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Essex Pearl: Premier Seafood Experience with Happy Hour Oysters & Signature Lobster Rolls in NYC

Essex Pearl, nestled in New York’s Essex Market, is a seafood haven that masterfully blends Vietnamese flavors with classic coastal dishes. Its standout offerings include the renowned Happy Hour Dollar Oysters, Lobster Garlic Noodles, and the uniquely crafted Vietnamese Lobster Roll, praised for its vibrant nước chấm sauce. From fresh-shucked oysters to tiger prawn skewers and succulent pork jowl, each dish is thoughtfully prepared to balance flavor and texture. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service enhance the experience, making Essex Pearl a must-visit spot for seafood lovers seeking bold, fresh, and inventive fare in Manhattan.

Essex Pearl at a glance

  • Address 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States
  • Phone +1 347-899-4998
  • Restaurant type Seafood restaurant , Southeast Asian restaurant , Vietnamese restaurant .
  • Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .

Photos & Gallery

Essex Pearl: Reviews & Ratings

Grenten Dhuli
5

Such a great little gem inside of Essex market. The waiters are amazing. We came here for the famous happy hour oysters. Certainly one of the best deals in the city. The oysters were absolutely delicious. We were also amazed by the rest of the menu. The tiger prawn skewers and the handmade noodles were fantastic. The food can be a bit spicy, but order yourself a nice drink and enjoy it. It can get crowded during peak hours especially due to the publicity received in social media. We’ll be back soon

Hillary Pham
5

I think this might be one of the best lobster rolls I’ve had!! We tried both the Butter Lobster Roll & the Signature Lobster Roll and I am team Signature all the way. The Vietnamese touch of nước chấm enhances the flavors divinely! And in full honesty, it just makes my lil Viet heart happy

Juan Lima
4

Came here after walking around the market line look for the best light lunch right before we headed for our movie upstairs. Decide to give this place a try. Wasn't busy at all and we ordered the full sized lobster roll with French fries. Included were a couple of pint sized bottles of water which resembled milk containers from back in public school days. The lobster roll combo was served Vietnamese style and had some good flavor for each bite. The fries were overpowering with sea salt which made the fries taste more like eating salt which was a bit disappointing. The lobster bisque soup was okay.

Erica
5

We had the BEST experience here! Everything was delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere is amazing. Sit at the counter to get the full feel and chat with the chef and staff about your food. Ask for recommendations and ALWAYS use the sauce given. Every dish is clearly thought through to the nth degree and executed well. The drink menu has been crafted to perfectly complement the feel and flavors as well. We had almost half the menu and everything was impeccable. The pork jowl is to die for and the papaya salad was a great refreshing surprise full of texture and flavor. The oysters were the perfect amount of salt and the roe was a great texture add. You cannot go wrong with dinner here. Even the playlist will get you excited!

Cynthia X
5

Definitely the best seafood place to go in Manhattan! The Lobster Roll is the best I ever had, also happy hour dollar oysters, crab caviar and lobster garlic noodle are amazing! Service is very good. Perfect for an afternoon drink and dinner with friends. Great value for money.

Uyen Nguyen
5

Really good asian-style seafood place. The lobster roll is really delicious, and the seasoning of the fries is to die for: a little sweet, sour, and salty. The crab fried rice is pretty good as well. Another highlight of dinner is the deep fried octopus with coconut milk-based sauce. It tastes just like ốc len xào dừa. Monkfish is also yummy. The meat skewers are normal. Dessert is okay. Watermelon slush is quite good. Service is good. Although the servers forgot/messed up our order 2-3 times, they apologized at the end and gave us complimentary desserts.

Lazyseoul
4

They have some interesting takes on lobster rolls here and I really enjoyed the signature roll. Nice chunky bits of lobster and I really enjoyed all the toppings.

Darryl Cheng
5

The best lobster roll I've ever eaten in my life! The chips had a unique seasoning, which was great! I would definitely eat here again the next time I'm in NYC.

Location

  • Essex Pearl
    Essex Pearl
    25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, United States Hotline: +1 347-899-4998

Nestled inside the bustling Essex Market in New York City, Essex Pearl is a culinary gem that redefines fresh seafood with a distinctive touch. This seafood restaurant stands out not just for its prime location at 25 11th Ave but for delivering an exceptional dining experience that perfectly balances East Coast bounty with global flavors.

One of Essex Pearl's signature draws is its Happy Hour Dollar Oysters—six fresh, perfectly shucked oysters that capture the briny essence of the sea in every bite. These oysters are a steal and set the tone for a memorable meal. Beyond the happy hour, the menu dazzles with an inventive variety: the Lobster Garlic Noodles offer a savory indulgence where tender lobster meets fragrant garlic and delicately chewy noodles, while the Vietnamese Lobster Roll elevates a classic dish by infusing it with the nuanced tang of nước chấm, bringing a vibrant Southeast Asian flair that truly sings on the palate.

Shrimp Fritters, Monkfish Skewers, and Grilled Australian Tiger Prawns showcase Essex Pearl’s mastery of seafood grilling and frying, delivering bold, complex flavors often accompanied by a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with their expertly curated cocktail menu. The Shrimp Ceviche Salad and Green Papaya Salad provide refreshing, crisp contrasts, balancing the menu’s rich offerings with zest and texture.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and lively, especially at the counter where you can engage directly with the chefs and watch the craft unfold. The attention to detail in every dish is palpable, from the perfectly seasoned oysters to the addictive Cambodia Grilled Pork Jowl, a savory standout beyond the seafood focus that adds depth to the lineup.

Whether you’re craving the fresh burst of crab caviar, the buttery richness of lobster garlic noodles, or the satisfying chew of pulled pork skewers, Essex Pearl delivers with thoughtful execution that leaves a lasting impression. It’s no wonder that both locals and visitors flock here, especially during peak hours, drawn by social media buzz and word-of-mouth praise.

In sum, Essex Pearl is a must-visit for seafood aficionados and adventurous diners alike. It combines exceptional quality, creative flavor profiles, and genuine hospitality in a setting that captures the vibrant spirit of New York’s culinary scene. Every visit feels like a rewarding exploration of the sea’s finest offerings, crafted with passion and served with flair.

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • Wheelchair accessible seating
    • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Delivery
    • Onsite services
    • Takeout
    • Dine-in
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • Credit cards