The Shell – Seafood
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.
635 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10024 +1-646-669-7628 https://theshellrestaurant.comRating: 4.8/5 (253 reviews)
Cuisine: Seafood
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, raw-food, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at The Shell
Dairy-Free at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pear Tartlet, Sauteed Florida Red Snapper and Tuna Tartare. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 6 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Sauteed Florida Red Snapper, Tuna Tartare and Oysters on a Shell. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 18 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Seared Scallops, Seafood Paella and Squid Ink Linguini and Mixed Seafood. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including That's Spicy Cocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including That's Spicy Cocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pear Tartlet, Senior's Specials Menu and That's Spicy Cocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 5 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pear Tartlet, Senior's Specials Menu and That's Spicy Cocktail. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at The Shell
The Shell in New York has 5 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Seared Scallops, Pear Tartlet and Maine Lobster Ravioli. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Shell
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tuna Tartare | 9.9 g | 41.8 g |
| Maine Lobster Salad | 81.4 g | 26.8 g |
| Squid Ink Linguini and Mixed Seafood | 10.7 g | 26.2 g |
| Maine Lobster Ravioli | 34 g | 17.8 g |
| Maryland Crab Cake | 0.4 g | 11.5 g |
| Blue Lagoon | 0.3 g | 10.5 g |
| Pan Seared Halibut | 11.3 g | 7.1 g |
| That's Spicy Cocktail | 2.1 g | 5.8 g |
| Sizzling Garlic Shrimp | 31.8 g | 5.3 g |
| Valenciana Clams | 31.8 g | 5.3 g |
| Clams in Green Sauce | 0 g | 1.6 g |
| Seared Scallops | 74.9 g | 0.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Thursday
- 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Friday
- 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate this neighborhood gem for its exceptional seafood and welcoming atmosphere, frequently praising the fresh oysters, perfectly cooked salmon, and flavorful whole Branzino. Guests highlight the excellent value of the prix fixe menus, with standout dishes like the squid ink pasta, lobster ravioli, and a rich, creamy tiramisu for dessert. Reviewers consistently note the warm, attentive service and enjoy the peaceful outdoor terrace, making it a favorite spot for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Menu
Specials
Special offers and promotions.
- Senior's Specials Menu - $35: 3 course menu, including a glass of wine. Available daily from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Appetizers & Small Plates
Fresh seafood starters and small bites.
- Sizzling Garlic Shrimp: Served with garlic bread Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Maryland Crab Cake: Served over sweet corn salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Valenciana Clams: Served with garlic bread Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Spanish Octopus: Grilled octopus with home made creamy polenta Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Seared Scallops: Served with creamy polenta and saffron sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Tuna Tartare: Fresh tuna served over mixed vegetables and puttanesca sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Low-Sodium, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free
- Oysters on a Shell: Served in an ice tray Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Clams in Green Sauce: Served with crostini Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Salads
Fresh salads.
- Maine Lobster Salad: Maine Lobster, mango, avocado, baby heirloom, hearts of palm, champagne dressing Dietary tags: Pescatarian, High-Fiber
Main Courses
Signature seafood and meat entrees.
- Sauteed Florida Red Snapper: Served over a medley of veggies Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Seafood Paella: Spanish style mixed seafood rice dish Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Sauteed Mediterranean Branzino: Mediterranean seabass Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
- Pan Seared Halibut: Served over cauliflower puree, sauteed spinach, and beurre blanc Dietary tags: Pescatarian, High-Fiber
- New Zealand Lamb Chops Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free
Pasta
Handmade pasta dishes.
- Maine Lobster Ravioli: Ravioli in Lobster broth, with cream, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC
- Rigatoni Alla Puttanesca Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Pappardelle with Jumbo Shrimp Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian
- Squid Ink Linguini and Mixed Seafood Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory
Desserts
Sweet endings.
- Pear Tartlet Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic
Cocktails
Signature house cocktails.
- Blue Lagoon: Garnished with lemon wedge
- That's Spicy Cocktail: Red cocktail with chili salt rim Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Slow-Carb
- Sexy UWS Lady: Yellow cocktail with a lemon wheel inside the glass Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Pear Dream Cocktail Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about The Shell
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- The Shell is a sophisticated neighborhood gem for casual dinners, offering budget-friendly ($) pricing and an average 4.8/5 rating.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- This 4.8/5 rated seafood restaurant offers budget-friendly ($) prix fixe menus, fresh oysters, and a peaceful outdoor terrace with warm service.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- The Shell specializes in seafood, featuring dishes like fresh oysters, Maryland crab cakes, seafood paella, and Mediterranean branzino.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu offers a wide selection of seafood and pasta, featuring 34 dietary options including keto, gluten-free, and mediterranean.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers praise the exceptional seafood, welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and value of prix fixe menus, specifically highlighting oysters, salmon, and Branzino.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Supported diets include keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, mediterranean, pescatarian, paleo, and vegetarian, featured in dishes like Red Snapper and Seafood Paella.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The Shell is operational with a website at https://theshellrestaurant.com, though specific operating hours are not provided in the data.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.8/5, this budget-friendly ($) seafood restaurant offers exceptional value through its fresh oysters, prix fixe menus, and attentive service.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The restaurant has a website at https://theshellrestaurant.com, but the provided data does not specify if online ordering is available.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided data for The Shell does not specify the exact number of reviews the restaurant has received.
- Is The Shell dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Shell has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pear Tartlet, Sauteed Florida Red Snapper and Tuna Tartare.
- What can I eat at The Shell on a dairy-free diet?
- Pear Tartlet, Sauteed Florida Red Snapper and Tuna Tartare carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Shell have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Pear Tartlet and Senior's Specials Menu.
- Is The Shell gluten-free?
- 6 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Shell?
- Tuna Tartare, at roughly 41.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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