Are you passionate about seafood, looking for the best catches in coastal cities? We've got you covered with both local favorites and famous spots known worldwide. From tasty smoked shrimp to succulent crab legs, Chicago's seafood scene is top-notch, including innovative preparations. Even though Chicago is far from the ocean, chefs here bring the coasts' best right to your table.
Seafood places here often get their catches straight from the coast, ensuring freshness. Some places even smoke their seafood, creating a special taste. For those wanting something top-shelf, RPM Seafood and Bar Mar serve dishes like caviar and Alaskan king crab legs. If you prefer a casual approach, spots like Half Shell and Lowcountry let you enjoy with a bib. Seafood is also a hit in sushi or tacos across these cities. Whichever way you like it, top spots in coastal cities will tempt you with their seafood choices.
Renowned Seafood Destinations in Coastal Cities
Miami Beach spans nine miles and is lined with many restaurants. Some of them have top awards like Michelin stars. South Beach is the favorite section for many. Here, you can't miss Amare Ristorante which serves everything from seafood to pasta and grilled octopus. At Lobster Bar Sea Grille, they have a unique Twilight Happy Hour with tasty dishes. Poseidon Greek Seafood Boutique Restaurant offers twin lobster for $65.00.
Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii
Kailua Beach Park, in Oahu, is one of Hawaii's most visited beaches. It's always busy with people from all around the world. Fresh Catch Kaneohe stands out as a top spot, offering a variety of fresh fish. Nico's Kailua is known for its Hawaiian dishes and live music. Haleiwa Joe's Haiku Gardens is a bit farther from the beach but also has fantastic food.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is filled with seafood restaurants, making it a seafood lover's paradise. You'll find places like Schooners, Saltwater Grill, Hunt's Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant, and Pier 77 Seafood Restaurant right by the water. They all serve delicious seafood and offer views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Iconic Beachside Seafood Eateries
In Southampton, New York, Coopers Beach is known for its top-notch ranking in the US. The food here might be costly. The Plaza Cafe has a full 3-course seafood feast available. For delicious lobster rolls, visit the Shinnecock Lobster Factory. Blue Mar Hamptons specializes in Mediterranean seafood, such as loup de mer and red mullet.
Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
St. Augustine's beachfront is packed with seafood spots for visitors to enjoy. La Cocina International Restaurant offers treats like blackened grouper sandwiches. Santiago's Florida Kitchen and Craft Bar has specialities such as crawfish jambalaya and mussels de vino blanco.
They also have a menu just for kids. An excellent choice for drinks is Playa Chacmool Inc.
St. Augustine Beach, Florida
Fresh Catch at Coastal Gems
Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Coast Guard Beach in Eastham is a top spot in Massachusetts. It's part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. You can find the tastiest food at simple places. For instance, Cap't Cass Rock Harbor Seafood serves amazing lobster rolls. If you want something quick, try Nauset Grill. They have wraps, cod, mahi-mahi, buffalo shrimp, and more.
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, Outer Banks of North Carolina
Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach is found on Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. It's perfect for activities like shelling and surf fishing. You can also drive on the beach. When you need to refuel, try the local seafood eateries. Dajio offers dishes made from local items, like Chargrilled Ocracoke Oyster. For good dishes, check out places like Jason's Restaurant and SMacNally's Bar and Grill.
Seafood Havens with Ocean Views
Clearwater Beach in Florida is a top spot for beach lovers and water fun. It's known for great seafood places like Sea-guini, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, and Bait House. At Sea-guini, try the pan-seared hogfish. Frenchy's is famous for their grouper sandwich. And at Bait House, don't miss the “drunken fish.” It's all better with a view of the sea.
Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Beachwalker Park stands out as one of South Carolina's finest. It's on the west side of Kiawah Island. There, you can enjoy tasty seafood and more at The Ocean Room. Start with some chilled seafood and move on to dishes like seared scallops and striped bass. The Atlantic Room is great too, offering lobster, caviar deviled eggs, and seafood stew.
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Where can I find the best seafood restaurants in coastal cities?
Chicago is known for its smoked shrimp, sweet crab legs, and everything in between. While the city isn't right by the sea, it does import top-quality seafood. This means you don't have to travel far to enjoy fresh catch from the coastal cities.
Some places in Chicago even smoke their seafood in-house. For those looking to treat themselves, spots like RPM Seafood and Bar Mar offer fancy caviar and Alaskan king crab. If you prefer a more relaxed style, spots like Half Shell or Lowcountry let you get hands-on with bibs and nutcrackers.
Raw fish lovers will find joy in the best sushi spots. Meanwhile, those who like their seafood fried can savor the best tacos in Chicago. No matter your taste, Chicago's seafood restaurants have something to offer.
Looking for a high-end seafood experience? Head to coastal cities for fine dining at upscale seafood restaurants. In Chicago, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is famous for its stone crab claws and more. Shaw's Crab House is another must-visit, known for its elegant dining room and energetic oyster bar.
These posh places offer a top-tier seaside dining experience.
But coastal cities also have laid-back seafood spots. These include places like beach shacks and local-run neighborhood seafood joints. These spots provide a relaxed environment to enjoy fresh seafood specialties. Whether it's a simple fish sandwich or a full seafood boil, these casual spots offer a true taste of the coast.
Waterfront Dining Delights
Kaanapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii
Kaanapali Beach is among Hawaii's top spots, located in West Maui. It has a beautiful sandy shore. You'll find many great seafood restaurants to choose from.
Merriman's Maui is one must-visit. It's known for its delicious macadamia nut crusted mahi mahi. For a taste of local flair, try Lahaina Grill. They serve up Maui onion and sesame seed crusted ahi.
If you want more options, head to Paia Fishmarket Front Street Restaurant. For variety, you can't miss Down The Hatch. They have a tasty sample platter and an amazing lobster and crab stuffed grilled cheese.
Local Favorites for Seaside Feasts
Coastal cities not only have famous seafood restaurants but also local gems. These places serve regional specialties from family-owned businesses. They're hidden but offer a true taste of the area. Perfect for a meal by the sea, you'll find welcoming spots for everyone. From beach shacks to lively hangouts, these spots reveal the best of coastal food.
| Local Seafood Restaurant | Coastal City | Signature Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| The Crab Pot | Seattle, WA | Seafood boil, Dungeness crab cakes, pan-seared halibut |
| Lulu's Cafe | Gulf Shores, AL | Fried shrimp, gumbo, blackened fish tacos |
| Buster's Seafood Cafe | Corpus Christi, TX | Fried oysters, grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp and grits |
When in these cities, try their local seafood restaurants. They serve dishes unique to the area. You get to taste the ocean's best, hosted by friendly faces. It's a culinary journey into the heart of seaside life, for both you and those who live there.
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Upscale Seafood Indulgences
Looking for a fancy seafood meal? Coastal cities have many upscale seafood restaurants. These places serve top-notch dishes in beautiful settings. In Chicago, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is a top choice. It's famous for its tasty stone crab claws, delicious shrimp, and amazing steaks. Shaw's Crab House is also a big deal in the Chicago seafood scene. It has elegant dining rooms and a fun oyster bar. You'll find the best fresh crab, lobster, and oysters there. These spots offer the ultimate seaside dining experience.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Chicago
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab is known across Chicago for its top-notch dishes. The restaurant gets fresh stone crab every day. It also serves high-quality steaks and other seafood. The atmosphere is elegant, and the service is top-notch. It's the perfect place for a special seafood meal.
Shaw’s Crab House, Chicago
Shaw's Crab House in Chicago is a must-visit for seafood fans. It has both a fancy dining room and a lively oyster bar. The menu highlights the best in seafood, from oysters to crab to lobster. You can enjoy a seafood tower or a rich crab cake. Eating at Shaw's is a real treat.
Sustainable Seafood Pioneers
Coastal restaurants are at the forefront of sustainable seafood. They get their ingredients responsibly. They also highlight the region's unique flavors. For example, Leña Brava in Chicago showcases the tastes of Baja California. It offers sustainably-sourced seafood in dishes like oysters, ceviche, and aguachile. You can also enjoy hot meals from their open hearth or wood-burning oven.
One of their top dishes is the whole Spanish branzino. It's served with avocado-tomatillo and habanero salsas. Their drink menu features tequila, mezcal, and Baja wines. This makes dining there a complete experience of coastal cuisine.
Michelin-Starred Coastal Cuisine
Some cities offer top-notch coastal food at Michelin-starred restaurants. These places bring the sea's flavors to life.
mfk., Chicago
mfk. is a fine example, offering a Spanish touch and winning a Michelin Bib Gourmand award each year since it opened in 2014. The menu shines with
seafood
like seared sea scallops and other special treats. They keep it simple to let the quality of the food do the talking. You'll feel like you're by the sea thanks to its
coastal-inspired
dishes and cozy, retro vibe.
Casual Seaside Dining Adventures
Coastal cities are not just about fancy seafood. They also offer casual seaside dining that's welcoming. You can enjoy seafood bounty in a more relaxed way. This is possible at beach shacks and neighborhood seafood joints run by local families. They provide an authentic dining experience, serving fresh, simple seafood specialties.
Imagine eating a fried fish sandwich or diving into a seafood boil. These casual seaside spots let you do just that. They are perfect for families. Community seafood joints welcome everyone, creating an unforgettable coastal charm.
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Don't miss the chance to explore these casual seaside dining finds in coastal cities. They offer real, lasting memories. It's all about fresh, simply-prepared seafood and the easy-going beach vibe.
