Ironside Fish & Oyster

Score 91/100 · Order: Half-dozen oysters and the swordfish sandwich · $$$

Ironside runs a genuinely serious oyster program with a rotating list from both coasts, shucked properly and served cold. The dining room — piranha-skull wall and all — is the most photographed in Little Italy, and the kitchen backs it up with clean, restrained cooking.

Local tip: Oyster happy hour on weekday afternoons is the cheapest way into the room.

Score 90/100 · Order: $1 oysters, gin and tonic · $1–14

Ironside runs dollar oysters during the window and does not cut corners on the shellfish to do it. The cocktail list stays intact at reduced prices and the room — anchored by a wall of piranha skulls — is one of the best-looking spaces in Little Italy.

Local tip: Sit at the raw bar — the shuckers move faster than the servers.

Score 90/100 · Order: Dozen mixed West Coast · $24–42

Ironside runs the deepest oyster list in the city with knowledgeable shuckers and properly cold service. The piranha-skull wall and tile bar make it the most photographed seafood room in Little Italy.

Local tip: Happy hour weekdays before 5pm is the cheapest way in.