We understand how intimidating it can be to start with fresh fish rather than frozen. But it can be well worth it, especially if you’re making grilled barramundi (see our simple recipe) or Mediterranean-style baked cod.
Fresh fish has a distinct flavor and texture that elevates any dish. You can attest to this if you’re fortunate enough to live in an area with a plethora of excellent seafood markets.
There are several factors to consider when looking for a fishmonger, beginning with cleanliness, freshness, and variety. When purchasing fresh fish, you should also consider the ice display; clean and well-drained ice is extremely important.
With those considerations in mind, we decided to take a closer look at the Big Apple. If you’re a foodie on vacation, some of these restaurants are definitely worth checking out.
To compile our list of the best fish markets in New York City, we began by consulting with friends and family who were born and raised there. We also considered social media presence, because if these businesses regularly update customers on what they have in stock for the day, you know it’s fresh.
We also looked at restaurants and chefs’ recommendations, as well as customer reviews. New Yorkers share their favorite fish and recommendations.
Fulton Fish Market, The Bronx
The Fulton Fish Market, which is 200 years old, is regarded as one of the best in the country. Since 1822, it has been at the heart of the city’s landscape, and the numbers are staggering. Every day, approximately 2 million pounds of seafood move through the market.
This is a good indication that you’re getting the freshest fish possible. One of the best parts about this place is that you don’t have to live in the city to shop there. Fulton Fish Market has a nationwide delivery program that brings fresh and frozen fish right to your door, and there is a wide selection available.
Although specifics vary, the menu options here are a seafood lover’s dream. It contains all of the fishy staples, such as salmon, cod, and halibut. You can also add fresh anchovies, oysters, mussels, lobster, shrimp, and crab to make a truly outstanding Caesar salad.
That isn’t even getting into the more exotic possibilities. If you’ve ever been tempted to try octopus or if you enjoy caviar, Fulton Fish Market has both. The company has received thousands of positive reviews from customers who are pleased with the quality and variety of fish. Many people appreciate Fulton’s commitment to customer service and communication.
Osakana, East Village And Midtown
Osakana differs from other fish markets in that it is more than just that. You can get some of the city’s best sushi-grade fish there, but you can also get a lot of amazing pre-made sushi and sashimi. Osakana has two locations: the main store in East Village and a satellite branch in Midtown.
The latter is located inside the Katagiri Japanese Grocery and is where you will find the mouthwatering pre-prepared sushi. We’d even go so far as to say that if you’re visiting the city and enjoy sushi, this should be one of your lunch stops.
Sushi may appear to be one of those dishes that is simply too difficult to prepare at home. This brings us to the other reason we love Osakana: it offers sushi-making classes. Osakana’s chefs and teachers do everything from the basics to preparing fish like sea urchins. Attend a public class, register for a private one, or organize a group activity.
According to those in the know, the sushi and sashimi here are just as fresh, delicious, and expertly prepared as in Japan. Don’t worry if you don’t have much time. While everything is prepared fresh when you place your order, you will not have to wait long for Osakana to fulfill it.
Dorian’s Seafood Market, Upper East Side
Dorian’s Seafood Market on the Upper East Side is the perfect one-stop shop for all of your fish needs. This is an excellent option if you are intimidated by cleaning and preparing fresh fish at home.
Sure, that’s great if you want to make a traditional French bouillabaisse with your fish, but Dorian’s also has plenty of fresh fillets ready for you. It also sells shellfish, and if you want to grab lunch while shopping, you can do so.
Dorian’s also carries a wide variety of herbs and spices to help you season your fish. This is extremely useful, especially given the abundance of exotic fish in this area. Have you always wanted to try swordfish or mako shark? Dorian’s Seafood Market not only usually has it on hand, but it will also tell you how to prepare it.
Dorian’s is committed to sustainable fishing practices, responsible sourcing, and conservation. Its owner is frequently on-site and responds to customer inquiries online. When you combine a friendly staff and excellent customer service, it’s clear that Dorian’s has found a winning formula. One of the only drawbacks is that you should expect to pay a little more than you would expect, but the freshest and best are not cheap.
Randazzo’s Seafood, The Bronx
There are many traditional Italian fish dishes that will transport your taste buds, which makes sense. Italy and Sicily are surrounded by the Mediterranean’s bountiful waters, and it is this rich heritage that gives Randazzo significant clout.
Frank Randazzo, a Sicilian immigrant and fisherman, founded the family-owned business more than 100 years ago. Several generations later, the family-owned fish market is receiving rave reviews from customers, particularly those who enjoy fresh oysters.
Why? There is a table outside Randazzo’s, and the fishmongers will shuck shellfish for you to eat there and then. There’s something strangely moving about that. For anyone visiting New York, people-watching on the street with some fresh seafood is a fantastic way to experience the city.
Customers rave about Randazzo’s, not only for its freshness and selection, but also for the staff’s knowledge. That’s important because, in addition to fish imported from Italy, you’ll find giant shrimp, fish eggs, crab, eel, and, yes, a hammerhead shark hanging in the shop.
In other words, you’re likely to have some questions, but that’s what a good fishmonger is for. That’s just one of the reasons you should avoid buying seafood at the grocery store and instead go to a restaurant like Randazzo’s.
Fish Tales Gourmet Seafood Market, Brooklyn
One of our favorite aspects of Fish Tails Gourmet Seafood Market is its social media presence. That sounds strange, but if you look at the posts, you’ll notice a regularly rotating list of daily specials. That is a strong indication that the stock is fresh.
It’s also a thoughtful way to help customers evaluate what’s available. This is especially true for Fish Tales, which sells swordfish, steamer clams, red snapper, and fresh sardines.
Customers can also pick up lunch here. We appreciate the rotating soup, chowder, and bisque selections that Fish Tales posts on social media. Come in for some fish for dinner, or a po’boy, fish tacos, poke bowl, or lobster roll for lunch. You’ll definitely leave satisfied.
Fish Tales is the type of fish market that attracts customers from neighboring states, and they are quick to point out that it is well worth the drive. There are also plenty of testimonials from people who have been loyal customers for ten, fifteen, and even twenty years.
It’s unsurprising that this establishment sources excellent fish and employs an extremely knowledgeable staff. They expertly balance serving gourmet-quality fish while maintaining a friendly atmosphere. Fish Tales Gourmet Seafood Market is the type of local establishment where everyone knows your name.
Lobster Place, Chelsea Market
We will admit that Lobster Place has a reputation as a popular tourist destination. That is not to say it isn’t incredible. Given that its wholesale division works with approximately 800 of the city’s restaurants, it is safe to assume that Lobster Place knows what it’s doing. Furthermore, locals understand that they can order online and have everything they need ready and waiting for them.
While shopping for fish, stop by the kitchen for some of the best menu items we’ve seen at any fish market. Try the lobster poutine or the whole lobster, whichever you prefer. Purchase a caviar-topped lobster roll, a fish sandwich or fry made with barramundi, or browse the sushi bar.
Customers enjoy the food, and you know the fish is sustainable and ethically sourced. Lobster Place collaborates with Ocean Wise to ensure just that, and the selection of fresh fish on ice is incredible.
There is an excellent selection of sushi fish, including favorites such as salmon and cod, as well as a plethora of unique specialty options that you won’t find anywhere else. Purchase some Irish or Scottish smoked salmon, whole or baby octopus, caviar, and even squid and squid ink. Squid ink can add a bold flavor to dishes such as pasta. If you haven’t tried it, you should.
Aqua Best, New York
Aqua Best is a popular destination for New York City residents seeking fresh seafood. Sure, it has a lot of customers who are delighted with the freshness of the fish and seafood on offer, but that isn’t the only reason to love this place. For starters, Aqua Best provides nationwide delivery. There’s nothing better than discovering a favorite local hangout that can be enjoyed from anywhere.
In addition to the fish that Aqua Best ships all over, it also serves delicious seafood, such as snow crab legs, as well as seasonally available options like oysters and shrimp. You can also order live lobster and Dungeness crab, as well as caviar and fillets of some of the most popular fish. If you’re concerned about quality, it provides Le Bernardin, so there’s that.
Aqua Best also receives rave reviews for its exceptional customer service, which makes sense. It sells a wide variety of unique, specialty, and exotic fish, as well as items that change seasonally and according to availability.
In this industry, fishmongers must be on top of their game to answer inevitable questions — and Aqua Best certainly is. Anyone looking for a fishmonger who can provide excellent seafood and advice will not be disappointed.
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co., Brooklyn
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. was founded on the principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and utilizing every part of the fish. That may appear difficult with certain parts of fish, but since shrimp shells can be used to make a flavorful stock, we’ll go out on a limb and say it’s all about being inventive.
Greenpoint’s fishmongers are happy to give you some advice on how to get the most out of your fish. And, yes, the company sources from responsible sources and sells only the best seafood.
It also puts its words into action here. Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. operates both a fish market and a restaurant. Its menu features all of the delicious meals you can make with whatever fish you bought that day. Customers who have dined and shopped there say it’s not to be missed.
One of the most common positive reviews for Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. is that the staff is eager to answer customers’ questions. They thoroughly explain raw fish and the restaurant’s dishes. That says a lot because anyone wanting to learn more about cooking fish may be too intimidated to ask questions. Furthermore, Greenpoint takes pride in taking the time to chat, which is a big plus.
Lisa’s Fish Market, Glendale
Lisa’s Fish Market is one of those establishments that has been around for so long that it does not require much of an online or social media presence. However, those in the know have been coming here for over three decades for exceptional seafood.
In case you’re wondering about the vibe, countless customer reviews praise the company for running an old-school shop where everyone knew each other by first name.
Lisa’s Fish Market is also praised for maintaining a welcoming and friendly attitude in all aspects of its operations. It serves high-quality fish and always has fresh ice. If you can’t find something, the fishmongers behind the counter are happy to help.
That is correct, whether it is deveining your shrimp while you wait or discussing the fish and its origins. It also ensures that you have enough ice to keep your purchase fresh as you travel home. This treatment will make you feel like a local, even if you’re one of the many visitors who drive there.
There’s a lot to be said for walking into a business and knowing that the people behind the counter enjoy what they do and are proud to serve their customers. The number of reviews praising Lisa’s staff for exactly this is overwhelming. In our opinion, that is pretty amazing.
Mermaid’s Garden, Brooklyn
Mermaid’s Garden is another fish market that makes a point of using only sustainable seafood. Its fishmongers also take pride in informing customers about the fish’s origins, including the name of the boat that sourced it. Its offerings change seasonally, but you can expect caviar, trout roe, swordfish, shrimp, and all of the standard fare.
Customers notice that the fish here is a little more expensive than elsewhere. However, knowing that you’re eating high-quality, sustainably sourced fish makes it all worthwhile. You can also expect to get recipe suggestions and cooking advice from the experts.
Mermaid’s Garden’s Fish Share Program is an initiative designed to encourage people to eat more fish. Mermaid’s Garden connects customers with local fishermen to provide a weekly supply of fresh fish for a fixed fee. The fish arrives at the customer’s pickup location filleted and packaged, with the catch varying depending on the season.
Fish Share is an excellent way to support local fishermen while also introducing you to a variety of fish. This can also help you avoid becoming bored with the same seafood.
Methodology
There are numerous fish markets in New York City, so we did some research to compile a list of some of the best. Our first step was to draw on personal experience and the knowledge of some New York native friends and family members. We also searched sites such as Reddit for local fish market recommendations and researched them.
To meet our standard, we first looked for fish markets that had a reputation for consistently serving fresh seafood. Our second step was to consider those who are committed to sourcing sustainable fish. These must vary with the seasons and be caught using eco-friendly fishing methods.
In our third step, we considered stock variety, specifically fish markets that sell both staples and exotic fish. Our fourth rule was to only choose fishmongers with positive reputations.
After all, fish can be difficult to work with, and truly good fish markets have fishmongers on hand to offer suggestions, guidance, clarification, and recipes. All of this combined earned these fish markets a place on the list.
