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In the world of gourmet seafood, few names carry as much weight as Citarella. Renowned for offering some of the freshest fish and shellfish available, the brand has built a reputation as a trusted purveyor of premium seafood. However, what truly sets Citarella apart is the seamless way in which they blend time-honored fishing traditions with modern-day innovation. From hand-harvesting fresh catches from the Atlantic to ensuring next-day delivery through state-of-the-art packaging, Citarella brings together the best of both worlds in every fish they sell.
A Legacy of Freshness and Craftsmanship
The roots of Citarella‘s seafood operation trace back to the early 20th century, when the market was founded on the idea of providing customers with the finest, freshest ingredients available. Over the years, Citarella has stayed true to its commitment to quality, working closely with trusted fishermen who share a dedication to sustainable practices and superior craftsmanship.
Many of the fish sold at Citarella — flounder, fluke, striped bass — are wild-caught using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Fishermen who brave the waters of Long Island Sound and the cold Atlantic Ocean wake up before dawn to ensure the catch is brought in fresh and handled with care. These fishermen don’t just cast nets; they still fish with lines and hooks, using techniques that prioritize the sustainability of marine life.
For Citarella, the emphasis is not only on getting the freshest catch but also on maintaining relationships with these suppliers, many of whom have been part of the Citarella family for decades. These bonds ensure that the fish arriving at their market is handled with the utmost respect — both for the ocean and for the customer who will eventually enjoy the meal.
The Art of the Fishmonger
Once the fish arrives at Citarella, it’s far from the typical seafood counter experience. At Citarella, every cut is done by hand. Their fishmongers are not just employees; they are artisans, trained to skillfully wield a knife, shuck oysters, and fillet fish with precision. A well-cut fish not only ensures quality but enhances the overall eating experience.
Citarella is one of the few places where you can still find a fishmonger who can expertly debone an Atlantic-caught shad — a skill that’s becoming increasingly rare in the modern age of automation. Whether it’s the delicate preparation of wild-caught flounder or the meticulous work involved in cleaning and filleting a whole striped bass, each piece of seafood is treated with respect and care.
This hands-on approach ensures that every fish, no matter how big or small, is prepared to order, providing customers with the freshest, most customized seafood possible. It’s a dedication to quality that is evident in every bite.
Innovation in Seafood Delivery
While Citarella honors the traditions of the past, it also embraces the possibilities of the future. The brand understands that today’s customers demand convenience and efficiency, and they’ve leveraged modern technology to meet these expectations while preserving their commitment to quality.
Citarella offers one of the most innovative seafood delivery services in the industry. All seafood on their website is fresh — never frozen — and can be shipped anywhere within the continental United States via priority overnight shipping. This ensures that no matter where you are, you can enjoy the same level of freshness as if you were purchasing your catch directly from the market.
With the click of a button, you can choose from a wide selection of fish and shellfish, select your preferred butchering options, and have your order expertly prepared by Citarella’s fishmongers. Once your order is ready, it is packaged using state-of-the-art materials designed to keep the seafood cold and protected during transit. The result? The freshest, most flavorful seafood delivered straight to your door in as little as 24 hours.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Service
What’s more, Citarella’s commitment to sustainability is just as strong as its dedication to freshness. They work with trusted purveyors who are just as invested in the health of the oceans as they are in providing top-tier seafood. By sourcing from both local and global fisheries that adhere to sustainable practices, Citarella ensures that its customers can enjoy the very best seafood without compromising the health of marine ecosystems.
In addition to their sustainable sourcing practices, Citarella is known for providing exceptional customer service. The company’s tight-knit team, which includes nearly 1,000 employees across various departments, believes in forming long-term relationships with customers. Whether you’re ordering online or shopping in one of Citarella’s iconic stores, the brand’s reputation for service excellence shines through. Their knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer tips, advice, and even recipes to help you make the most of your seafood purchase.
The Best of Both Worlds: A Gourmet Seafood Experience
What makes Citarella truly unique is its ability to balance the old and the new — honoring the craftsmanship and relationships of the past while embracing the technology and efficiency of the present. This harmony between tradition and innovation is what allows Citarella to offer an unparalleled seafood experience, from the moment the fish is caught to the moment it lands on your plate.
Whether you’re preparing a simple family dinner or hosting an elegant dinner party, Citarella’s seafood delivers restaurant-quality dishes at home. The wild-caught fish, the hand-prepared cuts, and the fast delivery ensure that every meal is a celebration of the ocean’s bounty, expertly handled from start to finish.
Citarella: A Seafood Destination for Every Taste
At Citarella, you’re not just purchasing seafood — you’re investing in a piece of culinary artistry. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation in every catch, and where you can trust that every fishmonger’s knife cut is made with expertise and care. Whether you visit in person or shop online, Citarella is a seafood destination that provides the finest quality and service, delivering the best of the ocean to your table with each order.
So, the next time you’re in the market for the freshest, most expertly prepared seafood, look no further than Citarella. From the waters of the Atlantic to your plate, it’s an experience that captures the essence of both tradition and modern convenience — a true celebration of the sea..
