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The Shell, New York, NY

The Shell

4.9
4.9
162 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Make a reservation

2 people
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
7:00 PM
Booked 7 times today

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
Located in the heart of New York City, our modern seafood restaurant offers a unique dining experience. Our experienced chefs add their personal touch to every dish, showcasing their culinary expertise and creativity. Dine in a spectacular ambiance, surrounded by a modern and chic venue with plenty of outdoor seating options. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic date night or a casual meal with friends, our spacious and inviting space has something for everyone. From fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood to an extensive drinks menu, we have everything you need to make your visit to our restaurant a memorable one.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Upper West Side
  • Cross street
    corner with 91 street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • $1.99 OYSTYERS

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - Sat - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Come and Enjoy Our Unique $1.99 OYSTERS For Happy Hour! On our Beautiful Patio!! Monday To Sunday. From 4:00PM to 6:00PM. Specialty Cocktails, Wine & Beer.

    $1.99 OYSTYERS Photo
  • PAELLA FOR TWO $74 INCLUDING A BOTTLE OF WINE

    Multiple dates available
    Mon - Thu - 4:00 PM - 9:45 PM
    Enjoy our Seafood Paella for Two & choose a nice bottle of Red, White or Rose Monday – Wednesday

    PAELLA FOR TWO $74     INCLUDING A BOTTLE OF WINE Photo

What 162 people are saying

The Shell reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York City

    Neighborhood gem

  • New York City

    Seafood

  • Manhattan

    Neighborhood gem

  • Manhattan

    Seafood

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Shell is an Upper West Side gem known for "excellent food" and "friendly service." A beloved neighborhood spot, it offers fresh seafood, including "delicious oysters," at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is inviting, with attentive staff who "really take pride" in their work. Regulars praise its "great happy hour" and "welcoming" vibe.
162 Reviews
  1. Rick VIP

    New York City46 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a little gem I am hesitant to even share about. The food is excellent, prices good and atmosphere small and inviting. The exceptional aspect of this restaurant is that the staff really take pride in their work and their interaction with customers. Great dinner and wonderful time.

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  2. Jo Ann

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    This is the best fish restaurant on the upper west side. I come here often and the food never disappoints. The service is attentive and I always feel welcome.

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  3. Stephanie VIP

    New York City2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on March 28, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My first time there and I will be back. There is a really good feeling when you walk in. The staff could not be more wonderful!

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  4. harvey

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Best fish house on upper west side lots of choices on starters and mains, all prepared wonderfully warm, friendly staff

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  5. lisa

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food—fresh and expertly prepared. Very friendly and welcoming staff. A neighborhood jewel.

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  6. Barbara

    New York City19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a great neighborhood restaurant that puts both food and service as their priority. It’s welcoming - and a good value, (happy hour)particularly if you love fresh oysters, and more great seafood to follow. The wait staff- and related help fill water glasses without being asked, and check back with you to ask how things are. All done in a friendly, but not overbearing or intrusive manner. I’ve been back many times. You will enjoy it.

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  7. Judith

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We absolutely love this place and it has become our new neighborhood favorite. The service is excellent and all of the fish dishes have been amazing, fresh, and delicious. This is a gem of a restaurant and we are already looking forward to our next visit!

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  8. LaurieB

    New York City12 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Our favorite restaurant in the neighborhood!! The service was slower than usual, but very friendly staff!

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  9. Dagon

    New York City7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent as always. The Shell never disappoints.

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  10. Pat

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Personable, welcoming, friendly service. Great happy hour prices and quality. Delicious menu selections. Jose is an especially kind host, but every staff member is wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Shell offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (646) 669-7628.

The Shell is rated 4.9 stars by 162 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation


Booked 7 times today
Google Map for The Shell

635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

Additional information

  • Cross street
    corner with 91 street
  • Neighborhood
    Upper West Side
  • Hours of operation
    Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, American, Mediterranean
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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