Welcome to Johnny's Reef Restaurant
Located at the end of City Island Ave in the Bronx, Johnny's Reef Restaurant is a seafood haven with a casual atmosphere and breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. Customers rave about their generous portions of fried fish and shellfish, crispy fries, and fresh seafood platters. The outdoor seating area provides a relaxing dining experience with the sound of waves in the background. While some reviewers note the cash-only policy and multiple payment stations, the overall consensus is that Johnny's Reef Restaurant is a nostalgic gem serving up delicious seafood dishes perfect for a sunny day outing.
- 2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, United States2 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, United States Hotline: +1 718-885-2086
Welcome to Johnny's Reef Restaurant, a seafood haven located at 2 City Island Ave in Bronx, NY. This iconic establishment offers a range of amenities including takeout, reservations, and outdoor seating with stunning views of the Long Island Sound and Whitestone Bridge.
Customer reviews rave about the generous portions of fried fish and shellfish served in baskets alongside crispy fries. From flounder fillets to grilled lobster tails, the menu at Johnny's Reef Restaurant promises flavorful seafood dishes that won't disappoint.
Whether you're looking to indulge in a Pina Colada with a side of strawberry daiquiri or savor the unique seasoning on the crab legs, there's something for every seafood lover here. With a casual, family-friendly atmosphere and quick service, Johnny's Reef Restaurant is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch or dinner.
Don't forget to take in the waterfront views while dining al fresco, and be sure to keep an eye out for the pesky seagull "thieves." So, if you're craving fresh seafood in a laid-back setting, look no further than Johnny's Reef Restaurant.

City Isle, Bronx Landmark @ the very end of City Island Ave. Like Nathan's Style Ordering-No Waiter Svc. Very Casual, Large Outdoor eating area with Long Metal Picnic Tables/Benches. with Some Shade Covering. On the Water/ Long Island Sound & Whitestone Bridge/City Skyline Views. Very Good/Reasonable/Large Portions of Fried Fish or Fried Shellfish with Fries served in Baskets. Also Fresh Clams on 1/2 Shell, Custard Ice Cream, Soda & Beer. Free Pkg; Uniformed Security @ Nt & on W'kends. Very Very Crowded-Summer W'kends. Best is Wkdays Lunch or Dinner. I've been going since I was a Kid, 60+ yrs. Dont leave your food unattended, the SeaGull Thieves are Relentless!!

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 came here early morning on Sunday. I am glad we came early because as we were leaving it was filling up. I have been coming here for years since I was a kid. I am glad to tell you the food still tastes the same. I ordered the fried shrimp with fries. It was good and I received a lot of shrimp with my order. The food was good. My mom ordered the clam chowder and it did not have any clam. I also ordered a Miami Vice which was good. The customer service was not good; the employees were rude. I didn't know that each person has to pay at every station. I took off a star because they were very rude and unfriendly.

My first time here and it def won't be my last! I wasn't too happy about the strawberry daiquiris but the henny coladas were good but it did need a little more slosh! The shrimp and fries were really good and the views were beautiful! I didn't like the fact that it was cash only and there was only one atm. For only accepting cash there should be at least 3 atms to avoid long lines with frustrated hungry and thirsty people. Other than that I would def. like to come back again in the summer and have some more drinks and shrimp!

Relatively cheap, large portions. Cash only. Can't go wrong with this formula. A simple review for a simple place.

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.