Brian Nagele
Seafood is a popular dining option for avid food lovers across the United States. Many restaurants prepare and serve their specialty dishes using different cooking methods, from broiling to frying, giving people several options to sample whenever they’re in the mood for something tasty.
Keep in mind that not all seafood restaurants are the same. Each one incorporates local or international flavors into its dishes and has a unique atmosphere for guests to immerse themselves in as they dine.
Suppose you’re looking for restaurants in the United States specializing in quality seafood dishes.
In that case, there are several stand-out places you should consider checking out if you’re planning a cross-country trip and want to sample each state’s finest pescatarian cravings.
I compiled this list of the best seafood restaurants in America you should check out if you can’t decide where to eat. You’re bound to find something to enjoy no matter which states you visit.
Le Bernardin
153 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-554-1515
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If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Midtown Manhattan, one of the best seafood restaurants in America you can find is Le Bernardin.
Since 1986, this refined French restaurant has served quality cuisine for locals and tourists craving the best dishes in the neighborhood.
This restaurant is also one of the few restaurants in NYC with three Michelin stars.
Le Bernardin offers a wide selection of menus to sample in their dining room and lounge, including a chef’s tasting menu and a four-course fixed-price dinner.
If you’re looking for a flavorful main course, you can’t go wrong with their baked red snapper or steamed halibut.
Pêche Seafood Grill
800 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-522-1744
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Next up on my list of the best seafood restaurants in America is Pêche Seafood Grill, located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District.
Named after the French word for “catch,” this restaurant takes cooking inspiration from Spain, South America, and the Gulf Coast to craft contemporary dishes for guests in a rustic setting.
If you have time to stop by for dinner at Pêche Seafood Grill, consider starting with seafood salad from their raw bar or smoked tuna dip.
One of my favorites is the baked striped bass and grilled tuna. They offer bold, fresh flavors when paired with any of their vegetable sides, like glazed turnips or grilled zucchini.
Providence
5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Phone: 323-460-4170
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No trip to Los Angeles is complete without enjoying the best seafood in town at Providence. You can find this upscale fine-dining destination minutes away from Hollywood.
Chef Michael Cimarusti’s menu incorporates sustainable ingredients to ensure quality flavors in every dish.
I love starting with their salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawns before checking out the chef’s tasting menu.
The subtle hints of lemon and rosemary blend well with this starter’s salty exterior.
My favorite dishes on their fixed-price tasting menu are Norwegian king crab, black cod, and A5 Wagyu beef.
If you want to enhance your meal, ask about their premium or standard wine pairings.
Matunuck Oyster Bar
629 Succotash Rd, Wakefield, RI 02879
Phone: 404-783-4202
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If you and your friends crave authentic New England seafood, Matunuck Oyster Bar is your best casual dining option, located minutes away from Hazard Island.
This seafood eatery sources its oysters from Potter Pond and fresh produce from local farms.
It’s a great place for outdoor dining because of its patio’s waterfront view of the nearby pond. I love it for watching the sunset with my friends.
Their raw bar serves sensational chilled lobster and passion fruit oysters. I recommend starting with their scallop ceviche and ordering their stuffed lobster, Potter Pond poke bowl, or grilled Atlantic salmon as your main course.
Coni’Seafood
4532 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Phone: 310-881-9644
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You can find Coni’Seafood in the Cypress Grove neighborhood. Their signature Nayarit-style dishes offer bold flavors for guests who love Mexican seafood.
Its relaxed and polished atmosphere is a nice place to unwind after spending your day traversing the noisy and busy city streets.
Their menu offers a wide selection of shrimp-based dishes, ceviches, and fish-centric dishes, each seasoned with spices to give it a hot flavor kick.
If you’re treating your family to dinner, don’t miss out on their Tacos De Marlin, Camarones a la Barbacoa, Pescado Zarandeado, or Langostinos.
Be sure to add garlic sauce to your meal if you want to make it more flavorful.
Neptune Oyster
63 Salem St # 1, Boston, MA 02113
Phone: 617-412-3474
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Boston’s North End neighborhood is home to Neptune Oyster, an intimate seafood eatery offering tempting oysters and delicious lobster rolls.
Its bustling raw bar, homey brick exterior, and warm lighting give the place a relaxed vibe. They’re also open every day if you’re interested in trying everything on their menu.
They serve the best North End cioppino, Acadian redfish & chips, and whole Rockport mackerel in the city.
They also offer plenty of daily seafood specials every week, like cuttle ink risotto on Fridays and sea urchin bucatini on Thursdays.
I’m not a big fan of entrees, so I always go for the Triton or Neptune Plateau platters from their raw bar.
The Walrus and the Carpenter
4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: 206-395-9227
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The Walrus and the Carpenter is one of the best seafood restaurants in America if you’re looking for a dining destination offering rotating daily menus in a cozy, welcoming setting.
It’s near Salmon Bay and the West Woodland neighborhood. Indulge in succulent oysters and small plates on their outdoor patio or in their bright dining room with a hanging coral chandelier.
Order their chicken liver mousse, fried oysters, or sheep cheese tartine if you’re looking for something light to eat.
These small plates taste great with orange wine or a Mad Tea Party cocktail. Their savarin cake is an excellent dessert option to end your night in style.
Mama’s Fish House
799 Poho Pl, Paia, HI 96779
Phone: 808-579-8488
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Have you ever dreamed about enjoying seafood in an authentic tropical setting? Then, consider visiting Mama’s Fish House if you plan on visiting Maui.
It has a lovely waterfront view of Kū‘au Bay, seasonal Polynesian dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere.
They use fresh produce sourced from local farmers around Maui to ensure quality flavors in every dish.
During my last visit to this tropical getaway, their menu featured Tristan Island lobster tails, Whole Maui freshwater trout, bouillabaisse, and New Caledonia Island blue prawns.
Treat yourself to their Hawaiian citrus sorbet and a chocolate martini for dessert, or sample their Strawberry Guava Fizz cocktail before going to the beach.
167 Raw
193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-579-4997
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Nestled within Charleston’s historic downtown neighborhood, 167 Raw is one of the best seafood spots along the Southern East Coast that offers guests authentic New England-style specialty dishes with a twist.
It’s a cozy, contemporary space with a spacious patio and a nice view of the nearby city streets.
Consider ordering their scallop po’boy, shrimp taco, tuna burger, or lobster roll if you plan on stopping by for dinner.
If you’re feeling extra hungry, you can start with crispy oysters or ceviche of the day.
Don’t forget to check out their extensive list of cocktails and spirits. In terms of dessert, their key lime pie is absolutely amazing.
Shaw’s Crab House
21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-527-2722
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Don’t know where to find the best crab dishes when visiting Chicago’s River North neighborhood? Then, consider booking your next reservation at Shaw’s Crab House.
Its vintage, clubby feel makes it one of the best seafood restaurants in America if you prefer dining in a more upscale setting with live music. If you’re short on time, they offer carry-out and delivery services.
Their steamed Alaskan king crab legs have a rich, buttery texture. If you’re not in the mood for crab, they offer fresh fish, poke bowls, sushi, steak, and fresh oysters.
They also have a kid’s menu offering broiled lobster tail, fish & chips, and fried shrimp.
Bob’s Clam Hut
315 US-1, Kittery, ME 03904
Phone: 207-439-4233
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One of the best places to enjoy New England-style fried clams and other Maine seafood specialties is Bob’s Clam Hut.
Their swift over-the-counter service is ideal for visitors who prefer taking their food to go. This eatery has a casual atmosphere, outdoor seating, and a scenic view of Spruce Creek.
People with gluten sensitivities can ask their server for a gluten-free bun when ordering a sandwich or seafood roll.
Their clam strip roll and oyster po’boy have salty flavor profiles that won’t overwhelm your taste buds. Their signature Moxie BBQ sauce or homemade buffalo sauce adds another layer of flavor to your hot seafood.
Swan Oyster Depot
1517 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-673-1101
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As far as casual seafood goes, Swan Oyster Depot is one of your best options near San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill neighborhood.
Despite this restaurant’s smaller size and minimalist aesthetic, you can find plenty of dishes to enjoy if you’re in a hurry.
If you’re in the mood for smoked seafood, you can choose between white fish, salmon, or trout.
Their Blue Point oysters, half-cracked crab, and Maine lobster are excellent options for avid shellfish lovers, like me, looking for the best flavors in the neighborhood.
Do you prefer trying something lighter for lunch? Then, try a cup of their tender yet creamy Boston clam chowder.
The Angry Crab
1308 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 773-687-9929
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The Angry Crab is a casual Cajun seafood restaurant near the Wicker Park and Pulaski Park neighborhoods.
It’s a great place to unwind after a long day of exploring Chicago. They offer plenty of grilled and fried seafood dishes, prepared to your liking with the sauces of your choice.
Start your night right with their zesty Cajun wings or fried catfish. Their Two Crabby specialty dish is a shellfish lover’s dream dish consisting of one pound of snow crab legs and one pound of whole or headless shrimp.
Besides seafood, you can also enjoy a Chicago-style Cajun hot dog with customizable toppings and sauces.
Mignonette
210 NE 18th St, Miami, FL 33132
Phone: 305-374-4635
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You can count on this Miami-based restaurant to serve quality seafood by the bayside.
Mignonette, located in the Edgewater neighborhood, has a cozy atmosphere for unwinding after a long, hot day. I celebrated my last birthday in their private dining room.
Start with Mignonette’s popcorn shrimp or conch if you’re dining with friends. Then, indulge in a lobster sandwich or prime Manhattan strip.
Be sure to pair these dishes with any of their international red, white, or rosé wines. You can also order a veggie plate made with four sides if you prefer a greener entree.
Pacific Beach Fish Shop
1775 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Phone: 858-483-4746
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The best way to enjoy beachside seafood in San Diego is by customizing dishes the way you like them.
Thankfully, you can customize creative fish tacos, sandwiches, and other dishes at Pacific Beach Fish Shop. It has a casual ambiance and dog-friendly patios for enjoying the fresh air and warm sunlight.
You can choose from a wide selection of fresh fish and marinades when ordering a customizable fish taco, salad, sandwich, or plate. I’m a fan of their salmon sandwich with a teriyaki glaze.
They also serve traditional seafood entrees, like crab cakes, shrimp, ceviche, and Ahi poke bowls, with a wide selection of sides and draft beer.
Safe Harbor Seafood
4378 Ocean St, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Phone: 904-256-4911
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Freshly caught fish dishes await you when you stop by for lunch or dinner at Safe Harbor Seafood.
This casual yet bustling seafood eatery offers simple dishes that anyone can enjoy. You can take your over-the-counter dishes to go or dine outdoors by the piers overlooking the St. Johns River.
Their most popular appetizer option is their signature conch fritters. After that, you can order their deviled crabs and Mayport shrimp baskets grilled, fried, or blackened.
Don’t miss out on their tuna or salmon Kona bowls if you prefer building your own meal. Their menu also offers a few salads, soups, tacos, sandwiches, and po’boys.
Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-598-1200
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The final place that I recommend visiting on this list of the best seafood restaurants in America is Red Fish Grill, a popular destination for authentic New Orleans cuisine in the French Quarter District.
Their raw bar offers tasty BBQ shrimp or oysters for anyone craving something extra before dinner.
Their crawfish pasta jambalaya, wood-grilled swordfish, and Louisiana shrimp & goat cheese grits are some of my favorite menu options whenever I stop by for dinner.
These dishes taste great with a Bourbon Street Car or Orleans Cup cocktail.
They also serve brunch on the weekends, so don’t miss out on their fried oyster or shrimp po’boy.
GW Fins
808 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-581-3467
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GW Fins is one of the best places to grab seafood if you’re in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
This upscale restaurant offers a seasonal menu to ensure the freshest ingredients, including fresh, local seafood as well as high quality fish from around the world.
The menu at GW Fins features seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, expertly prepared by Executive Chef Michael Nelson. Chef Nelson is a nationally recognized expert on Gulf seafood, so he knows how to best prepare the local catch.
GW Fins also features an impressive wine list in addition to its ever-changing food menu.
This restaurant has been open for 21 years, and it’s still a very worthy stop if you’re ever in NOLA.
Finding quality seafood restaurants can be challenging if you don’t know where to go or can’t decide what to order.
Luckily, several eateries across the East Coast, West Coast, and other regions in between ensure quality flavors, freshness, service, and immersive dining atmospheres for travelers interested in trying something new.
Hopefully, this list of the best seafood restaurants in America can help you decide where to eat during your next extended trip.
Not interested in seafood at the moment? Then, check out this list of the best Italian restaurants across the US for pasta, pizza, and more.
I recommend Aliotta’s in San Francisco and Prime Catch in Boynton Beach Florida.