Where to Dine During New York Oyster Week
Where to Dine During New York Oyster Week Oysters are served (especially raw) as a delicacy, and there’s no better time to sample the best in the city than during New York Oyster Week. From September 16 until October 1, head to these restaurants participating in the Billion Oyster Shell project—donating oyster shells instead of throwing them away so they can be used to restore New York Harbor’s oyster reefs and help the city reclaim its title as the oyster capital of the world.
Oceana
Exploring Rockefeller Center? Take a break from the iconic public art, frescos and reliefs dating from the ’30s to dine at Oceana, one of the finest restaurants near Rockefeller Center.
Featured Dish: Oyster Sambar with Green Mango Salad.
Don’t Miss: Be sure to ask about suggested wine pairings—Oceana’s wine list has been honored by Wine Spectator for five consecutive years, and was named one of “America’s 100 Best Wine Restaurants” by Wine Enthusiast
Oceana: 120 W. 49th St., 212-759-5941
La Piazza at Eataly
An enoteca (wine cellar) in the heart of Eataly—the biggest Italian marketplace in the world—La Piazza is modeled after an Italian city square. It’s standing room only, and no reservations are permitted, but its wine and antipasti are some of the city’s best.
Featured Dish: Daily selection of oysters, 6 ($19) or 12 ($34)
Don’t Miss: The mozzarella bar features housemade mozzarella made daily from local milk curd, including the 5-ounce Classica and Bocconcini ($13 each), served with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. The menu recommends pairings from prosciutto ($7) to basil pesto ($4) to oven-roasted tomatoes ($4).
Eataly: 200 Fifth Ave., 212-229-2560
Il Pesce at Eataly
It’s no surprise that Eataly is home to more than one of the best spots in New York City for oysters—especially with a restaurant named after the Italian word for fish. Il Pesce features the most fresh, carefully-sourced Italian seafood dishes, including a fresh selection of oysters daily.
Featured Dish: Housemade tagliolini with local oysters, chives and Calvisius caviar
Don’t Miss: The crudo bar here is the best. Beyond oysters, try Littleneck clams on the half shell, or a selection of Italian-style sashimi finished with Ligurian extra virgin olive oil.
L&W Oyster Company
Featured Dish: Mini Crispy Smoked Oyster Tacos with pear-jicama slaw and garlic aioli
Don’t Miss: The snacks and shareables are many and affordable, including housemade cheddar cheese goldfish ($4), garlic cheese-stuffed fried olives ($5) and crab cake bites ($15) with avocado, herb salad and yuzu aioli.
L&W Oyster Company: 254 Fifth Ave., 212-203-7772