There’s a quiet thrill in discovering great seafood, especially in a riverside town like Nyack. Tucked along the Hudson, Nyack’s seafood scene isn’t about pretense or tired clichés. It’s about crisp flavors, plates with personality, and a sense that you’ve found your own secret coastal retreat—even if the nearest seagull is eyeing your fries from a downtown bench.
Ask me about seafood in Nyack, and suddenly I’m remembering that afternoon with friends, each of us convinced we’d found the best grilled fish, the perfect chowder, the freshest oysters. We argued gently, we tasted, and by the end, we admitted: Nyack is packed with seafood gems, each offering something distinct. If you’re curious where to start, or how to separate the truly memorable from the passable, you’re in the right place. Hungry for more? Keep reading, and you’ll have your next dinner spot sorted before the tide rolls in.
Where to find the best seafood in Nyack, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in Nyack, NY:
- Maura’s Kitchen
- 8 North Broadway Restaurant
- Rockland Seafood
- Bistro 12
- Hudson Farmer and the Fish
- Cornetta’s Restaurant & Marina
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Central Seafood
- 103 Prime at Valentino’s
- Red Lobster
1. Maura’s Kitchen
Maura’s Kitchen feels like a splash of Lima right in Nyack. The space carries a laid-back pulse, with the scent of lime, cilantro, and ocean breezes teasing you from the moment you step inside. On my last visit, the ceviche was so fresh it could have started swimming—glossy fish, sharp citrus, and just enough heat to wake up the palate.
This spot stands out for its bold Latin flavors and a menu that doesn’t shy away from daring combinations. The seafood is treated with finesse, especially in the Tiradito, where buttery slices of fish meet bright, punchy sauces.
If you crave something warming, the brothy Parihuela pulls you in with every spoonful. Whether you love your seafood raw, cured, or cooked, Maura’s makes every bite have its own story.
2. 8 North Broadway Restaurant
8 North Broadway Restaurant, also known as The Greekish, draws you in with its sunlit charm and gentle Mediterranean buzz. You’ll find plates made for sharing, with seafood that seems to have swum straight from the Aegean. My last visit started with a plate of charred octopus: tender, smoky, and perfectly dressed in olive oil and lemon.
This restaurant’s style is a modern twist on tradition. Freshness is at the core of every dish, and even simple grilled fish becomes something memorable here. I always linger over the whole branzino—served with herbed potatoes, it’s proof that restraint in the kitchen can be the best ingredient.
Start with the mezze, but don’t overlook the seafood; the kitchen gives each catch its due respect, in portions made for both solo diners and lively groups.
3. Rockland Seafood
(845) 624-3660Call
Rockland Seafood is the type of unassuming spot where locals nod in recognition as you walk in. The scent of bright lemon and brine says you’re in the right place for real seafood, nothing dressed up or fussy. I found myself lingering over a bowl of classic New England clam chowder, the kind that feels both hearty and fresh, packed with plenty of tender clams.
This is the go-to destination for honest, well-prepared seafood, whether you’re craving flaky grilled fish or crisp fried shrimp. Portions are generous, with every order landing at the table piping hot and never greasy.
For a true taste of what they do best, the broiled scallops are rich but never heavy, and you’ll want to sop up every last bit of the herb butter.
4. Bistro 12
Bistro 12 gives off that welcoming glow you find only in places run by people who truly care. Miguel and Manuel have poured both heart and heritage into their menu, and the result is vibrant but relaxed Mediterranean fare. During my last meal here, the grilled branzino was delicate and moist, simply dressed and cooked to perfection.
Seafood is clearly the kitchen’s strong suit, especially their baked cod with fresh herbs. Each bite spoke of quality and care—nothing drowned in heavy sauces, just great fish allowed to shine.
The décor, with Miguel’s paintings, adds a personal touch, making your meal feel like an invitation to someone’s fondest memories. For a warm evening, try the seafood risotto. Creamy, savory, and full of the sea’s promise.
5. Hudson Farmer and the Fish
Hudson Farmer and the Fish reveals a rare combination: riverside views, airy dining rooms, and plates that burst with seasonal local flavor. There’s a simple joy to watching boats glide by while digging into dishes made with ingredients from their own farm. My go-to here is the roasted salmon, rich yet balanced, served atop vegetables so fresh they taste pulled from the earth that morning.
This spot excels in fresh, sustainable seafood with a straight-from-the-garden twist. The oyster selection always feels curated, and nothing beats their chilled shellfish platter on a summer day.
If you’re sharing, the wood-grilled seafood platter is a showstopper: smoky, bright, and beautifully arranged. Order the daily catch for a taste of just how lively local seafood can be.
6. Cornetta’s Restaurant & Marina
(845) 359-9852Call
Cornetta’s Restaurant & Marina is the kind of place you visit for both the views and the generous portions. Set right on the water, it’s an easy escape from the day-to-day and a favorite for big gatherings. I remember sitting out on the deck, a breeze coming in off the pier, while a towering platter of steamed clams and mussels arrived at our table.
This is classic seafood, done with confidence and little fuss. Simple, fresh ingredients take the spotlight, so you won’t find much distraction from the flavors of the fish itself.
If you’re in a hungry group, try the seafood mixed grill. Fish, shrimp, and scallops come together with crisp vegetables—always cooked just enough, never overdone.
7. Joe’s Crab Shack
Joe’s Crab Shack doesn’t hold back when it comes to messy, hands-on fun. Step inside and the playful vibe might remind you of a summer boardwalk, even in the heart of West Nyack. My best memory here? Rolling up my sleeves for their classic seafood boil, where snow crab, shrimp, and corn arrive steaming and ready to share.
This is the spot for casual seafood with a side of nostalgia. Every dish feels tailor-made for breaking bread—and shells—with friends or family.
The crab buckets are the centerpiece, loaded with flavor and not shy with the seasoning. Bring a group, order extra napkins, and savor the unpretentious approach that keeps guests coming back.
8. Central Seafood
Central Seafood may look understated from the outside, but inside you’ll find a dining room alive with regulars and families. The energy is warm and inviting, and the kitchen delivers seafood with both variety and quality—a rarity in a world of cookie-cutter chains. My last visit brought a piping hot plate of steamed whole fish, the flesh expertly cooked and fragrant with ginger and scallion.
Central Seafood’s approach focuses on ingredient-driven plates that honor the natural flavor of each fish. Dishes arrive quickly, but never rushed, and you can count on attentive, knowledgeable service.
Don’t miss their jumbo shrimp with mixed vegetables. It’s a classic for a reason—crisp, bright, and perfectly balanced.
9. 103 Prime at Valentino’s
(201) 391-2220Call
103 Prime at Valentino’s feels instantly special—think soft lighting, polished wood, and a menu where Italian classics meet modern touches. I always look forward to the grilled Mediterranean branzino, flaky and kissed with olive oil, matched up with bright seasonal vegetables.
What sets 103 Prime apart is its focus on fresh seafood and inventive plates. The kitchen pays attention to details, whether it’s a simple fish preparation or a more intricate risotto.
If you’re sharing, try the seafood platter. Each component—shrimp, scallops, and whatever’s freshest—lands on the table cooked just right. This spot balances tradition with creativity, making each dish feel like both a comfort and a discovery.
10. Red Lobster
Red Lobster in Nanuet pulls in diners with its familiar promise: approachable seafood in a comfortable, family-friendly setting. Even after countless visits, I still find something nostalgic about breaking into their famed Cheddar Bay Biscuits while waiting for the main event.
Dependability is the real draw here. Whether you crave a simple grilled salmon or a sampler platter piled high with shrimp, you can count on consistent quality and portions that leave no one hungry.
If you want variety, go for the Admiral’s Feast. Shrimp, scallops, and more, all in one basket—perfect for anyone unable to pick just one favorite from the sea.
More Things to Try in Nyack, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What seafood restaurants in Nyack have waterfront views?
Hudson Farmer and the Fish, and Cornetta’s Restaurant & Marina offer scenic waterfront settings, making your meal feel like an escape by the river.
Where can I get the freshest seafood in Nyack?
Maura’s Kitchen is known for its made-to-order ceviche, while Hudson Farmer and the Fish sources ingredients right from their own farm and local suppliers.
Are there casual seafood places in Nyack for families or groups?
Joe’s Crab Shack and Red Lobster are top picks for relaxed, family-friendly atmospheres. Both have varied menus and plenty of space for larger parties.
What’s the best spot for Mediterranean seafood near Nyack?
8 North Broadway Restaurant (The Greekish) stands out for fresh, Mediterranean-style seafood, especially the whole branzino and charred octopus.
Which restaurants offer good takeout seafood?
Central Seafood and Rockland Seafood reliably serve up high-quality seafood for takeout, with everything packed fresh and ready to eat at home.
