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Seafood Story
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Seafood Story
8.5
Seafood Story is an Egyptian-leaning seafood restaurant where grilled snapper, butterfly shrimp, and seafood boils arrive with rice molded into fish shapes. Inside, ocean-blue floors and nautical details give the room a more immersive feel than a typical neighborhood fish house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled whole branzino with sayadiyah rice, Butterfly shrimp off the grill, Calamari tagine with tomato and peppers
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Mediterranean-inspired grilled seafood with thoughtful plating and decor.
Who should go: Seafood fans wanting something different from Cantonese halls.
When to visit: Evenings for full menu and relaxed dining pace.
What to order: Grilled branzino, butterfly shrimp, seafood boil platter.
Insider tip: Look for lunch specials if you want the best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the evenings; plan to circle a few blocks after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy for evening dates.
Noise level: Moderate — lively enough to feel energetic but still easy to have a full conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — vegetables, rice, salads, and a few side-based plates but no dedicated entrees
Vegan options: Very limited — mainly side dishes and salads
Gluten-free options: Yes — most grilled seafood, rice, and boiled items are naturally gluten-free (confirm sauces)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the nautical decor, polished plating, and calm-but-lively atmosphere make it feel special without being stuffy, which works well for a relaxed but impressive first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and earlier evenings, but weekends after 7pm can mean a 30–50 minute wait. Calling ahead helps during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families regularly dine here. The rice molds, fried shrimp, and large shareable platters tend to work well for kids, especially ages 5+.
Best For
Better for: Polished Mediterranean-style grilled seafood, attractive presentations, and a more intimate dine-in experience compared to casual fish markets or dim sum halls.
Skip if: You want ultra-cheap seafood, raw bar-focused dining, or late-night Cantonese-style banquet seafood.
Seafood Story
7.9
Seafood Story is a new Egyptian seafood restaurant with boat-inspired decor, glossy floors, and playlists that make the narrow room feel like a small coastal dining room. Couples come for grilled fish, calamari tagine, and sayadiyah rice that feel special-occasion without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari tagine, Grilled shrimp with pomegranate molasses, Sayadiyah spiced rice with fish
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Egyptian seafood in a softly lit, ocean-themed room on 5th Avenue.
Who should go: Seafood lovers looking for a neighborhood special-occasion spot.
When to visit: Dinner hours when the room fills and music is on.
What to order: Calamari tagine, grilled shrimp, sayadiyah rice.
Insider tip: Check lunch specials for a lower-cost first visit before a big date.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited spots on 5th Avenue and can be difficult after 6pm. Allow extra time or plan for a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but most diners lean dressy for dinner dates.
Noise level: Moderate - music is present but you can still hold a comfortable dinner conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - a few vegetable sides and rice-based dishes, but the menu centers heavily on seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly rice, salads, and simple vegetable plates.
Gluten-free options: Some grilled fish and rice dishes can be prepared gluten-free; confirm sauces and marinades with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if both people enjoy seafood. The intimate lighting, music, and unique Egyptian menu give plenty to talk about without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can on weeknights or early evenings, but Friday and Saturday dinners are risky without a reservation due to the small dining room.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented in mood, but older kids who enjoy seafood will be fine. It’s not built for strollers or noisy family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Romantic neighborhood seafood dinners with a unique Egyptian twist and a more intimate, special-occasion feel than most Sunset Park seafood spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual fried seafood, fast service, or lots of non-seafood options for picky eaters.
Seafood Story
8.0
Seafood Story is a newer Egyptian seafood restaurant on 5th Avenue where calamari tagine, grilled shrimp brushed with pomegranate molasses, and sayadiyah rice anchor a menu that feels distinct from anything else in the neighborhood. The space is compact but warmly lit, and early reviews suggest it’s quickly becoming a word-of-mouth favorite among seafood-focused diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari tagine, Grilled shrimp with pomegranate molasses, Sayadiyah rice with mixed seafood
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Egyptian-style seafood and tagines that stand apart from local peers.
Who should go: Seafood lovers looking for something different in Sunset Park.
When to visit: Dinner hours for the full cooked-to-order menu.
What to order: Calamari tagine, grilled shrimp with molasses, sayadiyah rice.
Insider tip: Weeknights are calmer and make it easier to chat with staff about off-menu recommendations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited on 5th Avenue and can be difficult after 6pm. Metered side streets offer the best chance on weeknights.
Dress code: Smart casual to casual-chic — jeans are fine, but most diners look slightly dressed up for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner but still easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable-based mezzes and rice dishes, but the menu is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with mezze and modified sides, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free seafood and rice-based dishes; sauces should be double-checked with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, unique menu, and moderate noise level make it feel special without being intimidating or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights or early evenings; weekends after 7pm are hit-or-miss and may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who enjoy seafood; there’s no kids’ menu and the space is compact, making it less stroller-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Distinct Egyptian seafood flavors, lighter Mediterranean-style cooking, and a more intimate, date-night atmosphere than typical neighborhood seafood spots.
Skip if: You want a loud party scene, large-group seating, or classic fried American-style seafood platters.