Have been checking out through the net various seafood restaurants in New York and two appeal to me - City Lobster and Pearls Oyster Bar. Has anyone been to either and which would you recommend.

Neither would be my first choice.

Have you looked at The Oyster Bar in Grand Central or Shelley's New York? I think both are superior.

My favs are: Bernadin's The Ocean Club.

The Manhattan Ocean Club on W. 58th St. Superb fish, service and a Picasso on the wall.

Also...almost forgot...the Sea Grill at Rockefeller Center. A great meal comes wih a spectacular view of the Skating Rink.

www.menupages.com

You're asking about two very different places. Pearl Oyster bar is small, (although they have recently expanded - it is now small instead of tiny) the food is simple and impeccably fresh - a "re-creation" or interpretation of a Maine fish restaurant/clam shack. But they don't take reservations - so for the shortest wait, the best advice is to go 20 minutes before they open. Check their website, www.pearloysterbar.com

Another excellent seafood place nearby is Mary's Fish Camp-64 Charles @ W.4th St. (started by a former partner in Pearl) - but once again, small simple and fresh are the key words. The Lobster Rolls in both places are luxurious.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is City Lobster - big, bustling and factory like . . .not appealing to me, but popular with the younger, after work crowd.

Go Travels' suggestion - The Oyster Bar in Grand Central is right now involved in a nasty union dispute, if that means anything to you. Also, it has it's ups and downs - although sitting at the counter and ordering the she-crab soup and a simple broiled fish is still one of NYC's great pleasures.

People criticize Le Bernadin - too stuffy, too expensive too French - but a friend (a former food writer) had a meal there last week which she termed one of the best she had ever had . . . but bring your wallet!

if you absolutely need the best seafood resto please go to le bernadin.

Just returned a couple weeks ago from a trip to NYC and had one of the best meals ever at Sea Grill---Great view of the rink and when we were there the tree was still up and in full view from our table.
They also have a good, well thought out wine list but keep in mind that neither food nor wine are cheap there. For us though, it was well worth every penny spent and gave us a memorable experience from our trip.

This past fall had two remarkable meals at Sea Grill (but one was a special Simi wine dinner). I don't know why, but while I enjoy the atmosphere at GC Oyster Bar, I always go away thinking it was overpriced for what it is.
But each trip I plan to do a meal at Le Bernadin -- it is simply perfection in every way! I've decided I like doing lunch there as much as dinner, and of course, a bit cheaper as well.

I realize it's not one of your two requested choices, but I also recommend Le Bernardin.

I forgot about the Sea Grill! I do love to eat there in the winter and watch the skaters.

Sorry Sofie, you've asked about two specific restaurants and only one person answered your question. I guess we want you to eat where we want you to eat!

Sea Grill and Foley's Fish House....great food, great views.