Delray Beach is rife with dining establishments, and Atlantic Avenue is a prime location for epicurean delights. Yet amidst these choices, one eatery remains distinguished for its selection of fresh ocean fare and vibrant setting.
Should you be unacquainted with City Oyster & Sushi Bar, permit this to serve as an elegant presentation.
Over the span of two and a half decades, the beloved destination from Big Time Restaurant Group has secured its place on the lively Atlantic Avenue, reputed for an unparalleled array of pristine oysters and exotic sushi creations.
A plethora of seafood delights graces the menu, ranging from crispy rock shrimp tempura, savory Maryland style crab cakes, and flavorful smoked fish dips to succulent organic salmon, skillfully seared grouper, and a delightful medley of seafood known as frutti di mare.
Should your culinary preferences skew more towards terra firma delicacies, Chef Jordan Stilley has crafted a butcher block selection featuring a dry-aged strip loin, tender filet mignon, luxurious surf and turf, and a perfectly prepared cast-iron chicken half. The eatery provides seating options both within its lively interior and outside in the patio for open-air meals.
Begin your meal with one of their acclaimed mixed drinks such as a Peach Lemonade, Fiery Fresno, or Guava 75. City Oyster also presents an extensive array of wines at fair prices, served by the glass, from the tap, or in a bottle.
For natives of New England like ourselves, visiting Delray brought joy in finding comfort dishes like traditional New England clam chowder, Rhode Island-style calamari, fish and chips with Boston cod, and Maine lobster among the offerings.
Even with the establishment at full capacity, our convivial server was exceptionally attentive, readily addressing inquiries about the dishes and suggesting favored menu items.
Do partake in the freshly baked focaccia bread served with a side of olive oil for dipping, which is irresistibly tasty, but take care to reserve space for their exquisite main courses. Connoisseurs of ample-sized oysters should not miss the briny Blue Point oysters sourced from Connecticut.
Sushi connoisseurs will appreciate the spectacle of chefs preparing specialty rolls such as their unique Delray Beach Roll, the East Coast’s take on a California roll adorned with shrimp, Maine lobster, mango, avocado, and a mango miso drizzle. A Lobster Tempura Roll comprises Maine lobster tail encased in a crisp panko and sesame seed crust, flanked by asparagus and avocado, with the zing of spicy mayo and eel sauce.
The Kamikaze roll is a must-try, teeming with spicy tuna, crisp cucumber, zesty jalapenos, crunchy tempura flakes, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For those contemplating the entrees, a broad range awaits. The house special mahi encased in a sweet potato crust, accompanied by Brussels sprouts and drizzled with hazelnut chimichurri sauce, was sublime.
The menu also boasts tempting seafood fare such as shrimp and scallops “boke,” luscious miso glazed sea bass, and indulgent twin Maine lobster tails.
Dessert lovers should endeavor to sample the Key lime pie, crowned with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, for a delightful finale.
And remember to look out for their daily happy hour featuring 50% off on cocktails, wines, and beer, as well as a sumptuous weekend brunch.
City Oyster & Sushi Bar can be found at 213 E. Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, Florida.
Image Source: Tripadvisor