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Seafood Restaurants in D.C. You Don’t Want to Miss

Finding the best seafood in any city is an absolute must to enhance your dining experiences. 

From lobster rolls to fresh, flaky fish and fish sandwiches, to fried shrimp and grilled octopus, the options are endless when it comes to ordering seafood. You may also spend a lot of time in search of the freshest seafood in the area. 

couple eating seafood in a DC restaurant

If you are ready for a delicious meal of the freshest seafood in Washington, D.C., check out my list below!


BlackSalt 

4883 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202-342-9101
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Located in the Palisades area of Washington, D.C. BlackSalt is a must try seafood restaurant! 

BlackSalt is an upscale tavern serving up some of the highest quality seafood you will be able to find in the Washington, D.C., area. With a focus on sustainability, BlackSalt curates their menu to provide the freshest seafood available. If available, do yourself a favor and order their Scallops served over a bed of gnocchi to start. You cannot go wrong with any of their fish options as your main course. Their sommelier is skilled at food and wine pairings, and all of their staff are knowledgeable and talented, as well! 

BlackSalt is THE place to bring out of town family and friends to dine at in the Washington, D.C., area. Before you leave, make sure you check out the BlackSalt market, attached to the restaurant.


Quarterdeck 

1200 Fort Myer Dr, Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: 703-528-2722
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A neighborhood staple in Arlington, Virginia since 1979, Quarterdeck is a beloved restaurant among all. 

A casual seafood restaurant serving up spectacular food, Quarterdeck has so many fingerlicking good options. The star of their show? Their crabs! We love both their Snow Crab and King Crab legs with drawn butter, served with french fries and coleslaw. While you will love their appetizers, such as their fried shrimp, be aware that their portions are huge. What pairs best with any of these options? An ice cold beer! 

The owners at Quarterdeck are said to consider their employees an extended family, and this is apparent by the wonderful and inviting service! Quarterdeck strongly encourages reservations, and we do, also! You will be hard pressed to find yourself getting a table on a walk in basis. They have many super fans, as you can imagine, and that also means their crabs to go are often sold out! Keep an eye on their Instagram for offerings and events. 


The Point DC

2100 2nd St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Phone: 202-948-2522
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The Point DC is located in the newly developed Buzzard Point area of Washington, D.C, directly on the waterfront. 

Washingtonians not only go to The Point DC for the food, they also go for the vibes! Open and airy, featuring floor to ceiling windows, their outside patio not only has an outdoor bar that is popular, it can host guests around their comfortable fire pit tables. You have to try their Fish Board as an appetizer and the Whole Lobster for your main course. Order some fresh oysters for good measure! 

The Point DC is massive – over 12,000 square feet! It is also perfectly situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, and offers beautiful panoramic views. The location is ideal for taking a nice walk after your dinner or hanging around and watching a game on their bar televisions amongst other fans. 


Ocean Prime

1341 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-393-0313
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Located in the Downtown area of Washington, D.C., Ocean Prime is steps away from the White House in the historic Colorado Building. 

An upscale dining restaurant, Ocean Prime is a superb seafood restaurant in the Washington, D.C., area. Ocean Prime is an absolutely stunning restaurant and the decor is modern chic. Start with the Lobster Bisque, and then continue on to the Blackened Snapper as your main course. You would be remiss to come to Ocean Prime without pairing your meal with their infamous drink, Berries and Bubbles. 

Ocean Prime is also recognized for its amazing cocktail and wine list. Featured on the Wine Spectator list, the emphasis is on knowledge of drink pairings and wonderful customer service. Ocean Prime offers Happy Hour during the week and other specials, including Surf and Turf Sundays. 


Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

1612 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-319-1612
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Located in the Logan Circle area of Washington, D.C, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is situated in the heart of 14th Street. 

Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeout options, Pearl Dive Oyster Palace is a casual dining seafood restaurant. Of course, the oysters here are incredibly fresh, and your visit will not be complete without them. Also be sure to try other menu items offered, including the Blackened Catfish and their Po’Boy Sandwiches! 

You may go to Pearl Dive Oyster Palace for their fantastic oysters, but do not sleep on their cocktails and their Happy Hour! Their Happy Hour includes snacks such as Queso, and drinks such as wine, draft beers, and cocktails. 


The Walrus Oyster & Ale House

152 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
Phone: 301-567-6100
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The Walrus Oyster & Ale House offers spectacular food in the heart of the National Harbor area of Washington, D.C. 

The Walrus Oyster & Ale House is a casual dining restaurant offering some of the best seafood in the National Harbor area! Their Lobster Roll is absolutely one of the best in the area, if not the best! They proudly boast on their menu that it is the best in Maryland, and we agree! They do not skimp on the lobster meat here, and it literally runs over the roll. Served Connecticut Style (the best way, in our opinion), there is more than a quarter pound of lobster gracing the roll. 

Reservations are highly encouraged at The Walrus Oyster & Ale House. With so much to do at the National Harbor, it can get busy, especially on beautiful days! Stick around and enjoy the area to the fullest – movies on the theatre size screen are oftentimes shown on the beach area, the Capital Wheel is a large ferris wheel, offering the best views of the area, and The Rising is a very well known sand sculpture that is located directly across from the restaurant. 


Horace & Dickies

6912 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
Phone: 202-248-4265
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Located in the Takoma area of Washington, D.C., Horace & Dickies has been a long time favorite for seafood in Washington, D.C. 

Horace & Dickies is a locally owned, no frills, casual soul food restaurant serving up seafood meals. While they offer a dine in option in their intimate dining area, most customers choose their takeaway option. With the huge servings offered, you might want to be prepared for the comforts of your own home after. Their Fish Dinner is a popular choice, and it comes with two homemade sides. 

The original Horace & Dickies, located in the H Street area of Washington, D.C. was beloved by all. I personally can recall many occasions of driving to snag the best seafood in the area with friends, eating it in someone’s car, and hardly being able to drive home after being so full. Horace & Dickies has received many well deserved accolades, and is a true staple of Washington, D.C. 


Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak, & Stone Crab

750 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-489-0140
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Joe’s Seafood is located in the Downtown area of Washington, D.C., close to McPherson Square. 

Joe’s Seafood is an upscale dining seafood restaurant, and the ambiance is very warm and inviting. Unbelievably, the restaurant’s history began in Miami Beach, when Joseph and Jennie Weiss placed tables on the front porch of the home they owned and began serving Florida Stone Crab. We love this story as much as we love their food! Of course, ordering the Florida Stone Crab is a great idea! Another must try – their infamous Key Lime Pie for dessert! 

Joe’s Seafood has unique “Bankers Hours” specials, including half-priced Oysters on the half shell and other fun specials. Catch these deals from Monday through Thursday, until 3pm. Joe’s also features a gluten free and vegetarian menu. 


The Salt Line

79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-506-2368
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The Salt Line couldn’t get any better, until you find out it is conveniently located in the Navy Yard area of Washington, D.C. 

Largely popular for their outdoor dining area, The Salt Line serves up fantastic seafood in a casual and fun space! There are outdoor games around the restaurant, and the space is perfect for people watching. Their Lobster Rolls are arguably the best in D.C. Lobster not your thing? Try their Crispy Skin Rockfish. 

The Navy Yard area of Washington, D.C. is a wonderful area with so much to do. The Salt Line is located directly across the way from the National’s Stadium and is the perfect restaurant to dine at before or after a game. Be sure to make reservations! Those who live in the Northern Virginia area of the District are awaiting the Ballston location of The Salt Line to open – hopefully, Washingtonians won’t have to wait too much longer! 


Pesce

2002 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Pesce is a seafood restaurant located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. 

An upscale casual intimate bistro, With an ever changing menu based on the freshest seafood available, Pesce writes their latest catch on a large chalkboard visible to all diners. Their dishes can be personalized, though we recommend going for the catch of the day! The Sea Bass and Scallops are a great go to dish. 

Pesce is a true neighborhood gem that has been running for over twenty years. Pesce offers lunch and dinner, and at times, special events. Make sure you keep an eye out for their happenings. 


Slapfish Arlington

671 N Glebe Rd #1274, Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 571-312-4610
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Located within the Ballston area of Arlington, Virginia, Slapfish is located directly in Ballston Quarter.

Slapfish Arlington is a fast casual restaurant that serves up solid choices. Our recommendation? Come here for the Clobster Grilled Cheese and the Ultimate Fish Taco. The Ultimate Fish Taco is gigantic, and you will not leave hungry. 

Slapfish Arlington has a lot to offer for a fast casual dining seafood restaurant. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements such as Happy Hour, where you can get items such as their delicious Lobster Taquitos for only $2! 


Local Oyster

4238 Wilson Blvd Level C, Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 844-748-2537
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Located in Arlington, Virginia, Local Oyster is located in Ballston Quarter. 

Local Oyster is a fast casual seafood restaurant that is a must try. The seafood star of the Local Oyster show are, of course, the oysters! Get them fresh on the half shell for the best experience. A little known secret? They offer Happy Hour Monday – Thursday, and these amazing raw oysters are included! We also suggest trying the Fried Oyster roll. You will not go wrong. 

Keep an eye out for changing hours at Local Oyster. During the pandemic, they shifted their hours, and are continuing to do so. Catch them early! Local Oyster has a limited amount of fresh oysters daily, and they are worth catching! 

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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