A Guide to the Best Seafood Restaurants in Your Area
Seafood lovers know there’s nothing quite like enjoying a fresh plate of shrimp, oysters, or lobster at a top-rated seafood restaurant. Whether you're craving a casual fish fry or a gourmet seafood tower, finding the best spots near you makes all the difference. This guide covers the best seafood restaurant chains and top resources to help you find the freshest catches in your area.
Top Seafood Restaurant Chains Worth Visiting
If you’re looking for consistently good seafood across the U.S., these seafood restaurant chains are known for their quality, variety, and coastal-inspired dishes:
- Red Lobster – A household name with a wide menu that includes lobster, shrimp, crab legs, and their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
- Bonefish Grill – Known for their fresh fish specials, signature Bang Bang Shrimp, and upscale dining atmosphere.
- Legal Sea Foods – A Northeastern favorite, offering oysters, chowders, and responsibly sourced seafood.
- Joe’s Crab Shack – Casual, fun, and known for their steamed crab buckets and Southern-style seafood platters.
- The Crab Shack – Specializing in low country boils and laid-back coastal vibes.
How to Find the Best Seafood Restaurants Near You
When you’re not sure where to go locally, use these trusted resources to discover seafood restaurants in your area:
- Yelp.com – Filter by seafood category and sort by highest rated.
- Google Maps – Type “seafood restaurants near me” and read real reviews and photos.
- OpenTable.com – Great for finding upscale seafood restaurants and making reservations.
- Tripadvisor.com – Offers rankings, menus, and customer feedback for seafood spots nationwide.
- Zomato – Useful in select metro areas, this site provides menus, reviews, and photos.
What to Look for in a Great Seafood Restaurant
- Freshness – Look for menus that highlight daily catches or seasonal seafood.
- Reputation – High ratings, consistent reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
- Sourcing – Top places often mention where their seafood is sourced from (local or sustainable).
- Variety – A strong mix of fried, grilled, steamed, or raw options gives you more to choose from.
- Ambiance – Whether you want a casual dockside experience or an upscale dining room, choose a setting that suits the occasion.
Conclusion
Finding the best seafood restaurants near you doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With trusted national chains and reliable review platforms, you can easily track down top-rated places to enjoy everything from oysters to grilled fish. Use this guide to satisfy your seafood cravings and explore local spots known for serving up the freshest flavors from the sea.