The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled.
We use cookies.These cookies enhance your experience and improve our website. Certain cookies are necessary and can't be turned off,
but we also allow others to place cookies to track the performance of our website and deliver personalized content and ads. You can select your preference using the buttons.
Ordering for Passover or Easter? Click here to learn more about our cutoff times.
PSA: Overnight shipping is free on our seafood kits. But only for a limited time. ORDER NOW.
Pristine seafood direct from the world's most trusted fisherman.
From
New England to New Zealand: Fresh Clams
Dive
into our carefully sourced selection of Little Necks, Cherrystones, Steamers,
and more.
Clams are one of our favorite gifts from nature. Open them, and their shells reveal sweet, briny meat—with a world of delicious possibilities.
That’s why we go to great lengths to make sure every single clam we offer is exceptional. Citarella Owner Joe Gurrera has spent decades building his network of trusted sources, and that includes clammers along the Northeast coast—from Long Island, all the way up to Maine. Even across the world, in New Zealand.
All fresh. All pristine. And ready to ship nationwide, overnight. Explore our varieties below, along with storage tips, recipe recommendations, and more.
OUR SELECTION
Little
Neck Clams
Our local Little Necks are sweet, tender, and one of our best-sellers. About two inches in diameter, they’re great raw on the half shell, roasted with breadcrumbs, or stirred into a classic, creamy, bacon-and-potato-fortified chowder.
When we think of clams, we also dream of Spaghetti Vongole (and Citarella Owner Joe Gurrera's famous recipe.) There are several varieties that would work well here (more on that below.) But, for a classic trattoria approach, Little Necks are the way to go. They provide a meaty, Atlantic heft to the sauce that we love.
Cherrystones are the slightly larger, brinier cousin to Little Necks, and another New England staple. Like Little Necks, these clams can be enjoyed on the half shell or turned into a cozy chowder. Their size also makes them perfect for frying—simply cut them into strips, dredge them in flour, and cook them until golden.
For a hands-on culinary experience with true character (and a taste of long summer days spent on the Atlantic coast), smooth-and-creamy local steamers are soft-shelled clams (around two inches in diameter) with a distinct flavor that’s deliciously enhanced by a simmer in garlic, olive oil, and white wine. Steam them, pull them from the shell, dip th
em in melted butter, and revel in that sweet, rich chew.
To add a bit of visual flair to your Spaghetti Vongole, you can also try Manila clams. These smallers clams are beautiful to behold, with ribbed, green-toned shells. They’ll add a distinct meatiness to complement al dente pasta—plus, their shells contrast beautifully with a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
For an inspired shift from the ordinary, we love cockles sourced from pristine New Zealand waters. These delicate, small clams (about the size of a quarter) boast a heart-shaped shell and are celebrated worldwide for their tender sweetness. This is another clam we love in Spaghetti Vongole.
All our clams are available for fresh, overnight, and nationwide shipping. Depending on the variety of clam, you can order them live, freshly shucked, or shucked with their shells on the side. To learn how to shuck clams, head to our Shop Clams page.
HOW TO
STORE CLAMS
All shellfish should be removed from packaging and stored in an empty bowl in the refrigerator, for use within 24 to 48 hours.
We always recommend enjoying seafood fresh for maximum quality and the best flavor. However, if you need to freeze your clams, remove them from their shells and then freeze the meat.
Our expert recipe collection includes plenty of delicious ways to prepare clams, including steaming, roasting, and even stews. Order your favorite variety—we'll help you turn them into a stunning meal. VIEW RECIPES
THE CITARELLA STANDARD
We’re passionate about sourcing and selling the world’s best seafood. When you order our fresh seafood online, what you receive always reflects the unrivaled standard of our markets. It’s hand-prepared, never frozen, and shipped overnight.
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE: Due to the expected snowstorm, our hours on Sunday, 1/25 and Monday, 1/26 will be adjusted. Please check our Store Locator page for more information.
THE SEAFOOD AUTHORITY
THE FRESHEST FISH DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
The finest & widest variety of fresh seafood from the most trusted sources
SHOP SEAFOOD
THE ULTIMATE GOURMET MARKET
YOUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD FINE FOOD MARKET
Serving New York City, the Hamptons and Greenwich, CT.
