Finding fresh and flavorful seafood in West Islip, NY is a treat even locals don’t take for granted. This stretch of Long Island has a knack for serving up everything from golden fried clams to delicately grilled snapper. I remember slipping into a tiny, unassuming seafood spot after a blustery beach day—my shoes full of sand, my appetite even bigger. I left with salt on my lips, happy from both the ocean air and a plate of perfectly steamed mussels. Spots like these aren’t only about taste; they deliver comfort and a sense of discovery you can’t fake.
If you’ve searched for the best seafood in West Islip, you know the struggle: too many choices, hit-or-miss quality, menus dabbling in everything but not always mastering freshness. This guide does the heavy lifting, sharing the local favorites that let their fish do the talking. Whether you want no-frills fish sandwiches or elegant seafood platters, the names ahead promise consistency and some delicious surprises. Stay hungry—your new favorite spot might be a few lines below.
Where to find the best seafood in West Islip, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best seafood in West Islip, NY:
- Teresa’s Pizza
- Four Season Kitchen
- B&B Fish and Clam Inc.
- the main catch
- Babylon Fish & Clam
- Crab Shack
- Southside Fish & Clam
- Nicky’s Clam Bar
- Chowder Bar
- Seagull Restaurant and Bar
1. Teresa’s Pizza
Teresa’s Pizza is much more than a neighborhood pizzeria at 5 Udall Rd, West Islip. Despite the name, it’s their seafood that surprises most people. Picture this: a piping hot seafood fra diavolo, loaded with perfectly cooked shrimp and clams, tossed in a rich, mildly spicy sauce. It’s the kind of dish you keep thinking about days later.
My visit here was a happy accident—I stopped for quick pizza and found myself diving into zesty shrimp scampi and generous calamari rings fresh from the fryer. The cozy spot blends Italian comfort with honest, ocean-inspired flavors.
If you’re unsure, the seafood linguine is the move, capturing the balance of tender pasta and briny freshness that makes Teresa’s shine.
2. Four Season Kitchen
Four Season Kitchen at 608 Union Blvd is an easy spot to miss from the outside, but the menu is anything but ordinary. A friend dragged me here on a rainy Tuesday, promising the seafood would brighten the mood. She was right. The place hums with quiet confidence, serving up plates finished with just the right touch.
The grilled salmon wins repeat customers; flaky, fresh, and surrounded by crisp seasonal vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that feels both light and deeply satisfying. The seafood soup is also worth ordering on a chilly day—aromatic, brimming with shrimp and clams, and echoing homemade comfort.
If you’re after variety and quality, Four Season Kitchen is the kind of place that delivers both, without fuss.
3. B&B Fish and Clam Inc.
B&B Fish and Clam Inc. on 179 Merrick Rd blends casual charm with the excitement of a busy seafood market. Step inside, and you’re hit with the scent of fresh fish and the quick rhythm of locals grabbing clams for dinner. I once ducked in on a Saturday, only to find folks chatting over baskets of hot, crispy fish—real community atmosphere.
This spot keeps things simple and lets the quality shine. The fried clam strips crunch perfectly, and the broiled flounder carries a delicate sweetness that only comes from freshness.
Ordering the seafood combo platter is wise for indecisive diners—it’s a straightforward showcase of what B&B does best: keep the focus on the sea.
4. the main catch
(631) 486-8864Call
The Main Catch at 1095 Jericho Tpke is where seafood purists and food adventurers find common ground. With fish sourced straight from Long Island’s rich waters, everything feels a notch fresher. My first meal here happened during a lunch rush—the kind where the room buzzes with regulars who already know what’s good.
What’s good? Almost everything, but the pan-seared fluke stands out: flaky and mild, with just the right citrus punch. If you’re sharing, go bold with a tower of oysters and clams, each shucked to order. For a twist, there’s classic sushi that reflects the kitchen’s careful touch.
The Main Catch isn’t about gimmicks—it’s about honest, local flavors done right every time.
5. Babylon Fish & Clam
Babylon Fish & Clam, at 458 Fire Island Ave, blends a relaxed vibe with real expertise in seafood. The aroma of grilling fish greets you before you even open the menu. My first visit felt like stumbling upon a secret—locals chatting at the bar, staff carrying overflowing platters of shellfish.
This place is famous for its steamed clams and baked stuffed sole. Both dishes highlight just how fresh their seafood is, with recipes that keep things simple and classic. There’s also a satisfying seafood medley—a combination that lets you sample a bit of everything without overthinking your order.
Babylon Fish & Clam feels like both a neighborhood standby and a perfect spot for newcomers eager to taste something authentic.
6. Crab Shack
(631) 920-5960Call
Crab Shack at 1258 Straight Path gets straight to the point: no frills, just solid seafood. The dining room is laid-back enough to bring your loudest friends and your biggest appetites. On my last visit, the crack of crab legs and tables of happy diners made it clear that this spot draws a loyal crowd.
The crab boil is the real star, stacked with clusters that come out steaming and seasoned right. If you like your seafood hands-on and fun, this is the way to go. The shrimp platter is another can’t-miss, cooked tender with a touch of sweetness from signature house spices.
Crab Shack is the kind of place where eating with your hands feels just right.
7. Southside Fish & Clam
Southside Fish & Clam at 395 W Montauk Hwy makes seafood feel like family tradition. You’ll catch all ages here, from kids eyeing the lobster tank to regulars chatting about the daily catch. My first time in, I lingered over a menu full of options—Italian comfort and classic seafood mixed with sushi favorites.
The broiled seafood platter manages to be both hearty and satisfying, giving a little bit of everything without ever feeling heavy. If you love Italian flavors, the shrimp marinara over linguine brings a perfect tomato kick, while the sushi bar offers up well-crafted rolls for something different.
Southside keeps things approachable, letting the quality of their ingredients and their easygoing staff set them apart.
8. Nicky’s Clam Bar
Nicky’s Clam Bar, found at 99 Maple Ave, brings that breezy, classic dockside vibe that makes a meal out feel like getaway. Even on busy weekends, the energy stays friendly and upbeat. On my last visit, the outdoor tables were overflowing with seafood platters and laughter—what more could you ask from a coastal stop?
The steamers and stuffed clams are musts, packed with fresh flavor and a hint of butter that never overwhelms. Their old-school fried fish sandwiches are crisp on the outside, flaky inside—a testament to knowing when not to overcomplicate a classic.
Nicky’s is where you clear your schedule, settle in, and let the simple pleasure of quality seafood win you over.
9. Chowder Bar
Chowder Bar at 123 Maple Ave brings old-school charm to Bay Shore’s seafood scene. With its unpretentious decor and bustling take-out window, it feels like the spot you grew up with, even if you’re new in town. I popped by on a chilly afternoon, and the scent of simmering chowder filled the whole place with warmth.
The clam chowder is as classic as it gets—creamy, brimming with tender clams, and perfect for dunking fresh bread. Their fried shrimp basket is another favorite, always crispy, never greasy, and served in generous portions that make sharing easy.
If you’re after affordable comfort and consistent quality, Chowder Bar delivers both, every time you visit.
10. Seagull Restaurant and Bar
(631) 620-3340Call
Seagull Restaurant and Bar at 301 Bergen Ave feels like a vacation without leaving town. With open views of the Great South Bay, the air is always salty, and the vibe stays as sunny as the menu. My first time here, every seat seemed filled with families catching up and friends celebrating the weekend.
The grilled fish tacos strike an ideal balance—light, bright, and never overcomplicated. Their seafood platters pile high with local catches, letting you taste a true sampling of the bay’s fresh bounty. Each dish captures a bit of summer, no matter the weather.
If you want casual seafood with a laidback backdrop, Seagull’s delivers both, along with unforgettable bay breezes.
More Things to Try in West Islip, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular seafood restaurants in West Islip, NY?
Favorites include Teresa’s Pizza, Four Season Kitchen, and B&B Fish and Clam Inc. If you’re willing to drive a bit, spots like Babylon Fish & Clam and Chowder Bar are also fan favorites.
Which places have the freshest seafood?
Most local spots pride themselves on daily deliveries. B&B Fish and Clam Inc. doubles as a seafood market, so what’s on your plate was likely in the case that morning. The Main Catch and Southside Fish & Clam are also known for their particularly fresh selection.
Can I find halal-friendly or kosher-friendly seafood options in West Islip?
Most seafood places focus on fresh fish, shrimp, clams, and other options that generally fit halal or kosher diets if prepared simply. Always ask how dishes are cooked to be safe.
Are there good seafood spots for families?
Absolutely. Seagull Restaurant and Bar, Southside Fish & Clam, and Chowder Bar all offer casual dining that’s welcoming to kids and groups.
Which seafood dish should I try if I’m new to the area?
Start with local clams (raw or steamed), a classic fried fish platter, or seafood pasta. Teresa’s Pizza has a seafood linguine worth a special trip, and the crab boil at Crab Shack is a crowd-pleaser.
Do any seafood places offer gluten-free options?
Yes, but it varies by menu. Grilled fish and shellfish are usually safe bets. Calling ahead is the best way to check for specific gluten-free choices.
Is it easy to find a seafood restaurant with outdoor seating?
Many, like Nicky’s Clam Bar and Seagull Restaurant and Bar, offer outdoor tables with views, making for a relaxed meal, especially in good weather.
