Johnny's Reef
Seafood restaurant · City Island
2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464
Highlights
Fried seafood, frozen drinks, and waterfront views
Fried seafood, frozen drinks, and waterfront views
"This whole time, you’ve been saying “Positano” wrong. It’s actually pronounced “City Island.” The Bronx enclave sitting in the Long Island Sound may not have pristine beaches and upscale resorts, but it does have Johny’s Reef, a counter-service seafood destination where you can eat calamari on a vast sun-soaked patio. Bring cash, and sample every local delicacy, including the cherry-topped piña colada." - bryan kim, molly fitzpatrick, willa moore, will hartman, sonal shah
"The ageless, very casual seafood restaurant is the perfect spot to while away the day with fried calamari and frozen cocktails while gazing upon the calming waves of City Island Harbor. Remember, it’s cash-only." - Nadia Chaudhury
"If it’s above 59 degrees outside, you should know that’s technically referred to as “Johnny's Reef weather.” Get in a car (or hop on a bus) and make your way to this City Island institution, where you can dive into a pile of fried shrimp on a sprawling concrete patio near the water. Order in the indoor area that’s set up like a food hall with counters offering steamed and fried clams, scallops, lobster tails and more, and pair everything with a Henny Colada in a little plastic cup." - bryan kim, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, will hartman
"This over 60-year-old restaurant is a classic, featuring fried fish of all stripes, steamed seafood, and clams options including chowders, littlenecks, and cherrystones. Though there are a handful of seafood restaurants selling the same type of fried fish on City Island (yes, there are buses that go between it and the mainland), Johnny’s Reef has long been the locals’ pick for its great waterfront views at the tip of the island and no-frills set-up. Get the fried calamari ($15) and a pina colada to start. Cash only." - Shivani Vora
"Johnny’s Reef has been open in the Bronx for six decades, the local’s pick among a handful of City Island seafood restaurants. It offers great waterfront views at the tip of the island and a no-frills set-up, with unfussy plates of steamed clams, fried calamari, lobster rolls, and even soft-shell crabs. There’s a standard beer selection but consider a frozen drink when seasonally appropriate. It’s cash only, though there is an ATM on site." - Robert Sietsema
