Maine lobster, Alaska salmon, even catfish from the Louisiana bayou – from coast to coast, the USA has some of the best fish and seafood. Whether you prefer traditional fare such as lobster rolls, gumbo, and clam chowder, or international dishes like sushi or fish tacos, there's a seafood restaurant that'll knock your socks off. We've done all the research for you to find the very best in every US state.

Click or scroll through our gallery to find America's favorite seafood restaurants, state by state.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards, and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our well-traveled (and well-fed) team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

Tuck into the catch of the day with a stunning sunset view at Felix's Fish Camp. Using ingredients fresh from the Alabama Gulf, the restaurant combines seafood, sourced from Mobile Bay, with a few contemporary twists. The extensive menu features everything from boldly flavored gumbo and barbecue shrimp to six different options for the catch of the day. And if the views aren't enough to hold your attention, live music every night gives diners a full sensory experience.

You can't miss Tracy's King Crab Shack, with its corner location and bright red facade. Both the Main Shack and smaller Shack 2 down by the water have grown from a small cart, set up by the eponymous Tracy LaBarge in 2006. The menu is, predictably, crab-heavy with juicy king, snow, and Dungeness crab served every which way. The restaurant is famous for its generous crab buckets but also offers up bisque, crab cakes, and sandwiches.

Thanks to the glass-walled kitchen at Ocean 44 – a contemporary seafood and steak restaurant – guests get a special peek behind the scenes. The fine-dining establishment is one in a portfolio run by James Beard–nominated brothers Jeffery and Michael Mastro. It takes a modern approach with a refined selection of dishes from Chef David Young, including delectable oysters caught fresh every day, wood-roasted shellfish, Alaskan crab legs, and rich butter-poached lobster tails.

The lakeside location of Fisherman's Wharf Steak & Seafood makes it a firm favorite for family dining. The view from the deck pairs perfectly with a menu full of fishy delights. Classic fried crispy catfish and shrimp po' boys tempt the traditionalists, while slightly more unusual options, like tropical triggerfish, offer something new to try. The shrimp Bang Bang tacos is a fun, creamy, and spicy fusion dish or, if you're really looking for tradition, try the hand-breaded gator.

Very few seafood restaurants in the US can claim the accolade of a Michelin Star, but Hollywood's Providence boasts two of them. However, it's the restaurant's Green Star for sustainability that's really representative of Chef Michael Cimarusti's mission to treat ingredients with the utmost respect. In the trendy restaurant interiors, diners can kick off dinner with classy oysters on the half shell, then sample the chef's fine-tuned tasting menu. Sashimi, halibut, and king salmon are all wild-caught and served with sophisticated wine pairings.

Denver's Stoic & Genuine – headed up by James Beard Award winner Jennifer Jasinski with co-owner Beth Gruitch – is the city's prime destination for oysters from both the East and West Coast. Check the current offerings to see exactly where they're from, down to the town where they're docked. Not an oyster fan? Lunch and dinner listings feature adventurous tuna tartare with Indian street food favorite pani puri and foie gras, clams caldo verde, and fried calamari with Fresno chilis (sweet, spicy peppers from California), ponzu (citrusy Japanese sauce), and lemon aioli.

With its appropriately nautical name, the love for seafood at The Shipwright's Daughter goes beyond what's on the plate and considers how it got there. Dishes change daily, reflecting a dedication to serve up only the freshest catches. The focus on sustainability got the restaurant a James Beard Smart Catch Leader award in 2023, and the incredible food won chef David Standridge Best Chef: Northeast for 2024. Not bad for a restaurant that only opened in 2020.

The raw bar is a key feature at Henlopen City Oyster House. The oysters aren't the only thing on the menu worth your time, though. Locals and visitors alike love the restaurant for its crispy cod cheeks, seared scallops, and seafood potluck steamer. The friendly servers receive high praise, too, so diners know they'll get a warm welcome. This mainstay of Rehoboth Beach's foodie scene, which opened in 2010, also proudly displays the local farmers it works with on its menu.

The location might be Florida, but the cooking style is distinctly New England at Mignonette in Miami. The restaurant, which opened in 2014 and features in the Michelin Guide, was once a 1930s gas station but is now a casual-cool oyster bar. If you're not going for the silky raw or chargrilled oysters, then tomato and chili lobster linguine, tender charred octopus, and crispy-skin snapper are all available to tickle your taste buds.

Georgia Sea Grill made its home on St Simons Island in 1997. Since then, the restaurant team has remained committed to the freshest of ingredients, even growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs. This fondness for freshness is clear in the menu, which delivers a mix of classic Georgia fare and contemporary flavors. Wasabi pea-crusted tuna, blackened catfish tacos, and crab-stuffed hush puppies are just some of the creative dishes loved by both visitors and residents of the island.

Family-owned Mama's Fish House has been keeping people well-fed and very happy since opening in 1973. Diver-caught Maui octopus and blue prawns from New Caledonia Island exemplify the restaurant's philosophy, inspired by the owners' sailing adventures around Polynesia in the 1960s. Today, the restaurant serves a mouth-watering array of seafood designed around ingredients and flavors from across the South Pacific. Anyone looking for a true taste of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands is sure to find it here.

A restaurant beloved by locals is one you can always trust. Fresh Off The Hook definitely meets that requirement, with Boise residents repeatedly choosing it as the best seafood restaurant in town. Launched in 1994, this restaurant guarantees that its food is both fast and fresh. Fans of tradition will love the gorgeous crab and lobster cakes and warming New England clam chowder, but newer takes like the panko cod filet on focaccia could turn your head, too.

Discover seafood with a Latin American spin at this unassuming riverside restaurant. If you can make it past the appetizers of spicy, citrusy aguachiles and buttery grilled octopus, you'll find exciting mariscada (seafood platters), paella, chipotle lobster mac 'n' cheese, tacos, enchiladas, and so much more. The food at Azul Mariscos, a Michelin Guide restaurant, is complemented by the party atmosphere and interiors, including a DJ booth and an appropriately blue color scheme.

Making quality seafood available in the Midwest was the mission for the owners of Caplinger's Fresh Catch, who opened the market and eatery business in 2013. Since then, they've been making the most of their daily catch to bring the hungry people of Indianapolis filling food packed with flavor. Their diverse selection of seafood, from catfish and cod to alligator, is served up with house-made breading and sauces from their multiple locations across the city. You can't get much fresher than seafood straight from the market.

Since 1984, the team behind Waterfront Seafood Market has been making fresh seafood in Iowa a reality. They now run two locations in West Des Moines and Ankeny, which both have a restaurant, market, and sushi bar. A real stalwart of seafood in the Midwest, the restaurants make just-caught fish the star with their market entrées. Your choice of seafood comes with two side dishes and French or sourdough bread, with options including catfish, salmon, mahi mahi, swordfish, and oysters.

Bristol Seafood Grill takes the classic surf 'n 'turf approach to seafood. An iconic establishment in Leawood since 1980, the restaurant pits quality fish, flown in daily, against prime steaks – and marries them together if you just can't decide. If you're there for the seafood alone, choose from all-American favorites Maine lobster bisque or spicy creole gumbo, or travel the world with miso glazed sea bass or shellfish cioppino.

Situated right on the Ohio River, this restaurant delivers not just on the food but also on the views. River House is award-winning chef John Varanese's second restaurant, opened in 2015. Regional dishes take inspiration from around the USA, with Southern flair adding excitement. Diners regularly praise the restaurant for the quality of the seafood and the finesse of the dishes. They're equally enthusiastic about the ambience and the beautiful views of the river, too.

There's tough competition for the best seafood in Louisiana, a state known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine. But Pêche (French for 'fishing') stands out for its fusion of South American, Spanish, and Gulf Coast cooking. Playful and creative menu items such as catfish with pickled greens and chili broth, and fish sticks with urban south beer batter, show the chefs really know what they're doing. And so does the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant, won soon after the 2013 opening.

Starting as a humble hot dog cart in 2015, The Highroller Lobster Co. settled down at a permanent location three years later. Although burgers, corndogs, and more were added to the menu, it's really the flagship lobster rolls that get visitors raving. Served on freshly baked brioche with crispy romaine and substantial amounts of Maine lobster claw and knuckle meat, they come with your choice of sauce. Not sure what you want? Get a flight of three mini rolls and mix and match to your heart's content.

Located on Baltimore's historic Fells Point waterfront, Thames Street Oyster House is nestled in a cozy row home. Its seasonal menu – designed by chef Eric Houseknecht – makes the most of local produce, partnering with only the best purveyors and fishermen. The à la carte raw bar boasts at least 10 different types of oysters every day, each with its own unique taste and texture. And the mid-Atlantic main menu perfects Maryland and New England classics, from lobster rolls to fish and chips.

At Boston Sail Loft, it's all about the chowder – or chowda, if you're a local. The waterside venue, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, has been slinging mugs of the New England seafood soup since 1984. The comforting chowder is complemented by a line-up of other casual seafood dishes, including indulgent lobster mac 'n' cheese, soft broiled sea scallops, and fried fish sandwiches. Can't make it to Boston? The restaurant also ships its famous chowder nationwide.

In downtown Grand Rapids, Leo's caters to diners with classic seafood and dishes inspired by the seasons. The restaurant opened in 2004 and is committed to sourcing recently harvested ingredients and serving exquisite seafood. The stylish dining room, with its light and airy interior, is the perfect place to tuck into some sensational steamed mussels, tasty tuna sashimi, or one of the chef's fresh catch specials. 

Casual and coastal Smack Shack might not be fancy, but it has the Twin Cities enchanted. Beginning as a food truck in 2010, serving lobster rolls from a Minneapolis parking lot, it has now expanded to three permanent locations. Guests can sample from the raw bar, build their own seafood boil, or try anything from gooey lobster poutine to a Nashville hot fish sandwich. The more modest Roseville menu sticks to the classics. If you're wondering, a smack shack is a lobster fishing boat.

Started in 2004 by two brothers and one father-in-law, Taranto's is the definition of 'don't judge a book by its cover.' It might not look like much from the outside, but inside what (the owners believe) was once an old feed store, you'll find the best seafood in town. The po' boys are definitely the standout here, with deliciously dressed filling choices including shrimp, catfish, crab, oyster, and, of course, crawfish. Locals love this down-home restaurant so much that sometimes there's a line out the door.

Broadway Oyster Bar brings a little bit of Louisiana to Missouri. From the food to the decor and live music, it delivers everything you could want in a New Orleans bar – except it's in St. Louis. The restaurant obviously makes oysters the main attraction. However, if you're looking for something else, there's a tasty selection of other Creole and Cajun classics and modern dishes.

Although Montana may not be a hotspot for fresh fish, Feast brings sustainable seafood to this landlocked state. Incorporating seasonal, organic ingredients, the menu brings in exciting flavors from around the world, too. Even the catch of the day is served up with jasmine sticky rice, smooth coconut sauce, and sweet mango salsa. Customers regularly rate the restaurant five stars, not just for the perfectly cooked food but also for the stellar service.

Stylish Plank can be found at the heart of Omaha's Old Market. If the timeless nautical decor doesn't draw you in, half-off oysters during happy hour sure will. Bright and lively flavors lend themselves to high-quality ingredients shipped in every day. The restaurant is totally transparent about where all its seafood comes from, so you can dig into dressed oysters, blackened fish tacos, and bacon-wrapped shrimp with a clear conscience.

Bajamar transports the ocean to the desert with Baja-style seafood. The first location opened in 2017, taking inspiration from the chef's family recipes. The owners have since launched a second restaurant, spreading more Baja flavors across the city. Known for its spicy octopus taco and ceviche tostadas, the restaurant is praised by reviewers for quality seafood at a reasonable price. Shrimp and tuna are on the menu, too.

Lobster will always be the main event at any New England seafood restaurant, and The Lobster Boat Restaurant, established in 1984, is no exception. But there's also plenty more for seafood fans to get excited about from this retro restaurant duo. The two homey eateries that come under the brand are also loved for their fried clams, chowder, shrimp, and mixed platters. Of course, the lobster rolls are still the star of the show, and a top pick for regulars and newcomers alike.

The history of Dock's Oyster House stretches all the way back to 1897, when Harry Dougherty saw an opportunity to open a high-quality restaurant. It's still owned and run by the Dougherty family today, who maintain Harry's philosophy of offering the freshest seafood. There are even dishes on the menu that have been there since the restaurant's doors opened, such as the lobster tail and Dock's Seafood Fry. Oysters from the raw bar are all served with a zesty house-made cocktail sauce and tart cider mignonette.

Customers flock to Mariscos Altamar for authentic Mexican seafood. Started by the Hernandez family in 1997, the restaurant has since moved to a larger site and expanded to a second location in Los Lunas. Alongside seafood prepared your way – including ranchero, diablo (devilishly hot), and garlic options – you can choose from Mexican classics like fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and chimichangas. Oyster enthusiasts aren't left out, with fresh and flamed oysters available to order.

Le Bernadin is the only seafood restaurant in the country with three Michelin stars. Even outside its accolades, the prestigious restaurant receives top reviews from delighted diners. French-style cooking takes on global influences here, especially Asian flavors. On the chef's tasting menu are hamachi sashimi and steamed halibut with jus de viande. For dining companions who aren't into fish, the vegetarian tasting menu might be tempting, with its warm asparagus in Champagne-tarragon emulsion and coconut vegetable curry.

Owens' Restaurant dates back to 1946, when it was opened by Bob and Clara Owens. It stayed in the same family for an incredible 77 years. Now under new ownership, the restaurant and its traditions are still being kept alive. Classics such as zingy shrimp cocktail, creamy lobster bisque, and fish and chips are all customer favorites. Owens' is a popular brunch spot, too, serving salmon, crab, and lobster Benedicts.

Keep it casual at Beer & Fish Company, located in Downtown Fargo. The urban eatery opened in 2019, putting quality, affordable seafood firmly on the map. The fish and chips pulls in many of the restaurant's customers, offering cod, halibut, and shrimp as just some of the choices for customizing your meal. Fresh fish, crispy batter, and hand-cut fries keep customers coming back again and again. And a gluten-free menu means no one has to miss out.

Cleveland's Pier W may have opened in 1965, but it's definitely not stuck in the past. The restaurant is modern and forward-thinking, even if it remains in its original building, which was designed to look like the hull of a cruise ship. Artful plates certainly aren't style over substance, displaying succulent seafood and exciting flavors. Try the sesame seared Hawaiian tuna or spice grilled swordfish. Sweeping views of Lake Erie only enhance the experience of dining at this restaurant.

Incredible seafood and attentive service have been earning Trapper's Fishcamp and Grill, plus its two sister restaurants, five-star reviews for more than three decades. The restaurant offers a little slice of the 'backwoods,' creating a fishing lodge escape from the city. You'll know you're in the right place when you spot the 12-foot Kodiak bear! The vast menu means you're spoiled for choice, but it's the blackened catfish and alligator that reviewers are keen to recommend.

All the seafood at Local Ocean Seafoods really is local, coming direct from Oregon fishermen. The restaurant sits on Newport's Historic Bayfront, so diners even have the chance to watch fishing vessels as they bring in the catch of the day. Sit upstairs or downstairs, or dine al fresco, and enjoy a seasonal menu that's just come off the boat. The Fishwives Stew, a mix of plump seafood in a garlic and herb tomato broth, is guaranteed to get mouths watering.

The Oyster House has been in Center City for more than 40 years and its history goes back even further. Current owner Sam Mink is the third generation to run the restaurant, and his family has been in the industry since 1947. This experience translates into the menu. The energizing oyster shooters and take on a lobster roll are failsafe hits with customers. You can even perfect your shucking game with the restaurant's classes and take-home kits.

Juicy oysters from this restaurant's signature raw bar always go down easy, especially when you know they're completely sustainable. Before opening the restaurant in 2009, owner Perry Raso was an oyster farmer. He remains committed to the freshest ingredients from both land and sea, growing organic vegetables on his farm, and setting up a local shellfish hatchery. His dedication has paid off, with Matunuck Oyster Bar named one of the top 10 oyster bars in the world by USA Today.

There might be slim pickings for seafood in some states, but that's definitely not the case in South Carolina. 167Raw comes out on top in the close-fought battle to be the best, with positive reviews everywhere you look. The restaurant is proof that keeping it simple really can pay off. American classics like po' boys and lobster rolls sit alongside tacos, all of which get regular shout-outs from happy customers.

Good seafood can be tricky to find in South Dakota. Oshima Sushi beats the odds and makes an impact with delicate flavors and fresh fish in Sioux Falls. Its sushi and sashimi offer a healthy alternative to typical seafood dishes, which often come fried or covered in butter or sauce. Plus, reviewers love that the meal always starts with tantalizing sesame balls before it's time for the main event.

Chesapeake's brings East Coast vibes to Tennessee, with two locations in Knoxville and one in Gatlinburg. Live Maine lobster (steamed with butter or stuffed) and Maryland crab cakes are just two examples of the theme coming to life. Nautical decor, including real artifacts and antiques, carries it further and sets the scene for a seafood brunch, lunch, or dinner. Brunch is a popular choice at the Downtown and West Knoxville restaurants.

Ceviche Ceviche is so good, they named it twice. The refreshing ceviche here is the ideal complement to a hot day on the beach or down by the water. A choice of more than 20 toppings allows customers to build their own dishes. Choose either fish, shrimp, mix, or cocktail as your base, and then add four toppings – or pick one of the suggested combinations. Casual counter service makes these restaurants cool places to chill.

Reviewers say the seafood at Harbor is cooked to perfection and comes with a side of friendly, knowledgeable service. The crab-stuffed squash blossoms have a host of fans and the citrus butter is a favorite for dressing halibut, tuna, scallops, and other caught-on-the-day seafood. The selection of sauces is also worth salivating over – choose from Old Bay herb butter, a classic bearnaise, tartar sauce, truffle herb butter, and even a spicy house chili sauce.

Up in the top corner of the East Coast, it's tradition that wins out more often than not when it comes to seafood. Shanty On The Shore takes pride in being a 'good ol' fashioned' restaurant, making the most of the history of the building, first opened as a store in 1833. Both the decor and the menu follow that sense of tradition, with oysters Rockefeller and shrimp scampi among dishes served among the worn wooden beams.

Chef and owner Charles Thain often makes the effort to speak to guests at Blue Seafood & Spirits, and that personal touch isn't the only thing that's helped the restaurant rocket in popularity since it opened in 2013. Complimentary appetizers, crispy tempura shrimp, and perfectly cooked fish all come with great service. All seafood is sourced locally for ultimate freshness. And for dessert, the homemade chocolate bread pudding is a hit.

There's a lot of attitude, and a diverse line-up of dishes, packed into this compact space in Fremont. Local Tide opened in 2020 and has a carefully crafted but down-to-earth menu of rockfish banh mi, crispy fried oysters, and flavorful salmon bowls. If you want to try the signature crab roll – hand-cracked Dungeness crab, mayo, lemon, and chives on a split top bun – you'll have to plan your trip for between Friday and Sunday. Be quick, because it sells out fast!

Locals are such fans of Jewel City Seafood that they've voted it the best seafood restaurant in town for 10 years in a row. Named for the nickname given to Huntington by sea captains, the restaurant began as a market in 2000. The market still sells seafood that's just been scooped from the sea, alongside the restaurant. Grilled, baked, blackened, and deep-fried fish, homemade sides and sauces, and plenty of sweet tea are all brought to the table in this casual setting.

The only Wisconsin eatery featured on Yelp's Top 100 Seafood Spots 2024, St Paul Fish Company is hailed as one of the very best by people from near and far. Its bestselling East Coast Roll takes a butter-toasted split top bun and stuffs it with Maine lobster or Alaskan crab salad for a drool-worthy seafood meal. After eating in the dining room, at the oyster bar, or outdoors at the Milwaukee Public Market location, browse the fish case and take some seafood home with you.

Passersby might not expect much from Rocky Mountain Seafood with its wood and stone facade. But when they do choose to go inside, they often find themselves pleasantly surprised. Unlike a Rocky Mountain oyster, the seafood at this restaurant is the real deal. The fish and chips baskets come with fries, slaw, and your choice of fish. For something a little different, there's blackened salmon, seared ahi steak, halibut Parmesan, and more. And, for anyone who eschews seafood, the Fish Haters Menu has your back.

Love a hidden gem? Discover the best out-of-town restaurant in every US state