Hunting for the best seafood in Elmira, NY is a bit like chasing the scent of salt air when you’re hours from the coast. You might expect only a handful of places to offer anything close to the real thing, but Elmira quietly houses a handful of local secrets. My curiosity for seafood here started on a rainy Tuesday with a craving I couldn’t ignore. I wanted a plate that would make me believe I was closer to the Atlantic—minus the seagulls.
Elmira’s seafood scene doesn’t overwhelm you with big neon promises. Instead, its best spots focus on fresh flavors, loyal regulars, and that local twist you won’t find in any chain menu. Whether you’ve never had scallops outside the city or you’re searching for the perfect shrimp, there’s something unexpected waiting here. Let’s explore the hidden gems, classic favorites, and a few surprises that will soon have you planning your next meal.
Where to find the best seafood in Elmira, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Elmira, NY:
- Hill Top Inn
- Maine Harvest Seafood
- Elmira Seafood
- 1157 North
- Evergreen Chinese Restaurant
- Lib’s Supper Club
- Pietro & Son
- Red Lobster
- Tony R’s Steak & Seafood
- Three Birds Restaurant
1. Hill Top Inn
Hill Top Inn draws you up Jerusalem Hill for more than just the panoramic views—though those are hard to beat. The atmosphere here is genuinely warm, and you feel the family legacy in every detail. Trying the seafood, I was instantly impressed by the maple-glazed salmon. The preparation brings local flavors straight to the plate, and it’s proof that Hill Top puts quality first.
For a starter, the shrimp cocktail comes crisp and chilled, making it a sharp contrast to the cozy dining room. If you want something heartier, don’t pass on the catch of the day. Menus often change with the season, and the kitchen showcases what’s fresh—and does it well. With every visit, you sense why locals and visitors keep coming back.
2. Maine Harvest Seafood
Maine Harvest Seafood puts you right at the crossroads of freshness and simplicity. Step inside, and you notice that this isn’t your average restaurant—it doubles as a seafood market, so every plate starts with what’s freshest off the truck. My first taste was their grilled haddock, fork-tender and clean, letting the flavor of the fish shine without any fuss.
If you’re after variety, their seafood platter brings a bit of everything. The fried options have crunch, but never grease, which says plenty about the kitchen’s attention to detail. For something lighter, try their broiled cod with a side of local veggies—a nod to healthy eating, Elmira style. With honest service and an unpretentious vibe, Maine Harvest is for those who know quality when they taste it.
3. Elmira Seafood
(607) 732-7529Call
Elmira Seafood is easy to miss but impossible to forget once you’ve tasted what they offer. This unassuming spot balances a straightforward market with a real passion for seafood done right. I stopped in for a quick lunch and found myself savoring every bite of their fried fish sandwich. The batter is light, the fish flaky and always cooked to order.
If you’re on the hunt for value, their shrimp basket offers generous portions without skimping on flavor. For those who prefer the classics, the broiled whitefish keeps things simple, letting the freshness take the spotlight. Elmira Seafood is the place you go for no-nonsense seafood that delivers—easy, dependable, and always satisfying.
4. 1157 North
1157 North manages to feel both modern and inviting the moment you step through the door. The dining room gives off a local buzz, and the kitchen’s confidence shows on every plate. My first meal here was the grilled salmon with lemon butter, perfectly balanced and bright with flavor. It’s a clear sign the chefs care about getting the details right.
For a starter, the seafood chowder brings comfort without being heavy—a local’s favorite that earns its reputation with fresh ingredients. The crab-stuffed haddock is another highlight, combining flaky fish and creamy crab for something memorable. 1157 North nails classic technique while adding their own signature twist to the Elmira seafood scene.
5. Evergreen Chinese Restaurant
(607) 732-8001Call
Evergreen Chinese Restaurant is a go-to in Elmira when you want seafood with an Asian flair. The atmosphere is relaxed but never dull, with families and regulars swapping stories over steaming plates. When I tried their shrimp with broccoli, I could taste the freshness and careful seasoning in every bite. It’s a dish that keeps things simple, focusing on quality ingredients.
If you’re more adventurous, the fish in black bean sauce offers a savory, satisfying kick you won’t get just anywhere. Evergreen’s seafood lo mein is loaded with tender pieces of fish and shrimp—always popular for a reason. This is comfort food with a twist, and it shows how seafood can take on bold, new flavors in the right hands.
6. Lib’s Supper Club
Lib’s Supper Club combines Italian comfort with Elmira tradition, making every meal feel special. The warm lighting and family-style service create a space where regulars and newcomers alike settle in for an evening to remember. My favorite moment? The first taste of their seafood fra diavolo—the sauce is just spicy enough, perfectly complementing the seafood and pasta.
Lib’s is also known for its scallops sautéed in olive oil and fresh herbs, a dish that is both rich and light. If you want a mix of everything, their seafood platter is a must. The kitchen’s attention to detail shines, especially when it comes to freshness and flavor. At Lib’s, seafood isn’t just an option—it’s a highlight, served with classic hospitality.
7. Pietro & Son
Pietro & Son brings together family tradition and a classic Italian menu, right in the heart of Elmira. There’s a down-to-earth charm here, and you can sense the pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen. My introduction to their seafood menu came with the shrimp scampi: garlicky, tender, and paired with just the right amount of pasta.
Another standout is the seafood risotto. Creamy and full of fresh seafood, it’s a dish that nudges you to linger a little longer at your table. Pietro & Son also offers a baked haddock for those who want a simple, well-cooked catch. This is classic comfort food with the kind of warmth that keeps people coming back for generations.
8. Red Lobster
Red Lobster in Horseheads is where consistency meets variety, making it a hit for group dinners or quick cravings alike. Even though it’s a household name, the local branch manages to feel friendly, with quick service and a menu that covers all the seafood basics. My go-to has always been the grilled rainbow trout, which arrives flaky and well-seasoned every time.
For sharing, the Admiral’s Feast is a crowd-pleaser with plenty of shrimp, fish, and scallops. If you visit for lunch, the grilled shrimp skewers deliver plenty of flavor without feeling heavy. Red Lobster’s strength is in offering something for every appetite, making reliable seafood accessible to everyone in the Elmira area.
9. Tony R’s Steak & Seafood
Tony R’s Steak & Seafood in Corning brings big city energy to the local dining scene, but never loses its approachable attitude. Step inside and you’re greeted by polished wood, cozy booths, and just enough buzz to make dinner feel like an event. My favorite order is the seared scallops, served tender and golden with just the right amount of citrus in the sauce.
The seafood linguine is another standout for anyone in the mood for pasta, packed with fresh seafood and a sauce that lingers in the best way. For something lighter, the grilled salmon never disappoints. Tony R’s shines when it comes to making seafood feel special, whether you’re dressed up or arriving straight from work.
10. Three Birds Restaurant
Three Birds Restaurant in Corning is full of creative energy, where the menu changes often but never disappoints seafood fans. The atmosphere is elegant without being stuffy, perfect for both special occasions and spontaneous dinners. I tried their pan-seared trout and was struck by the crisp skin and delicate balance of flavors on the plate.
If you want something to start, the ahi tuna appetizer mixes freshness with just the right spice. Their seafood risotto is another standout, creamy and filled with market-fresh selections. Three Birds manages to pair local flair with a dash of the unexpected, keeping regulars and newcomers curious about what’s coming out of the kitchen next.
More Things to Try in Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants in Elmira, NY?
Some top picks include Hill Top Inn, Maine Harvest Seafood, Elmira Seafood, 1157 North, and Lib’s Supper Club. Each brings something unique—whether that’s local freshness or standout signature dishes.
Are there any seafood markets in Elmira?
Yes, both Maine Harvest Seafood and Elmira Seafood offer fresh seafood to-go if you prefer to cook at home. These spots are favorites with locals for quality and variety.
Which Elmira seafood places offer vegetarian-friendly options?
Hill Top Inn and Three Birds Restaurant stand out for their vegetarian options in addition to seafood, so mixed groups can easily find something for everyone.
Where can I get seafood with an Italian twist in Elmira?
Lib’s Supper Club and Pietro & Son are both trusted choices for classic Italian seafood dishes, from shrimp scampi to seafood pasta plates.
Can I find affordable seafood restaurants in Elmira?
Yes. Elmira Seafood and Evergreen Chinese Restaurant both offer great seafood at wallet-friendly prices, no reservations required.
