Seafood is, to us, one of the most overlooked and underrated proteins.
Red meat, chicken, pork-- heck, even lamb have all had their fair share in the limelight, and we're ready for a change in the hierarchy of culinary protein superstars.
Sure, steaks are pretty amazing with a glass of full-bodied cabernet, but what about the delicate, flakey texture of a properly cooked salmon topped with a rich beurre-blanc sauce and paired with a buttery, lightly oaked Chardonnay?
Whether served raw, poached, grilled, or smoked, fish is an excellent and healthy option for your Christmas celebrations. Heck, the Italians have been eating seven courses of it on Christmas Eve for years.
Here are some of our favorite seafood establishments in NYC in no particular order.
1. The Clam (420 Hudson Street)
top_nyc_restaurants #topcitybites Pan Roasted Monkfish with Butternut Squash Risotto & Pancetta Leek Brown Butter at The Clam | Tag your favorite #topcitybites | #topnycrestaurants #nycfood #nycdining #nyc #foodporn #foodie #foodpic #gourmet #bonappetit #cheflife #cuisine #chef #foodpics #eat #hungry #lunch #dinner #food #instafood #vsco #vscocam @theclamnyc
Looking for a spot to do the Feast of Seven Fishes? The Clam is preparing a 5-course prix fixe meal on Christmas Eve for $90 a person. While we're pretty jazzed about the opportunity to experience the Feast of Seven Fishes, we're pretty obsessed with their every day menu and their cute dining room.
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Try the "Pan Roasted Monkfish" with butternut squash risotto and pancetta-leek brown butter or the "Sauteed Skate Wing" with la ratte fingerlings, kale, and lemon-anchovy aioli. What is skate? It looks like a sting ray, and is common to the Atlantic Ocean. It's also pretty tasty and unique. We dig it.
2. Luke's Lobster (various locations)
heathyhsu The lobster roll is pricey, but it may also be the most buttery, pure, and beautiful expression of a lobster roll ever to grace the streets of New York. They also have a selection of delicious sodas made with cane sugar. #lunch #food #instafood #foodie #foodporn #foodheaven #foodpic #foodart #vscofood #foodstagram #instadiary #vsco #vscocam #vscolife #instavsco #gopro #goprogram #goprolife #photooftheday #picoftheday #nyc #newyork
Sure, this chain restaurant has 18 locations around the country, but it serves up fresh lobster rolls that are too good to be ignored simply due to their chain status.
Their "Lobster Roll" is served on a buttered, toasted split bun with mayo, lemon butter, and spices. Not a fan of lobster? They also serve a "Crab Roll" and a "Shrimp Roll." You can upgrade to a combo to add a drink, chips, and a pickle for only $3. Life is short, get the pickle.
3. Upstate (95 1st Avenue)
Oyster fan? Hit up Upstate during their happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day and grab a craft beer and an order of six oysters for only $12... but if you're planning to get in on this action, you might want to arrive early. The small restaurant gets pretty packed during happy hour.
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Maybe clams or mussles are more your thing? Try the "Beer steamed mussels or clams" that are steamed in your choice of draught beer. Best part? They don't even have a freezer, meaning your seafood will be as fresh as can be. We can get down with that.
4. Seamore's (390 Broome Street)
nobread Happy #TacoTuesday! Spicy #squid tacos from @seamoresnyc are #glutenfree and on corn tortillas! #NOBREAD
This spot is a relative newbie in Little Italy, but owner Michael Chernow of The Meatball Shop is anything but new to the NYC food scene.
We recommend trying "The Reel Deal," where you choose your seafood from their daily menu, choose your sauce, and choose three sides. If you're not feeling up for all making all of those decisions, choose the "Blackened Catfish" sandwich served with avocado and citrus aioli.
,5. The Sea Fire Grill (158 East 48th Street)
iggs81 I don't care how expensive it was best bass I've ever had! #wortheverypenny #food #dinner #datenight #foodporn #fatkid #fatkidproblems U definitely recommend The Seafire Grill for dinner! #yummy
If you're looking for an upscale, fine-dining restaurant to enjoy quality seafood and top notch service, look no further than The Sea Fire Grill. It's perfect for any kind of celebration, or even for Christmas Day. They will be serving a three course meal for $79.95.
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If you're looking to go there on a regular old day, we highly recommend the "Yellowfin Tuna Tartar," served with wasabi and seaweed salad. We also love the "Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut" served with miso glaze and jasmine rice.
6. The Mermaid Inn (570 Amsterdam Avenue)
This cozy little spot has an excellent happy hour deal on oysters that you need to check out ASAP. They're $1 each during happy hour. Apart from being the cutest little spot, it has pretty incredible seafood.
Try the "Lobster Sandwich" that's served on a griddled brioche bun with old bay seasoned fries. If you're not really feeling the lobster, try the "Mermaid Fish Tacos," with marinated red cabbage, pickled jalapeño, and pico de gallo.
7. Crave Fishbar (945 2nd Avenue)
cravefishbar Shucking our way into the weekend 🙌🏼 congrats @mabee_kristy you are this week's #oystergram winner!
Looking for another spot with a happy hour oyster deal? Try Crave Fishbar which has a buck-a-shuck oyster happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
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Try the "Handmade Squid Ink Spaghett," served with chopped shrimp, spring garlic, fresno chile, and clam stock. Their "Local Diver Sea Scallops," served with oyster mushrooms, spring onion, yellow wax beans, and tomato champagne vinagrette are also amazing.
Check out 7 Best Places to Brunch on Christmas and New Year's Day in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]