Must Try Seafood Buffets Across New York Where Every Bite Tastes Like The Coast

If you love the taste of fresh ocean flavors, New York has some amazing seafood buffets waiting for you. From crispy fried clams to juicy lobster tails, these spots bring the coast right to your plate.

Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving a delicious meal, these buffets offer endless choices that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

1. Studio 54 at Hyatt Regency JFK

Are you ready for a seafood feast that feels like a celebrity experience? Studio 54 at Hyatt Regency JFK serves up an incredible Sunday brunch buffet that’s packed with ocean treasures. You’ll find mountains of fresh shrimp, sweet crab legs, and oysters on ice that taste like they just came from the sea.

The atmosphere makes you feel fancy without being stuffy. Servers constantly refill the trays, so everything stays fresh and delicious. Families love this spot because there’s something for everyone, even picky eaters.

It’s located right near the airport, making it super convenient if you’re traveling. The price might seem high at first, but when you see how much food you get, it’s totally worth it for a special occasion.

2. Ocean Prime Manhattan

When sophistication meets seafood, you get Ocean Prime Manhattan. This place doesn’t do traditional all-you-can-eat buffets every day, but their special event seafood spreads are legendary among New Yorkers who know good food. The raw bar alone could keep you busy for an hour with its variety.

Everything here screams quality over quantity, though you still get plenty to eat. The crab cakes are perfectly seasoned, and the lobster bisque tastes like liquid gold. I especially appreciate how they don’t drown the seafood in heavy sauces.

Located in Midtown, it’s perfect for impressing out-of-town guests or treating yourself after a hard week. Make reservations early because this spot fills up fast, especially during their themed seafood nights.

3. Majestic Buffet in Flushing

How does unlimited crab legs sound for under thirty bucks? Majestic Buffet in Flushing delivers exactly that experience without emptying your wallet. This Queens gem combines Asian flavors with classic American seafood favorites, creating a unique dining adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

The variety here is honestly mind-blowing. One minute you’re grabbing steamed mussels, the next you’re trying spicy crawfish or fresh sushi rolls. They even have coconut shrimp that’s perfectly crispy on the outside.

Weekends get crowded because word has spread about how good this place is. Go during weekday lunch for shorter lines and the same amazing selection. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for bringing kids or large groups without worrying about fancy dress codes.

4. Russo’s On The Bay

Picture yourself eating fresh seafood while watching boats glide across Jamaica Bay. Russo’s On The Bay makes that dream a reality with their spectacular waterfront location and impressive buffet offerings during special events and holidays. The view alone is worth the trip, but the food seals the deal.

Their seafood stations feature everything from peel-and-eat shrimp to baked clams that taste like your Italian grandmother made them. The staff treats you like family, constantly checking if you need anything. You’ll feel pampered from the moment you walk through the door.

This Howard Beach treasure works perfectly for weddings, anniversaries, or Sunday family dinners. The sunset views during evening events create Instagram-worthy moments between bites of delicious lobster tail.

5. Pier 17 Rooftop at Seaport

Did you know you can enjoy a seafood buffet with the Brooklyn Bridge as your backdrop? Pier 17 Rooftop hosts seasonal seafood events that combine stunning views with incredible ocean flavors. The open-air setting makes you feel like you’re dining on a luxury yacht docked in Manhattan.

Their raw bar features oysters from different regions, so you can taste how location changes flavor. The grilled octopus is tender and smoky, while the shrimp cocktail stays ice-cold and refreshing. Everything tastes better when you’re eating outdoors with river breezes.

Summer months bring the best events here, though they sometimes host indoor winter seafood feasts too. Check their event calendar because these special buffets sell out quickly once people discover this hidden gem.

6. Red Lobster Times Square

Though Red Lobster isn’t fancy, their Endless Shrimp promotion turns any visit into a personal buffet experience. The Times Square location buzzes with energy from tourists and locals who know good value when they see it. You pick your shrimp preparations, and they keep bringing more until you wave the white flag.

Those famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits arrive warm at your table before your seafood does. The scampi, fried, and grilled options let you mix flavors throughout your meal. It’s like having a buffet customized just for you without leaving your seat.

Kids eat free on certain days, making this spot budget-friendly for families exploring the city. The central location means you can walk to Broadway shows or other attractions after stuffing yourself with shrimp.

7. Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown

It’s hard to find more authentic seafood experiences than Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Their dim sum brunch operates buffet-style on weekends, featuring fresh catches prepared with traditional Chinese cooking methods. Watching chefs pull live seafood from tanks guarantees freshness you can trust.

The steamed whole fish melts in your mouth, while salt and pepper squid delivers perfect crunch. Don’t skip the congee with seafood toppings it’s comfort food that warms your soul. Carts roll by constantly with new dishes, creating an interactive dining adventure.

Arrive early because lines form fast, especially on Sunday mornings when families gather. The prices stay reasonable despite the prime location, making it accessible for anyone craving coastal flavors without coastal prices.

8. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

When you grill your own seafood at the table, every bite becomes an adventure. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ offers all-you-can-eat options that include premium seafood alongside their famous meats. The interactive cooking experience makes dinner feel like a fun activity rather than just a meal.

Fresh scallops sizzle on your personal grill, caramelizing to perfection under your control. Shrimp skewers and squid pieces cook quickly, so you’re constantly eating hot food. The Japanese marinades add unique flavors you won’t find at typical American seafood spots.

Multiple locations across New York mean you can find one near wherever you’re staying. The lively atmosphere works great for dates, friend groups, or anyone who enjoys hands-on dining experiences that taste like the coast.

9. Brooklyn Crab

Where else can you play mini golf between seafood courses? Brooklyn Crab combines family fun with serious seafood in Red Hook’s waterfront district. Their weekend seafood boils feel like buffets because buckets overflow with crabs, clams, mussels, and corn that’s been soaking up all those delicious flavors.

The casual vibe means you can crack shells without worrying about making a mess. Kids stay entertained with games while adults enjoy cold drinks and hot seafood. Everything arrives seasoned with Old Bay and garlic butter that makes your fingers taste good even after you’ve finished eating.

Summer months transform this place into a coastal paradise despite being in Brooklyn. The Statue of Liberty views remind you that you’re dining in one of the world’s greatest cities while eating like you’re at a beach shack.

10. The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market’s Lobster Place isn’t a traditional sit-down buffet, but it operates like a seafood lover’s paradise where you build your own feast. Walk through and grab lobster rolls from one counter, fresh oysters from another, then finish with sushi from the Japanese station. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure seafood experience.

Everything comes from their fish market, ensuring quality that restaurants pay premium prices for. The casual setup means you can eat standing, walking, or grab a spot at communal tables. Prices vary by item, but you control exactly what you spend.

Located inside one of Manhattan’s coolest food halls, you can explore other vendors between seafood courses. This spot works perfectly for tourists who want to try multiple New York food experiences in one location.

11. Aquagrill in SoHo

If oysters are your obsession, Aquagrill’s weekend brunch buffet belongs on your bucket list. This SoHo institution serves over a dozen oyster varieties alongside other seafood classics that showcase why New York’s restaurant scene is world-famous. The knowledgeable staff explains each oyster’s origin and flavor profile like they’re teaching a delicious geography lesson.

Beyond oysters, you’ll find perfectly poached lobster, smoked salmon that melts on your tongue, and seafood salads dressed just right. The brunch atmosphere feels relaxed yet refined, striking that perfect New York balance. Mimosas flow freely, complementing the briny seafood flavors.

Reservations are absolutely necessary because this place fills up every weekend. The Spring Street location puts you in the heart of SoHo’s shopping district for post-meal adventures.

12. Imperial Palace in Flushing

Though primarily known for banquets, Imperial Palace offers weekend seafood buffets that rival any coastal restaurant. The Flushing location serves Queens’ diverse community with dishes reflecting Chinese coastal cuisine traditions. Whole steamed fish, salt-baked shrimp, and stir-fried clams showcase cooking techniques that preserve natural seafood flavors.

The massive dining room accommodates hundreds, yet service stays attentive and food remains fresh. You’ll discover seafood preparations you’ve never tried before, expanding your culinary horizons. The dessert section even includes sweet red bean soup and mango pudding to cleanse your palate.

Weekday lunches offer better deals than weekend dinners, though both deliver excellent value. Parking can be tricky in downtown Flushing, so consider taking the subway to the last stop on the 7 line.

13. City Island Lobster House

Are you surprised the Bronx has a fishing village vibe? City Island Lobster House transports you to coastal New England without leaving New York City limits. Their seafood feasts during special events pack tables with lobsters, clams, mussels, and all the fixings that make you forget you’re still in the Bronx.

The nautical decor and waterfront views complete the seaside illusion perfectly. Local families have been coming here for generations, passing down the tradition of Sunday seafood dinners. Everything tastes fresh because City Island’s fishing heritage ensures quality catches.

The drive or bus ride to City Island becomes part of the adventure. Once you cross the bridge onto the island, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world where seafood reigns supreme and every meal celebrates the ocean.

14. Katch Astoria

How does a sports bar pull off an impressive seafood brunch buffet? Katch Astoria somehow manages to blend game-day atmosphere with coastal cuisine during their weekend brunch service. The rooftop location adds outdoor vibes that make mimosas and oysters taste even better under the sky.

Their raw bar competes with fancier Manhattan spots while keeping Queens-friendly prices. The fried calamari stays crispy, and the fish tacos pack fresh flavor without being too fancy. You can watch sports on multiple screens while cracking crab legs, living your best multitasking life.

The Astoria neighborhood offers great pre- or post-meal exploration options. This spot proves you don’t need white tablecloths to enjoy excellent seafood sometimes casual environments let you relax and truly savor every coastal bite without pretension.

15. Grand Harmony Restaurant

Grand Harmony Restaurant’s dim sum service operates like a roaming buffet where food comes to you. The Chinatown establishment specializes in Cantonese seafood preparations that highlight natural flavors rather than burying them in heavy sauces. Steamed shrimp dumplings arrive translucent and delicate, while baked crab shells deliver rich, satisfying bites.

Carts circle the dining room constantly, so you’re never waiting long for your next seafood fix. The prices per dish stay incredibly reasonable, letting you sample widely without budget stress. Locals crowd in on weekend mornings, which tells you everything about the quality.

The no-frills atmosphere focuses attention on the food, where it belongs. If you want authentic Chinese seafood experiences that taste like Hong Kong’s best harbors, this Chinatown treasure delivers every single time without fancy presentations or inflated prices.