<div class="tldr">In early June 2024, Lower Manhattan restaurants are revising their menus. Fish prices at the Fulton Fish Market have risen over 30% since late May.</div>

<ul class="key-facts">

<li>Fulton Fish Market reports 30% price increase for key seafood items.</li>

<li>Restaurants on Stone Street, Broad Street, and in Tribeca are adjusting menus.</li>

<li>Chefs cite supply chain disruptions and early summer demand.</li>

</ul>

Rising wholesale fish prices have led several Lower Manhattan restaurants to make changes to their menu offerings this month. According to distributors at the Fulton Fish Market, prices for items like striped bass, fluke, and wild black sea bass have increased by more than 30% since the week of May 20, 2024.

Restaurant owners in areas such as Stone Street and Tribeca say the price hikes have forced them to temporarily remove or alter certain seafood dishes. At Adrienne's Pizzabar on Stone Street, management has reduced the number of seafood-based specials. Nearby, the team at The Greek cited cost increases as the reason for substituting local species with farmed alternatives.

Several factors have contributed to the surge. Wholesalers at the Fulton Fish Market point to seasonal fluctuations, regional fishing regulations, and continued supply chain disruptions affecting imports. Combined with strong demand at the start of the summer dining season, these issues have narrowed available options for many chefs.

Some restaurants are responding by highlighting alternative proteins or promoting shellfish, which have not seen the same price increases. Others, like Grand Banks in Hudson River Park, are focusing on sustainable or lesser-known species to control costs while maintaining seafood offerings for customers.

<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>

<h2>Which types of fish are most affected by the price increase?</h2>

<p>Striped bass, fluke, and wild black sea bass are among the species with the highest price hikes—over 30%—at the Fulton Fish Market. Shellfish and some farmed fish have experienced smaller increases, according to distributors.</p>

<h2>Are menu changes expected to last all summer?</h2>

<p>Restaurant owners say adjustments may persist for several weeks or until wholesale prices stabilize. Seasonal changes, regulatory fishing limits, and ongoing supply chain issues could continue to affect availability through the summer.</p>

<h2>How are restaurants adapting to the rising costs?</h2>

<p>Restaurants are reducing seafood specials, substituting with farmed or alternative species, and promoting shellfish. Some are designing new dishes that rely less on high-cost fish while maintaining menu variety.</p>