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For seafood lovers, few culinary experiences compare to dining at a high-quality seafood restaurant. From ultra-fresh oysters and crab to perfectly cooked fish and decadent desserts, these eateries offer a taste of the ocean in every bite. If you’re looking to indulge in maritime cuisine, be sure to order some of these must-try dishes next time you visit a seafood restaurant.
Appetizers
Oysters on the Half-Shell
Slurping freshly shucked oysters is a quintessential way to kick off a seafood restaurant meal. Offered chilled on the half shell, these briny bivalves practically melt in your mouth with clean, sweet flavors and a hint of the sea. Order them naked or with accompaniments like mignonette, cocktail sauce, or hot sauce.
Crab Cakes
Lump crab meat blended with breadcrumbs and seasonings then pan-fried to a golden brown—crab cakes are a seafood restaurant classic for good reason. A perfect appetizer, the crispy exterior gives way to a tender, sweet interior with chunks of crab. Opt for Maryland-style crab cakes made without fillers for the real deal.
Lobster Bisque
Warm up with a bowl of this rich, creamy soup studded with lobster meat. Smooth and elegant, lobster bisque is the ultimate indulgence. It’s packed with flavor from the shellfish stock and Sherry, making it a can’t-miss starter for lobster devotees.
Main Courses
Grilled Salmon
Salmon is a menu staple at most seafood restaurants for its versatility, omega-3 richness, and meaty texture. Grilling imparts a smoky char while keeping the fish moist and flaky on the inside. From simple preparations with lemon and dill to creative glazes and toppings, grilled salmon rarely disappoints.
Lobster Tail
For special occasions, order a lobster tail cooked to perfection. The sweet, succulent meat is best enjoyed simply steamed or broiled with drawn butter for dipping. Shell crackers make accessing every morsel of the tail easy. Upgrade to a whole lobster for the full luxury treatment.
Cioppino
Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American fisherman’s stew brimming with an assortment of seafood in a tomato-based broth. It’s chock-full of treasures like mussels, clams, shrimp, crab, and fish stewed together for a flavorful one-pot meal. Be ready to get your hands dirty with this seafood restaurant favorite!
Desserts
Key Lime Pie
Tart key lime custard in a crispy graham cracker crust makes this Florida-born pie a refreshing finale. The bright citrus flavors pair perfectly after a seafood feast. Some restaurants even offer it with whipped cream or meringue topping for extra decadence.
Crème Brûlée
The classics are classics for a reason. This elegant French custard is the ultimate after-dinner indulgence—a rich, creamy vanilla base with a brittle caramelized sugar crust. The interplay of textures and flavors makes crème brûlée downright craveable.
Bread Pudding
For those with a sweet tooth, bread pudding is manna from heaven. Brioche or challah soaked in a luscious eggy custard, studded with raisins, and drizzled with whiskey sauce—what’s not to love? It’s a comforting way to end a meal at many seafood restaurants.
Conclusion
From oysters and bisque to salmon and lobster tail, seafood restaurants offer an array of mouthwatering dishes showcasing the bounty of the sea. Don’t be afraid to try the daily catch either. And save room for a decadent dessert like key lime pie or crème brûlée. With so many options for tantalizing your tastebuds, the hardest part is deciding what to order! Just arrive hungry and get ready to dive into some of the ocean’s finest flavors.
FAQs
What are some good wines to pair with seafood?
White wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Albariño complement most seafood beautifully. Sparkling wines and lighter reds like Pinot Noir also make good pairings. Ask your server for a food-friendly wine to match your meal.
Which seafood restaurant dishes are gluten-free?
Many appetizers like oysters, crab cakes, and lobster bisque can be prepared gluten-free. Grilled fish and shellfish entrees are usually safe as well. Be sure to notify your server of dietary needs.
What if I don’t like seafood?
Many seafood restaurants will offer alternative options like grilled chicken, steak, or pasta dishes to accommodate non-seafood eaters. There’s usually at least one non-fish menu item.
Is seafood expensive?
Items like oysters and lobster tail do fall on the pricier end. However, you can find affordable seafood dishes like fish tacos, fried shrimp, chowders, and sandwiches. Set price expectations before you go to avoid sticker shock.
Should you make reservations?
Especially for weekend and peak dining hours, reservations are highly recommended. Popular seafood restaurants often book up, so call ahead to secure a table and avoid long waits. Large groups may require reservations well in advance.