Island Oyster Awards

Island Oyster Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant: From the team behind Grand Banks and Pilot, Island Oyster invites you to an island dining experience with great views of Lower Manhattan and busy New York Harbor. Open from March through October, weather dependent, the ultra-casual, outdoorsy restaurant and oyster bar on Governors Island is an all-day playground for families as well as singles and couples. Live music, ping pong and play areas complement the dining space where you can feel the spray from the ocean from your table. Dress casually as you’ll want to spend time here and relax, and explore the island’s hiking and biking. Ferries are on a strict schedule to and from Governors Island with increased service during the summer months.

Likes: Feels like you’re somewhere on an island.
Dislikes: The ferry schedule.

Food & Drinks: Overseen by chef Kerry Heffernan (Eleven Madison Park, Grand Banks), the menu is seafood-focused with East Coast and West Coast oysters (try the Navy Points dressed up with shishitos and Champagne mignonette), a terrific lobster roll, fish tacos and seasonal fare like the watermelon salad with mint, shiso and coconut oil. For the perfect end to this “island holiday,” order a piece of the airy Key lime pie. The signature cocktail, Permanent Vacation, is a blue concoction similar to a piña colada. Five wines by the glass or bottle and a selection of artisanal beers are also offered.