15 Best Scallops in New York City
Discover the world of succulent scallops in NYC, where talented chefs showcase their culinary expertise by transforming this delicate seafood into delectable dishes. From high-end restaurants to hidden culinary gems, scallops in NYC are treated with creativity and passion, offering an unforgettable gastronomic experience for seafood lovers. Indulge in the briny, buttery goodness that only the finest scallops in NYC can provide.
- 1. Elias Corner
- 2. The Fulton by Jean-Georges
- 3. Saint Julivert
- 4. Leland Eating and Drinking House
- 5. Astoria Seafood
- 6. Maison Premiere
- 7. Craft
- 8. Blue Seafood Bar
- 9. The Capital Grille
- 10. Fish Cheeks
- 11. Johnny's Reef
- 12. Legasea Bar & Grill
- 13. Sagaponack in Flatiron District
- 14. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
- 15. Ocean Prime
1. Elias Corner
Astoria's first and best fish restaurant since the 80's

The scallops in this dish are cooked with great skill, resulting in a perfect texture that is tender yet firm. The fresh flavor of the sea is evident in each bite, making this a truly delightful dish for any seafood lover.
Grilled to perfection, the scallops presented in this meal boast a delicious taste that is sure to impress. The precise seasoning complements the natural flavor of the scallops, elevating the dish to new heights of culinary excellence. This is a must-try for anyone who appreciates high-quality seafood.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
2. The Fulton by Jean-Georges
Rediscover the romance of the sea at Pier 17

The scallops served at The Fulton are a true culinary delight. Their freshness is evident in every bite, and the tender texture is complemented by a burst of delicious flavor. It's clear that great care is taken in the preparation of this dish, resulting in one of the most satisfying dining experiences available.
Diners are sure to be impressed by the quality of the scallops served at The Fulton. Perfectly cooked and expertly seasoned, each bite is better than the last. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a shared appetizer, the scallops are a standout menu item that is not to be missed. It is highly recommended to try this delectable dish during your next visit.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
3. Saint Julivert
A seafood haven blending global coastal influences.

The scallops served at Saint Julivert's are seared to perfection, with a caramelized exterior that gives way to a tender and succulent interior. This expert cooking technique ensures that the scallops retain their natural sweetness, while also providing a satisfying contrast in texture. The accompanying sauce is carefully crafted to complement the flavors of the scallops, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness. This is a must-try for any seafood lover.
Saint Julivert's chefs have truly outdone themselves with their scallop dish. Each bite offers a delicate balance of texture and taste, with the sweetness of the scallops perfectly complemented by the savory notes of the sauce. The skillful preparation of this dish leaves a lasting impression on the palate, making it a standout choice on the menu. Seafood enthusiasts and foodies alike are sure to appreciate the care and attention to detail that goes into each and every serving of Saint Julivert's scallops.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
4. Leland Eating and Drinking House
Neighborhood spot for local food, natural wine, and good times.

Cast Iron Seared Scallops is a delectable seafood dish that combines succulent scallops with a creamy corn risotto. This culinary creation is sure to impress with its perfectly seared scallops, which boast a beautiful sear and a tender interior. The accompanying sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, elevating the dish to new heights.
The bed of creamy corn risotto that serves as the foundation for the scallops is equally impressive. It is rich and satisfying, with a velvety texture that complements the scallops perfectly. The sweetness of the corn balances out the savory flavors of the dish, making for a harmonious and unforgettable dining experience. Overall, Cast Iron Seared Scallops is a must-try for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
5. Astoria Seafood
Pick your seafood, choose your cooking style!

Astoria Seafood offers exceptional grilled scallops that deliver on taste and quality. The scallops have a perfect level of doneness, with a caramelized exterior and tender interior that is sure to delight. This establishment prides itself on serving only the freshest seafood, and the scallops are no exception. They are plump, juicy, and full of flavor, making them a must-try for any seafood lover.
The scallops' quality is unmatched, providing a dining experience that is sure to satisfy. With each bite, one can taste the freshness and the care taken in the preparation of this delicious seafood dish. The menu at Astoria Seafood may have many options, but the scallops stand out as a truly exceptional choice. For those who appreciate seafood at its finest, this restaurant delivers. Whether a seasoned seafood enthusiast or someone seeking to try something new, the scallops offered at Astoria Seafood are sure to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Dinner
6. Maison Premiere
Experience the charm of New Orleans in Brooklyn.

The scallops, cooked to perfection, were a highlight of the meal. Their tender texture and natural sweetness were enhanced by the rich and nutty brown butter sauce. This combination created a harmonious balance of flavors that left a lasting impression.
Indeed, the scallops in brown butter were a standout dish. Each bite provided a burst of savory and sweet flavors, while the butter sauce added a luxurious richness. The scallops were so tender that they seemed to melt in one's mouth, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
7. Craft
Tom Colicchio's flagship restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.

The menu offers a variety of perennial favorites, including pan-roasted diver scallops and braised beef short ribs. The scallops are cooked to perfection, with a caramelized exterior and a tender, succulent interior. The beef short ribs are slow-cooked until they are meltingly tender and full of flavor. Alongside the entrées, a selection of Greenmarket sides is available, showcasing the freshest local produce.
Among the highlights of the meal were the quail and salsify, as well as the classic potatoes au gratin. The quail was perfectly cooked, with a crisp skin and moist, flavorful meat. The salsify, a root vegetable often overlooked, was expertly prepared and provided a nice contrast to the other dishes. The potatoes au gratin were rich and comforting, with a gooey cheese topping that added an extra level of indulgence. And for the finale, the toffee pudding with coffee crunch ice cream was the perfect sweet ending to an exceptional meal.
8. Blue Seafood Bar
Fine Mediterranean seafood in an elegant, intimate setting.

The scallops served during the meal were a standout dish. Their freshness was evident in each bite, offering a delicate and tender texture. The careful preparation of the scallops resulted in a beautiful sear, enhancing their natural flavors.
Expertly cooked and bursting with taste, the scallops were undoubtedly the highlight of the dining experience. The quality of the dish rivals that of the finest restaurants, making it a memorable meal for any seafood lover.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
9. The Capital Grille
Expertly prepared steaks, dry aged and hand-cut in-house.

The scallops stood out as a exceptional dish during the meal. Their searing was done to perfection, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior that provided a satisfying crunch, while the interior remained tender and succulent. The delicious taste of the scallops was enhanced by a seasoning that was expertly balanced, adding to their appeal.
It is highly recommended to try the scallops when dining at this establishment. Their freshness was apparent in every bite, and their tenderness spoke volumes about the quality of ingredients used. Furthermore, the chef's expertise in seasoning was on full display, creating a dish that was flavorful and satisfying. Overall, the scallops were a standout and deserving of recognition.
10. Fish Cheeks
Thai seafood, family-style straight to your soul.

The scallops at Fish Cheeks are a standout, with a perfectly seared exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful interior. Each bite is a burst of fresh, briny goodness that is sure to delight seafood lovers. Highly recommended for anyone looking to treat themselves to an exceptional culinary experience.
It's hard to overstate just how delicious the scallops are at Fish Cheeks. Cooked with great skill, these morsels are fresh and have a delightful texture that is both tender and satisfying. The expert preparation ensures that the natural flavors of the scallops are allowed to shine, making for a truly memorable dish that is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
11. Johnny's Reef
Serving delicious seafood for over 60 years

Johnny's Reef in City Island is renowned for its delicious and consistent seafood offerings. The restaurant has been serving the community for over half a century and has become a beloved institution for fresh and high-quality seafood. One standout dish is their scallops, which are prepared to perfection and have a fantastic taste that is truly out of this world.
The restaurant has a family-friendly atmosphere and a scenic ambiance that adds to the dining experience. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a nice dinner, Johnny's Reef is the perfect spot. In addition to their famous scallops, customers also rave about their fries, making it a must-try dish for any first-time visitors. With such a long-standing reputation and a wide range of delicious options, Johnny's Reef is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Waterfront
- Dinner
12. Legasea Bar & Grill
Fun-casual dining experience in the heart of Midtown.

The scallops were cooked to perfection, with a beautiful caramelized exterior and tender, delicate interior. The seasoning was expertly balanced, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scallops. This dish was a standout highlight of the entire meal, and left a lasting impression.
The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting and sophisticated, with tasteful decor and soft lighting. The service was prompt and attentive, with friendly waitstaff who were happy to answer questions and make recommendations. While the prices were on the higher end, the large portion sizes, delicious food, and exceptional service made the overall experience worth every penny. The cocktails were also a highlight, with unique and expertly crafted flavors. This was truly a lovely and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
13. Sagaponack in Flatiron District
Unique Asian-Mediterranean seafood experience in Flatiron.

The scallops and beets appetizer is a standout dish, expertly prepared to achieve a perfect balance of flavors. The scallops are cooked to perfection, with a tender and succulent texture that is sure to delight. This exquisite seafood is then beautifully paired with earthy beets, creating a delightful combination that is both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. This dish is an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the restaurant.
Another highlight of the menu is the tuna and avocado timbale. This dish features fresh and flavorful tuna, combined with creamy and rich avocado to create a truly decadent treat. The timbale is artfully crafted, resulting in a visually impressive and delicious dish that is sure to satisfy. Both of these dishes are highly recommended for those looking to enjoy a truly exceptional meal.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Affordable Nightlife
- Gluten-Free
14. SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa
Experience sushi as Chef Nozawa intended: pure and simple.

The scallops served at the restaurant are of exceptional quality. They have a fresh, delicate taste and a satisfyingly tender texture that practically melts in your mouth. This dish is a must-try for any seafood lover.
In addition to the scallops, the tuna sashimi is another standout dish. With its bright red color and fresh, clean flavor, it is truly a delight for the senses. The sashimi is expertly prepared, with each slice being thick and meaty, yet still tender and easy to chew. It is no exaggeration to say that it is one of the best tuna sashimi dishes around. Even those who are not usually fans of raw fish are sure to enjoy this dish.
Overall, the seafood selection at this restaurant is top-notch, with a wide variety of fresh and delicious options to choose from. Whether you are in the mood for scallops, tuna sashimi, or something else entirely, you are sure to be impressed by the quality and flavor of the seafood at this establishment.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Asian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
15. Ocean Prime
Prime steak and seafood in a stunning Midtown setting.

The Sea Scallops Risotto truly impressed with its exquisite taste and presentation. The scallops were cooked to perfection, with a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The risotto itself was masterfully prepared, with a rich and creamy texture that was enhanced by the delightful hints of parmesan cheese and aromatic herbs. The combination of the scallops and risotto was a match made in heaven, resulting in a dish that was both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying to the palate.
Unfortunately, the Sea Scallops with Truffle Mac and Cheese did not live up to the high expectations set by the risotto. Although the scallops were fresh and well-cooked, their flavor was largely overpowered by the strong and pungent truffle sauce that dominated the dish. The mac and cheese component, while creamy and rich, also lacked the balance and finesse present in the risotto, resulting in a heavy and somewhat monotonous flavor profile that failed to truly showcase the quality of the scallops. Overall, while the individual components of the dish were well-prepared, the execution fell short of the heights achieved by the Sea Scallops Risotto.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Affordable Nightlife
- Social Gatherings