Fulton Fish Co.

A Hidden Gem Inside the Tin Building: Fulton Fish Co.

Seaport is easily one of the most romantic spots in New York City, perfect for a quiet afternoon or an early evening date by the water. The cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and mix of old architecture with sleek new developments create a unique atmosphere that feels both urban and nostalgic.

Right at the heart of it all lies the Tin Building, a historic space reimagined by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges. Once a bustling fish market, it has been transformed into a vibrant culinary hub. Inside, you’ll find high-end grocery stalls, wine bars, coffee corners, and full-service restaurants—all curated with that signature Jean-Georges finesse.

Among them, Fulton Fish Co. stands out - a chic fish bar known for its ultra-fresh seafood and stylish, open-kitchen vibe. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick oyster snack or a full seafood feast, this place has a magnetic pull. It’s the kind of spot that draws you in even when you’re just casually strolling through the market.

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What They’re Known For

Fulton Fish Co. has a reputation for its carefully curated raw bar: oysters, clams, uni, and a selection of delicate crudo that changes with the season. You’ll often see guests perched at the sleek counter, sipping white wine while watching chefs shuck and plate seafood with near-surgical precision.

The vibe here is effortlessly elegant - no white tablecloths or pretentious plating, but everything is beautifully done. The ingredients speak for themselves, and the plating highlights the natural textures and colors of the sea.

If you’re not in the mood for raw items, they also offer warm favorites like New England clam chowder, lobster rolls, and grilled fish sandwiches. Their menu rotates depending on what’s fresh and available, which keeps things interesting even for repeat visitors.

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What We Ordered

We didn’t originally plan on dining here. We were just browsing the Tin Building before heading to another reservation nearby. But as we walked by the glowing counter of Fulton Fish Co., the vibe was so inviting that we couldn’t resist.

The bar seating was wide open, with a gorgeous display of oysters and clams on ice right in front of us. Chefs behind the counter were moving in a calm but precise rhythm, plating seafood, pouring wine, and chatting with guests.

So we decided to turn our little walk into a spontaneous seafood stop.

We ordered:

• A glass of crisp white wine
• A bowl of New England clam chowder
• A raw clam platter (with a mix of littlenecks and cherrystones)

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The clam chowder was rich and warming, with a creamy base that wasn’t too heavy. You could taste the ocean in each bite, thanks to the generous portions of tender clams. Bits of potato gave it a comforting heartiness, and there was a subtle smokiness that lingered in the background—maybe a hint of bacon or smoked salt.

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The raw clam platter was the star of the show. They were served ice-cold, with mignonette, lemon wedges, and cocktail sauce on the side. But honestly? We barely touched the sauces. The clams were so fresh they didn’t need anything at all. Just a tiny squeeze of lemon, and you get that perfect bite—salty, briny, sweet, and clean.

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The wine was a perfect pairing—light, dry, and minerally enough to complement the seafood without overpowering it. And sipping wine while watching the chefs work? That’s half the experience.

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The bar is intimate but not cramped. The lighting is soft and glowy, bouncing off the marble counters and glassware. It’s casual enough that you don’t feel out of place in sneakers, but elevated enough to make it feel like a little luxury in the middle of your day.

The staff were friendly and attentive, but never overbearing. They noticed we were curious about the menu and took the time to walk us through their recommendations, even though we were only ordering a few items.

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The total was around what you’d expect for seafood and wine in Manhattan—not cheap, but definitely worth it for the quality, service, and overall vibe. It felt like a tiny escape from the city, even though we were still very much in it.

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Things to Do Near the Tin Building

Once you’re done at the Tin Building, you’re in one of the city’s most photogenic and walkable neighborhoods. Here are a few things you can do:

• Take a stroll along the waterfront. The views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River are stunning, especially at sunset.
• Visit the South Street Seaport Museum, where you can learn about NYC’s maritime history and sometimes even hop aboard historical ships.
• Check out seasonal events like rooftop movie nights, live jazz, or weekend artisan markets.
• Pop into other Tin Building venues—whether it’s a coffee from Spoiled Parrot or a pastry from T. Café, there’s no shortage of treats.

Fulton Fish Co. makes for a perfect pre-dinner stop, especially if you’re dining at another spot in the Seaport area. It’s also ideal for a light lunch or mid-day snack that doesn’t weigh you down.

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Fulton Fish Co.

Between the setting, the open kitchen, the ultra-fresh seafood, and the calming atmosphere, everything works together to create a beautiful pause in your day. Whether you’re a die-hard seafood fan or just want to enjoy a glass of wine with a beautiful view, this little counter inside the Tin Building might just become one of your favorite hidden gems in NYC.