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Last updated Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026
| Citarella | Price |
|---|---|
| Citarella Plain Breadcrumbs | $5.99 |
| Citarella Handcrafted Seasoned Breadcrumbs | $5.99 |
| Wondra Flour | $7.99 |
| Citarella Italian Arborio Rice | $8.99 |
| Citarella Cracked Black Pepper | $9.99 |
| Citarella Mini Blinis 4.76 Oz | $9.99 |
| Saffron | $10.00 |
| Fish Stock | $11.99 |
| Chef-prepared Fish Cakes | $15.99 |
| Wild For Mild | $169.00 |
Citarella is more than a grocery store. It is a destination for fresh seafood, prepared foods, premium groceries, fine wine, and special-occasion treats. For many shoppers in New York, a visit to Citarella feels like stepping into a well-stocked kitchen where every ingredient has been chosen with care. The store is known for its polished displays, strong seafood selection, and convenient ready-to-eat meals.
Whether you are planning a dinner party, searching for a quick lunch, or simply want better ingredients for tonight’s meal, Citarella offers plenty to explore. Its stores serve customers in New York City, the Hamptons, and nearby communities, while online shopping and delivery make the brand accessible beyond the traditional storefront. So, what makes Citarella stand out in a crowded food market? The answer comes down to quality, variety, service, and a clear focus on food that feels special without always requiring hours in the kitchen.
Citarella is a gourmet food store and seafood market in the United States. The company has deep roots in New York and has built its reputation around fresh fish, shellfish, prepared meals, specialty groceries, and high-end pantry items. Unlike a standard supermarket, Citarella brings several food experiences together under one roof.
You can walk in for a simple ingredient, such as wild salmon or a ripe avocado, and leave with a complete dinner. You might find fresh pasta, sauces, caviar, cheeses, bakery items, desserts, sushi, salads, and carefully prepared entrées in the same visit. That broad selection is one of the store’s greatest strengths.
Citarella is also known for its focus on presentation. Food is arranged to look inviting, and staff members are often ready to answer questions about cooking methods, portion sizes, and product choices. The atmosphere feels closer to a neighborhood food hall than a basic grocery aisle. It is elegant, but it can still be practical.
Citarella’s story is closely linked to New York’s food culture. The business began as a fish market in Manhattan in the early twentieth century. Over time, it expanded beyond seafood and developed into a full-service gourmet grocer. That history still shapes the brand today: seafood remains central, while the rest of the store supports the modern shopper’s need for convenience and variety.
The company grew by combining traditional food-market knowledge with a more complete retail experience. Instead of treating fish as one department among many, Citarella built its identity around freshness and expert handling. Then it added prepared foods and specialty products that made the store useful for everyday meals, holidays, entertaining, and gift giving.
Citarella’s presence has also extended beyond Manhattan. Its locations in areas such as the Hamptons and Greenwich serve customers who value premium food, seasonal cooking, and reliable prepared meals. The brand’s online services have further expanded its reach. Customers can shop for selected products, arrange delivery, and order items for events or celebrations.
New York has always supported specialized food stores. In one neighborhood, you may find a bakery focused on sourdough, a butcher with a loyal following, or a market known for imported cheese. Citarella fits naturally into that tradition. It offers a sense of discovery, but it also provides the convenience of a modern retailer.
That balance matters. Shoppers want food with character, yet they do not always have time to visit several different stores. Citarella helps close that gap. You can buy restaurant-quality seafood, a bottle of wine, a dessert, and a ready-made side dish without crossing the city.
The Citarella product range is broad, but seafood remains the main attraction. Depending on the location and season, the seafood counter may include fish fillets, whole fish, lobster, crab, shrimp, oysters, clams, mussels, and other shellfish. Customers can often ask for seafood to be cleaned, portioned, or prepared in a particular way.
Freshness is especially important when buying seafood. Citarella’s seafood-focused identity gives shoppers confidence that the counter is not an afterthought. The staff can help you choose between different fish, explain flavor differences, and suggest cooking techniques. Not sure whether to roast, grill, pan-sear, or steam your purchase? Ask. A quick conversation can turn uncertainty into a successful dinner.
Seafood lovers may find both raw ingredients and ready-to-eat options at Citarella. Sushi and seafood salads can provide a quick lunch, while chilled shellfish or smoked fish can become part of a larger meal. The selection may change with availability, season, and store location, so shoppers should check with the individual store for current offerings.
Citarella is also a useful stop before a dinner party. A seafood platter can save time, create a dramatic centerpiece, and give guests several choices. Add lemon, sauces, fresh bread, and a crisp salad, and you have an effortless spread that still feels thoughtful.
Not every meal needs to begin with a cutting board. Citarella’s prepared foods are designed for shoppers who want good food without starting from scratch. Options can include roasted meats, cooked seafood, soups, salads, vegetables, grains, pasta dishes, and other prepared entrées.
This part of the store is useful during busy workweeks. You can pick up lunch before heading back to the office or take home dinner after a long day. Prepared foods also help when guests arrive unexpectedly. Instead of relying on takeout, you can build a meal from several polished, ready-to-serve dishes.
There is another advantage: prepared food can inspire your own cooking. Try a Citarella salad and notice the balance of acid, salt, herbs, and texture. Pick up a prepared seafood dish and use it as a model for your next recipe. A good market can function like a quiet cooking lesson.
Citarella also carries a range of specialty groceries. Shoppers may find imported oils, vinegar, pasta, sauces, preserves, spices, crackers, rice, baking ingredients, and other pantry products. These items can make a basic meal more interesting without adding much effort.
The cheese selection is another draw. A well-chosen cheese can change the mood of a meal, especially when paired with fruit, nuts, honey, or good bread. Citarella is also a convenient place to look for charcuterie, smoked products, and entertaining foods.
For dessert, shoppers may find cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolates, gelato, and other sweet choices. The exact range depends on the store, but the overall idea is consistent: Citarella makes it possible to finish a meal in one stop.
People shop at Citarella for different reasons. Some come for seafood. Others want a fast prepared meal or a special ingredient they cannot find at a conventional supermarket. Many appreciate the chance to combine everyday shopping with something more indulgent.
Quality is a major part of the appeal. A store built around fresh food must earn customer trust every day. Shoppers notice the appearance of fish, the condition of produce, the flavor of prepared foods, and the helpfulness of the staff. When those details work together, customers return.
Convenience also plays a role. Citarella may carry premium products, but the shopping experience can still save time. Rather than visit a fish market, bakery, cheese shop, and specialty grocer separately, you can often find suitable choices in one location.
Food shopping becomes easier when someone can answer a simple question. How much fish should you buy for six people? Which shellfish works best for a stew? Can a steak be cut thicker? What wine will complement a creamy pasta dish? Helpful service turns a purchase into a plan.
Citarella’s staff can be especially useful for shoppers who do not cook seafood often. Fish can seem intimidating, but it is usually quick to prepare. Ask for a recommendation, keep the seasoning simple, and let the ingredient do the work. A hot pan, olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon can go a long way.
Citarella stores are associated with New York City and the surrounding region. Store size, departments, products, and services can differ by location, so it is wise to check the official website before visiting. You can confirm addresses, hours, available departments, holiday schedules, and delivery information.
A first visit can feel exciting because the store rewards curiosity. Start with the seafood counter, then explore the prepared foods and specialty aisles. Look for seasonal produce, new pantry items, and foods that solve a specific meal problem. Are you hosting brunch? Packing lunch? Planning a romantic dinner? Shopping with a goal makes the experience more focused.
Prices at Citarella reflect its premium positioning. It is not always the cheapest place to buy groceries, and that is not its purpose. The value often comes from freshness, selection, service, convenience, and the ability to buy a finished meal or hard-to-find ingredient. Smart shoppers can control costs by mixing premium items with simple staples.
Before you visit, decide what you need. A short list can prevent impulse purchases, especially when every display looks tempting. If you are buying seafood, think about the cooking method before choosing the fish. If you are planning a party, estimate portions and consider how many dishes you truly need.
Ask about seasonal products. Seasonal food may taste better, offer better value, and give your menu a natural sense of timing. Spring asparagus, summer berries, autumn squash, and winter citrus can each provide a strong starting point for a meal.
It also helps to separate “tonight’s dinner” from “special treat.” You may need a practical soup and salad today, while a small box of chocolates can wait for the weekend. This approach lets you enjoy Citarella without turning every shopping trip into a major expense.
Citarella’s online services make premium groceries easier to order from home. Depending on the customer’s location, online shoppers may be able to browse seafood, prepared foods, pantry products, desserts, gift items, and other selections. Delivery availability, minimum orders, fees, and product ranges can vary.
Online shopping is useful when you are preparing for a celebration or sending a food gift. A seafood selection, gourmet basket, dessert, or pantry collection can make a thoughtful present. Food gifts feel personal because they invite people to share, taste, and enjoy something together.
When ordering seafood online, check delivery details carefully. Fresh products may have specific delivery windows and storage instructions. Plan to refrigerate the order promptly and follow any handling guidance provided with the shipment. If you are ordering for an event, leave enough time to inspect the items and organize the rest of the meal.
Citarella can be a useful resource for holidays, corporate gatherings, birthdays, dinner parties, and family events. Prepared platters and specialty foods reduce the pressure on the host. You can focus on welcoming guests instead of managing every dish.
For a balanced menu, combine different textures and temperatures. Pair a seafood platter with a crisp salad, warm bread, a cheese selection, and a light dessert. Add fresh fruit for color. The result feels abundant without becoming confusing or overly heavy.
Large orders should be arranged in advance. Contact the store or review the online ordering process to learn about lead times, pickup, delivery, customization, and serving recommendations. Planning early gives the team more time to help you create the right menu.
One of the best ways to enjoy Citarella is to keep the cooking simple. Start with fresh fish, brush it with olive oil, season it with salt and pepper, and roast it until just cooked. Finish with lemon and herbs. This method is quick, clean, and hard to resist.
For a relaxed weeknight meal, combine prepared soup with a green salad and crusty bread. Add a small cheese course if you want something more filling. This menu requires little work but still feels complete.
Fresh pasta can become dinner in minutes. Toss it with butter, olive oil, pesto, tomato sauce, or a simple cream sauce. Add vegetables, shrimp, or roasted chicken if desired. A specialty sauce can serve as a shortcut while still giving the meal a homemade feel.
For entertaining, create a grazing board. Choose two or three cheeses, one or two cured meats, crackers, nuts, fruit, olives, and a spread. Keep the arrangement loose and colorful. You do not need perfect design; you need variety and enough room for guests to serve themselves.
Citarella appeals to experienced cooks who enjoy searching for excellent ingredients, but it also suits beginners. If you are new to cooking, begin with a staff recommendation and one manageable recipe. A salmon fillet, a prepared side, and a simple dessert can create a successful first meal.
Busy professionals may appreciate ready-to-eat lunches and dinners. Families can use prepared foods to fill gaps in the weekly schedule. Home entertainers can find platters, seafood, cheese, desserts, and drinks in one place. Food lovers may simply enjoy browsing and discovering something new.
The store also works for people who want to improve their eating habits without making life harder. Fresh produce, seafood, soups, salads, and quality pantry staples can support balanced meals. The key is to choose foods that fit your routine. Healthy intentions matter, but practical options are what make habits last.
Visit earlier in the day if you want the broadest selection, especially for seafood and prepared foods. Popular products can sell quickly during weekends and holidays. For special events, order ahead instead of hoping everything will be available at the last minute.
Keep an open mind about substitutions. A particular fish or fruit may not be available, but another seasonal choice could work just as well. Ask the staff what looks best that day. Flexibility often leads to better food and sometimes a lower price.
Read labels and ask questions about ingredients if you have allergies or dietary needs. Prepared foods can contain sauces, dairy, nuts, shellfish, wheat, or other ingredients. Clear communication is important, especially when buying food for guests.
Finally, use Citarella as a source of ideas, not just a place to buy dinner. Notice how ingredients are paired. Watch for seasonal displays. Try one unfamiliar item at a time. Great cooking often begins with a small moment of curiosity.
For shoppers who value fresh seafood, prepared meals, specialty groceries, and attentive service, Citarella is well worth a visit. It offers a richer experience than a standard supermarket and gives customers many ways to create a meal. You can shop quickly, browse slowly, or do something in between.
The store’s premium prices may not suit every budget or every grocery trip. Still, Citarella can be a smart choice when quality, convenience, and presentation matter. A carefully selected entrée may save an hour of cooking. A fresh fish purchase may turn an ordinary evening into a memorable meal. A well-made dessert may finish a celebration perfectly.
Citarella has remained relevant because it understands a simple truth: people want food that tastes good, but they also want food that fits real life. With its combination of seafood expertise, prepared dishes, specialty products, online ordering, and New York character, Citarella continues to offer a distinctive way to shop and eat in the United States. Whether you are a longtime customer or a first-time visitor, enter with a plan, ask questions, and leave room for discovery. The best find may be the item you did not expect to buy.
