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    Vistamar

    3.2 (300 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    VISTAMAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Classy
    Casual
    Very loud

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    Recommended Reviews - Vistamar

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    Christine R.

    It's very rare to find a Restaurant in City Island that offer Happy Hours so we ventured out to Vistamar to try their Happy Hour Drinks. To my surprise, no one was sitting at the bar when we arrived so we had a choice of seats. This restaurant has a very elegant decor and I was looking forward to trying their drinks. The mixologist handed us an iPad which had all of the menus, drinks along with pictures - which was very helpful. The drinks we ordered looked exactly like the picture and were very good. We ordered a round of Sangria, Margaritas and a Lychee Martini. We were very pleased with our choices and our very pleasant mixologist who did an excellent job. Vistamar is definitely worth visiting for the drinks and we will be back to try the food.

    Chips and Guac
    Jeffrey G.

    I came here for my moms Birthday. It's a Hispanic fine dining restaurant in city island. We came here early afternoon on a Sunday for the brunch menu and it was an interesting experience. The interior is really nice. It's fancy and you get a view of the water. We started with sides. Everybody was able to pick a side from the brunch menu. We got chips & Guac, calamari, and I got the soup of the day. I feel like they could've done better on the calamari portions but it was definitely good quality. All the other sides were solid. My soup was good. The broth just needed more of kick to it. The octopus dish was my favorite of all. My sister got the oysters. I don't eat them so I can't speak on those. She seemed to enjoy the oysters. For the mains, I got the chicken and waffles which doesn't come with a side. Every brunch dish comes with a side besides the chicken and waffles. One of my sisters got the branzino with rice & beans and my mom got the steak and eggs with mashed potatoes. The chicken and waffles was okay. Presentation was on point. I love how they added all the fruits. The chicken had flavor but was lowkey hard/not tender as I wanted. I tried the branzino. I like how soft and flaky the fish was. The rice & beans was bland. The steak and eggs was really good. I like the portions of the steak, eggs, and mashed potatoes. Everything pairs well. If I had brunch here again I would get that dish instead. For dessert I got the flan. I love the cotton candy hit. The flan wasn't as sweet as I expected but I ate it with the cotton candy and it worked. As someone who loves Flan, it was definitely an interesting mix lol. For service, I wasn't a big fan of it. I felt like everything felt delayed. I don't know if it's because there's unlimited mimosas a part of the brunch package or something. There was only one person at the table actively drinking. We got there before the rush of people but overall anything we needed took more time than expected. One of my favorite parts was the entertainment. They had singers and dancers at first. Then Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Then there was a clown lady. I enjoyed the entertainment it was funny and family friendly. Overall, the experience was not bad.

    Oysters
    James W.

    Tons of fun, average food: Great fun atmosphere and perfect for a lively and entertaining restaurant experience. The food seemed to play second fiddle to the spectacle but was good enough. Periodic performances from the staff added to the fun aspect and was executed with great entertainment value precision. The service was good but overall, it took a while for our orders and drinks due to the kitchen and bar being backed up. We went on a Saturday so birthday celebrations were abundant adding to the festive vibe. The DJ played great music all night but the volume was loud, so it was hard to hear while conversing. Outdoors, people enjoyed hookah and/or the perfect weather. All in all, great place for a fun time and good/decent food, but not necessarily the place for a more intimate setting or exceptional eating experience.

    Tamo' Ready cocktail ($18 2024)
    Greg J.

    Found out about this place last year and really enjoyed it, but after coming back a bunch of times since then (current Duke of Vistamar), I've realized they really play fast and loose with their rules. One of my hard NOs for some places is when they are misleading with their pricing/billing. Sometimes they honor the happy hour thru to 7, sometimes they don't and it's extremely frustrating because nobody lives out here; it can require additional effort or an uber to make it in time. So when they decide to go to 7 or stop at 6:45 (when you get there at 6:47), it's like a slap in the face. Idc, update the website daily to your actual honored hours based on however the manager feels when they woke up that morning.

    Inside the restaurant

    We were there for a birthday party with family and friends was seated promptly when all of our guests arrived. Everyone was very thoughtful. Food was good. Drinks were wonderful live music and live entertainment. We had a wonderful time and I will be back.

    Shantell S.

    Birthday Dinner at Vista Mar -- A Whole Vibe! So apparently I was the guest of honor and didn't even know it -- my birthday dinner at Vista Mar was a total surprise! From the outside décor to the inside ambiance, this spot was giving vacation dinner in another country energy. When we arrived, a live performance had just wrapped up, but don't worry -- we got treated to three more shows throughout dinner! I was living for the energy -- it gave the night that "we're not in Brooklyn anymore" vibe. Appetizers: I had the crab cake -- good, but not the best. He had the lobster mac & cheese and shrimp cocktail, and let me tell you, that mac & cheese was definitely the star of the starters. Entrées: I went with the lobster linguine (10/10 recommend), and he had steak with mashed potatoes and broccoli. When I say that steak was so tender it cut like butter, I mean it. Whoever cooked it deserves a raise. Drinks: I sipped on a spicy margarita and a sidecar -- both strong enough to make me dance but classy enough to keep it cute. Dessert: The lemon drop cheesecake was heaven! It came with ice cream, macaroons, and the cutest birthday sign. The presentation alone made me feel like a celebrity. There were Libra birthdays everywhere that night -- it felt like a whole zodiac convention. The vibe, the food, the performances... everything was top-tier. Overall, my night was amazing -- I'd definitely go again. Vista Mar, you understood the assignment!

    Delicious crabcakes
    Lynda G.

    We received excellent service from our server Miguelo. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was inviting. I recommend Vistamar and will return.

    Lobster Mariscada for two
    Jacklyn P.

    I've been a loyal customer of Crab Shanty's for 35 years, so I had high hopes when I decided to try something new and visit Vistamar on City Island for a fun and classy evening by the water. Based on Google reviews, it seemed like a great pick, but the experience turned out to be quite surprising. First off, Vistamar has a Latin nightclub vibe with bachata, merengue, salsa, and heavy reggaeton music blaring so loudly you can feel it in your bones. Unfortunately, my Spanish isn't the best, and most of the staff spoke only Spanish. Even after I explained the language barrier, they couldn't hear us over the music anyway, so communication was a real challenge. Adding to the chaos, the DJ constantly interrupted the music to sing along--badly. We ordered a couple of appetizers and an entrée to share. The ceviche was mediocre at best--a 6/10. The crab cakes were the highlight of the meal and earned a solid 7.5/10. For the entrée, we got the whole lobster with shrimp, mussels, clams, octopus, corn, and potatoes in lobster sauce. Sadly, the lobster was undercooked, making it almost impossible to remove the meat from the shell. My date had to request rubber gloves to deal with it, and when we asked the waitress if the chef could crack the lobster for us, she said yes--but nothing came of it. Again, I don't think she could hear us over the music. There was one bright spot: an energetic busboy who, despite the language barrier, checked on us every two minutes and danced for every table. While we couldn't stop laughing at the sheer entertainment of it all, it didn't make up for the challenges. Overall, the experience was a 6/10. We made the best of it and had some laughs, but between the deafening music, language barriers, and underwhelming food, I can't say I'd return. If you're looking for a lively Latin dance party with okay food, this is your spot--but it's not for everyone.

    Art
    Kisha V.

    Visit this lovely restaurant to celebrate my friends birthday. I would say the overall ambiance at this restaurant is a 10/10. Food is hands down outstanding & amazing. Drinks where excellent 10/10. Dj/entertainment 20/10. Delicious fresh and out. Service was okay 6/10. We waited over 40 minutes to be seated evenin tho we had an reservation. We also had arrived 20 mins before and waited a very extensive amount of time to be seated. Service was great staff was very attentive and professional!! Highly recommend visiting and trying this restaurant/lounge. Jocelyn was our server excellent 10/10.

    Guacamole and chips
    Sara P.

    The food, service and ambiance are excellent. Hectáreas was our superstar server. He took great care of us.

    Evita N.

    Visited Vistamar for my sister's birthday during their Wednesday cigar and live music night. We were seated right away outside, and although the live music was quite loud, the view was amazing. We got there right around sunset and it couldn't have been prettier. They are doing some updating inside their restaurant, but overall, the ambience indoor is beautiful- I loved the bar and various photo op spots. I would opt to sit inside for the next visit. Jonathan was our server and he seemed new to the gig. Nonetheless, he was attentive when we called him over and adhered to our requests. For drinks we ordered bottle service which came out right away. For dinner we got the seafood tower which was HUGE. The only complaint I had was the whole lobster served with it. It was so messy to break this lobster down and most of it ended up going to waste :( We ordered a few other appetizer samplers and they were not bad but for the price our expectations were higher. Overall, for the steep price of dinner, I expected better tasting options and better communication from the servers. For 6 adults, with bottle service and mainly appetizers, our total bill was $630. I would give Vistamar another shot for drinks only and taking in the scenic water view.

    Water
    Laura A.

    Ygsell and Osiris were very friendly. I loved that they were attentive and professional. She gave great recommendations on what to order also letting us know about the specials available. I enjoyed being in this restaurant. Although, I felt the lobster was overcooked/ frozen before. It wasn't terrible but sometimes you expect differently when ordering from a seafood restaurant.

    Sunset

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    2 months ago

    The server was Silva and she was amazing and on point: the food was really good and the show was epic

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    City Island Lobster House - Raw clams

    City Island Lobster House

    3.7(883 reviews)
    0.2 miCity Island
    $$$

    It's been years since I've been here. I'd forgotten how great the food is and service is…read moreimpeccable. Friends took me here for my birthday and we had reservations at another place, but they "lost" them? All of us have been here before so we decided why not, and see what happens. The place was incredibly busy, we had about a 20 minute wait but it was worth it! Our server Robert was top notch. Professional and cordial. He Immediately came over with glasses of water, garlic bread, cheese and olive tapas, a house salad, and napkins. Tried the broiled fisherman's combo: shrimp, scallops, fish fillet, mussels, stuffed clams, lobster tail, and a side, I opted for linguini with garlic aioli. Everything was cooked very well and the presentation amazing and beautiful. Now here's something you don't see every day; an actual stuffed clam where the clam is still partially attached to the shell! None of that surimi crap! Finished the meal with a double espresso, shared a tartufo and cheese cake. I don't know if the digestif was complementary, but it was a nice touch. I don't know how the kitchen keeps up with the orders. The waitstaff must put a few miles on their feet a day and a cardio workout carrying the trays overflowing with food. Amazing! Everything in the restaurant is kept neat, clean, and organized. The music is not overwhelming. You can hear each other at the table. When the weather is a little nicer, they have beautiful outdoor seating with views of Long Island sound. It is very romantic, when the sun is setting, you can imagine yourself being somewhere exotic and far away. As the song goes; "Sometimes you don't know what you got till it's gone."

    Big portions and food was cooked well but absolutely no flavor. Service was also not great…read more Too expensive for the food.

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    Nautical Stop

    City Island Lobster House - Lobster clam baked special

    Lobster clam baked special

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    Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Fried Smelt

    Johnny's Reef Restaurant

    3.9(752 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Honestly, I miss the old owners of this restaurant. Since the people have changed, they've changed…read morethe 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.

    The only reason I came out this far was for this. City Island and Johnny's Reef. This is not a spot…read moreyou 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.

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    Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Johnnys Reef

    Johnnys Reef

    Johnny's Reef Restaurant - Piña colada

    Piña colada

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    Archie's Tap & Table - Shrimp and avocado omelette

    Archie's Tap & Table

    4.6(138 reviews)
    0.1 miCity Island
    $$

    Archie's Tap & Table is operating on an entirely different level from the typical City Island…read morerestaurant scene. This is not your standard seafood shack or casual neighborhood spot. The chef comes from the world of high-end NYC dining, and you can feel that experience in every detail of the food. There's a level of creativity, precision, and thoughtfulness here that honestly feels Michelin-worthy. This makes sense, because the restaurant has earned that recognition. Beyond the food, Archie's also has one of the best Scotch and whiskey (bourbon and rye included) selections anywhere in the area. It feels curated by people who genuinely care about food and drink, not just running another restaurant. We eat there often, especially for brunch, which is spectacular and consistently better than it has any right to be for a neighborhood spot on City Island. The best example of the attention to detail was the chopped cheese sandwich special. When it arrived, my first thought was: "How is anyone supposed to eat this giant thing?" But then you take a bite and realize the bread was custom made specifically for the sandwich. Somehow it completely melts in your mouth along with the meat and cheese, making this enormous sandwich unexpectedly delicate and perfectly balanced. It's the kind of detail most restaurants would never even think about. Archie's is a true hidden gem and proof that truly exceptional food can exist in places you wouldn't expect.

    Large selection for breakfast and brunch and our service was exceptional. The places is small but…read morevery nice and we had a good time.

    Photos
    Archie's Tap & Table
    Archie's Tap & Table - Steak n eggs

    Steak n eggs

    Archie's Tap & Table

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    The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant - Broiled scrod

    The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant

    3.6(943 reviews)
    0.4 miCity Island
    $$$

    The Original Crab Shanty on City Island is doing brisk business and most everyone in the restaurant…read moreis there for the Lobster Special, which, according to my friend who recommended the Crab Shanty, had disappeared from the official menu. My friend says he and his wife come here all the time and get the same thing. I brought someone here and we liked it very much and at $38, it's a good value. We walked in the nautically themed Crab Shanty and were seated quickly. Even though the Lobster Special had disappeared from the official menu, I understand it was always possible to order it and it was inevitable they had to bring it back out on the official menu. It comes first with garlic bread that you will devour. Next you have the choice of a salad or clam chowder and that clam chowder hits with the garlic bread. Then comes the main event with the whole lobster split lengthwise, two baked clams and a broiled or steamed shrimp. On the side you can choose fries, rice pilaf or baked potato. The fries were good, the clams and shrimp better and the lobster was great. The lobster is buttered and seasoned well. These are not jumbo lobster, but adequate for the price point. No one goes home hungry and the Crab Shanty goes easy on the wallet so you can return anytime. Service is good too. Four stars!

    Had an amazing time at The Crab Shanty today (4/12/26)! The food was on point as always--hot,…read morefresh, and consistently delicious. My sister went all in with the stuffed lobster loaded with clams and shrimp, plus a baked potato and New England clam chowder. I had the Mediterranean Baltimore-style crabs in garlic sauce with clam chowder and broccoli--absolutely . If you love whole crabs like I do, this is the spot. The drinks? Top tier. My sister had a Bloody Mary and Hennessy coladas, and I had an 1800 margarita--bartender definitely knows what they're doing! Only downside was the wait--about 45 minutes--but it was restaurant week on City Island, so expected. Honestly though, the "deal" wasn't much (just a free virgin piña colada or soft drink), so don't go expecting big specials. Overall, still my go-to every time. Great vibes, great food, and always worth it. I'll definitely be back!

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    The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant
    The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant - Broiled crab stuffed lobster, broiled snow crab legs/shrimp

    Broiled crab stuffed lobster, broiled snow crab legs/shrimp

    The Original Crab Shanty Restaurant

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    Jp's City Island - Salad

    Jp's City Island

    3.3(281 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$$

    My visit here happened early Dec 2025…read more Everyone should be sure and read the huge sign on the entrance door to the restaurant. It explains things clearly. And they did not lie. An entree could easily feed 2-3 hungry people with leftovers, if you add in the salad, bread and drinks before the meal. Maybe 4, so yeah, everybody needs to be good and starved out! It is pricey, but I felt my meal was worth it it. I had fried fish for a week afterwards. How many left-over fried fish sandwiches can a person eat? It was an early Saturday afternoon. no crowd no fuss, no muss. Service was excellent! No room for dessert.

    Service was good, Ambiance ok. I was very much disappointed with the food. For a place that boast…read moreabout seafood authenticity, I was disappointed with my crab stuff flounder meal. While it was plentiful, the crab stuffing was approx. 99% bread stuffing. The crabmeat was non-existent. If you are going to charge such exorbitant prices, I do not mind paying as long as you are going to serve real seafood. The bill was hand written on a regular store numbered checkbook not even presented on a modern computerized print bill. The bill payment is all cash/zelle...go figure! I used the restroom and that had a sewer odor to it. Needless to say, I will not go back nor recommend this place! Folks you can spend less in city Island and get better or at least same type of food.

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    Jp's City Island - Old interior

    Old interior

    Jp's City Island - This is very unhealthy with the amount of oil on it

    This is very unhealthy with the amount of oil on it

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    The Black Whale

    The Black Whale

    3.9(228 reviews)
    0.5 miCity Island
    $$

    This has become one of my favorite spots. It is a trek up to City Island, but more than worth it!…read more I love their pan seared tuna especially with the seasonal veggies. It is always fresh and juicy. Combined with a glass of cold prosecco This last time I got the meatloaf, which was delicious. More of a Hungarian dish, which you can't get everywhere. The ambience inside and out is hip and for me nostalgic. My friend who's from Europe, couldn't get over how friendly Bronxites are! The owner and the other guests, were charming As I said there's more to New York City than Manhattan!!

    I stepped foot on the Black Whale for the first time to experience dining in the heart of City…read moreIsland- when I pass by, I have always being intrigued by it's charming and quaint look which makes the place have a pleasant and unique feel. Once you step in it you don't feel like you are in The Bronx. I chose to sit outdoors since it was a nice breezy afternoon and I felt enchanted by all the garden furniture surrounded by plants under trees. I ordered the pan seared sesame tuna salad and a passion fruit margarita and they were both very good. I also ordered a tiramisu for dessert which was also delicious. De-the server was very friendly, attentive and helpful at the time of ordering- I communicated that it was my first time at the restaurant and she made a few suggestions to assist with my choices. It is definitely a place worth trying.

    Photos
    The Black Whale - Interior

    Interior

    The Black Whale - Meatloaf

    Meatloaf

    The Black Whale - Passion fruit Margarita

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    Passion fruit Margarita

    Vistamar - seafood - Updated May 2026

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