Brian Nagele
There are many amazing things to do and see in Indianapolis, including Monument Circle, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, and the Indianapolis botanical gardens.
Families will love strolling through the Indianapolis Zoo or aquarium or simply exploring downtown Indy on foot.
All of that exploring is bound to work up quite an appetite, and fortunately, Indianapolis is an excellent destination for fresh fish and delicacies like oysters, shellfish, and lobster. These seafood restaurants in Indianapolis will appeal to every taste and budget.
Next time you’re in Indianapolis, be sure to check out my list of the best seafood restaurants in Indianapolis below!
Rick’s Café Boatyard
4050 Dandy Trail, Indianapolis, IN 46254
Phone: 317-290-9300
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Right next to Eagle Creek Airpark, you’ll find Rick’s Cafe Boatyard, an excellent place for fresh-caught fish and surf and turf favorites like steak salad.
There are plenty of tasty things on the menu, but you should try the scallop risotto and steak nachos. Both are divine.
Make sure you save room for dessert because the mud pie at Rick’s Cafe Boatyard is second to none.
With excellent service and an ever-changing menu of all your favorites from the sea, Rick’s Cafe and Boatyard should be on your must-dine list next time you’re in Indianapolis.
The Juicy Seafood Restaurant
Multiple locations
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The Juicy Seafood Restaurant boasts multiple locations all over Indianapolis, so there’s bound to be one right near your hotel or Airbnb.
It’s wheelchair-accessible and offers a fabulous menu, including the catch of the day and colossal seafood boils.
If you like a strong cocktail to go along with your food, this restaurant chain doesn’t disappoint. Pair any of their signature cocktails with fresh oysters for a brilliant appetizer.
One of the things that I like best about The Juicy Seafood Restaurant is that you can customize how hot you want your dish to be, making it an accessible and sound option for everyone at the table.
Caplinger’s Fresh Catch
Multiple locations
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Another exceptional option with tons of locations all over Indianapolis, Caplinger’s Fresh Catch is a family-friendly dining experience that has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating at all of its sites.
It’s an excellent place to get fish fillets, po boy sandwiches, and lots of delicious sides.
Stand-out menu items include macaroni and cheese, hush puppies, shrimp, pasta salad, and smoked salmon dip.
Save some space for dessert because you won’t want to miss their homemade banana pudding, a rich and flavorful ending to your meal. Arrive hungry because the portions are enormous.
This casual restaurant has an extensive menu, perfect for families and picky eaters.
Ocean Prime
8555 River Rd #100, Indianapolis, IN 46240
Phone: 317-569-0975
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Ocean Prime is right next to White River so you can dine in style with a stunning view. In addition to the phenomenal service at Ocean Prime, you’ll also snack on some of the best seafood in the city.
I think the lobster bisque and salmon with teriyaki sauce are two top-notch dishes, and the tempura shrimps are crunchy, light, and full of flavor.
You can also sample succulent and hearty fish, like swordfish, at Ocean Prime, and the fresh seafood is perfect for sharing amongst a larger group. Ocean Prime is famous for its carrot cake and is the ideal end-note to any meal.
Slapfish
345 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-686-9713
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Slapfish is just a few blocks from the American Legion Mall, and locals know and love it for the rich poke bowls and sandwiches, although you can get larger meals there too.
The service is also superb, and Slapfish’s waitstaff can make menu recommendations based on your preferences and dietary restrictions.
Since it’s a fairly popular restaurant, consider making reservations if you go during dinner rushes or on the weekends.
Personally, I love the portion sizes at Slapfish. They’re big enough to share but so tasty that you might want to keep it all for yourself.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
30 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-955-2277
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Just about a block from the Indiana Housing and Community Development offices, The Oceanaire Seafood Room is a posh destination that every seafood lover will want to check out at least once in their lives.
The food is super fresh, with offerings from all over the world, such as snapper, mahi, tuna, and sea bass.
Not only will you find tons of treats from the sea at The Oceanaire Seafood Room, but their staff is highly knowledgeable about the menu and can set you up with the perfect dish.
I love their crab appetizer, oysters, and lobster benedict. The surf and turf dishes are delicious too.
Ali’i Poke – Downtown Indy
910 W 10th St #4, Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-602-3632
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Ali’i Poke is right downtown next to Ensign Graham Edward Martin Park. It’s hard to find something to complain about at this restaurant because everything is impeccable, from the service to the food.
Ali’i Poke is a great place to get your feet wet if you love sushi but have never tried poke bowls. Plus, you can customize your poke bowls, adding rice and other fixings to the raw fish.
They have standard fare like tuna and salmon, plus more exotic fishes on the menu, depending on the season. Vegetarians and vegans won’t be left out because you can get your poke bowls with tofu.
Blue Crab Juicy Seafood
8340 Kelly Ln, Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317-827-2000
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Take a slight detour off the USS Indianapolis Memorial Highway, and you’ll find yourself at Blue Crab Juicy Seafood.
This conveniently-located Indianapolis icon is one of my favorite places to visit for a fantastic seafood dinner and giant crab legs.
Depending on the season, you can find king crab, Alaskan, or blue crab at this restaurant. Seafood entrees come with some sides, like juicy corn on the cob and fresh potatoes, and the seasoning is delicious.
The food at Blue Crab Juicy Seafood was meant for sharing, so get a few different kinds and have a memorable night out with your friends or family.
Chef Oya’s The TRAP
3355 N Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Phone: 317-762-6172
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Spend a few afternoon hours at Washington Park Disc Golf Course, and you can finish your early evening with dinner at Chef Oya’s The TRAP.
This local family favorite restaurant serves enormous portions of quality seafood. I always arrive hungry and wind up leaving with leftovers anyway.
The portions are massive, but the food quality is on-point. I love the crab legs at Chef Oya’s The TRAP, and the salmon and shrimp are tasty too.
Don’t forget to load up on the sauces and sides. Chef Oya’s The TRAP serves amazing potatoes, broccoli, and butter-based sauces. Plus, you can’t beat the service.
Kona Jack’s Fish Market
9413 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Phone: 317-843-1609
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If you’re looking for ocean-fresh offerings like succulent salmon, grouper, and Mahi, check out Kona Jack’s Fish Market. It’s easily one of the best seafood restaurants in Indianapolis, and it’s right off the 465.
Since Kona Jack’s Fish Market tends to be very popular, it’s a good idea to make reservations if you’re going during dinner service or on the weekends.
I love their seared tuna with sesame seeds. It’s got just enough seasoning to be flavorful, but the authentic taste of the tuna shines through in every bite.
Their soups and sushi rolls are tasty too. The Kona Jack’s Fish Market servers can help you pair your meal with a refreshing glass of wine.
Salt on Mass
505 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-638-6565
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Reasonably close to University Park, Salt on Mass is a top-notch seafood restaurant that emphasizes sustainable and responsible dining.
They use locally-sourced ingredients for many of their dishes and always strive to serve the freshest and best fish possible.
This attention to detail and sustainability definitely shows. Although you can focus strictly on the seafood at Salt on Mass, I also love their surf and turf options.
The mushroom-stuffed crabs are a great appetizer too. If you’re not very hungry, you can order several appetizers to split among friends.
Plus, you can’t go wrong ordering something tasty off Salt on Mass’ wine list.
The Boiling
14 Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-600-3066
Right in the heart of Indianapolis’ downtown district, The Boiling is a Cajun-themed restaurant and cocktail bar that’s family-friendly.
The Boiling is a winning dining option with impeccable service, a robust food menu, and cocktails to suit every palate.
I always order crawfish, Cajun sausage, and at least one hearty side when I visit. Make sure that you ask for their signature “boiling sauce.”
It’s spicy and succulent, and you’ll probably want another immediately after you get your first. Make sure to soak up all that additional boiling sauce with complimentary bread, so a drop doesn’t go to waste.
Tony’s of Indianapolis
110 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-638-8669
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Visit Tony’s of Indianapolis next to Rythem Discovery Center if you want a sophisticated and well-rounded experience complete with live music, excellent service, and a dazzling array of different seafood options.
I love starting my meal off with their crab cakes. Light, crispy, and crab-packed, they’re the perfect prelude to a more substantial meal.
Other stand-outs include the salmon, any surf and turf dishes, and Tony’s of Indianapolis’ famous burgers.
One of the best things about this menu is that you can order adventurous options and exotic fish, or you can play it safe with their standard fare.
Nobody will be disappointed at this incredible seafood joint.
