The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar

- 635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

In a city with a seemingly endless number of dining options, finding a restaurant that combines exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a prime location can be a real challenge. On the Upper West Side, seafood lovers have a standout destination in The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar. This establishment has quickly become a neighborhood favorite, offering a sophisticated yet casual dining experience that centers on fresh, high-quality seafood. The Shell is more than just a place to eat; it's a culinary haven where the focus is on expertly prepared dishes and outstanding hospitality. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a celebratory meal with friends, or a quiet solo dining experience, The Shell provides a setting that is both trendy and cozy. This article will guide you through the various aspects of this restaurant, from its accessible location and extensive menu to its unique features and what makes it a must-visit spot for anyone in the New York region.

The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar presents itself as a modern and vibrant seafood restaurant with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that draws from Italian, French, and Spanish influences. The atmosphere is described as being both "casual" and "trendy," creating a comfortable space that doesn't feel overly formal. The restaurant is particularly popular for dinner, and its welcoming vibe makes it suitable for a variety of crowds, including "groups," "families," and even "solo dining." The owners, Val Crovetto and Rangu Miah, brought their extensive experience from top restaurants to create a place that emphasizes genuine hospitality, with a staff that is described as "fantastic," "super warm and friendly." This focus on service is a key part of the dining experience and sets The Shell apart. The menu is a comprehensive tour of the ocean's bounty, featuring a full raw bar, a wide range of appetizers, and impressive main courses. Beyond seafood, the restaurant also offers meat dishes, such as "Prime Ribeye" and "New Zealand Lamb Chops," ensuring there's a delicious option for every preference. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a "great cocktails" list, a "great wine list," and a variety of beers, making it an excellent spot for happy hour or a celebratory toast. This holistic approach to dining—where food, service, and atmosphere are all prioritized—is what makes The Shell a destination worth seeking out.

The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar is located at 635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, on the corner of Amsterdam and 91st Street. This prime Upper West Side location makes it a highly accessible spot for both locals and tourists. For those using public transportation, the restaurant is conveniently situated near several subway stations, making it an easy trip from anywhere in Manhattan. The area is also highly walkable, allowing neighborhood residents to stroll over for a meal. For drivers, "paid street parking" is available, which is a useful amenity in a busy urban area like New York, though it's important to be aware of the city's parking regulations. One of the most notable features of the location is its "lovely terrace outside," which provides a "peaceful" and "super welcoming" outdoor dining space despite being on a busy street. This outdoor seating is a significant draw, especially during the warmer months. The restaurant is also committed to accessibility, with a "wheelchair accessible entrance," "wheelchair accessible restroom," and "wheelchair accessible seating," ensuring that all guests can dine comfortably. The location's combination of convenience and desirable features makes it an ideal spot for any occasion.

The Shell offers a wide range of services designed to provide a comprehensive and convenient dining experience. Their offerings go beyond a simple meal to include a variety of dining options and amenities.

• Table Service & Reservations: The restaurant provides full table service and accepts reservations, which are "recommended" for dinner, ensuring a seamless and planned dining experience.
• Outdoor Seating: The "lovely terrace outside" with background music is a key service that provides a unique and enjoyable dining environment. The space is also dog-friendly, allowing "dogs inside" and "outside."
• Takeout & Delivery: For those who prefer to dine at home, the restaurant offers both takeout and delivery services, bringing their menu directly to you.
• Happy Hour & Late-Night Food: The Shell has a popular happy hour with special pricing on oysters, cocktails, and other items. It also serves "late-night food," catering to a different kind of crowd.
• Catering: The availability of catering services means The Shell can provide its delicious food for off-site events and parties.

These services highlight the restaurant's versatility and its ability to accommodate a wide range of customer needs, from a formal dinner to a casual takeout order.

The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar is full of highlights that make it a truly special dining destination. These features are often what make customer experiences so memorable.

• Fresh & High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant emphasizes using fresh, never-frozen ingredients, as mentioned by the owner. This commitment to quality is evident in the taste of dishes like the "perfectly cooked" salmon and "fresh and delicious" oysters.
• Excellent Cocktails & Wine List: Customers praise the "great cocktails" and "great wine list," which are curated to complement the seafood-focused menu. Signature cocktails like "Sexy UWS Lady" and "It's My Green Apple" add a fun and local touch.
• Dedicated & Friendly Staff: The staff, described as "super warm and friendly" and "fantastic," is a major highlight. Their professionalism and attentiveness contribute to a feeling of being "at home" and ensure a high level of service.
• Versatile Menu: The menu is not limited to seafood. The presence of steaks, chicken, and vegetarian options makes it a great choice for groups with varied preferences. The kids' menu also makes it "good for kids."
• Prix-Fixe Menu: The availability of a "menu of the day" or a prix-fixe deal, as noted in a review, provides an excellent "worth it" value proposition, allowing diners to enjoy a multi-course meal at a set price.
• Amenities: The restaurant offers essential amenities like a "bar onsite," "Wi-Fi," and "gender-neutral restroom," adding to the overall comfort and convenience.

These highlights, from the quality of the food to the warmth of the staff, make The Shell a premier dining destination on the Upper West Side.

For reservations, takeout, or general inquiries, you can reach The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar using the following contact information:Address: 635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025Phone: (646) 669-7628

The phone number is the primary way to secure a reservation, which is particularly important for dinner and groups. The address is well-known in the neighborhood, and its location at the corner of Amsterdam and 91st Street makes it an easy destination to find. The restaurant's use of modern payment options like "NFC mobile payments" and "credit cards" also adds to the ease of the customer experience. The clear and accessible contact information makes planning a visit simple and stress-free.

So, what is worth choosing at The Shell? The answer is a resounding yes to the seafood, particularly the core dishes that customers rave about. The "perfectly cooked" salmon, the "excellent" calamari, and the "fresh and delicious" oysters are all highlighted as must-tries. The "Maine Lobster Ravioli" is also a crowd favorite, and the seafood platters offer a great way to sample a variety of fresh items. For those with a more adventurous palate, the "Seafood Spanish Paella" is a rich and flavorful choice. For diners seeking a great deal, the prix-fixe menu offers a fantastic "price to quality ratio" that is hard to beat in New York City. Beyond the food, the outstanding service and "very pleasant" atmosphere make the entire experience worthwhile. The staff's genuine warmth and attention to detail, combined with the comfortable and trendy setting, create an environment where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. Whether you're a local celebrating a special occasion or a tourist looking for a high-quality seafood meal, The Shell provides an unforgettable experience that makes it a true gem on the Upper West Side.

The Shell Seafood Kitchen & Bar

635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA