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Best Seafood Restaurants in Lower East Side (10002)

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

Our Top Pick
Cervo's
Spanish-leaning seafood, strong vermouth program, and patio people-watching.

Notable Picks

8.6
$$$ Lower East Side
Cervo's is a seafood-focused Spanish and Portuguese-inspired spot where fried shrimp heads, Manila clams in Vinho Verde, and piri-piri chicken anchor a tight, shareable menu. The long bar, back dining room, and Canal Street patio keep it in heavy rotation for Lower East Side dates and small-group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes: Crispy shrimp heads, Manila clams with garlic and Vinho Verde, Half chicken with piri piri and fries
What makes it special: Spanish-leaning seafood, strong vermouth program, and patio people-watching.
$$ Lower East Side
Grey Lady is a Nantucket-inspired seafood bar on Delancey Street known for its $1 oyster happy hour, lobster rolls, and coastal New England plates. The space leans more party than hushed restaurant, with strong cocktails and a crowd that treats it as both oyster bar and nightlife hub.
Must-Try Dishes: Fresh East Coast oysters on the half shell, New England clam chowder, Maine lobster roll with fries
What makes it special: Nantucket-style oyster bar energy with serious happy hour seafood deals.

Worthy Picks

$$$$ Chinatown
Seng Seafood Restaurant is a second-floor Cantonese spot in Chinatown where rolling dim sum carts and big seafood platters share the tables. Regulars come for family-style meals, lobster sticky rice, and classic steamed dishes in a bright, communal room that still feels neighborhood-first.
Must-Try Dishes: Lobster sticky rice, Har gow shrimp dumplings, Salt-and-pepper squid
What makes it special: Classic Chinatown dim sum service backed by serious Cantonese seafood cooking.
$ Chinatown
The Chubby Crab is a counter-service Asian wok and Cajun kitchen where seafood boils, fried baskets, and rice bowls come built for takeout but work for quick dine-in. It’s a flexible Chinatown option when you want customizable crab-and-shrimp bags with bold sauces at relatively friendly prices.
Must-Try Dishes: Chubby Crab seafood boil combo, Sample The Sea boil for two, Fit Shrimp bowl with rice or noodles
What makes it special: Casual Asian–Cajun seafood boils built for delivery, takeout, or low-key dine-in.