There’s something undeniably special about seafood enjoyed by the coast. The salt in the air, the rhythmic crash of the waves, and the sheer freshness of the catch make for an unforgettable dining experience. Across the United States, coastal towns and cities have built their reputations on serving the freshest fish, succulent shellfish, and time-honored seafood traditions. Whether you love buttery lobster rolls, smoky cedar-plank salmon, or crispy fried shrimp, the country’s best seafood destinations like seafood restaurant in Suffolk promise something spectacular for every palate.
Here’s a deep dive into the top seafood hotspots across the U.S. that every foodie should have on their radar in 2025.
1. Portland, Maine – The Lobster Capital of the World
Portland is a seafood lover’s dream, especially if you’re craving the freshest lobster imaginable. The cold Atlantic waters create the ideal conditions for producing sweet, tender lobster, making Maine the undisputed capital of this crustacean delicacy.
Must-Try Dish: A classic Maine lobster roll, served chilled with mayonnaise or warm with drawn butter, is an absolute must. For a more indulgent experience, try a whole steamed lobster with corn on the cob and drawn butter.
Where to Eat: Eventide Oyster Co. is famous for its brown-butter lobster roll, while J’s Oyster offers an old-school, no-frills seafood shack experience.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, plan around the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland, where you can feast on the freshest lobster and experience a real New England celebration of seafood.
2. Charleston, South Carolina – Southern Comfort Meets Coastal Flavors
Charleston has earned its place among the best food cities in the U.S., and its seafood scene is a major reason why. The Lowcountry cuisine of this charming Southern city blends fresh Atlantic seafood with deep culinary traditions.
Must-Try Dish: Shrimp and grits, a quintessential Southern dish, combines tender local shrimp with creamy stone-ground grits, often flavored with bacon, scallions, and a rich, buttery sauce.
Where to Eat: Hank’s Seafood serves some of the best seafood platters in town, while The Ordinary is a seafood hall housed in a historic bank building, offering an elevated take on oysters and fish dishes.
Insider Tip: Visit during the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival in February for a week-long showcase of coastal Carolina seafood.
3. San Diego, California – Baja-Style Seafood and Pacific Freshness
San Diego’s seafood culture is heavily influenced by its proximity to Mexico. Fresh fish, vibrant flavors, and innovative preparations make this coastal city a prime destination for foodies.
Must-Try Dish: Baja-style fish tacos, featuring crispy or grilled white fish, cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, and a creamy sauce, wrapped in warm corn tortillas.
Where to Eat: Oscars Mexican Seafood is a local institution for fish tacos, while Point Loma Seafoods offers a market-style seafood experience with fresh ceviche and crab sandwiches.
Insider Tip: Pair your seafood feast with one of San Diego’s many craft beers. The city is known as the craft beer capital of the U.S., and a cold, hoppy IPA complements the flavors of fresh seafood perfectly.
4. Virginia Beach, Virginia – A Hidden Gem for Seafood Lovers
Virginia Beach may not always top the list of seafood hotspots, but it’s a coastal treasure offering some of the freshest and most diverse seafood on the East Coast. With its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, the city boasts a seafood culture rooted in tradition and sustainability.
Must-Try Dish: She-crab soup, a creamy, bisque-like soup made with blue crab, heavy cream, and a hint of sherry, is a must-have for any visitor. You also can’t leave without trying Chesapeake Bay oysters—some of the best in the country.
Where to Eat: Decoys Seafood in nearby Suffolk is a standout destination, offering waterfront dining with stunning views of the Nansemond River. Known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood and Southern-inspired dishes, Decoys serves up everything from perfectly seared scallops to rich and flavorful crab cakes. Their smoked seafood selections and raw bar are a must-try for any seafood enthusiast.
Insider Tip: Take a short drive to Suffolk, a hidden gem just west of Virginia Beach, where you’ll find fantastic seafood restaurant Suffolk in a quieter, more intimate setting. Restaurants here emphasize fresh, locally sourced seafood, with many offering private dining experiences perfect for special occasions.
5. Calabash, North Carolina – The Birthplace of Lightly Fried Seafood
Calabash is a tiny coastal town with a big seafood reputation. Known for its distinctive frying technique, “Calabash-style” seafood is lightly breaded, deep-fried, and served piping hot—never heavy, always crisp.
Must-Try Dish: Calabash-style shrimp or flounder, served with hush puppies and coleslaw.
Where to Eat: Calabash Seafood Hut is a no-frills classic that’s been serving the best fried seafood in town for decades.
Insider Tip: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, just a short drive away, has many restaurants serving Calabash-style seafood, making it easy to find this regional specialty.
6. Key West, Florida – A Taste of the Tropics
Key West, the southernmost point of the continental U.S., is a tropical paradise that boasts a seafood culture as vibrant as its sunsets.
Must-Try Dish: Conch fritters—deep-fried balls of chopped conch, herbs, and spices—are a true taste of the islands.
Where to Eat: Blue Heaven is an iconic spot for Key West-style seafood, and Half Shell Raw Bar serves the freshest oysters and stone crab claws.
Insider Tip: Time your visit around the Florida Keys Seafood Festival in January for a celebration of local seafood, live music, and cultural events.
7. Seattle, Washington – Home of the Pacific Northwest’s Finest
Seattle sits on Puget Sound, meaning it has access to some of the best seafood in the country. From Dungeness crab to wild-caught salmon, the seafood here is all about freshness and sustainability.
Must-Try Dish: Cedar-plank salmon, a Pacific Northwest delicacy that’s smoked over fragrant cedarwood, bringing out the rich, buttery flavor of the fish.
Where to Eat: Pike Place Market is a must-visit for seafood lovers, offering everything from fresh oysters to crab cakes.
Insider Tip: Hop on a ferry to the nearby San Juan Islands for a scenic seafood adventure, where you can sample locally harvested shellfish.
8. New Orleans, Louisiana – Creole Seafood at Its Finest
New Orleans is a city that lives and breathes food, and its seafood offerings are no exception. Influenced by French, Spanish, and African cuisines, Creole seafood dishes here are bursting with bold flavors.
Must-Try Dish: Crawfish étouffée, a rich and spicy dish where crawfish tails are smothered in a thick, flavorful sauce and served over rice.
Where to Eat: Acme Oyster House is a must for fresh oysters, while Commander’s Palace offers an elevated take on classic Creole seafood.
Insider Tip: Visit during the New Orleans Oyster Festival in June to enjoy Gulf Coast oysters prepared every way imaginable.
9. Chesapeake Bay, Maryland – The Land of Blue Crabs
Maryland is synonymous with blue crabs, and the Chesapeake Bay is where you’ll find the best. Whether you love crab cakes or a good old-fashioned crab feast, this is the place to be.
Must-Try Dish: Maryland-style crab cakes, packed with lump crab meat and seasoned with Old Bay.
Where to Eat: Faidley’s Seafood in Baltimore is legendary for its crab cakes.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting in the summer, go for a traditional crab feast at a local crab house, where you’ll pick and crack crabs right at the table.
Final Thoughts
The United States offers an incredibly diverse range of coastal seafood experiences, each deeply rooted in regional culture and culinary traditions. Whether you’re craving the buttery richness of Maine lobster, the smoky depth of Pacific Northwest salmon, or the bold flavors of Creole crawfish, there’s a seafood destination waiting for you in 2025.
So pack your appetite and head to the coast—there’s a plate of something spectacular waiting just for you.
