Johnny's Reef — Restaurant in New York

When it comes to delicious fried seafood, this spot is easily one of the best places you can go. From the moment you walk in, the aroma alone lets you know you’re about to enjoy something special. The menu is full of fresh options, from golden fried shrimp to perfectly crisp fish, each seasoned with just the right blend of spices. Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch on the outside while staying tender and flavorful on the inside.

What sets this place apart is not just the quality of the food but also the atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, bringing family along for a casual dinner, or meeting friends for a relaxed evening out, the vibe is always welcoming. The portions are generous, making it great value for both your appetite and your wallet. Pair your meal with their sides—like crispy fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies—and you’ve got the perfect combination for a hearty, comforting meal.

Beyond the food, the service adds to the experience. The staff is attentive, friendly, and clearly takes pride in what they do. They make you feel right at home, which only enhances the overall dining experience. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to return again and again, not just for the amazing seafood but also for the warm and inviting atmosphere.

If you’re a fan of fried seafood—or even if you’re just looking to treat yourself to a flavorful and satisfying meal—you won’t regret checking this spot out. It’s truly one of the best places to go for good fried seafood, and it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to destinations whenever the...

Johnny's reef has always been a staple for those of us born and bred in the Bronx. It is a wonderfully old-school, cafeteria-style dining experience that harkens back to a simpler time. Sadly, I hadn't been there in years and remedied that recently by ordering their fried shrimps. Wow! First off, Johnny's is very generous with their portions. They put so many shrimp that I couldn't see the fries underneath them. And these aren't just breaded, fried and thrown at you. They are very well seasoned. One thing I want to make clear: They do NOT just fry their seafood. There is a nice selection of steamed seafood dishes on the menu as well. For the picky eaters in the house, Johnny's also has burgers, hot dogs, and chicken fingers.

For the full experience, sit outside in their huge dining area underneath the awning. Enjoy the breeze in the shade AND a great view of Long Island Sound. For social distancing, the outdoor tables are over 6 feet apart and there are plenty of them. Staff wear masks. You must wear a mask when you enter the building to order. They have ATM machines at the entrance which is good as they are a cash-only business. Fun Fact: Their parking lot was featured in the 1993 film A Bronx Tale.

So if you're looking for a great dining experience that won't break the bank, head on over to Johnny's Reef which is located at 2 City Island Avenue at the very end of the island. Below I've included a photo of their...

My first time there and overall it was a very good experience. You can't beat outdoor eating with views. In terms of the fried food it was fried with no seasoning. We had the lobster tails, scallops and fried fish. It is up to you to season it with salt/pepper and various sauces. I'm ok with that.

The major negative was their clam chowder. While waiting on line, I overheard the customer behind me saying the last time she had the Manhattan (red) clam chowder, it did not taste or look right. She said it looked and tasted like it had chicken in it! I must admit, I had to giggle at the thought. Long story short, I ordered the New England chowder (white) and I have to say it was probably the worst chowder I've ever had in my life. The chowder was basically made up to potatoes, cream sauce and the minimal amount of "clam" in the soup required a magnify glass to spot it. Yes, it was that bad. I asked my wife if her soup had a lot of clam and she informed me that she moved on to the food after only tasting about 25% of the soup. She said she's done, it was not good.... no clams to be found.

The bottom line, the food was delicious but do save yourself the $6 and skip the clam chowder soup, unless you like...