Where to Enjoy the Best Oysters in New York

Early autumn is oyster season. Though freshly shucked oysters are enjoyable all year round—with a glass of Champagne at the beach, a bottle of rose on a boat—many say that oysters are best in months containing the letter “R.” Following the May–August spawning season, the ocean is replenished with healthy, tasty oysters oh so ready for your consumption. Not only are oysters naturally high in protein and low in fat, they’re packed with important vitamins like calcium, vitamin D, zinc and many more doctor-approved nutrients. So get slurping. Here, a roundup of where to find the best oysters in New York.

Maison Premiere

Step out of Williamsburg and into Paris in a prior century at this classic New Orleans meets France meets New York oyster bar. An absinthe drip and sultry tunes will transport you to simpler times, when slurping oysters and drinking cocktails was so much more important than checking your iPhone.

Aqua Grill

This luxe downtown restaurant is serious about their seafood and offers some of the freshest oysters in NYC. A special daily selection offers over 20 varieties of oysters from the East and West Coasts. An excellent wine list pairs perfectly with an oyster sampler.

The John Dory Oyster Bar

Located in the Ace Hotel and its exterior patio, this oyster bar is absolutely a people-watching hot spot. Sit in a neon chair during happy hour, order a cocktail and start slurping bivalves as you check out the scene at John Dory. East and West Coast varieties are both available, and you probably won’t regret a tri-level seafood plateau that include poached lobster and blue crab.

Momofuku Ssäm

Ssäm is the only restaurant in the Momofuku empire to offer a full raw bar, and we’re glad they do! Washburn Island Oysters from Massachusetts are serving with a tasty plum mignonette and grilled Blue Wale Oysters from the coasts of New York are served with ramp, golden raisins and cripy bread crumbs. Each are totally unique and ofter a fantastic oyster experience.

Pearl Oyster Bar

While slurping newly shucked oysters is probably the best way to consume them, deep fried oysters come in at a close second. This chic Greenwich Village seafood restaurant serves half shells chilled with fresh lemon or freshly fried for a satisfying crispy bite.

Jeffery’s Grocery

West Village seafood restaurant Jeffrey’s Grocery is a must-visit when it comes to oysters. A daily of selection of oysters offers some of the freshest around, and the plateaus du mer are elegantly presented with lobster cocktail, littleneck clams and whelks. Grilled oysters with garlic butter, parmesan and French bread are also a fantastic indulgent treat!

The Lead Belly

This bar is all about oysters and cocktails, two simple pleasures that add up to make a spectacular evening. A daily rotating selection of oysters is available by the half dozen and supplemented with drinks using fresh cucumber juice, beet juice, cantaloupe, and other tasty ingredients.