Welcome to Johnny's Reef
- 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464 Hotline: (718) 885-2086
Welcome to Johnny's Reef: A Seafood Sanctuary in the Heart of City Island
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of City Island in the Bronx, Johnny's Reef stands as an enduring emblem of New York's dedication to high-quality seafood. Its address at 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464 beckons seafood lovers from near and far to experience a culinary journey that celebrates the ocean's bounty.
With a reputation built on freshness and flavor, Johnny's Reef has earned accolades as the Bronx's best-kept seafood secret. The establishment delivers a no-nonsense, homey atmosphere, where diners can relish their meals while enjoying stunning waterfront views. As reviews highlight, the outdoor heated dome enhances the dining experience, providing comfort throughout the year.
- Signature Dishes: The menu is a treasure chest of delights, from crispy fried flounder fillets to succulent lobster tails drenched in a savory butter sauce. The fried goodies, such as shrimp and crab legs, receive universal praise for their seasoning and freshness.
- Pina Coladas & More: A trip to Johnny's wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their famous pina coladas. Customers rave about these refreshing blends, which perfectly complement the seafood feast.
- Cafeteria Style Dining: The relaxed, cafeteria-style setup creates an unpretentious dining experience that feels right at home. Fast service ensures you can quickly shift from ordering to enjoying your meal, whether indoors or outdoors.
Anthony T., a loyal customer, captures the essence of what makes Johnny's Reef special, stating, "This City Island classic never disappoints." The reviews consistently praise the affectionate service, which is a cornerstone of the establishment. Whether you're a seasoned local or a curious visitor, the warm environment and delicious food make every meal memorable.
However, it's essential to note that Johnny's is a cash-only establishment, adding a quirky but charming touch to its simplicity. Some diners find minor nuances, such as the individual payment stations for food and drinks, a bit off-putting, but the overall experience more than compensates for any inconveniences.
As summer approaches, the buzz surrounding Johnny's Reef continues to grow. A community favorite, this seafood haven is not just a restaurant but a beloved institution where nostalgia meets cutting-edge culinary creations. Visitors will find a fusion of tradition and modernity in every dish served.
So, if you're seeking an unparalleled seafood experience, look no further than Johnny's Reef. Dive into their menu, sip that creamy pina colada, and bask in the vibrant atmosphere that only a true local gem can provide. Your taste buds will thank you!
For inquiries, you can reach them at (718) 885-2086.

Johnny's Reef is still the Bronx's best-kept seafood secret! This City Island classic never disappoints with its pina coladas and fresh, high-quality seafood--scallops, clams, shrimp, you name it. The flavors are always on point, and the no-frills, homey vibe and good service since it's still early in the year before the summer but still makes it feel like a true local gem. Over the years, they've stepped up their game, extending their space with an insulated, heated dome outside for a comfortable dining experience year-round. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, this spot is a must for seafood lovers. A true Bronx staple!

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

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.

Very good seafood restaurant that is a City Island institution. Beware, it's cash only and cafeteria style dining indoors and outdoors

Halloween night and it was pretty empty Besides being told we had to leave cause they were closing early I still enjoyed the delicious shrimp and fries! The coke was a bit flat but the fried shrimp never disappoints!

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.

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.

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!

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.