Best Seafood Restaurants To Try In Chicago
You ever hear the joke about the seafood diet? If you see food, you eat it We can already feel you rolling your eyes, but cmon, you know you smirked a little, too. To help you discover exotic new seafood dishes, we have created a list of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago.
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Not the biggest seafood fan? No worries. View our list of the top 50 pizza restaurants in the city.
134 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60602
In honor of Lobster Day , we couldnt forget about this favorite of ours. Cooked Main-style on a brioche bun and seasoned with lemon and spices, this lobster roll is not just thrown togetherits crafted to perfection and absolutely delicious. If youre feeling adventurous, top your roll with shrimp to get an extra blast of flavor.
21 E Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60611
The king of all crustacean-inspired dishes, Shaws Crab House does it best when the Alaskan King Crab is in season. If youre looking for the best seafood places in Chicago to get crab legs, we recommend visiting this establishment on Hubbard Street in Chicago.
456 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
While the lobster and shrimp dumplings are listed as an appetizer, you could easily make this delicious dish your main meal if you wanted. Not only is this innovative meal unique to Roka Akor, but it also satisfies your taste buds in all the right ways.
350 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
230 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
675 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
The Best 10 Seafood Restaurants In Chicago Il
Up to 4% cash back ·Seafood 1. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen 486 reviews Open Now American, Seafood $$ – $$$ Menu 7.2 mi Westmont A Pleasant Atmosphere With Great Food Tantalizing delicious food 2. Devon Seafood and Steak 279 reviews Closed Now American, Seafood $$$$ Menu 5.9 mi Oakbrook Terrace Set sail through an adventure of flavor
Best Restaurants In The Chicago Suburbs
May 10, 2017 ·See our picks of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. Joes Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab For the best of surf and turf, head to Joes in the River North area of Chicago. A formal atmosphere sets the tone for a fine dining experience. Known for its stone crab, the menu also includes seared sea scallops, salmon au poivre and ahi tuna filet.
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Seafood Old Town Chicago
When you are in the mood for great seafood, you dont need to look far. The VIG, one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago, is conveniently located at 1527 North Wells Street. We have fresh seafood on our menu that will satisfy even the most discerning seafood aficionados. Whether it is dine-in, takeout, or delivery, we have an option for you. That is because The VIG takes seafood to a whole new level. Although our restaurant is designed to look like a Fifties sports parlor, our menu offers current and fresh cuisine. When our neighbors throughout Old Town Chicago are looking for a seafood dining experience they will never forget, The VIG is the only spot they need to know.
Best Seafood Restaurants In The Us

Other than some menu items, one thing most of the highest-rated seafood restaurants have in common is that they are coastal. Whether it is the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, or the Gulf of Mexico.
For one of the best seafood restaurants to be in the Midwest is a really big accomplishment. It’s a commitment to continually having the best and freshest seafood shipped a long way, every single day.
While there are many great seafood restaurants around the state, one was recently named tops in Illinois and one of the absolute Best Seafood Restuarants in the U.S., by mashed.com.
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These Are The Highest
Seafood is a delicious dish that diners can enjoy from coast to coast.
Stacker credits strides in transportation and storing technology to make the delicacies available even in states that are nowhere near oceans.
However, some restaurants are better than others, and thats why fellow foodies take to TripAdvisor to rank the best places to get a seafood meal.
TripAdvisor users can find the highest-ranked restaurants in any given city, and to make it easier for seafood lovers, Stacker published a list of the Top 30 best seafood restaurants in Chicago, according to TripAdvisor ratings.
Stacker reads:
Red Lobster, the casual dining chain, has hundreds of locations in 44 states and brought in $2.5 billion in sales in 2019. But Americans who love seafood seek it out in historic establishments and fine-dining restaurants as well as chains. Cooking styles and techniques vary across regions, many of which have their own specialized and beloved takes on seafood preparation, from boils to bakes to bisques.
So, which restaurants have the best seafood in Chicago?
Here are the Top 10:
Hugos Frog Bar And Fish House
With daily deliveries, Hugos Frog Bar and Fish House is a must for fresh oysters, frog legs, lobster and more. Choose from an extensive menu that includes shellfish, fish dishes and even Gibsons steaks. Enjoy everything from Alaskan Red King Crab legs to miso marinated Chilean sea bass.
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The Best Seafood Restaurants In Chicago
Chicago started out as a place where European immigrants settled for agrarian work. It grew into the world’s largest grain port in the 1800s, survived the Great Chicago Fire and then rose to become a transportation hub as a midway point between the eastern and western states. The central location makes it a cultural melting pot. Today, it has risen to the top spot of the culinary map. You can find pretty much every type of food here, especially if you have a craving for fish. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. Weâve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable’s most expert, seasoned diners. Book at one the best seafood in Chicago today.
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Jean-Marc Boillot, “Jarollieres”, 2014If Burgundy producers were royalty, Jean-Marc would be something like a highly sought-after duke, the product of two of the region’s most well-bred families. Brought up in the cellars of his acclaimed grandfather, Henri Boillot, Jean-Marc worked in the family business for over a decade before leaving to make riper, more concentrated Burgundy. While producing his own wines, he impressed his grandfather so much he was left half of Henri Boillot’s vineyards. While that would be enough pedigree for some, he was also left further exceptional vineyards by his late maternal grandfather, the illustrious Etienne Sauzet.253
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We are standing by to take your reservations for a car to take you and your date, family, or visitors to any of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago. If youd like to speak with one of our team members about our services or available accommodations, please give us a call at 844-BOOK-STG. You can also learn more online about all that we have to offer!
Lawrences Fish & Shrimp
2120 S Canal St, Chicago
This is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in all of Chicago. Just to give you an idea about why you absolutely have to try this restaurant at least once, it has received rave reviews. Eater Chicago calls it one of the best hidden sports to catch great seafood, Forbes cites it as one of the best seafood restaurants in Chicago, and CBS has called it one of the best places for fresh fish in Chicago, and one of the best places for late-night eats. With all of these high-recommendations rolling in there must be something very special about Lawrences. You can either stop in and eat on-site, order online or go through its drive-through for fast and delicious seafood.
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Quality Crab And Oyster Bah
1962 N Halsted St, Chicago
If you decide to eat at this establishment you need to make certain to make reservations in advance. The atmosphere is a wonderfully rustic and nautical theme in a multi-level structure wtih two bars and a dining area. The menu items are New-England-inspired seafood dishes. They also like to kick things off with a happy hour and half-off oysters, with an extensive wine, beer and cocktail menu.
Shaw’s Crab House At 21 E Hubbard St In Chicago

What started out as a small oyster bar in downtown Chicago in the mid-19080s has grown into the most loved and respected seafood restaurant in the city. According to theinfatuation.com,
Shaws is basically the seafood version of a steakhouse
In a city that loves its steakhouses, Shaw’s has that same kind of appeal and with many of the same classic steakhouse side dishes, too.
Oysters flown in daily from both coasts.
Chicago’s first oyster bar is waiting for you.
Can’t visit the bar without ordering an oyster shooter.
Ask just about anyone in Chicago who serves the best lobster rolls and you’ll Shaw’s Crab House most often.
Shaws Crab House serves a variety of freshly shucked oysters, made to order sushi and more than 40 seafood dishes including their signature Alaskan King Crab Legs.
Besides those crab legs, Shaw’s has a raspberry pie that must be ordered when you visit.
Maybe you’d prefer the pie made famous in a part of the country where much of Shaw’s fresh seafood is sourced, Florida.
Look at this slice of their Key Lime pie.
Shaw’s Crab House has two locations, the original on Hiubbard St in downtown Chicago, and at 1900 E Higgins Rd in Schaumburg.
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Fahlstroms Fresh Fish Market
1258 W Belmont Ave, Chicago
Fahlstroms combines their seafood restaurant with a fresh fish market so you have the option of eating there or taking your fresh seafood home to prepare at home. The eatery is an all-day establishment that focuses on fish and king crab legs. They also offer daily specials. Fahlstroms has earned a reputation for delivering fast and healthy sea plates in about 5 minutes from the time that the order is placed.
Mccormick & Schmicks Seafood & Steaks
1 E Wacker Dr, Chicago
McCormick & Schmicks Seafood & Steaks is located in the Loop on Wacker Drive within minutes of the Oriental Theater, the Chicago Theater, shopping, Millennium Park and some of the best hotels in Chicago. The restaurant offers some of the best seafood in the city featuring fresh seafood and shellfish, aged steaks, and garden-fresh salads. The menu features standard steak and seafood fare along with signature seafood items, a wide variety of classic drinks, trendy cocktails, wines, and beers. The restaurant also features a happy hour with discounts on drinks and appetizers. They also sponsor corporate dinner events on the premises with room for up to 125 guests when the patio is included and 60 people in just the dining area.
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Half Shell Oyster Bar
676 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614
Half Shell Oyster Bar is a great restaurant in Chicago that prides itself on its no-frills approach to dining. Half Shell specializes in great seafoodwithout having to hide behind fancy techniques or ingredients. The restaurant is family owned and has been passed down through generations. Half Shell is the longest running crab house in Chicago. To this day, the grandson of the founder4 works to exemplify the dining experience his grandfather wanted an experience that is simply food and nothing else. Half Shell does not take reservations or cash. If you are looking for great dining without the frills, Half Shell is the restaurant for you.
Brown Bag Seafood Company
340 E Randolph St, Chicago
The Brown Bag Seafood Company is an informal seafood eatery that specializes in grilled, boiled, fried and blackened seafood menu items. You have a choice of getting your order served straight or in sub sandwiches or tacos. Its a plain restaurant but the food is delicious. The Brown Bag offers quick food for lunches or dinners or you can place an order online.
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Seafood Restaurant Old Town Chicago
As an historic neighborhood in the near north side of Chicago, Old Town has over 40,000 residents who call it home. The VIG is located on Wells Street right in Old Town a nice short walk in cold weather or leisurely stroll in warm weather. Patrons are welcome at The VIG during the following hours:
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Monday Tuesday: 5PM – 12AM
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Saturday: 10AM 3AM
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Sunday: 10AM 12AM
Kitchen hours for our regular menu: Open 11 PM , and for our brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday: Open 3 PM.
S Main St Naperville Il 60540
Not only do they have fantastic seafood, but they have a great name. Hugos Frog Bar & Fish House is an excellent spot for lunch, dinner, and private events. They have a meeting space with six rooms that can hold up to 2,000 people. Its an excellent spot for your next corporate meeting, and the food is delicious.
The menu features a tempting array of steaks, fish, frogs, and more. They have an extensive menu with some truly unique offerings. Lets take a peek at what they have to offer seafood-wise.
- Alaskan red king crab cocktail
- Alaskan red king crab legs
- Australian lobster tail
Thats quite a selection of fish, crab, lobster, and more. Stand-out entrees include their pan-seared Alaskan halibut. Thats a fish that you wont find anywhere else in the area. They also have a nice bar with plenty of cocktails and wine options.
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S River Ln Geneva Il 60134
Our choice for 2nd is the fantastic Atwaters Restaurant in Geneva. Its a high-end fine-dining spot with some gorgeous decor. Youll have an equally fun time soaking up the elegant atmosphere as you will eating. Dont worry the food lives up to the hype. They feature a unique blend of seafood offerings that you wont find anywhere else. Their chefs are also top-notch, featuring classical training.
Atwaters is also unique in that they open their doors at 7:00 AM. You can eat at Atwaters for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thats another reason why they score so high on our list. Now lets dive into their menu.
- Jail Island salmon
Their Chilean Sea Bass is something that you need to try once. They also have a delicious creme brulee thats the perfect way to finish off your meal. If you want to impress your special someone, then bring them to Atwaters Restaurant to enjoy some elegant fine dining.
St St Downers Grove Il 60515

Finally, we have our pick for the best seafood restaurant in Chicagos western suburbs. Parkers Restaurant & Bar is the cream of the crop when it comes to fantastic seafood. They do everything from surf and turf to clam chowder and more. Everything that they do is cooked to perfection and is as fresh as it gets. Make sure to check out some of their excellent reviews on Google and Yelp. The people of Chicago have spoken, and they genuinely love this restaurant.
While theyre only open for dinner, they do it better than anyone else. Their chefs take extra special care when preparing their menu, and it shows. Lets take a look at what they have to offer.
- Cedar plank-roasted Lake Superior whitefish
- Jumbo lump crab cakes
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W400 22nd St Oakbrook Terrace Il 60181
This is a famous spot in Chicagos western suburbs. Lots of locals consider this restaurant to have the best seafood in town. They also feature intriguing options for surf and turf, such as their Lobster Mac. Its dinner only at this location, as they dont open their doors until 4:00 PM. Still, they make dinner so well that they dont need to serve any other meals.
The location also has an impressive wine cellar. In it, they have hundreds of aged wines that are guaranteed to impress. We recommend going with one of their white wines for your seafood dinner. Now lets take a look at their seafood offerings.
- Seared scallops
In addition to their seafood, they also have some delicious desserts available. Their chocolate lava cake is a great way to cap off a delectable seafood feast.
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Best Seafood Restaurants In Chicago
GT Fish & Oyster
For a fine dining seafood experience at an affordable price, get thee to the Michelin Bib Gourmand rated GT Fish & Oyster. One of the many reasons to choose this Near North Side hot spot is Chef Giuseppe Tentori’s ability to offer an interesting, and always changing, seafood menu that is paired with various sauces, whether for brunch, lunch or dinner. Since many of the dishes are small plates, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to try a whole slew of different flavors, which go with the local beer menu.
The Fish KegShaw’s Crab House
While this basement bar has a handful of beef and steak options on its menu, the Lakeview bar/restaurant is known for its delectable and hefty portions of seafood. If dining “underground” isn’t your thing, stop by in warmer weather and enjoy everything from jumbo shrimp to whole red snapper and dungeness crab outside on the wonderful patio. But do give the basement bar a chance after all, no one here will care how you tear apart your lobster or how messy you get. Be sure to bring cash no matter where you dine at Half Shell, because it doesn’t take cards.
New England Seafood Company