Aquagrill

210 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 212-274-0505

Description: SOHO. With a menu almost exclusively devoted to seafood, Aquagrill is an excellent pick for diners who want great choice and unparalleled options. Try lobster or salmon prepared to your specifications, or come early, eat oysters and people-watch. No matter what you do, save room for a perfectly prepared dessert. Locals also rave about Aquagrill's brunches, and single diners can get a great meal at the bar. TRAIN: C, E to Spring St
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Aquavit

65 E 55th St, between Park & Madison Aves, New York, NY 10019-5404 212-307-7311

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Ever wanted to dine like the Rockefellers? Aquavit, which is located in one of the famous family's former town homes, may be your best bet. This elegant restaurant is noteworthy for its lovely atrium, which includes a waterfall and dramatic lighting. The menu offers diners Swedish cuisine that should not be missed. A three-course prix fixe meal may begin with an appetizer like smoked and seared foie gras or assorted Scandinavian hors d 'oeuvres; move on to such entrées as honey glazed duck or smoked venison, and conclude with one of the chef's own special dessert dishes. TRAIN: Q to 57th St
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BLT Fish

21 W 17th St, between 5th and 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-691-8888

Description: UNION SQUARE. Laurent Tourondel's culinary caper (the B stands for "Bistro") in the Flatiron District has really caught on with the cool crowd. Set on the third level of a restored townhouse this upscale seafooder features suede covered walls, walnut tables, bone china and (most notably) a retractable roof. Fresh fish and shellfish, presented at the table, include Chilean turbot, South Pacific swordfish and Tourondel's signature Cantonese red snapper. For more terrene palates, there is a seasonal meat or fowl dish. The more casual first-level (the Fish Shack) recalls a New England fish house and features ditties like fish & chips and clam chowder. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W to Union Square-14th St
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Blue Water Grill

31 Union Square W, at 16th St, New York, NY 10003 212-675-9500

Description: UNION SQUARE. Marble columns and atrium spaces handle the sizable crowds that this renovated Union Square bank attracts. A massive raw bar, excellent seafood, "cool" jazz room and the option of outside seating have made Blue Water Grill a haven for young downtowners and those who appreciate a variety of delicious seafood dishes and first-rate service. Reservations recommended. Dress is business casual. Daily lunch prix-fixe $24. TRAIN: 6, N, R to 14th St-Union Sq
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Caviar Russe Restaurant & Wave Sushi

538 Madison Ave, between 54th and 55th St, New York, NY 10022 212-980-5908

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Those who appreciate life's finer amenities dine frequently at Caviar Russe and lend much applause to the space for its elegant environs and first-class service. Tables sit a level up from famed Madison Avenue, affording the well-heeled patrons scenery befitting a meal of caviar (of course) and Haruo Kimura's legendary nigiri and maki. At $45, the three-course Sunday brunch is an affair to remember ­ one that forces the diner to make some tough decisions. Will the appetizer of choice be lobster bisque or a potato pancake with red caviar? And for the main, caviar eggs benedict or jumbo shrimp cocktail? Serious matters, indeed. Tasting menu is $95. TRAIN: E, F to 5th Ave; 6 to Lexington Ave
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Francisco's Centro Vasco

159 W 23rd St., between 6th & 7th Ave, New York, NY 10011 212-645-6224

Description: CHELSEA. What with the big lobster sign out front, it's hard to miss this eatery, a neighborhood favorite for more than 20 years. Francisco's is THE place to go in Chelsea if lobster is on your mind ­ How does a 40 lb. behemoth topped with cheese and served with paella sound? They also serve a variety of other Spanish-influenced dishes as well as some really great (and rather potent) sangria. Dinner reservations are suggested, especially on the weekends. TRAIN: F, 1, 9 to 23 St
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Fuleen Seafood

11 Division St, between Catherine & Market St, New York, NY 10002 212-941-6888

Description: CHINATOWN. A top place for seafood in Chinatown, this restaurant doesn't assault diners with overblown cosmetics, and you won't find much in the way of pretense here. No, Fuleen excels in the art of preparing fresh seafood ­ How fresh? Well, don't think for a minute that all those saltwater tanks are part of the decor! Sometimes a little messy but always good, their Hong Kong-style dishes range from Dungeness crabs with black bean sauce to fresh, steamed flounder with ginger and scallions. TRAIN: F to East Broadway
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Grand Central Oyster Bar and Restaurant

42nd St and Park Ave, Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY 10017 212-490-6650

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. The famous Oyster Bar dates from 1913 and continues to provide first-rate seafood dishes to business people, socialites and foreign dignitaries. This classy restaurant hearkens back to the Gilded Age, when the "spare no expense" mentality reigned supreme. Head Chef Sandy Ingber's seafood specials change seasonally and include over 25 varieties of oysters, soft-shell crab and her highly regarded herring. The lunch counter offers a great place to enjoy the daily paper or to have a business lunch over an oyster pan roast or your favorite stew. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to Grand Central-42nd St
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Harbour Lights

89 South St, South Street Seaport - Pier 17, New York, NY 10038-3510 212-227-2800

Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. This South Street Seaport restaurant sees a fair share of tourists each day. Nevertheless, it has managed to maintain a certain air of mystique, due in part to its unparalleled view of New York Harbor. The fashionable restaurant offers guests the chance to dine on New American cuisine in a fairly elegant environment. During warmer months, you can take weekend brunch on the deck and enjoy watching the action on the harbor and nearby Brooklyn Bridge. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
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Kanoyama

175 2nd Ave, at 11th St, New York, NY 10003 212-777-5266

Description: EAST VILLAGE. Streamlined and spare, this East Village sushi joint draws a loyal following thanks to its focus on lesser known varieties of fish ­ the relatively modest prices help, too. Mains are divided into two categories (those from the sushi bar and those from kitchen) and range from the four-shrimp Tempura Special to Omakase Sashimi (samplings of the day's nine best fish), respectively. In fact, perhaps the one thing at Kanoyama that gives the sushi a run for its money is the selection of sake ­ from Honjozo to Ginjo, they serve eight types and a few dozen brands. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6, W, N, Q, R, L to Union Sq
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Lure Fishbar

142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012 212-431-7676

Description: SOHO. Portholes, teak paneling, angular passageways and windows, cabin-inspired private rooms, and arched ceilings ­ Lure certainly impresses first-timers with its luxury liner motif. That said, it's the food ­ the truest measure of a restaurant's capacity for staying afloat ­ that makes this place SoHo's fashionable choice for fish and seafood. Those opting for bar food dining can enjoy Puget Sound oysters, artic char or Littleneck clams; meanwhile, the "Fish Board" features options like grilled swordfish with soy-ginger marinade and bay leaf-crusted seared tuna. TRAIN B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette; R, W to Prince St; 6 to Bleeker
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Mary's Fish Camp

64 Charles St, Corner of 4th St, New York, NY 10014 646-486-2185

Description: WEST VILLAGE. Located on the bustling corner of West Fourth, this fish camp serves up seafood so fresh it's as if the restaurant were situated waterside, right at the dock where fishermen return from the sea. Starting with the freshest ingredients, Chef Mary Redding delivers perfectly prepared dishes, such as lightly battered fried shrimp, lobster knuckles with drawn butter, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, and lobster rolls with large chunks of mayonnaise-dressed lobster on buttery buns. Beware: lines can be long, so it's worth arriving early to stake a claim on a prime table. Reservations not accepted. Takeout available.
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New Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar

101 2nd Ave, between 5th & 6th St, New York, NY 10079 212-979-1012

Description: EAST VILLAGE. A converted carriage house, with walls now dressed in red and white plaid, provides the setting for this intimate little East Villager, where traditional French bistro and New Orleans fare find their confluence. Fish and seafood headline this tour de force ­ from oysters Rockefeller with pancetta and spinach to lobster flavored by spices from the Big Easy. As space is limited (the place can seat, perhaps, two dozen people) and Jack's reputation seems to grow daily, reservations are essential. Tasting menu $50. TRAIN: 6 to Astor Pl
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Oceana

1221 Ave of the Americas, at 49th St, New York, NY 10020 212-759-5941

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. Step into Oceana and you'll feel as if you've been transported to a luxury ocean liner in the Atlantic. The restaurant's philosophy is "to enhance the simple perfection of each ingredient." To that end, the menu features uncomplicated dishes, expertly prepared. For starters, try yellowfin tuna tartare with horseradish sorbet and follow it with Atlantic halibut in almond tea crust. Desserts are fabulous ­ pistachio semifreddo is a favorite, as is the cinnamon apple doughnut with Calvados ice cream. A selection from the solid wine list provides an apt complement, and service is knowledgeable and friendly.
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Oriental Garden

14 Elizabeth St, between Canal & Bayard St, New York, NY 10013 212-619-0085

Description: CHINATOWN. The Oriental Garden is the Chinatown fresh seafood specialist. Don't even give the white Formica a second glance. Here, the fresh fish, shrimp, and crab are pulled live and prepared to your satisfaction. Steamed fresh vegetables add the perfect complement to your meal. TRAIN: J, M, Z to Canal St
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Pampano

209 E 49th St, between 2nd & 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-751-4545

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. Expect no burritos or chile rellanos at this suave Midtowner, which is seeking to refine the concept of Modern Mexican cuisine. Indeed, Chef Richard Sandoval combines the art of haute cuisine with a strong passion for his native Mexico. This marriage results in a dining experience that is simply unparalleled. Start with the three or four-ceviche tasting or, perhaps, the octopus and aurugla salad. From there, Sandoval truly shines, as the main courses include golden bass with huitlacoche flan, swordfish with potato-caper fondue, and grilled chicken with requesón-huitlacoche and grilled cactus. TRAIN: 4, 5, 6 to 51st St; E to Lexington Ave
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Pearl Oyster Bar

18 Cornelia St, New York, NY 10014 212-691-8211

Description: WEST VILLAGE. There's a reason this small, intimate storefront eatery is called Pearl. It's a rare find that is absolutely perfect. Honestly priced and honestly the best seafood south of Maine. Try the grilled sweet pompano sprigged with fresh rosemary, blue point oysters packed in ice or the fresh lobster roll served with hand-cut French fries. But wait (and you may have to!), there's more to this experience...finish with a large wedge of blueberry pie or a butterscotch parfait. TRAIN: A, C, E, B, D, F, and Q, at W 4th St, Washington Sq
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Sea Grill

19 W 49th St, Rockefeller Center, New York, NY 10020 212-332-7610

Description: MIDTOWN WEST. The rink at Rockefeller Center never looked as good as it does from the windows of this chic seafooder, whose offerings run from hand-prepared sushi and sashimi to more complex numbers like grilled whole Australian barramundi with haricot vert, spice-crusted Hokkaido sea scallops, and Portuguese sardines prepared à la Plancha. The scene, meanwhile, combines the calming essence of the sea with a sense of big city sophistication. TRAIN: B, D, F, V at Rockefeller Center, 47-50 St
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Spice Market

403 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014 212-675-2322

Description: MEATPACKING DISTRICT. Located in the far west corner of the Village, an area known as the Meatpacking District, this key player in Chef Jean-George Vongerichten's restaurant empire takes the hawker (street) fare of Southeast Asia and gives it a contemporary, some say sexy, interpretation. Indeed, dishes like Vongerichten's pork vindaloo, mussels steamed in lemongrass, and curried duck are nothing short of unforgettable. With its antique art imported from Burma, India and Malaysia, embroidered curtains, and exotic furniture, the restaurant itself is a cool product of conceptual design. TRAIN: A, C, E, L to 14th St
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Sushi Yasuda

204 E 43rd St, between 2nd and 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017 212-972-1001

Description: MIDTOWN EAST. If you are looking to feast on raw fish in an elegant environment graced by bamboo paneling and intimate lighting, your search for a restaurant is over. Sushi Yasuda offers exotic dining options from the appetizers to the desserts. Try the sashimi or the cherrystone clam, and finish off with the red-bean ice cream or the green-tea ice cream--definitely an indulgence that's worth it. TRAIN: S, 4, 5, 6, 7 to 42nd St-Grand Central
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