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How to Find the Best Seafood Restaurants Near You (And the Top All-You-Can-Eat Spots in the U.S.)

Nothing satisfies quite like fresh seafood, whether it's buttery lobster, spicy Cajun shrimp, or a piled-high plate of oysters. But finding quality seafood—especially an all-you-can-eat deal—can be hit or miss unless you know where to look.

How to Find the Best Seafood Restaurants Near You

Start your search with local review sites like Yelp, OpenTable, or Google Maps. Look for restaurants with high ratings, recent reviews mentioning freshness, and photos that show off what’s on the plate. Pay attention to the following:

  • Look for daily catch menus – Restaurants that change offerings based on availability often serve fresher seafood.
  • Ask locals or hotel staff – Especially in coastal towns or port cities, locals know where the good stuff is.
  • Check for sourcing transparency – Top spots often mention where their seafood comes from (e.g., Gulf shrimp, Alaskan king crab).
  • Time your visit – Many seafood places offer early-bird or weekday specials if you want the best value.

If you're inland, look for places known for quality frozen and flash-frozen seafood, which can rival fresh when handled right.

Top All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Restaurants in the U.S.

Whether you're craving endless crab legs or just want to sample everything from the sea, here are some of the most popular AYCE seafood destinations in the country:

  • Boston Lobster Feast (Orlando, FL) – Famous for unlimited Maine lobster, snow crab legs, mussels, clams, oysters, and more.
  • The Buffet at Wynn (Las Vegas, NV) – A luxury buffet with snow crab, shrimp cocktail, and rotating seafood entrees.
  • Crabby Mike’s (Surfside Beach, SC) – A South Carolina staple offering fresh crab legs, oysters, scallops, and Southern sides.
  • Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant (VA Beach, VA) – Massive buffet known for quality and variety, including oysters Rockefeller and steamed shrimp.
  • The Nordic (Charlestown, RI) – Premium seafood buffet in New England featuring lobster, prime rib, and clam chowder.
  • Joe’s Seafood (Multiple Locations) – While not all-you-can-eat, they offer large seafood platters great for sharing.

Tips to Maximize Your Seafood Experience

  • Go early – Fresh dishes are most plentiful when service starts.
  • Pace yourself – Start with lighter fare (shrimp, oysters) before heavier items like fried fish or crab mac & cheese.
  • Watch the rotation – Take note of when the best dishes come out fresh from the kitchen.
  • Be picky – Choose high-turnover items; seafood spoils faster than most foods if not served quickly.

Fresh vs Frozen: What Really Matters?

Freshly caught seafood is ideal, but flash-frozen seafood—if stored and prepared properly—can retain texture and flavor almost as well. Don’t hesitate to ask your server how items are sourced or stored. Knowing the difference can help you avoid overpaying for subpar meals.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best seafood restaurant near you is all about knowing what to look for—freshness, sourcing, reputation, and value. If you’re in the mood for unlimited seafood, top AYCE restaurants across the U.S. serve up high-quality fare that’s worth every bite.

With the right spot and a little research, you’ll enjoy a feast that’s both satisfying and memorable.

Sources

Yelp – https://www.yelp.com

OpenTable – https://www.opentable.com

Boston Lobster Feast – https://www.bostonlobsterfeast.com

Captain George’s – https://www.captaingeorges.com

The Buffet at Wynn – https://www.wynnlasvegas.com

Crabby Mike’s – https://www.crabbymikes.com

The Nordic – https://www.thenordic.com