Brian Nagele
Pittsburgh is known for many things: its bridges, its sports teams, and its food. But when it comes to food, it’s common to overlook one of the types of cuisine that Pittsburgh really shines for: seafood.
Whether you come for business or pleasure, expecting to take in more of a traditional comfort food fare, you simply cannot miss the seafood scene in the city. On my most recent trip, I prioritized finding where to get seafood in Pittsburgh to share with you what makes each one so unique. So buckle your seatbelts and prepare for your mouth to water. From fresh, grilled fish to fancy seafood pasta dishes, oysters, and a whole lot more, here are the best seafood restaurants in Pittsburgh to help you plan the culinary leg of your next trip.
1. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto
1411 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211
Phone: 412-481-4414
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Located just across the Ohio River from Pittsburgh landmarks like Fort Duquesne and the Point State Park Fountain, this upscale seafood restaurant is the perfect place to make reservations for an elevated night of fine dining. The atmosphere is upscale but not stuffy, and the two-level restaurant has squeaky-clean glass walls that show off the beautiful views and all of the city lights at their finest. Monterey Bay Fish Grotto has won sustainability awards and focuses on sourcing local seafood and spirits, so you can truly get a taste of what Pittsburgh is all about. Their whole menu is teeming with fresh, rich seafood options and innovative takes on all your favorites. The surf n’ turf deviled eggs are a must, and for lovers of creole cuisine, the blackened shrimp and scallops etouffee is a flavorful option that has me planning my next trip back as we speak!
2. Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille
2106 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-904-4509
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Overlooking the Allegheny River in the historic Strip District, Luke Wholey’s Wild Alaskan Grille is a great place to enjoy a casual but still impeccable plate of incredible seafood inspired by the founder’s lifelong obsession with fishing. Closed on Monday and Tuesday, this grill is relaxed and comfortable, with ocean-life-inspired murals adorning the walls. Choose from a seasonal menu or sushi menu, including favorites like mussels and calamari for starters and a host of sandwiches, tacos, pastas, and creative entrees. In my opinion, the hand-breaded fish and chips are a masterful take on the classic that satisfies a longing for seafood and comfort food all in one.
3. Roland’s Seafood Grill
1904 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-261-3401
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This restaurant is another gem in the historic Strip District. As a family-owned and operated joint, the atmosphere is light and hip. They’re one of the most popular Pittsburgh seafood restaurants, not to mention bar and lounge destinations. With pretty open hours, they’re a great place to hit for lunch while in the Strip District. Not only will you find lots of sports-inspired drink specials in support of local pro teams, but the menu offerings are winners, too, blending traditional Pittsburgh fare with Italian-inspired seafood. Try out the prosciutto-wrapped shrimp, sample from the raw bar, or try my favorite, Roland’s famous hot lobster roll.
4. Muddy Waters Oyster Bar
130 S Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: 412-361-0555
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If you didn’t guess by the name, the Muddy Waters Oyster Bar offers Louisiana seafood style with top-rate local seafood and provides a jazzy, bluesy atmosphere to enjoy it in. You’ll find them on South Highland Ave near Penn Ave. With an extensive drink menu as well as a separate oyster, brunch, and supper menu, this cool, classy spot is the perfect place to take in a slow-paced, French-inspired Sunday brunch—yes, even for seafood lovers! Try out the shrimp and grits, catfish sticks, or incredible lobster eggs benedict. And if brunch isn’t really your style, visit for dinner and try the jambalaya or gumbo or make a memory and order an alligator po’boy! While it’s not technically seafood, I think it still counts!
5. Penn Avenue Fish Co
2208 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-434-7200
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This restaurant and fresh fish market is the place to go to sample Pittsburgh’s finest and freshest. Whether you go to enjoy a sit-down meal or order online for pickup, this fish market boasts some of the best sushi and fish-centered dishes. Just a few blocks from the Pittsburgh Opera, Penn Avenue Fish Co serves their lunch menu all day and has daily changing specials. Some of my favorites are the tuna salad sandwich, the yellowfin tuna teriyaki, and the south beach snapper. Seats here go quickly, so be sure to call ahead to make a reservation if you don’t decide to order out. Either way, there are plenty of super-fresh and Asian-inspired offerings to go around.
6. Mallorca Restaurant
2228 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-488-1818
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Visit Mallorca Restaurant near the Monongahela River on the South Side to take a trip back in time for an elevated dining experience centered on continental Spanish cuisine. With dining areas both indoors and out, Mallorca is an excellent pick for summertime when you want a little bit of luxury and a consummate wine list. You can’t do Mallorca and not try their incredible paella, one of the historically quintessential Spanish seafood dishes. Other luxurious dishes include the trout meuniere and the mariscada. Make sure to call ahead to check updates about their temporary operation hours and make a reservation.
7. McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks
301 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-201-6992
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Although this is a chain restaurant with locations across the country, you’d never guess it. Their Piatt Place location on Fifth Avenue near the Embassy Suites is a luxury destination for exquisite seafood and steaks. They’re also involved in a sustainable fish program that helps to create a more environmentally friendly process from farm to table. This restaurant intentionally works to support and patronize local businesses. The salmon pesto and shrimp Pomodoro are fresh, inspired dishes at the top of my lunch list, while their classic entrees like shrimp scampi, fish n’ chips, and parmesan-crusted flounder definitely won’t disappoint. With both pickup and delivery also available, you have no excuse not to try their incredible offerings when you’re in the area.
8. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
501 Grant St Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: 412-391-1714
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On the corner of Grant Street and Fifth Avenue, Eddie V’s is a stylish, cool downtown destination in the Union Trust Building conveniently situated between the three rivers. You’ll have an elevated, luxurious dining experience on location, but Eddie V’s also hand-cuts steak and seafood for purchase to cook at home as well so you can take the experience with you. Seafood is the name of the game at this prime eatery, including an impressive selection of oysters and Petrossian caviar. The Georges bank scallops are a citrusy and indulgent delight, while the Mediterranean branzino takes you straight to the coast.
9. Dorido’s Restaurant
6408 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Phone: 412-655-4711
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Open daily on Brownsville Road right by the South Park Golf Course, Dorido’s offers peel and eat, fresh catch of the day, and down-to-earth entrees that are satisfying takes on the classics you know and love. Make sure to visit on a Friday to take advantage of their specials, including a list of seafood-forward soups, freshly caught fish, and specially priced seafood appetizers. With fish n’ chips, crab cakes, cajun catfish, and a host of bar-style offerings, Dorido’s is the perfect place to try out if you’re not feeling anything too fancy but still want quality, memorable fresh seafood.
10. Eddie Merlot’s Prime Aged Beef & Seafood Pittsburgh
Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Ave #100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-235-7676
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Located at the Four Gateway Center at the corner of Liberty Avenue and Stanwix Street, this top-of-the-line steak and seafood house offers happy hour and lounge hour throughout the week, with private dining available. A dinner reservation is the best way to take in the luxurious atmosphere and all of the elevated dinner menu offerings. I can’t resist their charcuterie on the starter menu, and their cedar plank salmon is to die for! For seafood lovers who have steak lovers in tow, this place is the perfect compromise. All beef is aged at least 21 days, and Eddie Merlot’s is the only establishment in the U.S. to offer Australian-raised Wagyu beef. Just trust me, you won’t regret visiting.
11. Merchant Oyster Co.
4129 Butler St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
Phone: 412-932-2553
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Located on Butler Street near Arsenal Park, Merchant Oyster Co. satisfies your needs for a hip, cool oyster bar with northeastern-style fare and chowder that’s out of this world. There’s plenty to enjoy in the casual, laid-back environment. While their hours of operation are subject to change weekly, their website stays up to date with everything you need to know to make sure you can fit this great spot into your next trip. There are, of course, tons of oyster options to choose from, from on the half shelf to baked, from stuffed to shooters – they’ve got it all. If you decide to venture outside the oyster menu, try out their crab mac n’ cheese, one of their four styles of chowder, or their Cuban lobster panini.
