Smorgasburg to Launch Seafood Hub on Governors Island
Smorgasburg, the popular food market operator, will launch "Six Coasts," a 32,000-square-foot seafood-focused dining concept on Governors Island this summer. The project aims to bring a wide variety of seafood options and culinary experiences to the island, which has become a major seasonal destination for New Yorkers.
- The new dining concept is slated to open in May 2026 and will replace Island Oyster, a previous restaurant at the location. - The project is a collaboration with The Trust for Governors Island, the non-profit organization that oversees 150 acres of the island, which followed a request for proposals process that began in February 2025. - The menu will draw inspiration from six distinct coastal regions across the Americas, including Nova Scotia, the Baja Peninsula, Bahia, and the Caribbean. - In addition to food, the space will feature a 100-seat outdoor bar and host cultural events such as live music, film nights, and visiting chef residencies. - Smorgasburg was founded by Eric Demby and Jonathan Butler in May 2011 as a spin-off of their popular Brooklyn Flea market. - In line with Governors Island's sustainability goals, the "Six Coasts" facility will be all-electric and focus on using sustainable food sources. - Governors Island, a former military base, now attracts nearly one million visitors annually after a significant transformation that includes a 43-acre park. - Other year-round tenants on the island include the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, and the Billion Oyster Project.