New York City, a culinary melting pot, boasts an impressive array of restaurants offering delectable crab cakes. From upscale establishments to casual eateries, finding the perfect crab cake experience depends on your preference and budget. This guide highlights 17 of the best places to indulge in this classic dish, ensuring a memorable culinary journey.
Where to Find the Best Crab Cakes in NYC: A Neighborhood Guide
This section explores diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique crab cake experiences. We'll cover everything from classic preparations to innovative twists.
Midtown Manhattan: Upscale Elegance & Refined Palates
Midtown offers a blend of sophisticated restaurants perfect for a special occasion crab cake dinner.
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The Smith: Known for its upscale American fare, The Smith delivers perfectly seasoned and pan-seared crab cakes. Their generous portions and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular choice. Expect a slightly higher price point but a guaranteed delicious experience.
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The Clocktower: For a more refined experience, The Clocktower, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers crab cakes as part of a larger tasting menu. Here, the focus is on the highest quality ingredients and innovative preparation techniques.
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Ocean Prime: This upscale steakhouse features crab cakes as an appetizer, often boasting jumbo lump crab meat. The elegant ambiance pairs perfectly with their rich and flavorful crab cakes.
Lower Manhattan: Historic Charm & Coastal Flavors
This area offers a mix of traditional and modern restaurants with their own interpretations of crab cake classics.
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The Fulton: This seafood-focused restaurant located in the Seaport District offers stunning views and high-quality crab cakes. Their commitment to fresh, sustainable seafood is evident in the taste.
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Pier A Harbor House: Enjoying crab cakes with a waterfront view? Pier A Harbor House offers that experience, pairing their delicious crab cakes with the beautiful backdrop of the New York Harbor.
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Lilia: This acclaimed Italian restaurant offers a unique take on crab cakes, often incorporating seasonal ingredients into their preparation. This isn't your typical crab cake – expect something creative and memorable.
Brooklyn: Trendy Bites & Hidden Gems
Brooklyn offers a diverse culinary scene, with many restaurants putting their unique spin on classic dishes like crab cakes.
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Cecconi's Dumbo: With its stunning waterfront location, Cecconi's Dumbo provides a luxurious setting to enjoy their elegantly prepared crab cakes. The sophisticated atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.
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Prime Meats: This popular Williamsburg restaurant offers a straightforward, delicious crab cake that perfectly balances crab flavor with a light breading.
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DeStefano's Steak House: A classic steakhouse experience, DeStefano's offers crab cakes as a starter showcasing the high-quality ingredients used throughout their menu.
Upper West Side: Neighborhood Favorites & Cozy Spots
This residential neighborhood has some hidden gems offering excellent crab cake options.
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Cafe Luxembourg: A popular spot for both locals and tourists, Cafe Luxembourg offers reliably good crab cakes in a charming, upscale atmosphere.
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Sarabeth's: Known for its brunch and classic American cuisine, Sarabeth's serves a well-executed crab cake, perfectly suited for a relaxed meal.
Greenwich Village: Bohemian Vibes & Unexpected Flavors
Greenwich Village’s eclectic mix of restaurants presents interesting variations on the classic crab cake.
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Minetta Tavern: A historic Greenwich Village establishment, Minetta Tavern offers crab cakes as part of their refined menu. It's a classic New York experience.
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The Spotted Pig: While known for its burgers, The Spotted Pig also offers a noteworthy crab cake, adding to its diverse menu.
Beyond the Neighborhoods: Other Notable Spots
These restaurants stand out for their unique approach to crab cakes, regardless of location.
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Jaleo: This Spanish tapas restaurant offers a unique take on crab cakes, incorporating Spanish flavors and spices.
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Riverpark: Enjoy stunning city views alongside perfectly executed crab cakes at this restaurant situated along the East River.
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Gaonnuri: A Korean restaurant that surprisingly delivers fantastic crab cakes, blending classic American and Korean culinary techniques.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Crab Cake
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Consider the crab meat: Look for restaurants emphasizing jumbo lump crab meat for a superior texture and flavor.
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Check the breading: A light breading allows the crab flavor to shine. Avoid overly heavy or greasy breading.
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Read reviews: Online reviews provide valuable insights into the quality and taste of crab cakes at different restaurants.
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Make a reservation: For popular restaurants, especially during peak hours, making a reservation is highly recommended.
Conclusion: Your Crab Cake Adventure Awaits
New York City offers a diverse range of options for crab cake enthusiasts. Whether you prefer upscale elegance or a casual neighborhood setting, this guide provides a starting point for your culinary adventure. Enjoy your delicious crab cake journey through the Big Apple!
