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Whitefish and fish in New York

Sometimes a simple plate of whitefish is the only thing that feels right. It is the kind of meal that settles the day.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dame image 1
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Seafood restaurant

Tiny seafood spot shines with smoked whitefish croquettes that are crispy and juicy. Fish and chips offer a crispy exterior and tender inside, while scallops and oysters bring bold flavors. Cozy, intimate vibe with romantic lighting and a lively bar view of the kitchen.

Smoked whitefish appears in several dishes like croquettes with chili oil sauce and brandade, offering a crispy outside and soft inside. The whitefish croquettes stand out with a juicy, flavorful bite and a satisfying crunchy crust.

Fish and chips stand out with a crispy exterior and soft interior, making them a highlight. Other seafood options like scallops appetizer and grilled oysters also deliver strong flavors and quality.

People are saying

"The fish and chips here are a must-try, especially the chips."

"The fish and chips here are a must-try, with yummy British style."

"The whitefish in the fish and chips is tender with an excellent crisp."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least three weeks in advance to dine at reasonable times.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, making reservations essential.

3

Expect to pay over $125 per person if ordering wine.

02
Curley's Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop with a clean, renovated interior and no indoor seating creates an upbeat, lively atmosphere. Benches outside offer a place to sit and enjoy the surroundings. The vibe feels friendly and cozy despite the busy, loud environment.

Salads feature a refreshing flavor that pairs well with bagels. Options include a whitefish salad and a whitefish and egg salad, both tasty and satisfying.

White fish salad stands out with its creamy texture and fresh flavor. The jalapeno cheddar bagel combines white fish, cheddar, bacon, and lettuce for a rich, layered taste.

People are saying

"These bagels are crispy outside, fluffy inside, and just crazy good."

"The whitefish salad here is so refreshing and delicious."

"I enjoyed the white fish salad; it's the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

BEC is available twice a week.

2

This place is take out only.

3

Customers should get there early because thereโ€™s always a line.

03
Russ & Daughters image 1

Bagel shop with a retro style and modern, sleek design offers free cream cheese samples and self-serve seating. Atmosphere shifts from peaceful and pleasant during slow times to loud and crowded on busy days. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the friendly and energetic vibe.

Whitefish shines in the whitefish bagel and whitefish salad sandwich, both fresh and flavorful. Classic deli favorites like whitefish salad bring a nostalgic touch with rich, creamy textures.

Smoked fish stands out with gourmet ingredients and a variety of options like smoked salmon and white fish. Bagels come with simple spreads or cream cheese, and tasting different fish before choosing is common.

People are saying

"I found the bagels here to be delicious."

"The smoked fish here is delicate, with salmon and sable being standouts."

"The whitefish salad bagel is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

You need to get a ticket before ordering to join the queue.

2

Expect to wait at least 30 minutes during peak hours.

3

To avoid the wait, consider ordering online for pickup.

04
Russ & Daughters Cafe image 1
American restaurant

Interior mimics an old-school diner with retro vibe and classy servers in white lab coats. Atmosphere feels warm and homey yet somewhat sterile and quiet while ordering. Known for classic bagel and lox, it draws those seeking a historic Jewish deli experience.

Whitefish dishes include croquettes with fresh dill and lemon, keeping them light and not greasy. The whitefish salad is breaded and fried, served with lemon and remoulade, offering a refreshing balance with house-made tartar sauce.

Smoked fish stands out with freshness and unique flavors like spiced herring. The selection pairs well with bagels and spreads, offering a variety of hot and cold smoked options.

People are saying

"The bagels here are awesome, especially with the smoked salmon."

"The smoked fish here is silky, perfectly sliced, and not overly salty."

"The whitefish croquettes were light and refreshing with dill and lemon."

Good to know

1

Making a reservation is necessary to avoid a wait of over an hour.

2

Expect to wait on busy weekend mornings; arrive early to get on the list.

3

No reservations are accepted, so expect long waits on weekends.

05
Apollo Bagels image 1
Bagel shop

Small, minimalist bagel shop with a clean, uncluttered interior and 1950s diner-inspired decor. Atmosphere feels simple and professional with a friendly vibe from staff, but no indoor seating available. Bagels have a crispy exterior and airy inside, often served open face with Montreal-style influence.

Whitefish salad comes moist and full of fish flavor with pickles, peppers, dill, and cucumbers. It pairs well on an everything bagel or a sesame seed bagel with cream cheese or jam.

White fish dishes stand out with creamy, tangy flavor and a good balance of fish and cream cheese. The white fish salad is moist and full of fish flavor, while the white fish bagel offers lots of flavor in every bite.

People are saying

"These bagels are the best I've ever had."

"You've got to try the white fish bagel; it's awesome."

"I loved the whitefish salad bagel; it was awesome."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on weekends; arrive early to avoid waiting.

2

There is only outdoor seating available; no indoor options exist.

3

The everything bagel costs $16, which is considered expensive.

06
Monkey Bar image 1
American restaurant

Bar area features Jazz Age murals and dim, intimate lighting that create an elegant, old-school Manhattan vibe. The space combines classic New York decor with lively jazz music and a bustling bar scene. Patrons enjoy carefully crafted cocktails and a setting that feels like stepping into another era.

Whitefish features prominently in a smoked Caesar salad that stands out for its flavor. It pairs well with other appetizers like steak tartare and shrimp cocktail.

Miso cod stands out as a highlight, cooked to absolute perfection. White fish appears in dishes like the white fish Caesar, which exceeds expectations.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the cheeseburger, is outstanding."

"The Whitefish Caesar salad is top tier and a must-try."

"The white fish Caesar salad is fresh and well-balanced."

Good to know

1

A reservation is effectively REQUIRED to be seated for dinner service.

2

They take reservations 14 days in advance at 9am.

3

Without wine, expect to spend at least $100-150 for a meal.

07
Sable's Smoked Fish image 1

Smoked fish takes center stage with an incredible range and exceptional quality that draws locals. The atmosphere feels old school and family-owned, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Bagels accompany the fish, though they lack the classic chewiness found elsewhere.

Salads here feature fresh, smoky whitefish and lobster with a rich, baked texture. Smoked salmon varieties include Scottish, Canadian, and pastrami style, paired often with bagels for a classic combo.

Smoked fish here stays fresh with a perfect, never-too-salty flavor. The selection includes top-quality salmon, gefilte fish that is not sweet, and excellent white fish salad that stands out from others.

People are saying

"The smoked fish here is outstanding and melts in your mouth."

"The Whitefish salad here is the best I've ever had."

"The lobster salad sandwich here is life-changing."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is under $5 and lunch is under $15, including hot soup.

2

The price for a sandwich is $12.

3

The belly lox was $60 per pound, which is 50% more than at Zabarโ€™s or Fairway.

08
Zucker's Bagels & Smoked Fish image 1

Bagel shop offers New York flair with jazz music and plenty of seating designed for quick meals. Atmosphere feels casual with free WiFi and a view out the window. Bagels feature crispy outside and soft inside texture with notable smoked salmon.

Whitefish comes as a salad and in a bagel sandwich. The whitefish salad is a key feature, especially in the max Zucker style.

Super-fresh, high-quality fish stands out here, especially the white fish and fish salad. The fish pairs well with bagels and simple toppings like butter and cucumbers.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels were perfectly chewy and delicious."

"I adored Zucker's whitefish salad."

"The fish salad here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Gluten-free and vegan bagels are available for those with dietary restrictions.

2

A plain bagel with cream cheese and coffee costs around $10.

3

Expect additional charges for cream cheese and other toppings.

09
Barney Greengrass image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Old school New York deli with cramped seating and an authentic vintage vibe. Staff maintain a classic atmosphere while outdoor seating offers a more spacious option. The place feels cozy yet bustling, reflecting true Upper West Side character.

Whitefish salad features a creamy texture and fresh flavor. Other smoked fish options like lox and sable complement the selection.

Smoked fish stands out with pastrami salmon and a sturgeon sandwich on a bagel. White fish salad scores high for taste and portion size without bones.

People are saying

"I found the salmon bagel sandwich worth every penny."

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"I dreamed of the whitefish salad here."

Good to know

1

This restaurant only accepts cash; no credit cards are allowed.

2

Cash is the only payment method, so come prepared.

3

Expect long lines; visit during the week for shorter waits.

10
Zucker's Bagels and Smoked Fish image 1

Cozy bagel shop with an old school Jewish feel and hand-rolled fresh bagels creates a busy and lively atmosphere. Seating is tight but ample, including a long bar/table for groups. The vibe is authentic and bustling, typical of a New York spot.

Whitefish comes in fresh and flavorful forms like the whitefish bagel and whitefish salad sandwich. Specials often feature smoked whitefish paired with bagels and cream cheese for a classic taste.

Smoked fish options like Nova lox and white fish salad stand out with a gourmet quality. The smoked fish is fresh and pairs well with classic New York bagels.

People are saying

"I considered these some of the best bagels I've had in NYC."

"I enjoyed the whitefish salad sandwich; it was fresh and flavorful."

"The fish here is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Zuckers opens at 0700 for early breakfast.

2

Ordering online is recommended due to high foot traffic.

3

The bagel sandwich costs $21, so plan your budget accordingly.

11
Zabar's image 1
Gourmet grocery store

Gourmet grocery store with old-world charm and an edgy omni-deli ambiance filled with the aroma of specialty cheeses and coffee. Crowded with serious shoppers, the atmosphere can feel tense but remains a local institution known for its unique bakery and extensive gourmet cookwear upstairs.

Smoked whitefish and whitefish salad stand out with top-notch flavor and creamy texture. Whitefish pate and tails also appear regularly, paired often with pickles or potato latkes.

Smoked fish stands out with excellent quality and hand slicing that looks like art. The lox bagel offers a delicious, generous portion at a fair price.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels here were the greatest ever."

"Their smoked fish is outstanding and perfectly made."

"I thought the whitefish salad here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is abysmal, so plan accordingly.

2

There is no restroom available for customers.

3

The #1 subway stop is right next to Zabar's for easy access.

12
gertrudeโ€™s image 1

Restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with cramped tables and dark lighting that creates an intimate vibe. Creative cocktails and a menu featuring familiar dishes with unique twists attract a lively, convivial crowd. Outdoor patio seating includes heaters, making it comfortable for groups despite tight spaces.

Whitefish croquettes stand out with strong quality and flavor. The whitefish salad tends to be overly creamy with little fish, served as a gloopy, mayonnaisey mess on a small plate.

Smoked fish comes in a tower platter great for groups. Whole fish arrives perfectly cooked and pairs well with fries and Niรงoise salad. White fish features in both a bagel melt and a salad, with the melt standing out more.

People are saying

"The food here is unreal, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared."

"The whole fish here is amazing and perfectly cooked."

"The whitefish salad and croquettes were next level."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Happy hour features $10 martinis and $3 oysters from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Gluten-free options are available, including bagels and burger buns.

13
Ess-a-Bagel image 1
Bagel shop

Bagel shop offers crowded, chaotic atmosphere with long lines and limited indoor seating. The space feels cramped and noisy, with a distinctive aroma filling the air. Customers often find it hectic but appreciate the unique bagel options available.

Whitefish salad comes fresh and creamy, often paired with scallion cream cheese on a toasted pumpernickel or a sesame bagel. Staff readily serve it, making it easy to enjoy with fresh bagels and lox.

Smoked fish stands out with fresh white fish and baked salmon spreads. Nova, a fish similar to salmon, features alongside other fresh fish and avocado options.

People are saying

"I thought the bagels were fresh and flavorful."

"I found the white fish and baked salmon spreads tasty."

"The whitefish with scallion cream cheese on pumpernickel is heaven."

Good to know

1

Get there early on Saturday morning to avoid long lines.

2

You can order online to avoid waiting.

3

Arrive early as the lineup can be very long and stretch around the block.

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