Citarella is a seafood retailer with locations in New York City that sells fresh fish, shellfish, and prepared seafood items

Citarella operates as a full-service fish market and grocery store, primarily in Manhattan and surrounding areas. The company sells whole fish, fillets, shrimp, lobster, crab, and other shellfish, along with prepared seafood dishes, sauces, and sides. Unlike some fish markets that operate only as wholesale or restaurant suppliers, Citarella serves individual customers who walk in to purchase fish for home cooking.

The business model centers on direct sales to consumers rather than mail order or online delivery to most of the country. If you live outside the New York City area, Citarella is not a realistic option for purchasing fish. For readers in the city, Citarella functions as one option among several fish markets and grocery stores that carry fresh seafood.

Key Takeaways

  • Citarella operates physical retail locations in New York City where you can purchase fresh fish and shellfish over the counter.
  • The store sells both whole fish and fillets, as well as prepared seafood items and sides ready to take home.
  • Citarella is a local retailer without nationwide mail order or delivery service, so it is only accessible to people in the New York City area.
  • Prices at Citarella tend to be higher than supermarket seafood counters because the store specializes in fish rather than selling it as one department among many.

How Citarella's locations and hours work

Citarella has multiple locations across Manhattan, with the original store on the Upper West Side and additional locations in other neighborhoods. Store hours vary by location but typically run from morning through evening on weekdays and weekends, with some variation on Sundays. You can find current addresses and hours on the Citarella website or by calling a specific location directly.

Because Citarella is a specialty fish market rather than a large chain, store hours and inventory can change seasonally or based on supply. Calling ahead before a trip ensures the specific fish you want is in stock and that the store is open at your intended time.

What types of seafood Citarella carries

Citarella stocks a rotating selection of fresh fish that changes based on what is available from suppliers. Common offerings include salmon, halibut, cod, striped bass, and other species that vary by season. The store also carries shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, crab, mussels, clams, and oysters.

Beyond raw fish and shellfish, Citarella sells prepared items: cooked shrimp, crab cakes, fish prepared for cooking, and seafood salads. The store also carries complementary products like seafood sauces, marinades, and prepared sides. This range means you can purchase either ingredients for cooking at home or items ready to eat with minimal preparation.

Pricing and how Citarella compares to other options

Citarella's prices are generally higher than supermarket seafood counters because the store specializes exclusively in fish and seafood rather than selling it as one department. Specialty fish markets typically charge more than grocery stores because they source higher-quality fish, turn inventory faster, and do not spread costs across hundreds of other products.

If you are price-sensitive, supermarket seafood counters or larger discount grocers may offer lower prices on common fish like salmon and tilapia. If you want a wider selection, harder-to-find species, or higher quality, Citarella's premium pricing reflects that difference. The choice depends on whether you prioritize cost or selection and quality.

How to order or purchase from Citarella

Citarella operates as a walk-in retail store, not a mail order or online delivery service for most customers. You visit a physical location, select fish from the counter, and pay at checkout. Some locations may offer phone orders for pickup, but this varies by store and is not a standard service across all Citarella locations.

If you want to order ahead, call the location nearest you and ask whether they take phone orders for specific items. This is especially useful if you want a whole fish or a large quantity that you want to may support is available. Without a phone order, you take the chance that your preferred fish has sold out by the time you arrive.

What to know before visiting Citarella

Fish quality depends partly on how recently it was received and how it has been stored. At Citarella, staff behind the counter can tell you when fish arrived and answer questions about how to cook specific species. This direct access to knowledgeable staff is one advantage of a specialty fish market over a supermarket counter.

Bring a cooler or insulated bag if you are traveling more than a few minutes from the store, especially in warm weather. Fish deteriorates quickly at room temperature, and a cooler keeps it safe during your trip home. If you are buying whole fish, ask the staff to clean and fillet it for you — most fish markets offer this service at no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Citarella ship fish outside New York City?

Citarella does not operate a nationwide mail order or shipping service. The company is a local retailer with physical stores in New York City only. If you live outside the area, you would need to use a different fish market or online seafood retailer that ships to your location.

Can I order fish from Citarella online for delivery?

Citarella does not offer online ordering or delivery service to most customers. You purchase fish in person at a store location. Some locations may offer limited phone ordering for pickup, but you should call ahead to confirm whether this service is available at the store nearest you.

What should I do if the fish I want is not in stock?

Call the store and ask when that species will be available, or ask staff to recommend a similar fish that is in stock. Fish availability changes daily based on supplier deliveries. If you want a specific type of fish for a particular date, calling a day or two ahead gives the store time to order it for you.

Does Citarella clean and fillet fish for you?

Yes, Citarella staff will clean, fillet, or cut fish to your specifications at no extra charge. This is a standard service at specialty fish markets. Tell the person behind the counter how you want the fish prepared, and they will do the work while you wait or shop for other items.