This New Jersey Seafood Market Serves Ocean-Fresh Flavor Daily

If you think seafood in Jersey means fried clams at the boardwalk, think again.

This market serves ocean-fresh flavor daily, and the fish practically wink at you from the ice. Walk in and you’ll swear Poseidon himself just made a delivery.

The lobsters look like they’re plotting an escape, but don’t worry, they’re deliciously doomed.

Shrimp so plump they could double as stress balls, scallops that sparkle like pearls, and oysters that whisper, “shuck me.”

Even the crabs seem proud to be here, strutting sideways like they own the place.

Locals line up not just for dinner, but for bragging rights, because nothing says Jersey pride like seafood that tastes like it swam in yesterday.

The staff? Equal parts fishmongers and comedians, tossing out cooking tips with a wink.

By the time you leave, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for supermarket salmon.

Ocean-Fresh Seafood Delivered Daily

There is something almost theatrical about a well-stocked seafood counter, and Metropolitan Seafood pulls it off without even trying. Every morning, fresh catches arrive directly from the boats, and the difference is immediately obvious the moment you walk up to the case.

Nothing here smells stale or overly briny. That clean, ocean-fresh quality is exactly what regulars keep coming back for.

Customers who drive 45 minutes or more to shop here are not exaggerating when they say they pass other options along the way. When the product is this good, the commute stops feeling like a chore.

The selection ranges from everyday favorites like cod and flounder to more adventurous picks like whole Japanese madai, fresh sardines, and sushi-grade tuna.

One thing that surprises first-timers is just how wide the variety actually is. Whole fish, portioned fillets, shellfish, and specialty items share the same refrigerated space in a beautifully organized layout.

The team receives deliveries so consistently that the stock always looks abundant, never picked over. If you have ever settled for mediocre fish at a grocery store out of convenience, one visit here will permanently change your standards.

Fresh seafood has a texture and flavor that frozen simply cannot replicate, and this market proves that point every single day.

A Staff That Genuinely Knows Their Fish

Walking up to the counter here feels less like a transaction and more like a conversation with someone who actually loves what they do. The staff at Metropolitan Seafood are consistently described by customers as knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely enthusiastic about seafood.

That is not a combination you find everywhere. They can tell you where the fish came from, how to cook it, and which preparation method will bring out the best flavor.

One reviewer shared that a staff member named Pablo spent over 30 minutes with them, cleaning soft shell crabs, offering sashimi samples, and making thoughtful recommendations across the entire case. That kind of attentiveness is rare in any retail setting, let alone a busy seafood market.

Another customer mentioned that a longtime team member packaged their order in ice without being asked, simply because they knew the drive home was long.

The expertise here goes beyond product knowledge. Staff members shuck oysters with care, remove pin bones from fillets, de-vein shrimp, and will even cook or fry your seafood at no extra charge.

These are not just extra services, they reflect a genuine commitment to making sure every customer leaves satisfied. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or someone who has never prepared a whole fish before, the team here meets you where you are and makes the whole experience feel approachable and enjoyable.

Sashimi-Grade Fish for the Serious Home Cook

Not every seafood market can offer fish at sashimi quality, and fewer still can do it consistently. Metropolitan Seafood stocks sashimi-grade options regularly, which draws in a crowd that takes their seafood seriously.

For anyone who enjoys preparing Japanese-style dishes at home, finding this level of quality in central New Jersey feels like a small miracle.

Sashimi-grade fish must meet much higher standards than standard fillets. The freshness window is narrow, the handling must be precise, and the sourcing matters enormously.

Metropolitan Seafood has built supplier relationships that allow them to stock these premium cuts without compromise. Customers have mentioned picking up everything from sushi-quality tuna to sea urchin and frutti di mare salad, all of which impressed even experienced seafood eaters.

The owner himself has been known to share grilling recipes on the spot when customers purchase lobster tails, which gives the whole experience a personalized touch that you simply cannot get from an online order. If you are hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary on a Tuesday night, the sashimi-grade selection here opens up a world of possibilities.

Home cooks who have discovered this market tend to become regulars almost immediately, because once you cook with fish this fresh, there is really no going back to anything less.

Lobster Rolls and Daily Lunch Specials Worth the Drive

Lunch at Metropolitan Seafood is the kind of meal that turns a quick errand into a full-on food memory. The daily lunch specials rotate and always feature the freshest available product, which means the menu feels alive and seasonal rather than predictable.

Customers who stop in regularly often plan their visits around what might be available that day.

The lobster roll has developed something of a legendary reputation among regulars. One reviewer described ordering it two days in a row during a weekend tournament visit, noting that the portion was extraordinarily generous for the price.

That kind of value, paired with top-tier ingredients, is exactly what keeps people driving 45 minutes each way without a second thought. The grouper sandwich and fish bites have also earned enthusiastic praise from visitors.

Prepared food here is not an afterthought or a side business. It is a genuine extension of the market’s commitment to quality.

The same fresh fish sitting in the display case is what ends up in your sandwich or on your plate. There is no disconnect between the raw product and the prepared food, and that consistency shows in every bite.

Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch between errands or sitting outside with a crowd, the prepared offerings at Metropolitan Seafood deliver a restaurant-quality experience in a casual, relaxed setting.

Oysters, Clams, and Shellfish That Shine

Few things signal a quality seafood market quite like a strong shellfish selection, and Metropolitan Seafood delivers on every front. The oyster case alone draws in dedicated fans who come specifically for the variety and freshness.

Customers report that staff will guide you through the selection based on your flavor preferences, whether you lean toward briny East Coast varieties or sweeter Pacific styles.

One customer described stopping in on a whim after craving oysters and leaving completely amazed, not just by the selection but by the staff’s enthusiasm in walking them through it. Another group purchased ten dozen oysters for a backyard oyster festival and had them all shucked right there at the counter for convenience.

That kind of above-and-beyond service is built into the culture of this place, not just a one-time gesture.

Clams, shrimp, soft shell crabs, and fresh crab round out a shellfish section that rivals what you would find at a dedicated coastal market. The soft shell crabs in particular have received glowing attention, described as jumbo, full of sweet meat, and impeccably fresh.

Shrimp cocktail has also earned its own following, with customers returning specifically for that item after discovering how good it is. When shellfish is this carefully sourced and handled, even a simple shrimp cocktail becomes something worth talking about long after the meal is finished.

Gourmet Grocery Items Beyond the Fish Counter

Metropolitan Seafood earns the second half of its name honestly. Beyond the seafood counter, the shop stocks a thoughtfully curated selection of gourmet grocery items that make it worth browsing even on days when you are not specifically shopping for fish.

The imported Italian and Asian product section has drawn compliments from customers who appreciate finding specialty ingredients that are genuinely hard to locate elsewhere.

Fresh-baked bread is a consistent highlight, with multiple reviewers mentioning it as a must-grab item on every visit. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar bar has also developed a devoted following, offering varieties that elevate home cooking well beyond what standard grocery stores carry.

Local cheeses, hummus, and artisan pantry staples fill out a selection that feels carefully chosen rather than randomly assembled.

Specialty salads made in-house, including a homemade shrimp salad that regulars rave about, bridge the gap between the prepared food section and the grocery offerings. Seafood seasonings, marinades, dips, and sauces round out the pantry options, giving home cooks everything they need in a single stop.

For anyone who enjoys cooking from scratch with quality ingredients, this market functions almost like a personal specialty food store. The range of products available here means that a single visit can stock your kitchen with items that will inspire meals for the entire week ahead.

Caviar, Specialty Catches, and Rare Finds

Most seafood markets stick to the reliable crowd-pleasers, and there is nothing wrong with that. But Metropolitan Seafood goes further, sourcing items that genuinely surprise even experienced seafood enthusiasts.

Customers have reported finding Beluga caviar, jumbo male blue claw crabs, fresh sardines, whole Japanese madai, and Cobia, all at the same counter where you can also pick up a simple flounder fillet.

The blue claw crabs deserve special mention because sourcing large, high-quality Jimmys is notoriously difficult. One longtime customer described searching for two years before finally finding exactly what they wanted here.

The crabs were described as full, meaty, and worth every penny of the premium price. That kind of sourcing effort reflects how seriously the team takes stocking unusual and hard-to-find products.

Staff members have been known to take customer numbers and call when a specific requested fish comes in, which speaks to the level of personalized service that sets this market apart from any standard retail experience. If you have a particular species in mind or a special occasion coming up that calls for something extraordinary, this is the place to ask.

The team here has supplier relationships and sourcing knowledge that go well beyond what most local markets can offer, making Metropolitan Seafood a genuine destination for anyone chasing rare and exceptional seafood finds.

A Market Built on Trust and Longtime Loyalty

Some businesses earn loyal customers through convenience. Metropolitan Seafood earns them through something harder to manufacture, genuine trust.

Customers have been coming here since the market first opened, following it even when it relocated from its original downtown Clinton location to its current spot on Route 22. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.

The owner, Mark, is frequently mentioned by name in customer reviews, particularly in moments where something needed to be made right. One reviewer described a situation where Mark went completely above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction, offering a replacement without hesitation and treating the customer’s concern as a personal priority.

That responsiveness, especially from ownership, builds a reputation that no advertising budget can replicate.

Regulars describe being recognized on repeat visits, greeted like familiar faces rather than anonymous shoppers. Families who started shopping here years ago now bring their kids.

Couples planning holiday meals make Metropolitan Seafood their first stop. The consistency of both product quality and staff over the years creates an environment where customers feel genuinely valued.

Seeing the same friendly faces behind the counter visit after visit builds a kind of community around a shared love of great seafood. For many shoppers, this market has simply become part of their routine, a place they return to not just because the fish is excellent, but because the whole experience feels like it was designed with care.

Fish and Chips That Deserve Their Own Reputation

Ordering fish and chips from a place that sources its fish fresh off the boats daily is a completely different experience from what you get at most restaurants. At Metropolitan Seafood, the fish and chips have earned a devoted following, with at least one customer declaring them the best in the tri-state area.

That is a bold claim, but after hearing how they are made, it is easy to understand the enthusiasm.

The batter is described as light and fluffy, perfectly fried without being greasy or heavy. When you start with fish this fresh, the preparation does not need to work hard to impress.

The natural sweetness and firm texture of the fish come through even after frying, which is the true test of quality. Paired with house-made tartar sauce and coleslaw, the whole plate comes together in a way that feels satisfying without being overwhelming.

What makes this offering stand out is that it is not a gimmick or a side attraction. The prepared food here reflects the same sourcing standards as everything else in the market.

The kitchen uses the same fish that sits in the display case, which means the quality is consistent and traceable. For anyone who has ever been disappointed by soggy, flavorless fish and chips at a chain restaurant, this version serves as a very convincing reminder of what the dish is supposed to taste like when made properly with genuinely fresh ingredients.

Planning Your Visit to Metropolitan Seafood and Gourmet

Getting the most out of a visit here starts with a little planning, and the effort pays off immediately. The market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 4 PM, with Monday being the one day they are closed.

Arriving earlier in the day gives you the widest selection, especially around holidays when the lines can grow long and items sell out quickly.

The location on Route 22 West in Lebanon is accessible and easy to find, with a large free parking lot that accommodates plenty of vehicles. For those traveling from a distance, the staff will package your order in ice so the fish stays fresh for the drive home.

That is a small gesture that makes a real difference, especially for customers coming from Pennsylvania or other neighboring states.

Calling ahead is always a smart move if you are looking for something specific or want to check on availability before making the trip. The phone number is 908-840-4332, and the team is happy to answer questions and help you plan your order.

More information and occasional updates are available at metroseafood.com. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, this market consistently delivers an experience that feels worth every mile of the drive.

Address: 1320 US-22, Lebanon, NJ.