As a result of its historical abundance and ecological significance, the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, has been identified as a primary restoration target for the Hudson River-New York Harbor region. Prior to any large-scale restoration investments, a spatial assessment has been made to characterize the region's potential for hosting restored oyster populations. Using existing geographic data of the physical attributes of the river, a GIS-based restoration suitability index has been developed with the goal of identifying specific areas that hold a greater probability for success in oyster restoration. The results show that much of the river's restoration potential is initially limited by the physical environment, depth, and sediment type, and is reduced further by the salinity distribution. The results from this model should be used as a preliminary guide to focus future restoration efforts within the lower Hudson River and New York Harbor area as well as to investigate possible changes to the restoration potential with changing salinities brought on by regional climate change and hydrodynamic alterations.