
• Crave Fishbar — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: This eco-conscious sanctuary pulses with a vibrant, nautical energy, where the rhythmic shucking of oysters at the marble bar sets the tempo for a lively, sophisticated evening. The air carries the briny scent of the Atlantic as plates of glistening crudo and perfectly seared sustainable catches arrive, each bite a masterclass in coastal freshness and bold, inventive seasoning. It is a space where the ocean’s bounty is celebrated with both artistry and integrity, offering a spirited escape that feels as refreshing as a sea breeze.
• Poké Bar — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: This vibrant, modern haunt brings the freshness of the Pacific to the table, inviting guests to assemble colorful bowls brimming with jewel-toned raw fish and crisp, seasonal garnishes. Each bite offers a refreshing harmony of textures, where the silky richness of premium seafood meets the bright tang of house-made marinades and the satisfying crunch of toasted toppings for a light yet deeply flavorful escape.
• Avra — Greek · rated 4.4/5: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the crisp, white-washed aesthetic of the Greek islands meets the vibrant energy of a sophisticated seaside villa. The air hums with the scent of charcoal-grilled seafood and zesty citrus as diners select the day's freshest catch from a shimmering ice display, bringing the spirit of a bustling Mykonos market to life. Every plate celebrates the pure, elemental flavors of the Aegean, from the delicate crunch of herb-flecked appetizers to the rich, golden pour of premium olive oil over salt-crusted whole fish.
• Blue Fin — Seafood · rated 4.3/5: Bathed in the soft glow of coastal light, Blue Fin offers a sophisticated escape where the briny scent of freshly shucked oysters mingles with the smoky aroma of wood-grilled sea bass. Guests are swept away by an atmosphere of refined tranquility, savoring artfully plated treasures from the deep that celebrate the pure, vibrant flavors of the tide.
• Island — Seafood · rated 4.2/5: Island transports guests to a breezy maritime escape where the scent of salt air and charred citrus sets the stage for a celebration of the deep blue. Glistening raw bars and artfully plated catches bring the ocean’s vibrant flavors to life, offering a sensory journey through sun-drenched shores and cool, crystalline waters. This coastal sanctuary blends the rustic charm of a seaside retreat with sophisticated culinary artistry, ensuring every visit feels like a fleeting, flavor-filled vacation.
• Lobster Place — Seafood · rated 4/5: This vibrant seafood destination hums with the energy of a coastal market, where the briny scent of the ocean meets a modern, chef-driven approach to maritime classics. Succulent Maine lobster, piled high on buttery toasted rolls, shares the stage with inventive creations like crispy shrimp katsu sandwiches and zesty spicy scallop rolls that dance with Japanese-inspired brightness. From the satisfying crunch of a golden fish fry to the nourishing depth of a wild rice bowl, every dish celebrates the bounty of the sea in a space that feels both timeless and refreshingly contemporary.
• Pebble Bar — Seafood · rated 4/5: Perched within a legendary townhouse, this sophisticated hideaway hums with the energy of a classic New York lounge, where moody lighting and polished wood set the stage for an evening of refined indulgence. The kitchen elevates the art of the bar snack, serving up glistening towers of chilled oysters and buttery lobster rolls alongside savory deviled eggs and crisp, salty bites. It is a place where the timeless allure of a well-poured cocktail meets a menu of coastal-inspired delicacies, creating an atmosphere that feels both effortlessly chic and intimately welcoming.
• Hav & Mar — Seafood · rated 4/5: This vibrant Chelsea sanctuary pulses with artistic energy, blending the briny freshness of the sea with the warm, spiced soul of global heritage. Guests gather in a light-filled, soulful space to share honey-drizzled blue cornbread and delicate uni toast, while the kitchen turns out charred octopus and oysters brightened by the heat of chili and crab. It is a sophisticated yet welcoming retreat where every plate celebrates a rich tapestry of flavors and a deep sense of cultural connection.
• The Landing — Seafood · rated 3/5: The Landing welcomes guests into a sun-drenched, sophisticated space where the briny scent of fresh-shucked oysters and the vibrant colors of beet hummus set the stage for a refined social experience. Artfully composed plates like golden katsu crab cakes and creamy burrata offer a playful dance of textures and global flavors, perfectly complemented by crisp, garden-fresh salads. It is a destination that celebrates the art of the shared meal, inviting diners to linger over chilled seafood and artisanal boards in an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
• Estiatorio Milos — Greek: Sunlight dances across pristine white linens and shimmering displays of ice-chilled seafood, transporting diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. The kitchen honors the purity of the sea, transforming the day’s freshest catch—from salt-crusted Dorade Royal to tender, charred octopus—into masterpieces of minimalist elegance. Whether sharing vibrant Greek spreads or savoring the iconic paper-thin towers of the Milos Special, every bite celebrates the soulful simplicity and refined artistry of coastal Greek dining.
• Gui Steakhouse — Korean: Gui Steakhouse pulses with a sophisticated energy, where the glow of the bar illuminates expertly shaken specialty cocktails and platters of chilled, ocean-fresh oysters. The air carries the savory aroma of salt-crusted ribeye and gourmet sliders, while the delicate heat of spicy tuna confit tartare adds a layer of modern refinement to this bold, celebratory dining destination.
• The Smith — American: This high-energy American brasserie hums with a vibrant urban pulse, where white-tiled walls and zinc accents set the stage for spirited gatherings and celebratory toasts. Icy towers of briny oysters and chilled seafood platters command the table, perfectly balanced by soulful comforts like velvety roasted tomato soup and creamy burrata that capture the essence of sophisticated yet approachable city dining.
• P.J. Clarke's — American: This storied tavern invites guests into a world of polished mahogany and bustling energy, where the briny aroma of freshly shucked East Coast oysters and Long Island littlenecks sets a sophisticated yet spirited tone. Glistening seafood towers and jumbo shrimp cocktail offer a chilled, coastal indulgence, perfectly complemented by warm, inventive plates like crispy zucchini chips and savory Korean sticky ribs. It is a place where the timeless charm of a classic saloon meets a vibrant culinary landscape, making every visit feel like a celebratory slice of city life.
• Smith & Wollensky — Steakhouse: Stepping into this iconic institution feels like entering a golden era of dining, where towering silver platters of chilled lobster, briny oysters, and colossal lump crab arrive at white-clothed tables amidst a hum of sophisticated energy. The air carries the irresistible scent of smoky, thick-cut steakhouse bacon and the comforting warmth of velvety split pea soup, grounding the opulence of the raw bar with timeless, soul-satisfying flavors. It is a place where grand celebrations unfold over impeccably fresh seafood and classic American fare, served with a sense of heritage that feels both grand and welcoming.