Johnny's Reef
A legendary, no-frills seafood joint on City Island serving up classic fried and steamed dishes with stunning water views. Cash only!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Johnny's Reef
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary, no-frills seafood joint on City Island serving up classic fried and steamed dishes with stunning water views. Cash only!
"Experience the best of City Island with delicious seafood and ocean breezes at Johnny's Reef."
Cash Only
Be prepared as this is a cash-only establishment.
Go during off-peak hours
Visiting during less busy times can help you avoid long lines.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Delicious Fried Seafood
Crispy, flavorful fried seafood baskets, from shrimp to lobster tails, are a must-try.
Waterfront Dining Experience
Enjoy ocean views and sea breezes from the outdoor seating area, perfect for a casual meal.
Fabulous Frozen Drinks
Cool off with refreshing frozen cocktails, including popular Pina Coladas, to complement your seafood.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only
Be prepared as this is a cash-only establishment.
Go during off-peak hours
Visiting during less busy times can help you avoid long lines.
Try the fried seafood
The fried seafood options are consistently recommended for their flavor and generous portions.
Cycle to City Island
Consider arriving by bike; it's a popular destination for cyclists.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only
Be prepared as this is a cash-only establishment.
Go during off-peak hours
Visiting during less busy times can help you avoid long lines.
Try the fried seafood
The fried seafood options are consistently recommended for their flavor and generous portions.
Cycle to City Island
Consider arriving by bike; it's a popular destination for cyclists.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Johnny's Reef is a beloved, long-standing seafood spot on City Island, known for its generous portions of delicious fried and steamed seafood and its stunning waterfront views. While many praise the casual atmosphere and refreshing frozen drinks, some diners have noted concerns about rising prices and a perceived decrease in food quality in recent times.
"Don't be turned away by the line! Johnny's was my first stop of trying City Island, and it did not disappoint. The establish is well organized, making the line move quickly. The shrimp and fish baskets were huge! Packed with lots of food and lots of flavor!"
Candace White
"Enjoy Johnny's fried and steamed seafood, like their soft, velvety and buttery fried flounder, shrimp, steamed Whiting (my favorite seafood) and lobster tails.
The drinks are a highlight, with many visitors recommending the strong Pina Coladas to complement the seafood. My favorite drink is a delicious cup of black coffee ☕️, no sugar 😀
The al fresco dining area offers lovely views of the water and Great Neck, sailboats and the beautiful, majestic Throgs Neck Bridge, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal and the refreshing, cool sea-breeze during warm weather.
The service is quick, friendly and efficient, without a lengthy wait.
You can't visit City Island without making a stop at Johnny's Reef and enjoy their delicious seafood."
Murat Olgun (Mark)
"Good seafood restaurant right by the waters. Be prepared to neighbor with the seagulls. They do have lines above that prevent the bigger birds from flying in, which is very much appreciated.
The fried calamari was delicious and the little neck clams were fresh. Good cocktail sauce and linguine/clams.
The ordering can be a little confusing for a first timer. They have different ordering booths for fried, steamed, drinks, sodas etc. whatever you see on the menu above, that’s likely what you can order in that area.
Cash only!"
Shirley Z
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Johnny's Reef is a cash-only restaurant. It's recommended to have cash on hand before you arrive.
Many visitors rave about the fried lobster tails, fried shrimp, fried clams, and fritto misto. The steamed seafood options are also popular.
Yes, Johnny's Reef offers extensive outdoor seating with views of the water, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal.
They offer a variety of drinks, including popular frozen cocktails like Piña Coladas and Daiquiris, as well as affordable beer options.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the location.
It's often recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid potentially long lines.
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This waterside spot shines among the jewels of the New York City crown that is City Island. Order your fried lobster tails, frog legs, oysters and clams inside, add a cognac-based Henny Colada, nab a patio picnic table and enjoy the view of the Long Island Sound. Grab cash before you go and prepare for lines.
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Seafood is a highlight at this City Island establishment, known for its fresh and perfectly fried options. The menu includes raw clams and oysters, and is a great choice for those seeking a relaxed dining experience. While it may not be a tropical getaway, this place features a large concrete patio where you can enjoy a frozen cocktail just steps from the water.
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Johnny’s is a classic seafood spot in the Bronx with low prices and high-quality food. There's no shortage of outdoor tables beside the water, so you can enjoy your favorite fried seafood dishes while admiring the blue ocean. The casual picnic table seating and expansive patio make it an idyllic option for large groups and families who want a tasty lunch.
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A staple of City Island’s seafood scene, Johnny’s Reef, at 2 City Island Avenue, has been serving fresh seafood for over 60 years. Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted, “I used to drive my kids to Johnny’s Reef Restaurant, which is all the way out on the point. We would order baskets of fried clams and eat them outside on the picnic tables overlooking the water.
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Assuming you are still energized by the scenery and clean air, press on to the end of the island for Johnny’s Reef Restaurant. While it doesn’t sport the fancy food of the Lobster Box, it offers fresh fare and is welcoming to slightly sweating, sneaker-toting newcomers. The Manhattan clam chowder and fried lobster tails are highly recommended.
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City Island is a small island in the Bronx that’s known for its variety of seafood and water activities. The available cuisine ranges from American to Italian to Japanese, so there’ll be something for you no matter what you’re craving. We recommend Johnny’s Reef, right on the southernmost point of City Island.
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Pack your pockets full of cash, stake out a spot on the deck out back and order your oysters, clams, fried shrimp, lobster tails and soft shell crab at Johnny’s cafeteria-style counter. The waterside spot’s Henny Colada cocktail is also one of the best frozen drinks in NYC.
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The restaurant Johnny’s Reef on City Island in the Bronx serves delicious seafood dishes. The menu has been carefully created and the chef uses only the freshest ingredients from the market. From lavish dishes to light meals, there is something for everyone.
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2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464 johnnysreefrestaurant.com. Popular outdoor restaurant serving fried and steamed seafood favorites!. Located on City Island Avenue, Johnny’s Reef is known for its delicious food and spacious outdoor patio.
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Serving the neighborhood for more than 60 years, Johnny’s Reef is at the dead end of City Island Avenue and a staple of the waterfront neighborhood with the best variety of seafood dishes in the borough; frogs legs?
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A well-known spot is Johnny’s Reef Restaurant, located all the way out on the point of the island: it is a spacious, casual spot to order baskets of fried seafood and sit on a picnic table overlooking the water.
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