12 Best Restaurants in New York City, New York

This British-leaning eatery began life as a pandemic-era pop-up mostly serving fish-and-chips. It didn't take long for the city's fooderati to figure out that oh-so-English snack was nearly revelatory here, maybe the best version outside of England. Today, Dame is a permanent fixture on MacDougal Street and serving more than just ultraflakey fish and crispy chips. The menu changes regularly but expect excellent dishes like pan-seared monkfish paired with lentils and bacon, smoked whitefish croquettes, and flakey fish pie. For a meatier take on British food, check out sibling restaurant Lord's, a few blocks away at 506 LaGuardia Place.

Head into the serene, teak-paneled dining room at this trendsetting French seafood restaurant, and let chef Eric Ripert work his magic with anything that swims—at times preferring not to cook it at all. Deceptively simple dishes are typical of his style, which has earned this restaurant many James Beard and other awards, including a rank among the world's top 20 restaurants and an incredible three Michelin stars. Expect to savor every bite of Le Bernardin's thrilling cuisine, along with exceptional cocktail and wine selections, and some of the finest desserts anywhere. The menu is expensive and prix-fixe only, but you can count on a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience. Along with a vegetarian prix-fixe option, there's also a marvelous chef's tasting menu of at least eight courses, and the option of an over-the-top wine pairing.

Large picture windows look out to expansive views of Central Park South at this upscale, elegant, seafood-focused Italian eatery. No expense is spared in importing the very best of the ocean's bounty, beginning with the crudo dishes—think scallops with orange, wild fennel, and arugula—that are the restaurant's signature. You'd be remiss, though, if you skipped the homemade pastas that helped make Marea famous. Whole fish, risotto, and antipasti are equally delightful. The international wine cellar here is spectacular, and service is flawless.

At NYC’s first 100% sustainable seafood restaurant, each item is ethically sourced—including wild-caught fish from unendangered stocks and all fish from aquaculture responsibly farmed—and seafood lovers can expect both a sustainable and memorable meal. A daily raw bar features a selection of East and West Coast oysters, with up to 20 varieties each night. The daily oyster happy hour offers a selection of oysters for $1.50--$2 from 4 to 6 pm. On weekends, choose between the award-winning 16-ingredient Bloody Mary, mimosa, or pilsner draft for the unlimited brunch.

The name is Italian for "bait," and this restaurant lures you in with a long menu of delectable crudo preparations and then hooks you with bold entrées that might include whole salt-baked branzino, sea bass for two, or bucatini pasta with spicy baby octopus. The restaurant saw a few changes when longtime chef Dave Pasternack bought it in 2019, but its menu remains sharp, as does the adventurous Italian wine selection.

Deep in the belly of Grand Central Terminal, the vast, multiroom Oyster Bar has been a worthy seafood destination since 1913. Sit at the counter for the fried oyster po'boy or to slurp an astounding menu of fresh oysters before enjoying a steaming bowl of clam chowder, washed down with an ice-cold beer. This is also the place to experience the pleasure of fresh, unadorned seafood, such as lobster with drawn butter or grilled herring in season—generally better options than anything that sounds too complicated.

Decorated like the clubby interior of a sleek luxury liner, Lure has been serving oceanic fare in multiple culinary styles since 2004 and is still on-trend and serving the highest caliber seafood. From the sushi bar, try the Lure House Roll—a shrimp tempura roll crowned with spicy tuna—or opt for well-executed dishes from the kitchen, like steamed red snapper with bok choy in a red curry or a classic lobster roll.

Diners still line up down the street before the restaurant opens for dinner to get a table at this small but bustling seafood shack that is also an ideal West Village neighborhood restaurant. The menu changes with whatever is caught and in season but expect excellent fried oysters, chowders, and, of course, the famous lobster roll with crisp fries. All of this will have you licking your fingers, and the killer hot fudge sundae is worth saving room for. The staff here is warm and friendly, too. This is the kind of place everyone wishes was in their neighborhood.

Entering this restaurant is like walking into the dressy stateroom of a modern luxury ocean liner, a perfect setting for some of the most vivid and delicious seafood in town. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out north and west, and the arrestingly designed raw bar backed with Mediterranean-hue ceramics serves stunningly fresh choices including gorgeous oysters. Expect to find a contemporary menu with enticing appetizers, whole fish, live Maine lobsters, and an impressive vegetarian section.

There have been many imitators and few real competitors to this West Village seafood institution. Since 1997, Rebecca Charles has been serving arguably the best lobster roll in New York City in a no-frills space (which expanded next door to accommodate the throngs) on charming, restaurant-lined Cornelia Street. But that's not the only reason you should cast your net here. Pan-roasted sea scallops and plus-size crab cakes compete with the legendary lobster roll for your taste buds' attention. Service is very efficient—you might even say rushed.