There’s something irresistibly inviting about fresh seafood, especially when you find yourself in Goshen, NY—a town with a quiet but dedicated scene for lovers of shellfish and fillets. Whether you’re craving perfectly crisp fried fish or the tender bite of sushi, Goshen’s dining spots have a knack for bringing the ocean closer in landlocked Orange County. My own search for the best seafood here began with a simple question: who really knows how to serve fish that makes you forget you’re hours from saltwater? That journey led me through cozy taverns, inventive bistros, and lively raw bars that now shape this guide.
Choosing where to eat seafood can feel like rolling the dice if you don’t know the right places. The good news is, you don’t have to gamble. I’ve tasted, questioned, and compared so you’ll only read about restaurants where the seafood has genuine appeal and the flavors match the fresh promise. You’re about to discover where locals go when they want the real thing, not just a platter dressed up to look the part. If your next meal needs to be memorable—and strictly stays clear of anything haram—keep reading for the best seafood Goshen, NY has to offer.
Where to find the best seafood in Goshen, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Goshen, NY:
- Delancey’s Bar & Restaurant
- Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar
- Lobster Pier
- Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
- Red Lobster
- Juicy Seafood
- Cheryl’s Fried Fish
- Cove Clam Bar
- Fish & Chikzzz
- Pepettini
1. Delancey’s Bar & Restaurant
Delancey’s Bar & Restaurant draws a lively cross-section of locals and travelers with its mix of classic charm and laid-back energy. Tucked on Park Place, it gives you that relaxed, no-pretensions vibe you secretly hope for in a seafood spot—but pulls it off with style.
What sets Delancey’s apart is the balance. You’ll find a menu that treats seafood as more than an afterthought—the broiled salmon and shrimp scampi taste fresh and show skill, not just routine. Each bite is proof that seafood here isn’t just a seasonal special.
If you’re looking for the dish that locals quietly rave about, try the baked stuffed sole. It’s light, flavorful, and feels carefully handled. Pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables, and you’ll get a meal that captures what Delancey’s does best: honest plates, no fuss.
2. Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar
Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar skips the gimmicks and focuses instead on smart, seasonal cooking right in the heart of Goshen. The atmosphere is sleek but unpretentious, with a kitchen that takes pride in modern twists without losing comfort.
Seafood here is treated with the respect it deserves. I was particularly taken with the fresh catch specials—they’re often local, always well-composed, and elevated by bright accompaniments. The grilled shrimp salad brings crisp greens and plump, perfectly cooked shrimp together in a way that feels thoughtful, not rushed.
The menu isn’t sprawling, but every seafood dish is a deliberate choice. If you see their pan-seared salmon on offer, don’t hesitate. The balance of flavors shows off their knack for subtlety and finesse. Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar is where you go for inventive plates that never stray far from delicious.
3. Lobster Pier
(845) 469-4442Call
Lobster Pier might be in Chester, just a short drive from Goshen, but it has become a regular destination for anyone serious about seafood in the area. The place exudes a local, neighborhood feel where staff know their regulars and the lineup of fresh catches speaks for itself.
What makes Lobster Pier stand out is the classic, no-nonsense approach—think generous portions, unfussy plating, and reliable flavors. If you’re craving lobster, the steamed lobster is their calling card, served with drawn butter and all the ritual that comes with a proper lobster feast. The broiled seafood platter is another standout, ideal for those who want a little of everything.
My personal pick is the stuffed flounder. It’s light, flavorful, and lets the freshness of the fish steal the scene. At Lobster Pier, you taste the sea without any of the pretense.
4. Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar in Middletown brings southern seafood boils to Orange County with a splash of fun that’s hard to resist. This isn’t the sort of place where you worry about neatness—the mess is part of the charm. It’s all about shared tables, piles of fresh shellfish, and vibrant seasoning that lingers in memory.
The signature seafood boil here is a local favorite. You can pick your own combo—shrimp, clams, mussels—and have them tossed in sauces ranging from garlic butter to classic Cajun spice. The result is bold, true-to-the-South flavor that’s never overpowering.
If you’re after something classic, the boiled snow crab legs are spot-on, perfectly cooked and never rubbery. Hook & Reel is where you go for seafood that’s equal parts flavor and experience.
5. Red Lobster
Red Lobster in Middletown is the familiar name that rarely lets you down when a seafood craving hits. It’s a reliable spot where families gather, friends celebrate, and even solo diners feel at ease with the buzz of casual comfort.
What makes Red Lobster stand out is consistency and variety. The menu covers everything from grilled fresh fish to seafood-stuffed flounder. The portions are generous, and every dish is made with an eye toward crowd-pleasing classics.
If you want the greatest hits, order the garlic-grilled jumbo shrimp or the steamed snow crab legs—they’re always fresh, and the seasoning is spot on. There’s a reason locals keep coming back. Red Lobster delivers classic seafood favorites that always feel familiar.
6. Juicy Seafood
(845) 692-8808Call
Juicy Seafood in Middletown is where cravings for bold, flavorful seafood get satisfied in generous fashion. The vibe is casual, yet the food packs a memorable punch. Every table feels like a miniature feast, whether you walk in with a group or just for an adventurous solo dinner.
What truly sets Juicy Seafood apart is the custom seafood boil. You pick your seafood—shrimp, crab legs, clams—and your seasoning. Then it arrives steaming, tossed in garlic butter, Cajun, or lemon pepper, according to your taste.
The blue crab and mussels are solid choices, but the shrimp boil, with sweet potatoes and corn, never gets old. If you want seafood that’s as much about flavor as it is about fun, this place delivers every time.
7. Cheryl’s Fried Fish
(845) 343-5565Call
Cheryl’s Fried Fish on East Main Street is where comfort food and seafood cravings meet. It’s no-frills in the best possible way, focused on delivering what you came for: crispy, golden fish cooked just right. The aroma hits before you even see the counter, and it’s impossible not to smile.
The standout here is the fried whiting—light, flaky, and expertly seasoned. Paired with a side of classic fries, it’s the kind of meal that transports you straight to summertime, no matter the season. You’ll also find catfish, tilapia, and shrimp, all with that signature crunch.
If you’re in the mood for seafood that feels both honest and indulgent, Cheryl’s is the stop. Every plate shows the pride in their kitchen.
8. Cove Clam Bar
(845) 692-7360Call
Cove Clam Bar is the kind of place where relaxed afternoons stretch into unhurried evenings, fueled by fresh seafood and easy conversation. The vibe is casual—think picnic tables and paper plates—but the seafood is far from ordinary. It’s a favorite among locals for keeping things simple but tasty.
The star here is the raw clams and steamed mussels. If you’re a fan of briny, straight-from-the-shell goodness, you’ll fit right in. The fried clam strips also earn high marks for being crisp without losing tenderness inside.
I keep coming back for the simplicity: a dozen cold clams, a squeeze of lemon, and that feeling you’ve found a well-kept local secret. Cove Clam Bar satisfies those craving the basics done right.
9. Fish & Chikzzz
(845) 536-0990Call
Fish & Chikzzz in New Windsor thrives on simplicity and big, memorable flavors. The energy here is always friendly, matching the satisfying comfort of the food they serve. It’s the kind of place you stumble into once and find yourself craving again.
The menu covers both seafood and poultry, but the fried fish is a definite highlight—light, crisp, and just the right amount of seasoning. Each portion feels generous, with flaky fillets that pair perfectly with their signature fries.
If you’re feeling indecisive, order the fish sandwich. It captures everything Fish & Chikzzz does well: straightforward, honest, and downright delicious. This spot nails classic seafood without overthinking it.
10. Pepettini
Pepettini sits quietly near the Hudson River, but there’s nothing understated about the food once you step inside. Housed in a former bank, the historic setting is warming—with the old vault doubling as a unique backdrop to seriously good Italian cooking. It feels like a place meant for long, lingering meals.
What sets Pepettini apart is a commitment to fresh seafood, prepared with authentic Italian flair. The menu leans into simple, clean flavors that let the fish shine. Try the linguine alle vongole, where clams and pasta sit in perfect olive oil and garlic harmony. Their branzino, gently grilled and finished with lemon and herbs, always tastes like summer by the sea.
If you want Italian seafood that stays true to tradition, Pepettini’s your answer. It’s the kind of spot where the first bite takes you straight to Italy.
More Things to Try in Goshen, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best seafood restaurants near Goshen, NY?
Delancey’s Bar & Restaurant, Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar, Lobster Pier, and Cove Clam Bar are all top choices for fresh, flavorful seafood close to Goshen.
Which places offer seafood boils or Cajun-style seafood in the area?
Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar and Juicy Seafood in Middletown serve up bold, customizable seafood boils with plenty of Cajun flair.
Can I find casual seafood spots in or near Goshen?
Yes, Cheryl’s Fried Fish and Fish & Chikzzz are both known for their laid-back atmospheres and satisfying fried fish dishes.
Do any seafood restaurants in Goshen accommodate special dietary needs?
Most restaurants, including Delancey’s and Pharmacy Kitchen & Bar, offer menu items and sides that cater to different diets. Just ask—staff are usually happy to help.
Where can I get Italian-style seafood dishes near Goshen?
Pepettini specializes in Italian seafood, featuring traditional meals like linguine alle vongole and grilled branzino.
