Johnny's Reef

Good food and atmosphere. Great for casual. Love their fried seafood and fries. Do not order non-fried food. Their lobster had zero taste. Everything else was delicious, especially the fried food.

Made my annual cycling pilgrimage here from Long Island. If you visit City island on a bicycle then Johnny’s Reef is a must. 🥇🥇 This venue easily accommodates 100 or more cyclists with a water view and outdoor seating. The vibes are good 👍. I noticed majority of the crowd have some fried seafood and a beer. A 16 oz Corona is only $5 & Coors lite is $4. Tax included. CASH ONLY. My shrimp basket with fries went well with a corona. I generally don’t drink while cycling but today was an exception. Very likely the busiest venue in city island. I noticed all the locals come here especially the off duty bus drivers 👍.

Great seafood spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They’ve even added wire overhead to keep the seagulls from swooping in while you eat, a thoughtful touch! The line to order moves quickly, and while some reviews mention the food being pre-fried, my experience was completely different. My order came straight out of the fryer, fresh, hot, and delicious. The place is spotless, and staff promptly clean tables as soon as guests leave. Fast service, fresh food, and a clean, welcoming atmosphere I’ll definitely be back!

I’ve been coming to Johnnys since I was a child. It’s located at the back of city island on the left hand side. Cash only establishment with plenty of parking. Amazing outside view of the water. They also provide a portion of the outside seating with a covered section so you don’t have to directly be in the sun. Ordered the usual basket of Fried Shrimp 🍤 and a basket of Lobster tails. It definitely hit the spot Johnnys always had the best tartare sauce on city island d nothing compares. Staff is always friendly respectable and hard working remember to tip.

Well oiled machine. They have a variety of seafood here, steamed or fried. It was just fine for the price. And cash only was a bit annoying.

Red Snaper fried was ok, and the lobsters tails. The shrimps not that great they tasted like refried, and they should serve in a bigger basket for the amount of food. And the kicker is 2 dollars for a cup with a little bit of ice, definitely thats a ripped off. I understand you have to charge, but 2 dollars is a fountain drink everywhere. 2 dollars for an Ice cup is a no no, Never seen it, and it was hard to digest. The people and atmosphere were good.

The food all taste like the same dry fried taste no dimension nor seasoning. My friends and I ordered everything on the menu and were not impressed. Tables are bit dirty. Drinks are okay. Other places on city island that are better. My biggest problem was raw things not served on ice. Lack of sides almost everything served with fries. I won’t be back. Don’t get the hype.

A trip to City Island wouldn't be complete without some seafood by the water, and Johnny's Reef didn't disappoint. True, it's a little hectic and the the lines can be long, but the wait isn't all that bad. It's all a part of the experience. We chose the fried shrimp and steamed squid in garlic sauce. Both were delicious.

Just came back again and as usual this place just hits I truly like the vibe the views just overall a dope spot in city island Been coming here since I was a kid. place has change a lot but over all I think it got better. I enjoyed today. Food was good shrimp was good overall cool spot as usual. not my go to anymore in city island but never a miss. Worth it Came back again for Mother’s Day and like always this place just brings back so many memories They changed their French fries and it’s was a good change it was so good loved it had the fried whitening and the red snapper both was amazing the red snapper definitely worth the extra price. This place will always be what it is to me because of memories I’m glad they are taking steps to do new things so more people can start to make memories and have new generations here to enjoy good food for good prices. My ig is @imbroke_eats & @imbroke_rob

I love this place. I have been coming here for 38yrs and they are still the same. Lines can get long, but they have an effective system, so you move fast. Sea Food is simple but good. Not the place to go if you want fancy. Atmosphere is nice. Everyone was hanging out, just enjoying themselves and the food. I love it as much as I did 38yrs ago.

First time in City Island! As soon as you enter the restaurant there is a long line, there are many seafood option to choose from either broil or fried. I chose the fried lobster tail and shrimps and it was delicious. I also enjoyed the thick cut French fries and the tartar sauce. There was a lot of outdoor seating towards the back which is nice and relaxing. Definitely recommend just don’t feed the seagulls 😊

Food was delicious. My first time there. They give you some healthy portions. Money we'll spent!

Casual seafood restaurant. Great portions and quick service! Food is very good. We had the fried shrimp and fish filet. Very good and prices are reasonable for seafood.

Johnny's is a city island legendary spot always a go to for the summer and its right by the water with a view of the Throggs Neck Bridge. You can get any type of seafood here fried or steamed. The drinks are good too just make sure you bring cash they dont take cards

Don't be turned away by the line! Johnny's was my first stop of trying City Island, and it did not disappoint. The establish is well organized, making the line move quickly. The shrimp and fish baskets were huge! Packed with lots of food and lots of flavor!

Good seafood restaurant right by the waters. Be prepared to neighbor with the seagulls. They do have lines above that prevent the bigger birds from flying in, which is very much appreciated. The fried calamari was delicious and the little neck clams were fresh. Good cocktail sauce and linguine/clams. The ordering can be a little confusing for a first timer. They have different ordering booths for fried, steamed, drinks, sodas etc. whatever you see on the menu above, that’s likely what you can order in that area. Cash only!

Johnny's Reef in City Island good place to go for seafood enjoy the ocean outside view eat out doors. Enjoyed Calamari, shrimp with fries, lobsters, drinks sodas, beer.

Stopped for a quick lunch, simple no frills spot, laid back atmosphere, nice views. Had the galamah and a henny colada. Everything was great but the calamari was very "leggy" which I don't mind but I know some people do. Also be advised there's a lot of gulls in the parking lot so maybe don't go fresh off a car wash.

Enjoy Johnny's fried and steamed seafood, like their soft, velvety and buttery fried flounder, shrimp, steamed Whiting (my favorite seafood) and lobster tails. The drinks are a highlight, with many visitors recommending the strong Pina Coladas to complement the seafood. My favorite drink is a delicious cup of black coffee ☕️, no sugar 😀 The al fresco dining area offers lovely views of the water and Great Neck, sailboats and the beautiful, majestic Throgs Neck Bridge, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal and the refreshing, cool sea-breeze during warm weather. The service is quick, friendly and efficient, without a lengthy wait. You can't visit City Island without making a stop at Johnny's Reef and enjoy their delicious seafood.

I’ve been coming to this spot since I was a child. It was always one of my favorite places to come with family. Today I was so disappointed. The quality of the food went down so much. They fry their shrimp in batches to have ready to serve and it’s was room temperature. Also, I’m no fool. These shrimp weren’t fresh. They fried frozen shrimp from the supermarket. I know they didn’t take the time to remove the tails from each one. Their shrimp always come with the tail. Cheaper in quality but give you about 30 small (frozen) shrimp. :-/

Great place, with the best seafood options, fresh seafood is always a major plus. French fries was nice and crispy could tell they use fresh ingredients daily. I enjoyed my meal and the customer service experience as well. Great seating environment sat right by the water, which made my day even more spectacular . Will always go back.