STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Readers have been asking for the best fish markets more than usual this season.
Several Staten Island fishmongers tell me that, due to continued U.S.-Russian import restrictions, premium King Crab is in short supply and prohibitively expensive. Many have eliminated the item or cut back on variety in sizing from their inventory this year.
Each fish store has its own character and appeals to different demographics across Staten Island. Here are my top picks for dedicated fish markets in the borough right now. My personal favorites? Carlos Fish in Eltingville, Fisherman’s Cove at the Grasmere Met, and Belfiore in Willowbrook.
All markets stay open later than their usual hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. While Costco and BJ’s remain popular, I’d like to spotlight our mom-and-pop shops for their personal service and, in my opinion, a better shopping experience.
Here is a curated list of options for your convenience and preference.
In early December, 2025, here’s what the prices of fish are at Carlos Fish, a standout fishmonger in the borough, (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Carlos Fish Market — 3852 Richmond Ave., Eltingville | 718-967-5758 Outstanding customer service with free fish cleaning and a pristine shop that makes for a welcoming and pleasant user experience. Offers fillets, lobsters, crabs, king crab legs and some prepped items. Hours: Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun closed.
Fisherman’s Cove at Met Foods — 1177 Hylan Blvd., Grasmere | 718-720-5800 | MetFoods at Hylan Premium selection of salmon, flounder, shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops and heat-and-serve options. Modest offerings but everything is always super fresh plus you have the market to shop as well. Delivery through Met Foods is available. Hours: Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sat–Sun 7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Belfiore Atlantic Fishery and Produce — 2500 Victory Blvd., Willowbrook | 718-477-1041 | belfioremeats.com Locally caught fish available as fillets or prepped meals—perfect for convenience. Pleasant user experience with the perk of pork store and salumeria products. Hours: Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
La Bella Marketplace — 99 Ellis St., Tottenville | 718-967-2070 | labellamarkets.com Italian delicacies and frozen inventory—ideal for Feast of the Seven Fishes. Unique finds include sea urchin and a broad variety of whole fish. Shop at home is available. Hours: Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Rossville/Woodrow Fish Market — 655 Rossville Ave., Rossville | 718-317-6947 Reliable source for fillets, salmon, sole, halibut, tuna, branzino and swordfish. Hours: Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.; Sun 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sea Breeze at Met Foods — 1795 Victory Blvd., Castleton Corners | 718-524-0800 | MetFoods/Castleton Corners Fresh selections plus a well-stocked condiment and canned fish section nearby, along with the rest of Met inventory. Quick service. Shop at home through Met Foods is available. Hours: Daily 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Lobster House Joe’s — 4707 Arthur Kill Rd., Richmond Valley | 718-227-0003 | lobsterhousesi.com Sit-down dining area makes for a good place to eat lobsters, clams and pasta. Fish orders for fresh and cooked seafood are taken for pickup. Note that Dongan Hills location has closed. Hours: Daily 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri–Sat until 11 p.m.
Manuel Fish Market — 1369 Forest Ave., Port Richmond | 718-301-8229 Formerly Verrazano Seafood. Busy market with a shucker on duty and a variety of whole fish, lobsters and crab. Hours: Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | Find them on Facebook
Octopus Garden — 15 Newark Ave., Elm Park | 718-946-1100 | octopusgardeninc.com Specialty items like snails, blackfish, prawns, calamaretti, and octopus—cooked or uncooked, tenderized or not. Hours: Mon–Sat 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun closed.
Sea Breeze at Food Dynasty — 1071 Bay St., Rosebank | 718-981-8571 or 718-816-1100 Whole and filleted seafood, heat-and-serve dishes, and prepped salads. Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Fish Market — 84 Canal St., Stapleton | beyondtheseafood.com Ideal for fried or steamed fish to go with an inventory of whole fish and shellfish. Hours: Mon–Sat 11:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sun 1–6 p.m.
Fish Market Ary — 81 Brook St., New Brighton | 347-466-4683 Basic, fresh inventory including shrimp, fillets, clams, oysters, whiting and porgy. Hours: Around 10 a.m.–7 p.m. daily.
Coast to Coast — 87 Grove Ave., Port Richmond | 718-720-8008 Not a store, per se but stellar for bulk with outstanding service and no waiting on lines. Handles large non-commercial fish orders, offers delivery and pickup. Call first. Hours: Daily 4 a.m.–about 1 p.m. Open longer hours Christmas week.