Honestly, I miss the old owners of this restaurant. Since the people have changed, they've changed the recipe for the batter on the seafood, they also have changed the fries , and worst of all THEY CHANGED THE TARTER SAUCE RECIPE! It tastes like mayonaise now, and that broke my heart. I just want the good food spots in the Bronx to remain that way. The food is definitely not as good as it used to be. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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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Food tastes amazing, service was excellent and the ambience was definitely as expected.

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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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

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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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

Great seafood at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is open and definitely a gem. Steamed or fried seafood is good either way.

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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This is a childhood staple! I've been going to Johnny's for so many year but I recently realized from my past visit on Sunday that they have changed! The shrimp and scallops use to be colossal, you didn't mind paying for them... I promise thw shrimp and s allop are popcorn size now and thw price has gone up! It broke my heart ... Shame! If your gonna do it, do it but don't play with it! read more

Love this place absolutely amazing for this year 2025 I have to make my visit. The fillet of soul with corn on the cob with the butter swimming ‍ all over the corn. The hot sauce and their tartar sauce is always amazing. The view is so breathtaking for pictures. The service is always great. read more

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My friends and I came here for lunch while spending the day in City Island. The place was spacious and airy, with multiple counters to order food, along with separate areas to order drinks. There was plenty of outdoor seating with a view of the lovely water. I ordered the Fried Flounder Fillet, which came with fries. The Flounder was HUGE, as well as satisfyingly crispy, tender, flaky, and quite flavorful. The Fries were oh so crunchy with wonderful potato taste. For my drink, I got the nonalcoholic Pina Colada with Strawberry Daiquiri, which was a smooth, thick, sweetly refreshing blend of coconut and strawberry. I also got to try my friend's Grilled Lobster Tail. This was drenched in a tasty butter sauce and well seasoned with a mix of yummy spices. Service was nice and quick. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed the food. read more

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What can I say? Johnny's is a New York staple, I've been here so many times I can't even count, but the thing I love is that the quality remains the same and they've actually elevated the space over the years while still maintaining that nostalgic charm. I went here for my mom's birthday recently and we had a ball The food was great, the drinks were amazing and the food was on point as usual. I love how everything is extremely fresh and made right in front of you, down to the shucking of the clams. I love the outdoor seating and they've elevated it over the last few years where they have invisible wire set up over the tables so that the birds can't interfere with your meal, which I love. The people are always excited to serve you, and they move extremely quick. I will never get tired of this spot. Sure there are other spots I enjoy, but this one is special . Johnny's has my heart forever. read more

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My go to spot in city island. Make sure you bring cash! The food is pretty good, the drinks are strong. This location is usually pretty packed in the summer. But it's worth it, definitely better option than seafood city. read more

The food here is always great. There are plenty of options here and drinks are always amazing as well. Staff is always good and helpful. Food is made quickly but it's fresh. Tables can be cleaner and restrooms as well but the food and parking options make up for it read more

Super fresh, flaky fried flounder and a mean piña colada! This place is busy with a capital B. But, we found seating outside. And the food was worth dealing with the crazy lines. Reasonable prices and large portions make this spot in City Island a no brainer. Killer view of the water as well, since it's the last restaurant on the strip. They have ice cream, but we were too full for dessert. read more

Nice spot on the water! Reasonably priced! Fresh fried goodies! We will continue to support this spot ! Cheers read more

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

Seafood after beach! And City Island is just right next to orchard beach. So we went. I haven't been on the island for many many years. Heard that it is not as good as before. Let's see. This place is one of the casual seafood place at the tip of the island. We order, pay and get a picnic table to eat. We wanted to try different kind of food, like raw clams, clam chowder, lobster roll and frozen drinks. Unfortunately, there are different counters for different kind of food. So my husband needed to get on different lines to order food. Good that staff were friendly to hold the food for him. The clams are big and fresh! But the other items were so so. The lobster rolls are failure because the meat was not fresh and no mayo applied to the meat, which make the rolls tasteless. Clam chowder was plain too. read more

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

I will be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of these long standing fish fry establishments located on city island. They more so serve the purpose of nostalgia rather than amazing food. This visit I was pleasantly surprised to have enjoyed the shrimp and lobster platters. The fries were crispy( which is a pet peeve of mine) and the shrimp & lobster tails were freshly fried to order, juicy, tender, and lightly battered. They could have better tartar sauce but I wont be so picky These go excellent with a frozen drink, we indulged in a nicely spiced pina colada! I was lucky enough to not have anyone feeding the birds around me but I know that does happen and I would find that highly annoying! lol Things to note: 1. It's cash only. 2. You pay for soft drinks at one station, food at another, and alcoholic beverages at another. 3. They charge you for to-go container if you have leftovers while dining in. $1. I found this off putting to be honest! read more

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

I don't care what anyone says, Johnny's is my go to when I go to city island. I've been to other restaurants in City Island but I always go back to Johnny's. I get the shrimps & lobster all the time. The fried is great with hot sauce & tatter sauce, by itself it may need some more seasoning. The steamed is well seasoned from what I remember I haven't had it that way in a long time (so don't quote me). The service is always fast & the piña colada always hits. I always get the corn as ℓℓ. They have other items I've never ordered like crab legs, frog legs (if u like that ), fish, scallops, oysters, clams, calamari, chicken wings, fries, soup etc... They have an outside & inside cafeteria style restaurant. It has gotten a lot cleaner than b4. I been going there since I was a kid & will always recommend. read more

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Been going since childhood a great place for family celebrations. Love the food. I go whenever I get a chance

It's been so long since I've been to Johnny's. It's just as I remembered it. Fast service, clean facilities and decent prices. The portions were smaller than I remember. Not one complaint from the family about the food. As always the star of the show is the view never disappoints. read more

They just opened up yesterday. The food is as great as usual.we had fried baby lobster tails. Steamed Red Snapper I had raw clams everything was delicious. They have no old Bay seasoning because of the tariffs for shame. But everything was great for the spring opening. read more

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I love this place and have been coming here for over 40 years. They have the best seafood in the world ! Their tarter sauce is what keeps me coming back everytime! World famous, family fun, and very nostalgic. It's like going back in time with a warm cozy feeling that brings back days of old. Johnny's Reef all the way down at the end of the island is a whole experience that you must try at least once in your life. You will be hooked like a fish! Trust me, Queen Eileen. read more

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Bro a time was had. I absolutely loved the outdoor, waterside environment. Being from a coastal city it was nostalgic. Also a nice touch was the added ropes or lines overhead to keep the seagulls at bay. Very smart. The staff was nice, not southern charm but could tell we were visitors and helped us make quick selections as they truly believe in moving the people through. We ordered a fish basket with flounder, 2 shrimp baskets, and crab legs. Somebody in the group ordered a round of margarita style somethings that were lovely too. The shrimp and fish fry batter was pretty good. It wasn't salty but wasn't bland either. The French fries were hot and crispy too and that's a big deal because no one likes soggy fries or potatoes. Also to note the fried fish was really crispy too and not a soggy mess as I experienced somewhere else. Now, I'm not sure what combo of garlic and Parmesan or what have you seasoning they shook on these crab legs but surely they did a number on my taste buds. The quantity and price match was a perfect ratio. I think they could give lessons to some other places on how to portion and season their food. Provided there's close beach access and a host of alcohol and food this is a GREAT spot to hang out when it's warm outside. It gets so busy but for some reason the flow keeps going and people don't just sit and hoard tables so I sensed a slight bit of community here. Can't wait to come back before winter sets in. read more