Best Upscale Oysters in New York City | Top 11 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Oysters in New York City | Top 11 Upscale Spots

• Bar Americano — Italian · rated 5/5: This chic, European-inspired retreat captures the spirit of a classic aperitivo bar, where the clinking of cocktail glasses harmonizes with the briny scent of freshly shucked East Coast oysters. The kitchen elevates small-plate dining with delicate hamachi crudo and crisp smoked eel croquettes, alongside rustic pamboli and traditional tortilla de patatas that invite slow, communal grazing. It is an atmosphere of effortless sophistication, where every bite of salty Marcona almonds or rich charcuterie feels like a celebrated moment of leisure.
• 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.
• Lowerline — American · rated 4.7/5: Lowerline transports the soulful, spice-laden spirit of New Orleans to a cozy Brooklyn storefront, where the air hangs heavy with the savory perfume of dark roux and simmering seafood. Guests gather along the narrow wooden bar to tuck into crusty, overstuffed po'boys and bowls of complex gumbo that taste like a vibrant love letter to the Gulf Coast. It is a transportive sanctuary of Southern hospitality, where every briny oyster and zesty remoulade feels like a celebration of the Big Easy’s timeless culinary heritage.
• Jeffrey's Grocery — Seafood · rated 4.6/5: Sunlight streams through the expansive windows of this corner West Village haunt, where the briny perfume of freshly shucked oysters and the rhythmic shake of cocktails set a lively, nautical tempo. Guests settle into the bustling, marble-clad space to indulge in chilled seafood towers and buttery lobster rolls, savoring a sophisticated yet soulful coastal escape tucked away on a charming, tree-lined street.
• 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.
• Hook & Reel — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: Step into a lively maritime haven where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of garlic butter and bold Cajun spices. Guests don bibs and roll up their sleeves for a hands-on feast, cracking into succulent shellfish and tender corn-on-the-cob tossed in steaming signature boils that capture the spirited energy of a coastal backyard celebration.
• Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: Hook & Reel brings the high-energy spirit of a coastal backyard boil to life, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of garlic butter and piquant Cajun spices. This vibrant space is known for its tactile, communal feasts, inviting guests to don bibs and dive hands-first into steaming bags of spice-dusted shellfish for a messy and joyful celebration of the ocean’s bounty.
• Lighthouse — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: Perched where the salt air meets the shore, Lighthouse offers a luminous escape where the day’s freshest catch is transformed into coastal masterpieces under the glow of soft, amber light. Guests dine amidst nautical elegance, savoring the delicate brine of chilled oysters and the smoky char of wood-grilled sea bass while the rhythmic pulse of the tide provides a soothing soundtrack to an unforgettable evening.
• 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.
• Bar Belly — American · rated 4.5/5: Bar Belly captures the sultry, vintage soul of the Lower East Side, inviting guests into a dimly lit sanctuary of velvet banquettes and flickering candlelight where live jazz sets a rhythmic backdrop. The experience centers on the art of the chilled oyster and the perfectly shaken cocktail, blending refined American flavors with a playful, bohemian spirit that lingers long after the final toast.
• 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.
• Lure Fishbar — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: Descend into this sleek, subterranean sanctuary where the nautical elegance of a luxury yacht meets the high-energy pulse of the city. Polished mahogany and plush white leather banquettes frame a bustling raw bar, where the briny snap of chilled oysters and the delicate artistry of world-class sushi transport guests to the water's edge.
• London Lennie's — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into this beloved Queens landmark feels like a coastal escape, where the briny scent of the raw bar and the lively hum of a bustling dining room create an atmosphere of timeless maritime charm. Gleaming seafood towers arrive at linen-draped tables alongside golden-fried favorites and succulent, butter-drenched lobster, offering a masterclass in ocean-to-table freshness that has anchored the neighborhood for generations.
• 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.
• Bayridge Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: Bayridge Sushi serves as a tranquil neighborhood retreat where the delicate aroma of seasoned rice and the precise artistry of the blade transport diners to the heart of Tokyo. Vibrant ribbons of pristine seafood are draped over hand-pressed nigiri with meticulous care, offering a symphony of clean, oceanic flavors that melt across the palate. The intimate, softly lit space fosters a sense of quiet elegance, making every meal feel like a curated celebration of Japanese tradition.
• Siren — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: Bathed in a shimmering, aquatic glow that evokes the mystery of the deep, Siren offers a sophisticated sanctuary where the salt-kissed essence of the ocean meets refined culinary artistry. The kitchen transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant masterpieces, from the delicate snap of chilled crudo to the deep, charred richness of whole fish roasted over open flames. It is an immersive experience where the rhythmic clink of oyster shells and the pour of crisp white wines draw guests into an evening of pure maritime indulgence.
• 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.
• Hook and Reel — Seafood · rated 4.3/5: This lively maritime destination invites diners to roll up their sleeves and dive into a hands-on feast where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of garlic butter and bold Cajun spices. Steaming bags of succulent shellfish—from sweet snow crab to tender crawfish—are tossed in signature sauces and served alongside corn and potatoes, creating a vibrant, communal experience that celebrates the messy joy of a true southern boil.
• Blue Sea Taverna — Greek · rated 4.3/5: Blue Sea Taverna transports diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean with its whitewashed walls and the irresistible scent of lemon-spritzed seafood sizzling over an open flame. Guests gather around rustic wooden tables to share vibrant mezze and salt-crusted whole fish, all while the breezy, salt-tinged atmosphere turns a simple meal into a spirited Mediterranean celebration.
• Brooklyn Crab — Seafood · rated 4.2/5: Perched above the Red Hook waterfront, this multi-level seafood shack captures the breezy essence of a coastal getaway with its sprawling wooden decks and panoramic harbor views. Guests gather around communal picnic tables to crack into steaming crab legs and shuck briny oysters, as the salty air mingles with the clink of cold beer buckets and the golden glow of a sunset over the Statue of Liberty.
• The Fulton — Seafood · rated 4.2/5: Perched at the water’s edge with the Brooklyn Bridge soaring overhead, this luminous sanctuary captures the romance of the harbor through floor-to-ceiling glass and breezy, maritime-inspired design. The kitchen honors the tides with artfully prepared seafood ranging from shimmering crudos to aromatic whole-roasted catches, creating a sensory journey where the rhythmic pulse of the river meets the sophisticated energy of the city. It is a destination where salt air and sunset views transform every meal into a poetic celebration of the sea.
• 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.
• Umberto’s Clam House — Italian · rated 4.1/5: This legendary Little Italy cornerstone pulses with the vibrant energy of old-school New York, where the neon glow of Mulberry Street illuminates a dining room filled with the spirited clatter of shells and conversation. The air is thick with the briny aroma of fresh seafood and simmering garlic, as guests dive into overflowing platters of linguine drenched in a signature spicy marinara that captures the bold, soulful essence of Italian-American tradition.
• Kumo — Japanese · rated 4/5: Kumo invites guests into a serene, light-filled sanctuary where minimalist design and soft textures create an atmosphere as ethereal as its namesake cloud. The experience centers on the quiet precision of the sushi counter, where vibrant, ocean-fresh seafood is transformed into delicate works of art alongside steaming, umami-rich bowls that comfort the senses. It is a place where traditional techniques meet modern elegance, offering a refined journey through the subtle, balanced flavors of Japan.
• 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.
• Inkaico — Spanish · rated 4/5: Inkaico celebrates the vibrant artistry of coastal Peruvian flavors, where the bright zing of citrus and the ocean’s freshest catch collide in a sophisticated, light-filled space. The kitchen crafts a kaleidoscope of ceviches and tiraditos that balance delicate seafood with unexpected infusions of coconut, mango, and watermelon, creating a refreshing symphony of sweet and savory notes. From the briny elegance of fresh oysters to the crisp crunch of daikon and apple salads, every plate is a masterclass in texture and color designed to transport the senses to a sun-drenched shoreline.
• Lundy Bros. — Seafood · rated 4/5: Lundy Bros. captures the grand spirit of a classic seafood house, where the air is scented with salt and the clinking of ice accompanies the arrival of overflowing, chilled seafood towers and briny oysters on the half shell. Guests find comfort in the warmth of velvety clam bisque and golden-crusted French onion soup, creating a nostalgic dining experience where every bite—from the snap of a shrimp cocktail to the richness of crab-topped deviled eggs—celebrates the timeless bounty of the ocean.