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    The Shell Restaurant

    4.7 (163 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 10:45 PM

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    THE SHELL RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - The Shell Restaurant

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    Eric J.

    This pan roasted chicken might've been my favorite meal on my week long trip I'll start there. No wait to sit down on a Thursday night at 9pm only 1 other person in there at this time at the bar watching the game Is it an exaggeration to say this chicken was the best thing i tasted this week? Garbanzo beans and spinach i didn't know were the perfect pairings to it. Laker game on in the background even better for me to glance at. Customer service was great Margaritas served that everyone complimented and the brussel sprouts pretty good too Coming back next time I'm in town

    Sexy UWS lady, modelo, and a white wine
    Tamara L.

    We have never been to the shell before and were pleasantly surprised with how good everything was. My parents don't eat shellfish or meat so they were concerned about eating here but there was a lot they could eat. I had the sexy UWS lady solely because of the name. It was not too sweet, not too strong, cold. The perfect cocktail to sit outside and enjoy! Then for salad I shared the goat cheese which had all my favorite things in it. For the main dish I got the risotto. It did take a long time for our food to come, 30 mins to be exact. But we all enjoyed our mains very much. Would definitely come eat here again!

    Fresh Papardelle & Jumbo Shrimp. 9/10!!!! Side of fresh chili and Parmesan cheese to add on top. " chefs kiss "
    Jasmine S.

    Food 9/10 service 10/10 ambiance 10/10 it's so cozy. Check out this spot at least once a week. It's so worth it! Try their pre fix $55 for an app and entree w| dessert

    Emma M.

    Right after I graduated from NYU my parents took me to The Shell Restaurant to meet my grandma and grandpa who were in the neighborhood. I didn't order a lot though my family let me try what they were eating. I loved the oysters. There was a great deal. The oysters were delicious and I couldn't believe that they weren't expensive although it might have been happy hour prices. The french fries were really good too and I loved that I could bring my dog to the outdoor seating area. The restaurant is clean, the people who work there are also really nice, and the prices are great. If the prices are still the same I could see myself ordering up to thirty oysters though I could see how that might make someone sick. I'm happy that I know someone who lives close by so that I could easily come here again or even walk here. The location is great for a restaurant on the upper west side and the restaurant seems to be doing pretty well!

    P.E.I. Mussels
    Kristie P.

    Came here for a quick dinner with my family and was pleasantly surprised. The food and cocktails were great and the service was extremely attentive. We probably tried everything on the menu considering it was a big group, standouts to me were the crab cake, the mussels, and the garlic shrimp. I ended up having a shrimp and scallop risotto special which was very good and VERY filling. Also to note, the spicy sauce they give with complimentary bread was so good haha. Great spot for a casual bite in the neighborhood, especially if you're in the mood for seafood.

    Outside
    Isabella T.

    I came to The Shell with my fiancé and two friends for a dinner on a Wednesday at 6pm. We made a reservation in advance which honestly may not have been necessary for a dinner so early in the night. However by 7:30pm the place was packed so it may be worth making a reservation to guarantee a table without waiting. I had never been to this place but had heard about it from a friend who really liked their happy hour. We decided to try it, especially because of their fantastic NYC Restaurant Week deal. This is such a cute little spot that gives cozy neighborhood spot vibes. We were greeted so warmly, they made us feel like we were regulars. The service was truly spectacular-- the waiters were so attentive of all our needs and made themselves available to ensure we were happy. They had their regular menu but I thought the NYC Restaurant Week deal was truly top notch: $45 for a generously sized appetizer, an entree and dessert? Unbeatable! I tried: - calamari a la plancha: very good app! The calamari was cooked perfectly, it was super tender. The flavor was amazing, with the right level of seasoning. It came over a parsley oil that complimented the umami flavors of the dish well. My fiancé tried the mussels and really loved them! - Bronzino: another very amazing dish! The flavors with the olives, the capers, and tomato sauce had the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and acidic. This came over a bed of black rice with Parmesan that had the nicest earthy flavor and chewiest, hearty texture. Loved this dish! Felt very filling and substantial. - chocolate lava cake: delicious, rich chocolate flavor! Came with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Unfortunately, the cake was too overdone so it was more like a brownie as opposed to a lava cake but I would come back to give it another chance because I can only imagine how good it is when it's a lava cake! - tiramisu: this was so light, and had the perfect level of sweetness. Really enjoyed it! My fiancé ordered this but I ended up eating most of it since I liked it so much and it felt so light at the same time. Overall, I loved this place. I thought the service was excellent and memorable making this restaurant stand out to me from the places I've been to lately. The food was also amazing. The quality of ingredients was exceptional, the seafood felt so fresh and was perfectly seasoned. The restaurant was clean and spacious-- with a very cozy, and relaxed feel that makes it perfect for any occasion: from a first date, to a spontaneous Happy Hour walk-in after work. Their deals are also amazing! This was a hidden gem and I'm so happy I found it. Will definitely be coming back in the near future. Highly recommend

    Fresh Papardelle and Jumbo Shrimp
    Jameelah S.

    The food and service was wonderful at this neighborhood eatery! I sometimes forget the plethora of restaurants that are on Amsterdam... always room to explore. The setting was calm; good for groups and singles alike. There's a full bar with seating and a good view of outside from almost every seat. The restaurant week menu was nice too. I will definitely return. The chili oil and fresh bread was a highlight of my dining experience.

    Puglia's Burrata Salad
    Gordon Y.

    Cuisine: 4 Service: 7 Decor: 6 Value: 3 Overall: 4 Honestly, after reading all the positive reviews, I thought this was going to be a hidden gem. Italian is one of my favorite cuisine types and I absolutely adore all forms of seafood. However, this meal turned out to be a very average meal, if not a total disappointment. Let me first start by saying that pictures can be deceiving, even my own. Based on what I saw online, I thought that the prices were good for what you get. Unfortunately, portions are smaller than you think because the close ups paints a false image. Most seafood were tiny, even the jumbo shrimp was normal sized. Here is a list of all the dishes we tried. P.E.I Mussels (1/10) - Just had this dish the other day where the mussels were plump and juicy. These were not the same quality. Tiny and shriveled up like they were overcooked. Sauce was nothing special. Terrible. Valeciana Clams (3/10) - Extremely salty! Overcooked again. You know this for a fact when most of the clams have already fallen out of the shells and landed in the sauce. This should not happen in a seafood restaurant. The Shell Caesar (5/10) - An average Caesar salad. Slightly overdressed and a bit too salty. Puglia's Burrata (7/10) - One of the better dishes of the night. Creamy cheese with fresh firm tomato and basil works so well with balsamic vinegar. Citrus Crusted Chilean Seabass (8/10) - Hard to screw up this one since the fish is so delicious on its own. I wouldn't called the brushed on sauce as a citrus crust though. Best item of the night for sure. Seafood Spanish Paella (1/10) - Wow! The rice was soggy and mushy as hell. Nothing like what a paella should be. Once again, why are the clams and mussels so tiny and all shriveled up? Shrimps were small and dry too. Squid Ink Linguini & Mixed Seafood (6/10) - Flavor of the sauce was very good, as expected from all the seafood. However, the tiny seafood was just again the low point. Fresh Tagliatelle & Wild Mushroom (3/10) - Pasta was not al dente and broke easily. Mushrooms were cut into minuscule pieces. Maybe they just like things small. Flavor was forgettable since I was focused on the sad texture. Maine Lobster Ravioli (5/10) - There was more hype for this dish than any other. Therefore, the fall is greater due to expectations. The ravioli were blah, and the tiny chunks of lobster were overcooked, while the sauce was meh too. Risotto w/ Jumbo Prawns & Scallops (7/10) - One of the specials of the night and better item we tasted. The truffle saffron sauce was quite delicious, while the rice was only slightly undercooked. I wouldn't call the seafood jumbo by any means, but they were "huge" compared to others. I don't like to write bad reviews, but I also don't want to sugarcoat anything when it's my honest opinion. The service is fine, and the restaurant looked okay. Lots of outdoor seating is actually very nice, but we dined in due to the rain. Unfortunately, I came for the food and it just fell very short of a near perfect Yelp rating.

    Food was absolutely phenomenal! Staff was friendly and the vibes were so nice. Will definitely be coming again for dinner service!

    Onto
    Michelle L.

    Stumbled upon such a gem during my short time in the UWS! My parents and I just wanted a nice dinner before we headed back home, and I saw this place with good ratings on Yelp. I didn't expect much but WOW!! We ordered the Spanish octopus, squid ink pasta with mixed seafood, and the lobster ravioli. We walked in without reservations so the three of us sat at the bar. Every dish. SO DELICIOUS!!! Spanish octopus is a great shareable dish. The cook on it was really good. Not too rubbery and well seasoned. The squid ink pasta with mixed seafood was my mom's absolute favorite - varied assortment of seafood and very generous with the portion size of it! The pasta was cooked well and it all paired really well together. The sauce was also amazing with the complimentary bread. My personal favorite was the lobster ravioli - not too salty, nice chunks of lobster on top and the sauce was divine! Service was also so friendly and welcoming ! Would return!

    Citrus Crusted Chilean Seabass
    Taylor E.

    My new favorite UWS restaurant and best service I've ever experienced! Everything about this restaurant was amazing and I haven't stopped raving about them to friends and family. Sizzling garlic shrimp so flavorful yet a nice light appetizer. Sea Bass and seafood paella - fresh seafood, nothing overcooked and everything was packed with flavor. Pear tartlet was a great way to end dinner and was delicious. Can't wait to return when outdoor seating is available.

    Maine Lobster Ravioli.
    Danielle W.

    Visited during happy hour and was pleasantly surprised by this local neighborhood spot. There was also ample seating in the restaurant and it was fairly empty for a weekend. My small party tried the following items: - The Shell Oysters: The oysters were fairly large sized, with decent flavor, and not gritty. While I am not the biggest oyster person, these definitely satisfy the craving. - Chef's Special Salad: A lot of veggies, but only about half a filet of salmon. The salmon was well cooked, but just wish the portion was a bit larger. - Maine Lobster Ravioli: The highlight of this meal! The ravioli was cooked perfectly, with a soft, creamy interior and chewy exterior. The sauce was not overwhelmingly heavy and went well with the ravioli. - Butterfly Shrimp: This was a very standard small bite style appetizer sized dish. The shrimp batter was light and crispy (maybe a little more fried than I would have preferred), but I would not say this is a must order here. Our experience was solid and the food was good overall. Staff were friendly and attentive throughout the meal.

    chocolate lava cake & Ladyfingers Tiramisu

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    9 months ago

    Employees were so amazing. And I didn't want the food to end! I had the branzino and it was amazing!

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    10 months ago

    Great food. Amazing drinks. Fun atmosphere. Wonderful staff. If I lived closer, I would be there every week!

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    Ask the Community - The Shell Restaurant

    What is the restaurant week menu?

    Hi Deby, Our restaurant week menu is on our website.… Read more

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    Arthouse Bar

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    4.1(47 reviews)
    0.7 miUpper West Side

    Perfect chill date night cocktail location. Meet someone for a biz meeting here, nice happy hour-…read moreopen seating and cool vibe. Drinks reasonable prices for location. A Latin jazz trio started to play and the vibe was chill , adult and calm. Highly recommend

    "Things to Consider":…read more 1. Food - fine if you want to pay hotel prices for food that you can get at a New Jersey or Long Island mall at much lower prices. Paper plates, plastic cutlery and pita chips warmed and served in the bags they came in. 2. Service - non-existent. No staff members acknowledge your arrival. You either have to wave madly or go to the bar and ask for a drink. The staff is always closing early with the staff excuse that "we are not busy" yet guests are routinely turned away. The staff is not happy and begrudge being there. DO NOT believe in the hours posted on the website. There is a built-in clientele but the staff can't wait to close it down. I don't know what is wrong with management but they have lost the plot. 3. Ambience - The space could be so much better than it is. The lighting is okay but the seating in the bar area is not appropriate. The adjoining cafe has a better feeling. Ambience has a lot to do with making guests feel welcome - this staff doesn't understand the meaning of hospitality but they should not be blamed. It is clear they have no training and are not held to any standard. If you want to go to a great space, go to the Wallace Hotel around the corner (I am NOT affiliated with them... have just gone there many times). It is so sad to see a place with such potential be so poorly run, especially as they have such little competition. The Arthouse Bar has the potential to be THE leading cocktail/music/late-night bar on the Upper West Side.

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    The Wallace Lounge - Caviar Brioche

    The Wallace Lounge

    4.4(37 reviews)
    0.8 miUpper West Side

    The Wallace Lounge is a cozy bar and lounge located in the Wallace hotel in the ground floor. The…read morespace is sleek and intimate. We showed up during happy hour and enjoyed $13 drinks and complimentary fries. We also ordered a yummy cheese plate. I had the UWS sparks drink and a G&T, both drinks were great! 7pm is when the live music started which was lovely and not too loud. Service was generally attentive and available. They have a coat check should you need one.

    I was warmly welcomed at the reception podium and escorted to my table. I was immediately calmed…read moreby the subdued lighting, the fireplace, and the elegant ambiance. The server appeared quickly, and she cheerfully took my order for a glass of Chablis (oops, sorry, no Chablis tonight) and Tuna Nori Tartare. The Italian wine -- my second choice -- was more than suitable. So far, a pleasant experience. The Nori arrived promptly, with four bite-size pieces beautifully presented on a small plate. I popped the first Nori into my mouth and ... OMG ... I'm hardly exaggerating when I say it's one of the worst things I've ever tasted! I hate to complain, and so I didn't. Instead, I wrapped the remaining pieces in a tissue and disposed of them in the restroom bin. I returned to my table and ordered the Truffle Potato Croquettes instead. Not amazing, but light years better than the tartare! At this point I nearly departed, but the jazz trio were setting up and I was interested in having a listen. I ordered a second glass of wine, the other Italian choice on the menu, which was quite lovely. The musicians launched into their first number at 7pm sharp and they were world class! Outstanding musicians. I mean, really outstanding! This more than made up for any culinary shortcomings earlier in the evening. All of this to say, I'd return to The Wallace for the music, but not for the food! :-)

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    The Wallace Lounge - Lounge

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    The Wallace Lounge - Strawberry panna cotta

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    Strawberry panna cotta

    Parla

    Parla

    4.4(247 reviews)
    0.8 miUpper West Side
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    I stopped by Parla for pizza and honestly--what an experience. From the moment I walked in, the…read moreservice stood out. While I was waiting for a table, multiple staff members checked in on me and even offered a drink, which made me feel genuinely taken care of before I even sat down. Once seated, that level of attentiveness didn't miss a beat. The team was warm, welcoming, and consistently made sure everything was just right without being overbearing. We ordered the Hot Hunny pizza and the Burrizza--both completely different but equally incredible. The flavors were unique, well-balanced, and honestly just exquisite. The ambiance tied everything together perfectly--super cozy, inviting, and with a cute, stylish vibe that makes you want to stay a while. Safe to say, I've found a new go-to spot in the city. Next time though, I'm definitely making a reservation!

    Yum!!! Only been here once but of my fav pizzas in NY…read more We had a hot hunny pizza and kale salad. Hot hunny was clearly a specialty. No notes. We took it to go and it re heated great too. They had a lot of fun and different flavors on the menu. Kale salad had some unique flavors but was tasty. They had some pastas and other dishes on the menu as well It's hard to get in here, we made a resv a few days before at 2pm on a Sat for the counter. There was some open seats around but still pretty busy. For a prime time resv probably need to book it in advance. The restraunt inside was cute and modern, there's a section with big windows.

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    Parla - Parla Bar

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    Outside eating area.

    Rampoldi - Birds of Paradise

    Rampoldi

    4.4(80 reviews)
    1.4 miUpper West Side
    Large group friendly
    Free WiFi

    Absolutely an amazing place. The vibes is so pleasant to eyes and feeling…read more We decided to dined here being its location is steps away from Lincoln Center. A show we were scheduled to see is set at 2 pm and thus placed opened at noon. It is just perfect for timing. Food is delicious, a unique taste that elevated our senses . It took a while to serve our main entree not because they were slow but I believed because they were making sure for us to experience the best . When it arrived- the best food taste ever I have tried. It's a combination of French and Italian fare on the choices on its ingredients and spices. We went for their duck confit and beef rosini! Both had superb tastes that melt in our mouth. Too bad that we were not able to try their desserts as the showtime is so near when we ended with our entree. Anyway, a good reason to return. Service is impeccable. Great staff.!

    We came to this restaurant after going to the NYC ballet at Lincoln center. Super convenient…read morelocation if you are catching a show, this was literally less than5 min walking. Rampoldi has an elegant atmosphere; loved the live piano music, and considering the time we arrived, we got the perfect table to enjoy the music. I forget the name of our server, but she was attentive and warm, making the entire experience very enjoyable. I wanted to love the food, but I just liked it, not bad by any means, but just standard. I may give this place a try again soon again. They have a special early dinner menu that works around the Lincoln center performances, may try place again when I come to another show. Bonus tip if you are driving in you can park for free right on the street by Rampoldi after 7:00 pm ;)

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    Prohibition

    Prohibition

    3.9(521 reviews)
    0.4 miUpper West Side
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    A Must-Visit NYC Gem: Incredible Music, Food, and Energy! If…read moreyou want the ultimate New York City night out, Prohibition is the place to be! We had an absolute blast from the moment we stepped inside. The whole experience--from the warm welcome at the door to the high-energy live music--was 10/10. The Food Experience: Truly Next Level The food here isn't just "bar snacks"--it's a full-on culinary experience. We tried several dishes and honestly, every single one was a hit: * Grandma's Sunday Sauce: This was the star of the show. It's pure comfort in a bowl and tastes like it's been simmering for days. * The Bacon: You can't go wrong here. It's perfectly prepared, smoky, and dangerously addictive. * The Burrata: So fresh and creamy--the perfect way to start the meal. * Crispy Shrimp: These had the perfect crunch and were packed with flavor. The Vibes & Service The host set the tone right away with a great welcome, and the service throughout the night was seamless. It's rare to find a spot that balances a sophisticated "speakeasy" atmosphere with such friendly, attentive staff. And of course, the music! The live band was electric and kept the energy high all night long. The "Roaring 20s" vibe is so well-done--it feels intimate but exciting at the same time. Final Verdict I would definitely suggest Prohibition to everyone! Whether you're a local or just visiting the city, this is the spot for great food, amazing service, and a vibe you won't find anywhere else. We'll definitely be back for more!

    We came to this place to have a get together with friends…read more The ambiance was incredible! Very chic and low lighting was perfect for a Saturday night. They had live music which was also so much fun! We sang along and enjoyed our drinks and food. My husband got the braised pork shank and I got the grandmas sauce pasta dish. DELICIOUS!! We had the lamb and burratta with truffle fries to share- also to die for. We ended the night with some espresso martinis for a sweet ending. Amazing food, great service and entertainment. Definitely will come back! Ask for Ty! Best server!!

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    The Shell Restaurant - seafood - Updated May 2026

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