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Guide to Midtown South

Crab cakes and seafood

A craving for seafood usually starts and ends with a plate of crab cakes.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Big Blue Seafood & Grill image 1
Big Blue Seafood & Grill image 2
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers cozy, elegant atmosphere with exquisite interior decor and well-set tables. Music adds to the lively yet intimate vibe, creating a welcoming and comfortable space. Fresh, outstanding seafood complements inventive cocktails, making the experience distinctively refined.

Crab Cakes stand out with a bold, memorable flavor described as Bada Bing Bada Boom. They pair well with oysters and fish like dorado, making them a delicious choice.

Seafood here is incredibly fresh and perfectly prepared, with West Coast oysters standing out as a highlight. The dishes deliver outstanding flavor and freshness consistently.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh, it's divine."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and professional."

"The Crab Cakes here were absolutely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm with great drink deals.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood and steak options.

02
Royal 35 Steakhouse image 1

Steakhouse offers dry aged bone-in ribeye and filet mignon cooked to perfect medium rare with phenomenal service and a wonderful ambiance. Bar area features skilled cocktail mixing and occasional magic tricks. Outdoor seating and cigar smoking add to the experience.

Crab cakes serve well as appetizers with a good balance of flavor. They pair nicely with other starters like shrimp cocktail and complement main dishes such as steak.

Seafood here stands out for its freshness and careful preparation. Shrimp cocktail, crab cake, and oysters arrive fresh, with seafood towers presented with dry ice for a striking look.

People are saying

"I thought the steak here was the best I've ever had."

"It's quiet, making it good for conversation."

"The oysters were fresh and the porterhouse steak was cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table.

2

The dress code is smart casual, so plan your outfit accordingly.

3

Expect to spend around $200 per person for food and drinks.

03
IL FORNO NYC - HELL'S KITCHEN image 1

Small Italian eatery with dim lighting and Italy village decor creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Space feels tight, with seating near the entrance and an open front to air. Connected to a hookah lounge, it blends quiet dining with nearby music from the 90's and 00's.

Crab cakes offer a flavorful but not overpowering taste. They appear as a delicious appetizer but sometimes arrive after the main course.

Seafood linguini stands out with rich flavors. Clams come cooked perfectly. Spaghetti with seafood offers very good taste.

People are saying

"I had the best penne alla vodka with shrimp."

"The seafood in the spaghetti was very good."

"The Crab Cakes were fluffy and seasoned to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations may not be honored due to overbooking.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-50 minutes even with a reservation.

3

The bolognese costs $25, while the Caesar salad is $10.

04
OBriens Bar & Grill image 1

Sports bar with transit-themed decor and train-inspired details creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere. Large bar area offers affordable drinks and space to watch games without overwhelming noise. Crowd fills the space especially during events, making it a popular spot before concerts or matches.

Crab cakes come with a good sauce but tend to be dry. The crab cake burger stands out as really good.

Oysters stand out here with freshness and multiple options, including Blue Point Oysters. Seafood linguini and shrimp also appear as solid choices, showing some variety beyond raw shellfish.

People are saying

"The bar food here is the best I've had."

"I found the oysters here to be super fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the crab cakes and fresh cut fries."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is great for pre-MSG events and fills up quickly.

2

You can't get onion rings on event nights due to high demand.

3

They give discounts for parking next door, making it convenient.

05
Keens Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Exposed pipes line the ceiling, creating a historic chophouse vibe with old-school New York decor. The atmosphere feels classic and timeless, filled with vintage memorabilia and a sense of tradition. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience that blends rich history with hearty steakhouse energy.

Crab cakes come out crispy and flavorful, often paired with bisque as a starter. They stand out alongside other rich dishes like the Legendary Mutton Chop and Filet Mignon with Lobster.

Oysters Rockefeller come with a wonderful flavor and a perfect mignonette sauce. The filet and lobster dish pairs excellent seafood with a hearty main course.

People are saying

"The atmosphere and service at this Steakhouse are professional and pleasant."

"The seafood here is rich, juicy, and delicious."

"The crab cakes were crisp on the outside and loaded with fresh crab."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as this is a popular restaurant.

2

The portions at the steakhouse are quite big, so definitely come hungry.

3

If you mention an anniversary when reserving, they celebrate with ice cream and candles.

06
The Flatiron Room Murray Hill image 1
New American restaurant

Retro dinner club with 1920s-inspired decor and intimate jazz stage creates a cozy, jazzy atmosphere. World-class whiskey selection complements live performances that balance energy and conversation. Tables sit close together, enhancing the lively, cabaret vibe.

Jumbo lump crab cake stands out with a crispy texture and rich flavor. The peekytoe crab cake offers a delicate, satisfying bite that pairs well with fresh sides like kale salad.

Fresh, briny oysters come with mignonette and lemon. Jumbo lump crab cake and colossal shrimp in garlic, white wine, and lemon sauce add bold seafood flavors to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, packed with rich flavor."

"The jazz music here creates a really nostalgic atmosphere."

"The Peekytoe Crab Cake was crispy and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required as tables fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Live jazz performances occur from 6 PM to 9 PM, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Expect a $100 charge for any extra guests beyond your reservation.

07
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern design and live DJ music create a lively, chic atmosphere with upbeat energy. The space balances a steakhouse vibe with nightclub elements, attracting a crowd looking for both dining and entertainment. Seating varies from spacious, quieter tables to booths with distinctive decor like blossom trees.

Crab cakes come out spectacular and delicious with a solid 5-star quality. They sometimes need a bit more sauce, but extra is available on request.

Oysters come fresh and superb, with east coast varieties and happy hour specials. The shrimp scampi and shrimp pasta stand out with rich flavors and garlicky notes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good."

"The seafood here is amazing, and the service is so attentive."

"I thought the crab cakes were spectacular."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes half off appetizers and is highly recommended.

2

Avoid 6pm bookings during the week due to happy hour lasting until 6:30pm.

3

STK has a deal for $69 per person for two, including wine and appetizers.

08
Bryant Park Grill image 1

Restaurant offers garden and rooftop seating with views of Bryant Park and a climate-controlled conservatory atmosphere. Outdoor areas feature lamp heaters and live jazz music from the park, creating a lively yet elegant vibe. The setting suits both casual dining and events, blending natural elements like trees into the decor.

Jumbo lump crab cakes come with a fresh, flavorful salad. The crab cakes have a distinct exceptional taste and quality.

Seafood dishes feature exceptional freshness and perfect seasoning. Options include Hamachi and Yellowfin Tuna Crudo, seafood pasta with generous portions, and a solid Fish and Chips platter.

People are saying

"It's a quintessential Manhattan lunch spot with outstanding food."

"I highly recommend the seafood here; it was a highlight."

"I found the crab cake to be fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Free entertainment is available Monday to Friday from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM through the beginning of October.

2

The venue is suitable for weddings and corporate events.

3

You need to make reservations for lunch.

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