Atlanta may be landlocked, but its seafood scene defies the odds with a number of highly recommended spots. From timeless institutions to creative newcomers, the seafood restaurants on this list represent the best of what Atlanta has to offer.
Whether you’re dressing up for a celebration or pulling up in sneakers for a casual seafood fix, these spots deliver on flavor, freshness, and experience. Expect everything from pristine oyster bars and towering shellfish platters to wood-fired whole fish, coastal Italian pastas, and bold global seafood dishes that prove Atlanta knows how to do the catch of the day right.
C&S Seafood & Oyster Bar
With multiple locations across metro Atlanta, C&S Seafood and Oyster Bar brings classic steakhouse energy to the seafood scene, but the original Galleria on the Park location near Cobb Parkway delivers a nostalgic charm that truly delivers. Every dish feels thoughtful and refined. Known for pristine oysters and market fish prepared grilled, broiled, or blackened, this spot inspires true loyalty. Regulars happily travel between locations in Brookhaven, Cobb and Sandy Springs for seafood that is reliable, polished, and always satisfying. It’s a reservation you’ll keep coming back to. 600 Galleria Pkwy., SE., Atlanta, candsoysterbar.com
The Optimist
The Optimist has set the bar for seafood dining in Atlanta. A well-appointed dining room with excellent service complement a menu anchored by expertly executed wood-fired seafood—from whole roasted lobster and duck-fat-poached swordfish with butternut squash to crispy haddock served with malt, pickle, and dill. The raw and hot selections shine with wood-fired oysters, quahog clams, Spanish octopus, and shrimp à la plancha. Sides are à la carte—don’t miss the fingerling potatoes with garlic aioli, braised greens, or the kedgeree rice with peanut, smoked haddock, and lime. Save room for the beignet-style corn-milk hushpuppies. 914 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, theoptimistrestaurant.com
Alici Oyster Bar
Newer on the scene since opening in 2023, Alici Oyster Bar is a small, intimate Midtown gem worth checking out. The dining room channels the Italian Amalfi Coast, pairing relaxed elegance with a menu that’s simple, fresh, and delicious. It’s the kind of place that instantly transports you the moment you walk in. The menu shines with oysters, coastal Italian pastas and a solid wine list. Don’t miss the $1.50 oyster special at happy hour. 931 Monroe Dr. NE Atlanta, alicioysterbar.com
Atlanta Fish Market
An Atlanta institution for more than 30 years, Atlanta Fish Market delivers polished dining without feeling stuffy. The focus is on fresh seafood flown in daily, much of which you can also purchase from the on-site market. The menu is expansive, spanning sushi, crudo, towering seafood platters, fried classics, and fresh catch prepared exactly how you like it. Abundance is the name of the game here, from the plate to the experience. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the iconic 65-foot bronze statue out front. 265 Pharr Rd. NE, Atlanta, atlantafishmarket.com
Brown Bag Seafood
Fast-casual and flavor-forward, Brown Bag Seafood proves you don’t need to dress up or make a reservation to enjoy responsibly sourced, delicious seafood on the go. With locations across Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina, the concept lets you build your own plate from options like grilled shrimp, salmon, crispy cod, or seared tuna over grains or greens. You can also opt for tacos and other preparations. There are three locations in the area in Midtown, Westside and Perimeter, making it a convenient choice for Atlantans. 1198 Howell Mill Rd. NW, Atlanta, brownbagseafood.com
Chops Lobster Bar
Chops Lobster Bar in Buckhead is the go-to for power lunches, milestone celebrations, and classic Atlanta business dinners. Known for its abundant seafood offerings and equally impressive steak program, the menu features jumbo lump Maryland-style crab cakes, stone crab claws, daily East and West Coast oysters, and over-the-top shellfish towers. Steakhouse staples, like tableside steak tartare and exclusive Japanese A5 Miyazaki Wagyu, round out the experience. The atmosphere is upscale and timeless, delivering luxury without feeling dated. 70 West Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta, chopslobsterbar.com
Snap Thai Fish House
Snap Thai Fish House transports Atlantans straight to the coast of Thailand. The menu features an impressive selection of fresh seafood, lobster, oysters, and sustainably sourced fish, prepared with bold Thai flavors under the guidance of Thailand-born chef Pattie Lawlertratana. Standouts include the lobster fried rice, tom yum lobster bisque, Thai lobster roll, and jumbo shrimp cocktail. Dishes are layered, vibrant, and unforgettable. 3699 Lenox Rd. NE., Ste. 5, Atlanta, snapthaiatl.com
BeetleCat
BeetleCat is Inman Park’s go-to for coastal seafood. The menu elevates familiar favorites with thoughtful touches, starting with the absolute must-have lobster roll, which is both buttery and delicately balanced. Nautical vibes are playful without feeling gimmicky, and the wine and cocktail list keeps things interesting. Brunch is a standout thanks to the chef-made artisanal doughnuts, and menu staples like fry bread with honey butter and nori flakes, angry mussels with smoked bacon and serrano peppers, coconut fried rice, and the rich moqueca stew remain for good reason. 299 North Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, beetlecatatl.com
Fishmonger
This neighborhood seafood gem pulls double duty as both a restaurant and fish market, serving up fresh, creative dishes that hit every time. The flavors are dialed in and everything feels intentional, so much so that it caught the attention of the Michelin Guide. The menu keeps hits like the blackened grouper sandwich, elevated tuna melt, lobster roll, and chowder. Don’t skip the hot brown butter potatoes or the side of the day, and always save room for key lime pie. 674 N. Highland Ave. NE, Ste. A, Atlanta, fishmongergroup.com
Serena Pastificio
Located inside Colony Square, Serena Pastificio specializes in Italian coastal cuisine with Northern Italian influences. The menu highlights housemade pastas and delicately prepared seafood, letting clean flavors take center stage. Starters like octopus, calamari, and mussels lead into entrées such as herb-marinated whole branzino and pan-seared salmon with black Beluga lentils. Anchored by a true scratch kitchen and an expansive wine list, it’s an ideal stop for a meal before exploring Colony Square, or catching a movie at IPIC. 1197 Peachtree St., STE 140, Atlanta, serena-pastificio.com
Breaker Breaker
Seafood in an upscale dive bar, right off the Atlanta Beltline? Yes, please. The menu at Breaker Breaker is unpretentious with highlights like gumbo, shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, New England clam chowder, and the Captain’s Platter, featuring beer-battered Atlantic cod, fried shrimp, hush puppies, slaw, and fries. Beer and cocktails round out the offerings. Come hungry, order a little of everything, and let curiosity lead the way. 921 Wylie St., Atlanta, breakerbreakeratl.com
Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House – Grant Park
Six Feet Under is beloved for fried seafood platters, crab legs, shrimp, and laid-back rooftop vibes overlooking Oakland Cemetery. The menu has it all, from Oysters Rockefeller and hand-battered buffalo shrimp to seafood platters, snow crab boils, spicy fish stew, blackened catfish, and shrimp po’ boys. Casual, fun, and perfect for groups, it’s the spot for no frills seafood and cold drinks. 437 Memorial Dr. SE Ste. #1A, Atlanta, sixfeetunder.net
