Food was so good I couldn't even get a picture of the before. Everything here was off the charts from the drinks to the food to the sauces to the workers. My favorite place to get food in city island. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu! 10/10 service, chefs and management. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. Best place on city island by far!! read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Ordered: Henny Colada (~$16): piña colada with Hennessy Fried Shrimp (~$18): with French fries & coleslaw Fried Red Snapper (~$25): with French fries & coleslaw Aya's take: Where have I been all these years!? I'm a born & raised New Yorker but this is my first time at City Island and I knew I had to do it right by coming to Johnny's Reef. They have a pretty solid system where you order at various stations. It seems confusing at first but is actually super efficient. We got the Fried Shrimp & Fried Red Snapper. Both were so fresh, crispy, and tasted clean. It hit the spot!! Their French fries are also super addicting and fried well while the coleslaw adds a nice freshness to the meal. They have a sauce station where we got cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, and ketchup. These are a must with their fried fish! The Fried Red Snapper was fried nicely as well. It was done to the point where it was crispy on the outside but not dry on the inside. The fish with a little spritz of lemon was spectacular. We also got the Henny Colada to try and honestly, they are heavy-handed with the Henny! I personally would just get the piña colada next time since it was super refreshing and not too sweet but if you're looking for a slight buzz, the Henny Colada will do you right. All in all, I was unbelievably satisfied after this meal and so glad this gem exists! Tons of seating both inside and outside, and don't forget to bring cash! read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fried Shrimp (~$18), Fried Red Snapper (~$25), Henny Colada (~$16) - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Cuisine: 7 Service: 6 Decor: 7 Value: 7 Overall: 7 After having a wonderful Italian lunch on Arthur Avenue with my family this past Sunday, we visited the Met Cloisters and then decided on some seafood for dinner. Whenever I'm in City Island, this cafeteria style restaurant is one of my favorite places to grab some seafood with a beautiful view of the blue waters on a sunny day. My favorite items were the freshly shucked cherrystone and littleneck clams (dozen for $15), jumbo shrimp cocktail (6 for $14), and the fried soft shell crab (5-6 small ones w/out the head). These have always been my go to items here, and remain the best Johnny's Reef has to offer. Their fried scallops (about 18 pieces for $25) are tender, but I do wish the batter was crispier. I did not enjoy the doughy fried oysters (about 15 pieces for $28) or the dry fried whiting (huge piece w/ bone for $18). Btw, neither the Manhattan or New England clam chowder ($7 each) had any clam flavor. If I stick to what I like here and order simply those items, then it would be a very satisfying meal for a reasonable price. When I want a casual seafood meal on City Island, this is still my top choice. read more

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I can't believe I never reviewed them?!?! I've been coming to Johnny's Reef for decades, and they never disappoint. There is no other place that does fried seafood as well! This is a fast-casual, self-serve restaurant. Everything is made to order, so you'll always get fresh, delicious food. ** Cash Only! Each item is $1 less it you exclude the French Fries ** Seasonal restaurant: Open from the Spring until the end of November; closed during Winter. Johnny's Reef offers a wide variety of fried and steamed seafood, as well as pasta dishes. See my photos for their menu. There is literally something for everyone. Some of my faves: -- Scallops -- Snow Crag Legs -- Soft Shell Crabs -- Lobster; Lobster Rolls -- Shrimp -- Clams; Clam Strips -- and so much more!! This place gets packed in the summer; especially on the weekends. My fave time to go is during mid-day on a weekday. There is outside dining (watch out for those seagulls!) as well as indoor air conditioned dining. There is one long line to order your food but the line goes pretty quickly. Everything is self serve. Order and pickup your food. Then get your condiments, napkins, utensils, etc. Don't sleep on their tarter sauce! This is my fave fast-casual place on City Island for seafood! My fave waiter service sit-down restaurant is The Original Crab Shanty (located down the road). Go! What a treat! read more

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Had a really good meal at Johnny's Reef in City Island. I ordered the steamed lobster, scallops in garlic sauce with parsley and paprika, fried shrimp with tartar sauce, and French fries. Everything was delicious. The lobster was enjoyable, the scallops were flavorful and well seasoned, and the fried shrimp was crispy and went perfectly with the tartar sauce. Even the fries were good. The dining experience is very casual. Ordering feels a bit like standing on a busy lunch line, and it can get pretty noisy inside. There also aren't enough indoor tables, so you have to keep an eye out for a table while you're getting your food. I'd give it four stars because the food was definitely worth the trip, but the limited seating and hectic atmosphere take away from the overall experience. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Recent visits have left me wanting something else. Lets be honest here, they have a great atmosphere, outdoors is windy and great place to eat. Parking included too.. You shouldn't ask for more... But yet here we are... Service is great for what it is. You walk in, pick from the menu and its done for you there. The people getting your order really know the menus and can guide you which we appreciated. Food comes out pretty quick and you get to walk it to your picked seat cafeteria style. Ps: go with others so they can hold the seats for you. First come first serve cafeteria seats outdoors. Drinks are separate, so drop your food and come back or have the other person get that.. Tons of seafood, fried or steamed, and here is the issue. Lack of seasoning on the fish, and its not the first time. We like it here but this was the last time as we want food with flavor, not just fried. I dont get that the lobster tails had more seasoning than the red snapper. They can't say it was the same. Hello im used to great fresh fish seasoned and fried. Salt and pepper are not that expensive. Freshness is there, no weird seafood smell but fresh, that and because of the parking we kept going. Fix it pls. This was our second time this month and no more Ps2: cash only, they have an ATM that they control, so... bring $$$$ read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Red snapper, flavorless but full big and fresh. - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Johnnys for me is nostalgic. My family came here for any and everything from celebrations to funerals. Sometimes it gets very crowded and can be hard to find a table that's not out in the son. I think the food is great for what it is. The shrimps are huge and they give more shrimps now then they did before. I love their pina and Henny colada. It is a cash only restaurant but they do have an atm. The parking lot is free. I had the whiting fish but I feel like it needed some more seasoning. Over all it's going to always be one of my favorite due to the nostalgia for me and I love their food. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Whiting fish - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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I've been coming here since I was a kid! It's my favorite restaurant on City Island! The food is always perfect and the Pina colada is excellent!! Love being able to sit by the water! read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Scallops, shrimp and soft shell crab - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

I've been coming to Johnny's Reef since I was a kid. Summer wasn't complete until we made a quick trip to City Island. The food is mostly consistent and the frozen drinks are tasty when made well. I liked all the updates made, the signage, and the cleanliness of the bathroom (although my recent visit was during low-peak hours). This place is always worth a visit, if for no other reason than summer tradition. Plenty of parking, great views of the water, and a staff who are always ready to serve. read more

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I loveeee Johnnys, they updated their menu boards, they are very cute. And of course, the food is always good. I always get the fried shrimp, lobster etc. next time I think I'll get steamed that one is good too. The service was great & they even had someone cleaning while we were there, not that they don't usually do that. But they came more than normal so that was good. (Somehow my pics from years ago aren't there anymore don't know what happened) read more

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I loved every minute!! From the riding through the cute town- to the free parking at Johnny Reefs. The service is quick but sufficient. The place is on the water and has nice fresh air. Food was fresh and underrated. Very very good food. Pina colada is a MUST!!!! Without alcohol is nice and smooth, but I found with alcohol was a bit too harsh lol I was only sad about seeing a new menu design. I was excited about seeing the old yellow sign lol read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fried scallops were great - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Quick service even with the long lines. Good food, a lot of seating outside and inside or in the shade. Drinks were good as well. I and many others think everything doesn't need to come with fries. Should be able to just order whatever seafood you want and add fries. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Shrimp, calamari and fries - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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It's kinda like a cafeteria setting so I wouldn't bring a first date here. BUT...it's a good place to go, when you're hanging out with family and/or friends. My buddies and I usually go every other week during the summer months. The best time is on Fridays...around lunch time and/or before 5pm. Only because the traffic getting into City Island can be a pain; PLUS Johnny's gets packed during that time as well. read more

The only reason I came out this far was for this. City Island and Johnny's Reef. This is not a spot you just happen to go to, it takes planning, preparation, saving and probably some fasting. I go all out when I come here becuase it's fast seafood at it's best, steamed, raw or fried. You order at the counter for things you want, so plan your order with friends so you can get what you want all at once. Send one to get the fried's, one to get the steamed, raw, etc. It looks like any seasonal shack on the eastern seaboard, but just a tad busier and a tad nicer. Service is good becuase it's far enough away from the NYC grind that people aint tryna bring that vibe. They're trying to have a different experience. It's got great views. Cash only of course. Seating is cafeteria style. I usually have to go for a walk afterwards to help digest everything. Prices are high if you indulge or come with your whole family, but it's kinda in line if your tryna splurge and go big. My usual order is steamed snow crab legs, fried calamari, fried clam strips, steamed cherry's and little necks (or raw if it's daytime or late summer) and a steamed whole snapper if I'm with more than 1 person. It's a feast, but worth a gout attack. It's fresh seafood that's well prepared and simple. You can't go wrong on the cocktail sauces, butter, lemon on most items. read more

Best spot for quick yummy bite. We got basic fish and chips, and it was best I had in NYC. Fries were a bit soggy. Seemed like everyone was getting the shrimp , so going to try that next time. Lemonade isn't homemade, but it hits if you don't care about that. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fillet fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

The food was good! Fried fish and French fries, the fried shrimp was also good and chicken fingers were also good, for a fast lunch the service was fast and ambience was ok. Not that crowded, we were here for lunch . read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Chicken fingers mozzarella sticks - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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This is one of my favorite restaurants in City Island and I will not gatekeep. Here is another Bronx jewel! If you're looking for amazing shrimp with a side order of french fries, Johnny's Reef will not disappoint. The shrimp are huge and super crisp. They also make delicious grilled shrimp in lemon sauce, baked clams and lobster tails. The seafood here is very fresh. The portions are a good size and cost less than $20! The pricing is pretty affordable and I am so grateful for that in 2025. They typically take cash only but there is an ATM on site for you to withdraw cash inside the restaurant. If you plan to drive there is plenty of space to park. Another option is to use the 6 line to Pelham Bay and then transfer to the 29 bus to get to City Island. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, this is a great space for a large group. They also serve up a really good Pina Colada, which is pretty popular. Just a note- they do not put a cherry on top! You can decide if you want alcohol in it or not. Personally, I do either or depending on my mood. The Pina Colada truly tastes like summer in The Bronx. read more

Johnny's never disappoints! I had the fried lobster tails and corn on the cob. The seafood is fresh, the fries had just the right amount of saltiness and crunch, and the corn was sweet and buttery. The servers were very nice and helpful. The environment is chill. You choose your seating and have the choice of indoor or outdoor seating. Overall 10/10 experience for me! read more

It's been ages since visiting city island. There's a huge eat in area and outdoor seating as well. Plant of servers at every station waiting to assist you with your order. I wish they had combos with fish fillet and shrimp but they don't so I ordered both. My date had fried lobster tails and chicken wings to go with 2 small of lemonade drinks. The fish was favorite. It melted in my mouth. Incredible dinner and looking forward to going back. read more

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Love this place. Nevertheless Quality and staff has changed so much . It's been my family to go spot since 1986!!!

Ok sooo I was starving from my fast I forgot to take pics... the ambience is a fast food fish fry with blue metal tables on the inside & wood tables outside It was ok since the beach view makes it way better. I read reviews before going so idk why I ordered the calamari. Anyhoo I thought it was all made to order NO as soon as you order the man gives you your plates like when did he cook it ? Not in 30 seconds while I was standing there it was maybe fried an hour ago sitting under a heat lamp so my calamari was soooo limp & soggy when pass up on this please.. my eyes were bigger than my stomach I got two plates lobster with fries ok this was a little better fried with a criunch however there is ZERO seasoning I'm from LA our fish fry places put old bay seasoning black pepper something jeez .. they give you salt & pepper packets on the side greatly appreciated!! If I go back I want to get the shrimp seems like everyone got this it's maybe a hit BUT I will bring my own seasoning the prices are great and the place is super packed so don't expect a quiet romantic date it's filled with families kids everyone's talking loud and close to you. I give one star for the prices, one star for the view and one star for the pina colada amazing not too much liquor at all we had to keep tasting to see if it was any liquor.. put seasoning in your food & make it when I order it so I can enjoy it when it's freshly made ! read more

We stopped back at Johnny's Reef on a recent visit to City Island. It was cool, sunny and breezy, the perfect day to eat a quick lunch on the water. Service was quick and pleasant. The line moved quickly and when we were up, we got the fried fish filets, chicken fingers and fries. Everything was super fresh right out of the fryer. The kids went absolutely wild and even though I don't usually eat this kind of stuff, I have to say, it was definitely tasty. It was so much fun to sit outside on the picnic tables and enjoy the vibe. I grew up on City Island so it always hits a special place in my soul to come back and enjoy unique places like Johnny's and see that they're still doing well. Five stars, definitely worth a visit. read more

Food is always great , it's self service so that's good you get to pick your own seats , I love to sit out doors in the fresh breeze to enjoy the day the ambiance is always so airy and free read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fried shrimp, lobster tails , fried soft crab - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

My friend and I came here to eat a few weeks ago while attempting to soak in the last few days of summer on a city Island day trip. This restaurant is located right on the water with beautiful views of the little neck bay and Throgs neck bridge. The seating outside is so thoughtful with several benches meticulously aligned. I noticed the transparent cables running over the seating area and quickly realized it's to deter the countless amounts of seagulls from ripping food out of our mouths. Quite thoughtful and ingenious if you ask me. The restaurant is huge inside with multiple counters to order different things. I found this system to be quite efficient. I love that the space was so large so it didn't feel like we were competing with other patrons. We were a little bummed that they were out of fresh oysters that day so we went with steamed scallops and some fried shrimp. The shrimp was absolutely delicious, served hot and fresh on a bed of fries. The scallops on the other hand even though buttery and garlicky left a little to be desired. First of all I noticed they're not baked with the butter or garlic, it's added later. It was also really bland, this could use a bit more salt. The bread served on the side was good to soak up the juices but I do think they could've done a little better. I do think perhaps they are more known for their fried fish than anything else so if you are visiting this place I would advise sticking to that. Overall this place more than makes up for the lack of seasoning with the phenomenal views of the water. I would definitely be back next year when the weather is beautiful to try more things off their menu! read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Johnny's Reef Restaurant Is located on the Pier, at the end of City Is. Ave, City Is. Bronx. It's a fast food seafood restaurant with a very large indoor & outdoor seating space with picnic style tables & benches. It's noisy, busy, quick & a great place to eat cherry stone/little neck clams on the halfshell, chowders, corn on the cob, other seafood & fried foods, ice cream & refreshments. The staff behind the long ordering counters are pretty fast & you can self serve at the condiment & garnish counter ketchup, seafood cocktail sauce & tartar sauce to your liking. So, if your in Orchard Beach or City Island, take a drive to the very end of City Island Ave's Pier. Come alone, with a friend, in a group or with the family & enjoy the food & the Seaside view! read more

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I've been coming here since I was a child. The shrimp basket was good. I just wish the fries weren't so soggy . The fish was soooo good . Tartar sauce is a hit. We also ordered the stuff clams and it came with this garlic butter sauce on the side. Wow that sauce is a winner ! So amazing . Piña colada's are a big hit. The Tostones had been sitting there and you could just taste it. I would just say the fries and Tostones need work overall I really like this place. There's plenty of parking. There is outdoor and indoor seating. Some are shaded outside so you can enjoy the water. The staff is very nice and you can tell they work very hard. please do not forget to tip them. Also, there is a line for food. Another line for drinks so you aren't confused if you go .Thank you for a good experience. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Outside - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Cute tourist place at the end of the island but something I could get anywhere. But it is what they promised! Lots of seafood and fried items. Packed but didn't feel overcrowded. Appreciated the parking if you could find it. Super friendly and quick staff. read more

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I've been coming to Johnnys since I was a child. It's located at the back of city island on the left hand side. Cash only establishment with plenty of parking. Amazing outside view of the water. They also provide a portion of the outside seating with a covered section so you don't have to directly be in the sun. Ordered the usual basket of Fried Shrimp and a basket of Lobster tails. It definitely hit the spot Johnnys always had the best tartare sauce on city island d nothing compares. Staff is always friendly respectable and hard working remember to tip. read more

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Best seafood ever food is Diabolical service is quick and ambiance is so beautiful by the water sippin a Dulce Coolatta If you never been to the Bronx a WHOLE island of seafood a must experience.Thank me later . Hug me when you see me. read more

Casual, counter serve. Cash only. Fish and seafood are fresh and were perfectly fried every time! Nice views too! The fried lobster tails and fried snapper are my fave! read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Definitely always my first stop whenever I come to City Island! Do not let the crowd and lengthy lines discourage you. There are separate lines for drinks and food. I ordered onion rings, fried shrimp and french fries. For drinks, I got a henny colada and pina colada. The customer service here isn't so friendly but I tolerate it due to the delicious food and drinks. Cash only. I can't wait to come back to try the fried lobster tails. read more

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I have been coming here for over 30 years since I was a child. I am really sad to say, it was not good the last time I came. It was a very disappointing experience. The food was horrible; it had no flavor and the fries were soggy. I am not sure who is cooking or if they changed something but it was not good. The service was not memorable neither. I remember when the staff was friendly and welcoming. Even my drink which I always look forward to was not good. The space also needs to be cleaned better; as we were eating I would see mice which was just disgusting. I would not recommend this place. It is quite upsetting and I would definitely go to another place when visiting city island. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Shrimp and fries - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Good portions, affordable. Been coming here for years and never disappoints. Service is super fast, plenty of seating. I prefer sitting outside since it's less noisy. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fried calamari with fries and fried shrimp with fries - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Ahhh... just as I remembered. This place brings back so many memories from my childhood and makes me miss "My Buddy". He'd take me mom and brother here all the time as kids. The seafood hit just the way it did years back. read more

Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

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Came to NY to celebrate a birthday, to visit family, and enjoy the sites. After touring the 911 Museum and catching the train back to New Rochelled where we parked, we drove to Johnny's Reef to meet some family members for dinner. Loved the "diner like atmosphere" of this establishment. No hassle ordering; the food is cooked upon ordering with little wait time. Note, CASH ONLY! The restaurant also has outdoor dining, which we had planned to take advantage of, but it started raining a bit upon our arrival. The menu is expansive, from fried Red Snapper, to chicken livers, to burgers, to clam chowder. Our daughter is allergic to fish but was able to enjoy her hamburger! There is also an assortment of desserts from which to choose. We all enjoyed our meals! read more

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Had my first tequila sunrise and I should have asked if they had top shelf tequila because after mixing it around it didn't taste that good and then I decided to go with a frozen henny colada as my second drink. Their fried shrimp never disappoints! This was the day before Mother's Day and it was packed and pretty busy not so crazy where it's hard to find a seat. Music was playing in the parking lot and everybody was having a great time! read more

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Still a great place with delicious fresh seafood seating area very clean but just like everything else a lil higher prices and smaller portions smaller seafood as before but always good to order a lil extra which isn't a bad thing overall great experience as always can't wait to go again read more

Johnny's Reef is the best place in City Island to get your favorite seafood with a view and you won't have to sell your spleen. It's not a fancy looking place, but it's a place you'd still want to spend your birthday/graduation. It's cafeteria style ordering and eating with a huge outdoor eating area. You order your food at the designated counter and bring your food to your table. All self service. Clam strips, fried fish, lobster, shellfish, they have it all and at a very reasonable price. Please remember, cash only. They do have an ATM...but use at your own risk. read more

Love Jonny's Reef had a great time yesterday celebrating the family b day. They have good food and great vibes always stop by everyone if you haven't yet I always get the fish and chicken I love the food good eats the service is quick and fast and the ambience is loud but I don't mind it at all I always come here read more

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The best tartar sauce, fast service and food is tasty! Wish the fries were more crunchy and less soggy. The snow crab legs need to be less seasoned, too much butter and seasoning. read more