The crab cake’s blend of rich and savory tastes makes it a standout on appetizer menus everywhere. New York does some pretty mean versions, from classic standards to innovative twists. Crab cakes manage to pack in the distinctive flavor of the sea without ever tasting “too fishy.” Even non-seafood lovers (we know, it’s hard to believe such people even exist!) seem to be fans of the crispy dish. Read on for our picks for the best crab cakes in New York City.
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Midtown West
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House serves one of the most notable crab cakes we’ve ever come across, using the freshest jumbo lump crab from Foley Fish in Boston. Served on top of a house-made Cajun lobster sauce, this appetizer is much less cake and much more crab, something that nobody can complain about. 1221 Ave. of the Americas, 212-575-5129, delfriscos.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Midtown East
The Sea Fire Grill serves up a bronzed beauty of a crab cake, with tender jumbo lump crab beneath a light sear. The results are definitely elevated, complete with a red pepper coulis, tartar sauce, and a celery root remoulade. A frisee salad provides some attractive greenery on top. 158 E. 48th Street, 212-935-3785, theseafiregrill.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Midtown West
Oceana’s jumbo lump crab croquettes are complemented perfectly by a wasabi aioli and pickled cucumber side that adds just the right amount of kick. The breading is light, allowing the palette to focus in on the seafood instead of fried batter, which is fine by us. 120 W. 49th St., 212-759-5941, oceanarestaurant.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Greenwich Village
The Jumbo Lump Crab Cake served up at Knickerbocker is about as rich as it gets in the flavor department. Served alongside a corn relish and a pickled ginger tartar sauce, this dish screams New England in all the best ways possible. 33 University Pl., 212-228-8490, knickerbockerbarandgrill.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Midtown East
Taking things in a more tropical direction, Fabio Piccolo Fiore’s crab cakes ignore all the typical “cake” ingredients and instead use a lemony shallot and red pepper concoction to hold together the appetizer’s meat. Topped off with chopped pineapple and parsley, there’s no lack of zest in this dish. 230 E. 44th St., 212-922-0581, piccolofiorenyc.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: West Village
For those who prefer the meatier of crab cakes, Le Gigot is the go-to. Their crab cakes are made with pan-seared and herbed jumbo lump crab, and that’s it. Yes, you’ve got the right picture brewing in your mind, all meat and lots of it. 18 Cornelia St., 212-627-3737, legigotrestaurant.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Hell's Kitchen
If you’re looking for a crab cake with a little heat to it, Chez Josephine dishes out one that you’ve got to add to your foodie bucket list. The Maryland Crab Cake might not be the first thing you’d think to order at a French restaurant, but Chez Josephine is the exception. Served with a stone-ground mustard sauce, spice is this crab cake’s greatest ally. 414 W. 42nd St., 212-594-1925, chezjosephine.com
Best Crab Cakes NYC: Financial District
The Capital Grille takes things to a whole other level with their Lobster and Crab Cakes. Combing the two seafood favorites, these cakes are the stuff dreams are made of—and then some. Tartar sauce on the side provides a simple yet on-point dipping option that pairs nicely with the the cake’s moist texture. Additional locations in Midtown East and Midtown West. 120 Broadway, 212-374-1811, thecapitalgrille.com
