It should come as no surprise that Nassau County, Long Island is a true seafood lover’s paradise. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Long Island Sound on the other, Nassau County is known for its locally caught fish, briny oysters, and butter-drenched crustaceans served in a myriad of restaurants along its shores.
From crab shacks passed down through generations to elegant, fine dining establishments perched on the water, these are eight of the best seafood restaurants in Nassau County, Long Island.
1. Anchor Down Dockside, Seaford
Seafood and steak are the name of the game at this upscale seafood shack. Located along the Seaford Canal, Anchor Down offers thick cuts of fish, oysters from the raw bar, and a choice of strip steaks or grilled chicken complete with stunning water views from the dock. The restaurant also offers a full vegetarian menu.
Insider’s tip: Try the Baked Clams Oreganata, stuffed with breadcrumbs and butter.
2. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams, Rockville Centre
Bigelow’s has been a Long Island staple since 1939. The restaurant prides itself on bringing the Ipswich clam, a soft-shelled clam, to Long Island—and then frying it to perfection. The menu is filled with breaded, deep-fried options, like the popcorn shrimp, as well as grilled mains, like the Atlantic Swordfish Steak. So, pick up some clams and enjoy them on the patio.
Insider’s tip: Try the New England Clam Chowder, a creamy classic.
You’ll find this casual, seafood joint on the beach, just off Long Beach’s lively boardwalk. This is the kind of establishment where you want to meet up with friends, savor a few cocktails, and dig into a salmon Poke Bowl, chow down on Ahi Tuna Tostadas with pineapple salsa, or split PEI Mussels in saffron cream.
Insider’s tip: Order the Shrimp Nachos with queso fundido and guacamole. You won’t regret it.
4. Jordan Lobster Farms, Island Park
Jordan Lobster Farms is part restaurant, part clam bar—with outdoor dining and a fish market thrown in. Order at the outdoor counter or dine indoors at this casual, seafood restaurant known for its lobster rolls served hot or cold. Diners can also get their fill of fish and chips, fried shrimp, and clam chowder here.
Insider’s tip: Don’t leave empty-handed. You can pick up live lobsters and crab meat at the market.
The seafood at this upscale, Greek restaurant is sourced from all over the globe. Guests can select their fish, displayed on ice, which is then taken into the kitchen to be prepared. Mediterranean-inspired meals are served in the sleek dining room, where the tables are adorned with white tablecloths, or on the outdoor patio in warm weather. The fish-focused menu also features salads, sirloins, and a raw bar.
Insider’s tip: Splurge on the Red Snapper for two.
6. Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood, Port Washington
This fine dining establishment on Manhasset Bay, which recently underwent a renovation, has been dishing up local seafood and killer cocktails since 1905. Louie’s began as a cocktail lounge on a barge before eventually becoming a restaurant on dry land. Today, it offers an extensive menu of elevated dishes, including a selection of freshly caught fish, steaks, and oysters, served with stunning, waterfront views.
Insider’s tip: Swing by during Louie’s happy hour, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays. You can snag bar bites for under $10 and wash them down with a $5 beer or $9 cocktail.
7. Peter’s Clam Bar, Island Park
Opened in 1939 and passed down through generations before it was sold to new owners, Peter’s claims to be Long Island’s oldest clam bar. The menu is filled with a variety of fried and broiled seafood along with a raw bar. However, clams are what Peter’s does best. Grab a seat at the tiki bar on the water and enjoy an order of the Fried Clam Strips.
Insider’s tip: It would be a travesty to go to Peter’s Clam Bar and not order the clams. Try the Baked Clams, made with herbs and garlic.
This bright, casual spot, with a sister location in Staten Island, is focused on fresh ingredients used in Greek-inspired dishes. These include favorites like Baked Maine Cod, Grilled Octopus, and Lemon Sole. Many patrons also visit this spot for its raw bar, which offers half a dozen oysters or little neck clams from New York served with lemon, lime, horseradish, and cocktail sauce.
Insider’s tip: Try the Lobster Bisque, a French soup made with lobster claw meat.
