15 New York Delis You Can’t Miss For The Best Fried Fish Sandwiches In Town
New York City knows how to do food right, and fried fish sandwiches are no exception.
From Harlem classics to upscale seafood spots, the city serves up crispy, flaky fish tucked into fresh bread that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re craving a budget-friendly bite or something fancy, I’ve rounded up the absolute best places to grab this iconic sandwich.
1. Famous Fish Market
Craving a sandwich that’s been perfected over nearly five decades?
This Harlem legend has been frying up whole whiting since 1974, creating a crunchy masterpiece that locals can’t get enough of.
The address is 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030.
You’ll find whole whiting coated in seasoned cornmeal crust that delivers the perfect crunch with every bite.
They serve it simple on white bread with hot sauce, letting the fish shine through.
The prices stay friendly at $10-20, making it accessible for everyone. That golden exterior gives way to tender, flaky fish inside.
With over 2,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, people clearly love what they’re getting here.
It’s the kind of place where tradition meets flavor in the most delicious way possible.
2. Sea & Sea Fish Market
Options galore await you at this Harlem market where fish lovers can pick from seven different varieties for their sandwich.
Catfish, whiting, porgie, bluefish, flounder, red snapper, and kingfish all get the crispy treatment here.
Located at 310 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10027, this spot keeps things affordable.
Prices range from just $5.50 to $7, which means you can try multiple types without breaking the bank.
Each sandwich gets fried fresh, delivering that satisfying crunch we all crave.
The market atmosphere adds authenticity to your experience, making you feel like a true local.
With 497 reviews giving it a solid 4.2 rating, customers appreciate both quality and value. I love how they give you choices without complicating things.
3. Grand Central Oyster Bar
Fancy meeting fish in one of Manhattan’s most iconic locations?
This legendary oyster bar puts a French spin on the fried fish sandwich with their Bouillabaisse creation.
You’ll find it at 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, right inside Grand Central Terminal.
The sandwich features saffron-infused flavors paired with arugula, fennel, and shallot, elevating the humble fish sandwich to gourmet status.
A perfectly cooked fish fillet sits at the heart of this sophisticated offering.
Prices range from $50-100, reflecting the upscale setting and quality ingredients.
Over 4,000 reviews maintain a 4.2-star rating, proving that even at higher prices, people value excellence.
It’s perfect for when you want to treat yourself to something special while catching a train or exploring Midtown.
4. Lure Fishbar
Ever had fish so fresh it was still swimming that morning?
This SoHo hotspot serves whole fish sandwiches featuring the daily catch, often black sea bass prepared tempura-style.
The restaurant sits at 142 Mercer St, New York, NY 10012, in the heart of downtown Manhattan.
They bake their own rolls in-house, adding an extra layer of quality to each sandwich.
Preserved lemon aioli and pickled vegetables bring brightness and tang that perfectly complement the crispy fish.
Expect to spend $100+ here, but you’re paying for premium ingredients and expert preparation.
With 2,134 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, diners consistently praise the freshness and creativity.
The tempura batter creates an incredibly light, crispy coating that doesn’t overwhelm the delicate fish flavor underneath.
5. Baby’s Buns & Buckets
Brooklyn knows comfort food, and this spot delivers it with a fried fish bun that hits all the right notes.
Generous portions of fried Basa fish come nestled in soft baby brioche buns that feel like clouds.
Head to 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn, NY 11201, to try this satisfying creation.
Garlic mayo and garlic chili sauce add bold flavors that wake up your palate with every bite.
The combination of textures crispy fish and pillowy bun creates pure sandwich harmony.
Prices stay reasonable at $10-20, making it great for a casual meal.
With 166 reviews earning a 4.6-star rating, this newer spot has quickly won over locals.
I appreciate how they keep things simple but delicious, focusing on quality ingredients and bold flavors.
6. Lobster Place
Markets aren’t just for buying groceries this Chelsea Market gem proves they’re also for eating incredibly fresh seafood.
Their crispy fish sandwich features fried barramundi, a fish known for its mild, buttery flavor.
Located at 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, inside the famous Chelsea Market food hall.
Lettuce, pickles, and tartar sauce provide classic accompaniments that never go out of style.
The sesame bun adds a subtle nuttiness and holds everything together beautifully.
Prices range from $30-50, reflecting the quality of the seafood and prime location.
Over 3,500 reviews maintain a 4.5-star rating, showing consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
The market atmosphere means you’re getting fish from people who really know their seafood, which makes all the difference in taste and freshness.
7. Red Hook Lobster Pound
Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood houses this seafood shack that does more than just lobster rolls.
Their fried fish sandwich brings New England-style preparation to New York streets.
You can find them at multiple locations throughout Brooklyn, with the original at 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231.
Thick-cut fish gets battered and fried until golden, creating that satisfying crunch we all seek.
They toast the roll, adding another textural element that prevents sogginess.
The nautical theme creates a fun, casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal.
Prices hover around $20-30, reasonable for the portion size and quality.
Their focus on sustainable seafood means you can feel good about what you’re eating.
The sandwich comes dressed simply, allowing the quality of the fish to speak for itself without unnecessary distractions.
8. Court Street Grocers
Sandwiches are an art form at this beloved Brooklyn deli that takes classic combinations and makes them extraordinary.
Their fried fish sandwich showcases how good ingredients and careful preparation create magic.
The shop operates at 485 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood.
Homemade coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, while remoulade sauce brings creamy, tangy complexity.
Artisan bread from local bakeries provides the foundation for this towering creation.
They fry the fish to order, ensuring maximum crispiness every single time.
The deli atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, like visiting a friend who happens to make incredible food.
Prices range from $15-25, fair for the quality and generous portions.
Each component receives individual attention, resulting in a sandwich where every bite delivers balanced flavors and textures that work together perfectly.
9. Seamore’s
Sustainability meets deliciousness at this seafood-focused restaurant committed to responsible fishing practices.
Their fried fish sandwich changes based on what’s fresh and available, keeping things interesting for repeat visitors.
They have locations throughout Manhattan, including 390 Broome St, New York, NY 10013, in Nolita.
Cabbage slaw provides crunch and freshness, while spicy mayo adds a kick that wakes up your taste buds.
The potato roll offers a slightly sweet contrast to the savory fish and spicy sauce.
Everything here focuses on traceable, sustainable seafood, so you know exactly where your fish comes from.
Prices range from $20-30, reflecting their commitment to quality sourcing.
The modern, bright atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
Their rotating fish selection means you might try something new each visit, expanding your seafood horizons.
10. Luke’s Lobster
Maine-style seafood shacks inspired this chain that brings New England flavors to New York streets.
While famous for lobster rolls, their fried fish sandwich deserves equal attention and praise.
Multiple locations exist citywide, including 426 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024, on the Upper West Side.
Crispy cod gets the starring role, battered and fried until perfectly golden and crunchy.
Lettuce and tartar sauce keep things classic and familiar, never trying to overcomplicate a good thing.
The buttered split-top bun is authentically New England, toasted to add richness and prevent sogginess.
Prices stay moderate at $15-20, making it accessible for regular visits.
The simple, clean shops focus attention on the food rather than fancy decor.
Each sandwich delivers consistent quality, which is why they’ve successfully expanded while maintaining their reputation for freshness and flavor.
11. Brooklyn Crab
Waterfront dining elevates any meal, and this Red Hook restaurant pairs gorgeous views with seriously good seafood.
Their fried fish sandwich incorporates Old Bay seasoning, bringing Maryland crab house vibes to Brooklyn.
The address is 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, right on the water with stunning Manhattan skyline views. Coleslaw adds cooling crunch that balances the spiced, crispy fish perfectly.
A brioche bun provides buttery richness that complements rather than competes with the fish.
The outdoor seating area makes summer visits especially memorable, combining great food with beautiful scenery.
Prices range from $20-35, reasonable given the location and quality.
Families love this spot because kids can play in the outdoor area while adults relax.
The Old Bay seasoning brings a unique twist that sets this sandwich apart from typical New York offerings.
12. Aqua Best Seafood Restaurant
Chinatown brings its own twist to the fried fish sandwich, incorporating Asian flavors and techniques.
This restaurant specializes in seafood prepared with Chinese cooking methods that create unique textures and tastes.
You’ll find them at 81 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002, in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown.
Pickled vegetables add tangy brightness, while spicy mayo provides creamy heat that tingles your tongue.
The soft white bun contrasts beautifully with the ultra-crispy fish coating.
Their frying technique creates an incredibly light, shatteringly crisp batter that stays crunchy longer than typical breading.
Prices stay budget-friendly at $10-15, reflecting Chinatown’s generally affordable dining scene.
The combination of Chinese and American sandwich traditions creates something truly special and different.
If you’re tired of the same old flavors, this fusion approach offers exciting new taste experiences.
13. Randazzo’s Clam Bar
Italian-American cuisine meets seafood at this Sheepshead Bay institution that’s been feeding Brooklyn families for generations.
Their fried fish sandwich takes inspiration from fish parmesan, creating a unique hybrid.
Located at 2017 Emmons Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235, right on the water in Sheepshead Bay.
Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella transform the sandwich into something reminiscent of a fish parmesan hero.
The long hero roll provides plenty of space for generous portions of fish and toppings.
This isn’t your typical fried fish sandwich it’s heartier and more filling, perfect for big appetites.
Prices range from $15-25, fair for the substantial portion sizes.
The waterfront location means you can watch boats while eating, adding to the experience.
Old-school Italian-American hospitality makes everyone feel like family here, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back for decades.
14. Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.
Markets that also serve prepared food offer the best of both worlds you can shop and eat in one stop.
This Greenpoint spot sells fresh seafood while also frying up incredible sandwiches at their attached cafe.
The market sits at 114 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, in trendy Greenpoint.
Crispy flounder provides a delicate, flaky texture that melts in your mouth beneath the crunchy coating.
House-made pickles add tangy crunch and show their commitment to doing things from scratch.
The seeded roll adds nutty flavor and interesting texture to every bite.
Prices range from $15-20, reasonable for the freshness and quality you’re getting.
Shopping for seafood to take home while smelling delicious fried fish creates serious temptation.
The staff knows their fish intimately since they handle it daily, so they can answer any questions about what you’re eating.
15. The Fulton
Fine dining doesn’t mean abandoning comfort food this upscale restaurant proves you can elevate a fried fish sandwich to art.
Their version features herb-crusted cod that adds aromatic complexity to traditional frying.
The restaurant operates at 318 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012, in the NoHo neighborhood.
Arugula brings peppery bite that cuts through the richness of fried fish beautifully.
Lemon aioli adds bright, creamy tanginess that ties all the flavors together harmoniously.
Artisan bread from specialty bakeries provides a sturdy yet tender foundation.
Prices reach $30-40, reflecting the upscale preparation and prime Manhattan location.
The elegant atmosphere makes this perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress someone.
Despite the fancy setting, the sandwich remains approachable and satisfying, proving that elevated doesn’t mean pretentious or inaccessible to regular folks.
